Aug 2, 2013, 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 14, 2013, 10:24 am
#2971
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SNA
Programs: United, Hilton, National
Posts: 128
Nov 14, 2013, 10:37 am
#2972
Join Date: May 2005
Location: USA
Programs: AA CX AC
Posts: 116
I went into a CVS last night to purchase 2 VR's. Upon seeing there were none on the rack i started to turn around, i had 3 cvs employees ask me if i need help, so i thought what the heck, and told themn i was looking for VR's, one said oh we keep those behind the counter, we cought someone taking them from the store and they gave the reason well you are often out of them and i want ot be sure i can get them. this sounds even worst than hiding them.
Nov 14, 2013, 11:09 am
#2973
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Long Beach
Programs: HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,171
I'd also guess that someone might take them from the store to use at one which allowed CC or allowed higher CC limits than the store in question, but I agree that it's way over the line.
The store should have a sign saying they keep VR behind the counter if that's what they do.
The store should have a sign saying they keep VR behind the counter if that's what they do.
Nov 14, 2013, 3:17 pm
#2974
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: MR,UR, UA, BA, AA, Hotels
Posts: 581
<feeling very pleased>
At my go to CV store they had restocked. I grabbed 10 and at checkout my usual teller told me that for me she'd put a very large stack in the drawer at the primary register with my name on it!
At my go to CV store they had restocked. I grabbed 10 and at checkout my usual teller told me that for me she'd put a very large stack in the drawer at the primary register with my name on it!
Nov 14, 2013, 4:00 pm
#2975
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: HKG
Programs: MPC, Marriott, Hyatt
Posts: 406
I was at a CVS in Filipinotown yesterday and found that they had a ton of VRs. Take 10 to the register and the cashier told me that they are debit/cash only. I asked if we could do one just to see if it works, and she said, "Oh, it'll go through but we're not supposed to do it anymore."
On my way out, a manager by the self-checkouts asked me, "Did you find everything you're looking for today?" So I asked about the VRs and he said something about they're going cash/debit only (presumably just for that store).
But anyway, if you're in/near DTLA, don't bother with the CVS on Sunset. :P
On my way out, a manager by the self-checkouts asked me, "Did you find everything you're looking for today?" So I asked about the VRs and he said something about they're going cash/debit only (presumably just for that store).
But anyway, if you're in/near DTLA, don't bother with the CVS on Sunset. :P
Nov 14, 2013, 4:08 pm
#2976
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,162
I haven't been MSing for a bit, but I wanted to complete the yearly spend for the bonus on my AA card and am working on 10K more FlexPerks, so I bought 2K of Vanilla Visa cards today at CVS with the two cards. It went smoothly and with a smile from the cashier and the same thing for the MOs at WM. Still no troubles here in Mad City.
Nov 14, 2013, 6:20 pm
#2977
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
I haven't been MSing for a bit, but I wanted to complete the yearly spend for the bonus on my AA card and am working on 10K more FlexPerks, so I bought 2K of Vanilla Visa cards today at CVS with the two cards. It went smoothly and with a smile from the cashier and the same thing for the MOs at WM. Still no troubles here in Mad City.
For 10k in pts that = 20 Vrs at CV x 4.95 or at a supermkt 5.95 x 10 since each $500 = 1000 pts so only 10 GCs are needed
Nov 14, 2013, 10:53 pm
#2978
Join Date: May 2012
Location: New England
Programs: DL PM, HH Gold, the rest come and go
Posts: 313
My local restocked and I got a little light-headed when I saw no fewer than 80 VRs spread across three rows on the rack. I have great availability here anyway but it was awesome to know I'd be set for a week or two at that location.
Nov 15, 2013, 4:52 am
#2979
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA BAEC FL WN US SPG Marriott Hyatt UR
Posts: 145
Until yesterday, I have been buying VRs at CVS with CC and loading them to my BB account without any problem. Yesterday, I purchased one ($500) at CVS with a new Chase Ink Plus card. The transaction went through at the CVS counter without incident. Receipt says it was activated. However, when I went on www.vanillareload.com to load it, upon entering the 10 digit pin, I got "The card is SUSPENDED. Error Code 4005". So I cannot load it. I called InComm. They said to email/fax copy of receipt and front/back of card to them. I called CVS - manager there said to call InComm or they would call for me. There is a temporary authorization on the CC for amount of the card plus the 3.95 fee plus some other minor purchases. Has anyone any idea why "The card is SUSPENDED" would appear????
Nov 15, 2013, 6:05 am
#2980
Join Date: May 2005
Location: USA
Programs: AA CX AC
Posts: 116
Until yesterday, I have been buying VRs at CVS with CC and loading them to my BB account without any problem. Yesterday, I purchased one ($500) at CVS with a new Chase Ink Plus card. The transaction went through at the CVS counter without incident. Receipt says it was activated. However, when I went on www.vanillareload.com to load it, upon entering the 10 digit pin, I got "The card is SUSPENDED. Error Code 4005". So I cannot load it. I called InComm. They said to email/fax copy of receipt and front/back of card to them. I called CVS - manager there said to call InComm or they would call for me. There is a temporary authorization on the CC for amount of the card plus the 3.95 fee plus some other minor purchases. Has anyone any idea why "The card is SUSPENDED" would appear????
Nov 15, 2013, 6:05 am
#2981
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 801
+1. Seems New England lagged the dissappearance and reappearance of VRs at CVS by a couple months.
Nov 15, 2013, 8:01 am
#2983
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
Yes, but let's just say (maybe I'm just a negative/cynical person) that even if/when CVS stops selling VR to CC, I still will go there and will never go to WG again for non-MS bc WG gave up first on selling VR to CC. CVS is willing to play the game ^ so they get my non-MS business.
Nov 15, 2013, 8:14 am
#2984
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 757
I was in line behind a lady on knocked about $25 of stuff down to about $3, and then circled back because one purchase didn't get scanned to her card for extra care points earning. A different path than mine, but respect.
Nov 15, 2013, 1:33 pm
#2985
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,499
Yes, but let's just say (maybe I'm just a negative/cynical person) that even if/when CVS stops selling VR to CC, I still will go there and will never go to WG again for non-MS bc WG gave up first on selling VR to CC. CVS is willing to play the game ^ so they get my non-MS business.
I have a friend I got into points and she is very into the couponing thing. I've dabbled with it, but the upside just isn't so great. I mean sitting in Emirates First Class is a far more impressive end goal than having a room overstocked with free butt wipers, tissues and listerine