Aug 2, 13, 6:51 pm
Last edit by: CWAL
A new thread was created for the new year in 2017. This is the old thread. For the 2017 on this topic, go here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manufactured-spending/1819562-cvs-master-thread-2017-a.html
CVS is cash only for all Incomm-related reloads and reloadable cards, including Vanilla Reloads and Serve swipe reloads. See memo to stores for complete list. Other cards at CVS can still be bought using credit, but YMMV depending on location, Manager, etc.
New limits rolling out starting 10/20:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period.
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cashback posted in 48 hours.
Cash Register Freezing
Multiple reports that the CVS cash register will freeze and lock after scanning the ID when purchasing multiple prepaid cards. Then the register's computer needs to be restarted. Some report that "swiping" the ID instead of "scanning" will avoid the issue.
Limit of 7 tenders (swipes) per transaction. This is most commonly run into when using low-value AGCs. After seven, the transaction must be complete, no cash (or any other payment method) will be accepted to pay the balance.
CVS is cash only for all Incomm-related reloads and reloadable cards, including Vanilla Reloads and Serve swipe reloads. See memo to stores for complete list. Other cards at CVS can still be bought using credit, but YMMV depending on location, Manager, etc.
New limits rolling out starting 10/20:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period.
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cashback posted in 48 hours.
Cash Register Freezing
Multiple reports that the CVS cash register will freeze and lock after scanning the ID when purchasing multiple prepaid cards. Then the register's computer needs to be restarted. Some report that "swiping" the ID instead of "scanning" will avoid the issue.
Limit of 7 tenders (swipes) per transaction. This is most commonly run into when using low-value AGCs. After seven, the transaction must be complete, no cash (or any other payment method) will be accepted to pay the balance.
CVS master thread(2013-2016)
Nov 5, 13, 9:17 pm
#2866
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
Posts: 1,619
When a VR is scanned, an alert is popped up: moneycard cannot be used to purchase.
In addition, the register is programmed not to accept it. It is not worth the fight.
You should feel good that you can pay for it using credit cards. Spend your moneycards on life's necessities, like beer.
In addition, the register is programmed not to accept it. It is not worth the fight.
You should feel good that you can pay for it using credit cards. Spend your moneycards on life's necessities, like beer.
Originally Posted by isle-hawg
Has anyone had success in using CVS moneycard in purchasing VR? I tried but was shot down by my local CVS. I thought that buying some from discounted cards from CardCash to purchase them was worth a shot, but after denial and then reading the T&C on back of cards I see that these are not authorized.
Nov 6, 13, 12:01 pm
#2867
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AS, AA, UR, SPG,
Posts: 101
There's these 2 CVS close where I live and they tons, because it is cash only. It pisses me off.
If CVS corporate say it's policy to buy up to 5K with CC, how in the world does a local CVS make they own rules?
CVS is a National Pharmacy... I don't believe they are like McD where franchises operate differently under the same Trademark.
All CVS should operate under corporate policy... Unless there is some addendum that allows manager to manage as they see fit... how do you fight these freaking store ugrrr??
If CVS corporate say it's policy to buy up to 5K with CC, how in the world does a local CVS make they own rules?
CVS is a National Pharmacy... I don't believe they are like McD where franchises operate differently under the same Trademark.
All CVS should operate under corporate policy... Unless there is some addendum that allows manager to manage as they see fit... how do you fight these freaking store ugrrr??
Nov 6, 13, 12:06 pm
#2868
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: MPC, Marriott, Hyatt
Posts: 404
Originally Posted by Elmatador
There's these 2 CVS close where I live and they tons, because it is cash only. It pisses me off.
If CVS corporate say it's policy to buy up to 5K with CC, how in the world does a local CVS make they own rules?
CVS is a National Pharmacy... I don't believe they are like McD where franchises operate differently under the same Trademark.
All CVS should operate under corporate policy... Unless there is some addendum that allows manager to manage as they see fit... how do you fight these freaking store ugrrr??
If CVS corporate say it's policy to buy up to 5K with CC, how in the world does a local CVS make they own rules?
CVS is a National Pharmacy... I don't believe they are like McD where franchises operate differently under the same Trademark.
All CVS should operate under corporate policy... Unless there is some addendum that allows manager to manage as they see fit... how do you fight these freaking store ugrrr??
Nov 6, 13, 12:25 pm
#2869
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,156
Originally Posted by kawaii
Generally speaking, different stores in different locations have different levels of risk. So, it makes sense that there is some discretion given to local store managers because corporate can't properly assess the "on-the-ground" risk for each store.
So areas where CV has had its store end up on the very short end of the stick, I fully understand saying ca$h only. Out in Cali no matter the price of the item you want to buy if you want to pay via a CC, you will have to produce a DL or what they consider to be a valid pic ID
I see the 5K max not as corp policy that all stores must follow, but rather as the max any store can do, the min is up to each store.
Nov 6, 13, 12:28 pm
#2870
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AS, AA, UR, SPG,
Posts: 101
It actually makes sense that the local managers have to assess the situation according to risk areas.
you always have a better chance at local suburban or smaller town store to buy with CC than buying right in the city or major urban location because of more crime.
it's just the drive to boring town is pita....
you always have a better chance at local suburban or smaller town store to buy with CC than buying right in the city or major urban location because of more crime.
it's just the drive to boring town is pita....
Nov 6, 13, 1:58 pm
#2871
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: ATL/LAX
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,900
Went to a store I go to sometimes ... VRs weren't on the rack but they were next to the register (on top of the gum/candy). Grabbed the only 6 on the rack and went to an employee I've never dealt with before, who brought out a sheet and checked that I could buy $5K in one transaction. Once she said that, I found 4 more on another register ... glad to see common sense ^
Nov 6, 13, 2:00 pm
#2872
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: MPC, Marriott, Hyatt
Posts: 404
Originally Posted by amolkold
Went to a store I go to sometimes ... VRs weren't on the rack but they were next to the register (on top of the gum/candy). Grabbed the only 6 on the rack and went to an employee I've never dealt with before, who brought out a sheet and checked that I could buy $5K in one transaction. Once she said that, I found 4 more on another register ... glad to see common sense ^
Nov 6, 13, 2:41 pm
#2873
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
I just bought 2k in one transaction without the cashier blinking an eye. All of the cashiers greet me when I come in. The store manager is on board too. Life is good.
Nov 6, 13, 5:02 pm
#2874
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 153
Hello,
Is the 1k/day limit for each CVS branch or all CVS branches? Can you get around it by using multiple cards? (Say I'm churning multiple cards at the same time). They do scan your ID, so maybe that information is used to track you, but I wonder if it's really programmed that way.
I also noticed that walgreens are selling VR cards, but when I tried to buy it, it says "cash tender only" in the cashier machine. So I guess it's useless.
Is the 1k/day limit for each CVS branch or all CVS branches? Can you get around it by using multiple cards? (Say I'm churning multiple cards at the same time). They do scan your ID, so maybe that information is used to track you, but I wonder if it's really programmed that way.
I also noticed that walgreens are selling VR cards, but when I tried to buy it, it says "cash tender only" in the cashier machine. So I guess it's useless.
Nov 6, 13, 5:29 pm
#2875
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Originally Posted by nyold
Hello,
Is the 1k/day limit for each CVS branch or all CVS branches? Can you get around it by using multiple cards? (Say I'm churning multiple cards at the same time). They do scan your ID, so maybe that information is used to track you, but I wonder if it's really programmed that way.
I also noticed that walgreens are selling VR cards, but when I tried to buy it, it says "cash tender only" in the cashier machine. So I guess it's useless.
Is the 1k/day limit for each CVS branch or all CVS branches? Can you get around it by using multiple cards? (Say I'm churning multiple cards at the same time). They do scan your ID, so maybe that information is used to track you, but I wonder if it's really programmed that way.
I also noticed that walgreens are selling VR cards, but when I tried to buy it, it says "cash tender only" in the cashier machine. So I guess it's useless.
The limit at CVS is posted in the wiki. However, it my vary based on the store manager.
Nov 6, 13, 8:20 pm
#2876
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 164
Re: Can you use more than one card?
Yes. I do 5 transactions when I'm there with a rainbow of cards. I have a fast cashier who works nearly full-time. I'm thinking about bringing a stopwatch and a towel next time for him .... he's lightning fast compared to the overnight people who can't figure out how to scan anything.
Yes. I do 5 transactions when I'm there with a rainbow of cards. I have a fast cashier who works nearly full-time. I'm thinking about bringing a stopwatch and a towel next time for him .... he's lightning fast compared to the overnight people who can't figure out how to scan anything.
Nov 6, 13, 8:21 pm
#2877
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 164
deleted for multiple post
Last edited by busymike; Nov 6, 13 at 8:22 pm Reason: deleted for multiple post
Nov 6, 13, 8:25 pm
#2878
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,046
In my opinion its best to run one card per cvs
No weird split ups or anything. I mean yah if your cvs is solid and staff works with ya but generally if something goes wrong, its you who is outed
No weird split ups or anything. I mean yah if your cvs is solid and staff works with ya but generally if something goes wrong, its you who is outed
Nov 6, 13, 10:09 pm
#2879
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
Well I managed to liquidate 10 out of 11 VRs (new logos) at one Store today. So while I am happy I picked them up, was still a little stressful to see that I all but cleaned them out (what would I do tomorrow if I could go back!).
Also, a note/tip. This CVS seems to get a little antsy once you go over about 2-3K. I haven't tried to do more than that at a time, but they seem to get nervous. So what I do is I hit them up both before and after work. Seems the whole shift changes so I do $2500 each time, makes it easier for them to stomach.
Also, a note/tip. This CVS seems to get a little antsy once you go over about 2-3K. I haven't tried to do more than that at a time, but they seem to get nervous. So what I do is I hit them up both before and after work. Seems the whole shift changes so I do $2500 each time, makes it easier for them to stomach.
Nov 7, 13, 7:56 am
#2880
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,316
Observation, FWIW --
In Orlando this week, went to one CVS on not-so-nice side of town, sign posted requiring cash to purchase any type of GC, clerk said no exceptions. Went to another CVS in more upscale neighborhood, no such restriction, plenty of beans, no guff from clerk.
edit to correct typo
In Orlando this week, went to one CVS on not-so-nice side of town, sign posted requiring cash to purchase any type of GC, clerk said no exceptions. Went to another CVS in more upscale neighborhood, no such restriction, plenty of beans, no guff from clerk.
edit to correct typo
Last edited by tuphat; Nov 7, 13 at 11:49 am Reason: edit to correct typo
