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)
Dec 2, 2013, 8:42 am
#3211
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,457
I noticed various types of gift cards available at my CVS location. Is there a preferred card over the rest?
To be more specific I did not see vanilla "reload" cards, rather tons of Vanilla Prepaid cards and a OneVanilla card and other prepaid cards (american express, etc).
To be more specific I did not see vanilla "reload" cards, rather tons of Vanilla Prepaid cards and a OneVanilla card and other prepaid cards (american express, etc).
Dec 2, 2013, 8:46 am
#3212
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,457
Dec 2, 2013, 8:49 am
#3213
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,457
On a side note, you might have to travel some to play the game.
Dec 2, 2013, 8:50 am
#3214
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: San Diego
Programs: UA Lifetime PE, Hilton Dia, WN CP, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 293
Agree. I started tell the whole story to a cashier and her eyes started crossing. When I was asked last week, I just said, "to pay my bills and get airlines miles when I pay them."
Dec 2, 2013, 8:51 am
#3215
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: San Diego
Programs: UA Lifetime PE, Hilton Dia, WN CP, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 293
Take the wife to Dinner in Hillcrest, there is a fantastic Moroccan place at 4th ave and Washington, next to the CVS is a parking lot... Go in buy your beans, then head to dinner.... This CVS has three racks FULL of beans, I don't think it is one that people hit too often...
On a side note, you might have to travel some to play the game.
On a side note, you might have to travel some to play the game.
Dec 2, 2013, 8:52 am
#3216
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: DFW
Posts: 246
Went to a CVS in Dallas last night, picked up 2k. Cashier was obviously new and had no idea what he was doing, manager came over and swiped 1k for me. Told me she wasn't sure what the limit was and that usually a DL scan means it's the limit, went to the back and checked, then came back and told the cashier it was fine to keep going and to swipe the other 1k.
Went home, scratched all 4 off and loaded it onto 2x BB, everything went fine, no issues or errors at all.
Went home, scratched all 4 off and loaded it onto 2x BB, everything went fine, no issues or errors at all.
Dec 2, 2013, 11:41 am
#3217
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: PA
Posts: 177
Just went to a CVS that hasn't had VR in a while. Scored some but they gave me bogus info on how the limit was $2k. After the DL scan the system froze up so they wound up having to ring me up separately. I politely told the clerk/manager (who was right there) about the $5k memo but he said it was changed to $2k.
After I left, I realized that $2k is the gift card limit (I'm pretty sure) which is where they were getting confused. $5k Is for prepaid cards. I doubt he would have budged anyway. Man I wish these people knew their jobs correctly.
Went to another CVS to grab more VR and the system again froze up on the DL scan so they had to ring each one up separately.
After I left, I realized that $2k is the gift card limit (I'm pretty sure) which is where they were getting confused. $5k Is for prepaid cards. I doubt he would have budged anyway. Man I wish these people knew their jobs correctly.
Went to another CVS to grab more VR and the system again froze up on the DL scan so they had to ring each one up separately.
Dec 2, 2013, 12:17 pm
#3218
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
Yes, I had a DL scan freeze today. They asked if I had bought others elsewhere that day (which I hadn't). Guess just a system glitch.
Dec 2, 2013, 12:18 pm
#3219
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,162
Just minutes ago at the central CVS in Madison the system froze after the DL scan and then came up with a system error message after about 30 seconds. The cashier told me that she could only sell me the one VR, so I asked if she would ring the second one up in a separate transaction. She said no, that it was illegal. I said it's not illegal, although it might be against store policy, and she replied that it was state law. Love when they make up stuff.
I'll go back later and buy 3 VRs, assuming the system doesn't crash again -- I'll load today's BB limit and then do the last 2 after midnight.
I'll go back later and buy 3 VRs, assuming the system doesn't crash again -- I'll load today's BB limit and then do the last 2 after midnight.
Dec 2, 2013, 12:43 pm
#3220
Join Date: May 2012
Location: New England
Programs: DL PM, HH Gold, the rest come and go
Posts: 313
I started having the DL freeze a few weeks ago, it seems location dependent. Fortunately I also have a state ID with bar code, works at all locations. No explanation, but that's my datapoint.
Dec 2, 2013, 12:57 pm
#3221
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: KWI
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 806
Just minutes ago at the central CVS in Madison the system froze after the DL scan and then came up with a system error message after about 30 seconds. The cashier told me that she could only sell me the one VR, so I asked if she would ring the second one up in a separate transaction. She said no, that it was illegal. I said it's not illegal, although it might be against store policy, and she replied that it was state law. Love when they make up stuff.
I'll go back later and buy 3 VRs, assuming the system doesn't crash again -- I'll load today's BB limit and then do the last 2 after midnight.
I'll go back later and buy 3 VRs, assuming the system doesn't crash again -- I'll load today's BB limit and then do the last 2 after midnight.
Last edited by LoneTree; Dec 2, 2013 at 4:05 pm
Dec 2, 2013, 3:29 pm
#3223
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,061
Dec 2, 2013, 4:39 pm
#3224
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
My bill hasn't generated. I've already talked to BofA and have assurances that it was a purchase, although the website clearly states that it isn't. I've already told the guy that I talked to that I will be calling back in for a credit. I just won't use that card anymore. BofA stinks, incase you were in doubt.
Dec 2, 2013, 4:46 pm
#3225
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: UNited American
Posts: 60
CVS $5 ECB
Stopped at cvs this am. One of my favorite checkers pointed out to me that cvs giving 5ECB with the purchase of two VISA cards. Shows a twenty five in the picture but I bought two $500 and got the five ecbs. Essentially paying five dollars for Visa cards totaling 1K. Not perfect, but brings the cost down just a bit.