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)
#3106
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,782
I take it slow with my CVS VR purchases, as I have several CVS's in my area that readily have VR's available. Yesterday I walked into one, purchased two VR's, and the manager asked if I was purchasing them for the miles. Given that I never buy more than one or two at a pop, her comment surprised me. I was completely honest with her, but I guess it's indicitive that some of the store mamangers are keen to why some folks purchase VR's.

#3107
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,491
I take it slow with my CVS VR purchases, as I have several CVS's in my area that readily have VR's available. Yesterday I walked into one, purchased two VR's, and the manager asked if I was purchasing them for the miles. Given that I never buy more than one or two at a pop, her comment surprised me. I was completely honest with her, but I guess it's indicitive that some of the store mamangers are keen to why some folks purchase VR's.

#3108
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,782
Or indicative that some customers are just honest about why they buy them. I had a chat with one of the staff and said I buy them for miles and points. She said the other guy that buys them at that store said he got them to send money to his kids in college. I told her I think he's probably lying and is getting them for the miles too. In this particular store they couldn't care less, it's just idle banter

#3109
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 291
I take it slow with my CVS VR purchases, as I have several CVS's in my area that readily have VR's available. Yesterday I walked into one, purchased two VR's, and the manager asked if I was purchasing them for the miles. Given that I never buy more than one or two at a pop, her comment surprised me. I was completely honest with her, but I guess it's indicitive that some of the store mamangers are keen to why some folks purchase VR's.
Last edited by zenride; Nov 26, 13 at 7:21 am Reason: to change something :)

#3110
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,046
Im as honest to stores as they are to me
Ill tell staff what I think makes sense for them.
I know doing what we are doing is just being a savvy shopper keen on stacking workable deals
I also would have said no to that manager... Why? Because I do vr for points not miles
Typ, spg, ur...
Im not sure ive actually bought a vr with a straight up miles earning cc in a long time
Ill tell staff what I think makes sense for them.
I know doing what we are doing is just being a savvy shopper keen on stacking workable deals
I also would have said no to that manager... Why? Because I do vr for points not miles

Typ, spg, ur...
Im not sure ive actually bought a vr with a straight up miles earning cc in a long time

#3112
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,046
Id say miles too
Was sorta kidding
But actually i usually say cash back cuz people understand and accept that more
Was sorta kidding
But actually i usually say cash back cuz people understand and accept that more

#3114
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
I'm not sure if anyone here is using BofA, but they have started categorizing purchases of beans as Cash advances. I have a card that was netting me a slight profit when considering fees, but now I'll go in a different direction. Needless to say, I'm not pleased. Is there a list of other banks that do this?

#3115
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 939
I'm not sure if anyone here is using BofA, but they have started categorizing purchases of beans as Cash advances. I have a card that was netting me a slight profit when considering fees, but now I'll go in a different direction. Needless to say, I'm not pleased. Is there a list of other banks that do this?

#3116
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Long Beach
Programs: HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,171
My last boa purchase was 11-21 and it went throught as purchase not CA

#3117
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871

#3118
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,613
I'm not sure if anyone here is using BofA, but they have started categorizing purchases of beans as Cash advances. I have a card that was netting me a slight profit when considering fees, but now I'll go in a different direction. Needless to say, I'm not pleased. Is there a list of other banks that do this?

#3119
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
11/22/2013 Collapse transaction for Transaction date: 11/22/2013 CVS 6415 06415 Transaction date: 11/19/2013
Card type: American Express
Transaction type: ATM Cash Advances or Bank Transaction
Reference number: M05DKK53101LZ028Y2
Merchant information: , TN
Offer ID: FX9LQFPM3
Dispute this transaction
Type Bank Transaction $999.90 $999.90

#3120
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
The Accelerated Cash Rewards card. I only purchased beans. I've purchased there before. Generally, I do transactions under $500. I'm going to try that to see if it changes the scenario.
