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 4, 2013, 7:27 pm
#3271
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: NYC suburbs
Programs: UA LT Gold (BIS), AA LT Plat (CC SUBs & BD), Hilton Dia (CC), Hyatt Glob (BIB), et. al.
Posts: 3,296
Re: DL scans. What information does the cashier see upon a DL scan? I doubt they care about speeding tickets and points on licenses 
. Is it just a more “official” way of verifying identity?
. Is it just a more “official” way of verifying identity?
Dec 4, 2013, 8:09 pm
#3272
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 498
not sure except name, dob. no way the cashier would have access to speeding tickets, points, etc.
Dec 4, 2013, 8:12 pm
#3273
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 498
deferring my beans until later in the month to work on southwest companion pass. stopped in today to get $1k for netspend...it was out 
will have to check back. I know of at least 1 other buyer that goes to that cvs.
will have to check back. I know of at least 1 other buyer that goes to that cvs.
Dec 5, 2013, 7:09 am
#3275
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 291
I haven't had much trouble purchasing GC's with CC at the WG's in my area. Have been told "cash only" and "$500 limit" before, but more often they say the $500 limit or cash only is just for MP's. Some say $500 per transaction, but I have also purchased as many as 3 in one transaction, have yet to try more.
Dec 5, 2013, 8:35 pm
#3276
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: PA
Posts: 177
Anybody have problems today? Went today around 12:20 PM ET and the system hung on after the DL scan only for about ten seconds. After she rang up the $5k and I swiped my CC, but before she entered the last 4 of my CC, the system froze up. She said it was an error in the system, and the transaction wasn't completed. Refused to ring them up separately citing, 'store policy'.
I went to another CVS and bought two $500 VGS's with no problems (saw the sign there about $5 extra bucks for buying two). I didn't want to go and ring up another $5k worth of VR to get denied.
I went to another CVS and bought two $500 VGS's with no problems (saw the sign there about $5 extra bucks for buying two). I didn't want to go and ring up another $5k worth of VR to get denied.
Dec 6, 2013, 9:53 am
#3277
Used to be ' simz '
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Kolkata, India
Programs: Does it matter..??? It doesn't matter to them
Posts: 1,129
CVS behavior is erratic at best.. went to a CVS last week, found a VR.. purchased with a CC after showing my DL (not from US).. no issues..
same store yesterday, another clerk.. refused to bill the 2 VR's seperately.. said he will do them together ONLY.. and refused to accept my id.. for everything he had the standard answer - STORE POLICY..
same store yesterday, another clerk.. refused to bill the 2 VR's seperately.. said he will do them together ONLY.. and refused to accept my id.. for everything he had the standard answer - STORE POLICY..
Dec 6, 2013, 10:28 am
#3278
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Southern California
Programs: Alaska MVPG; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 223
Anybody have problems today? Went today around 12:20 PM ET and the system hung on after the DL scan only for about ten seconds. After she rang up the $5k and I swiped my CC, but before she entered the last 4 of my CC, the system froze up. She said it was an error in the system, and the transaction wasn't completed. Refused to ring them up separately citing, 'store policy'.
I went to another CVS and bought two $500 VGS's with no problems (saw the sign there about $5 extra bucks for buying two). I didn't want to go and ring up another $5k worth of VR to get denied.
I went to another CVS and bought two $500 VGS's with no problems (saw the sign there about $5 extra bucks for buying two). I didn't want to go and ring up another $5k worth of VR to get denied.
The clerk also .....ed to me about BA award fuel surcharges on award tickets. I got a good laugh about that. BA has the only nonstop flight to Europe out here.
Dec 6, 2013, 10:43 am
#3279
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,061
Fuel surcharges might be bad on BA, but at least there is premium cabin availability. The economics with manufactured spending + YQ still work out to be much cheaper than paid F.
Dec 6, 2013, 12:27 pm
#3280
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: San Diego
Programs: UA Lifetime PE, Hilton Dia, WN CP, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 293
Bought $3K on VRs yesterday in CA at my go to CVS, all in one transaction. No issues. Regular clerk asked if I'm doing it for miles, and said there's a couple that comes in every month and buys $5k each. Said $5k is normal, and no issues with DL or CC.
The clerk also .....ed to me about BA award fuel surcharges on award tickets. I got a good laugh about that. BA has the only nonstop flight to Europe out here.
The clerk also .....ed to me about BA award fuel surcharges on award tickets. I got a good laugh about that. BA has the only nonstop flight to Europe out here.
Dec 6, 2013, 12:52 pm
#3281
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Southern California
Programs: Alaska MVPG; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 223
Well, the SAN-LHR flight is on a 3 class 777-200, so no F, and fuel surcharges are the same for First and Business on BA. I'm not sure he was even hoping for F, just a free-ish ticket to Europe for him and his kids.
Dec 6, 2013, 1:01 pm
#3282
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 801
My clerk finally felt comfortable enough to espouse her views on how the bible predicts there will be a "political wound" and we should all stock up on canned goods. I guess I'm happy she feels comfortable enough with me to share that?
Dec 6, 2013, 1:09 pm
#3283
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: MR,UR, UA, BA, AA, Hotels
Posts: 581
Dec 6, 2013, 9:14 pm
#3284
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: PVD
Programs: AA Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Gold, National EE
Posts: 135
Dec 6, 2013, 9:23 pm
#3285
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 434
No its not even an official way to verify. All of your personal records are stored on a govt database which they have no access to. You can search "novelty ID" on google, which is essentially what underage kids buy to get alcohol since when it swipes it shows DOB 21 years old. Swiping card is just a way quickly get all info without typing.