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)
Jan 1, 2014, 3:31 pm
#3541
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 170
New year in Chicago area CVS appears a happy one.
Vanilla reloads fully stocked in many CVS.
Stores allow purchase of upto 10 cards per day and also allow splitting total amount over multiple credit cards.
Vanilla reloads fully stocked in many CVS.
Stores allow purchase of upto 10 cards per day and also allow splitting total amount over multiple credit cards.
Jan 1, 2014, 4:19 pm
#3542
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,066
Our transactions are probably 100x+ the average, excluding pharmacy purchases. However, I have seen people treat CVS as a supermarket and buy a shopping cart full of groceries (without ExtraCare coupons). That can't be economical with their markup on most products.
Jan 1, 2014, 4:38 pm
#3543
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 112
Thats true only if a person is loading their BB or Serve with them. If like me you load other DCs then youd be heading to Wally anyway.
Then what do you do once you are done feeding your birds for the month, either take a vacation or hello Wally
Then some folks dont load their AMEXs at all with VRs
Then what do you do once you are done feeding your birds for the month, either take a vacation or hello Wally
Then some folks dont load their AMEXs at all with VRs
Jan 1, 2014, 5:47 pm
#3544
Join Date: May 2010
Location: SoCal
Programs: SPG PLAT, AA Plat (2MM), BA, UA/CO
Posts: 442
Just took 10 VRs up to the counter and was told that there's a new policy starting today limiting purchases to $2000. She acknowledged that it was $5000, but that she had received a "memo." I bought my 4 cards and went on my way. I didn't push back, but I'm skeptical. Anyone else hear any such tales today?
xlax
xlax
Jan 1, 2014, 6:10 pm
#3545
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PVD/BOS
Posts: 879
Just took 10 VRs up to the counter and was told that there's a new policy starting today limiting purchases to $2000. She acknowledged that it was $5000, but that she had received a "memo." I bought my 4 cards and went on my way. I didn't push back, but I'm skeptical. Anyone else hear any such tales today?
xlax
xlax
This store is very well versed in the VR process. So I'm inclined to believe a new procedure has been put in place, at least in my area.
Jan 1, 2014, 6:55 pm
#3546
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,066
I assume this is still in a rolling 24-hour period?
Jan 1, 2014, 7:15 pm
#3547
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: DFW
Posts: 454
Adding data points to a couple of previous discussions: Live in Texas, vacationing in Las Vegas - 1st of the month, wanted to get some spending in. Went to one on the strip, bought 2k - no problem but they do have a different system, needed to call a number to get authorization, had to talk to Chase - but still, no problem.
Went to two other ones in Henderson and had the cops called on me (didn't stick around long enoguh to talk) - was called a fraud for even attempting it, and had a guy try to confiscate my license. Store A who rejected me apparently called Store B that was next up on the road and said I would likely be coming.
I'm aware of the general consensus that you shouldn't call - but I feel morally obligated to call the general manager and give them a piece of my mind. I don't mind them rejecting the transaction (and I wasn't arguing) - but to immediately upon my trip to the register accuse me of fraud and try to confiscate my license and come out and take a picture of my car crosses the line of what a normal front line employee should be doing with someone who is voluntarily giving a license. If they want to reject a transaction - fine -- but I will at least chew someone's tush for that level of treatment.
Went to two other ones in Henderson and had the cops called on me (didn't stick around long enoguh to talk) - was called a fraud for even attempting it, and had a guy try to confiscate my license. Store A who rejected me apparently called Store B that was next up on the road and said I would likely be coming.
I'm aware of the general consensus that you shouldn't call - but I feel morally obligated to call the general manager and give them a piece of my mind. I don't mind them rejecting the transaction (and I wasn't arguing) - but to immediately upon my trip to the register accuse me of fraud and try to confiscate my license and come out and take a picture of my car crosses the line of what a normal front line employee should be doing with someone who is voluntarily giving a license. If they want to reject a transaction - fine -- but I will at least chew someone's tush for that level of treatment.
Jan 1, 2014, 7:15 pm
#3548
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 457
Deleted.
Last edited by MsArbi; Oct 29, 2014 at 11:11 pm
Jan 1, 2014, 7:17 pm
#3549
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 53
I purchase in 2 cities, Pittsburgh and Chicago.
Since the 5k change was implemented, all locations in Chicago have limited to 5k, while Pittsburgh has been evenly split the some locations enforcing 2k, some 5k - even though the system allowed up to 5,000 at all.
Since the 5k change was implemented, all locations in Chicago have limited to 5k, while Pittsburgh has been evenly split the some locations enforcing 2k, some 5k - even though the system allowed up to 5,000 at all.
Jan 1, 2014, 7:34 pm
#3550
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PVD/BOS
Posts: 879
I am also right near the company headquarters so I wonder if stores in my general region don't get the "new" processes first.
Jan 1, 2014, 8:20 pm
#3551
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,153
Just took 10 VRs up to the counter and was told that there's a new policy starting today limiting purchases to $2000. She acknowledged that it was $5000, but that she had received a "memo." I bought my 4 cards and went on my way. I didn't push back, but I'm skeptical. Anyone else hear any such tales today?
xlax
xlax
Everything is still normal = each store and employee will do as they please
Jan 1, 2014, 8:53 pm
#3552
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,066
Sure, but your transactions wouldn't hit this limit. Since no ID was swiped at the first location, your running total in the system would be $1k. The two other posters were stopped trying to buy more than $2k. What I'm curious about is whether the limit has been reduced to $2k per 24 hours or if the limit is still $5k per 24 hours and $2k per transaction?
Jan 1, 2014, 9:01 pm
#3553
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,066
Which locations in Pittsburgh do you frequent? I've since moved out of the area, but the Shadyside location was always out of stock about a year ago. I tried a few others that were all out of stock as well. Wilkinsburg had a few, but they didn't restock, and I got a "cash only" from the cashier at Monroeville. I got discouraged and didn't pick up the hobby again until I moved.
Jan 1, 2014, 9:18 pm
#3554
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PVD/BOS
Posts: 879
Quote:
Originally Posted by craz
2 different CVs in NJ, 1st $1k max per day, did 2 transctions for $500 each. 2nd store said $1k max and only 1 transction is allowed per day.They are apx 10 mins from 1 another
Everything is still normal = each store and employee will do as they please
Sure, but your transactions wouldn't hit this limit. Since no ID was swiped at the first location, your running total in the system would be $1k. The two other posters were stopped trying to buy more than $2k. What I'm curious about is whether the limit has been reduced to $2k per 24 hours or if the limit is still $5k per 24 hours and $2k per transaction?
Originally Posted by craz
2 different CVs in NJ, 1st $1k max per day, did 2 transctions for $500 each. 2nd store said $1k max and only 1 transction is allowed per day.They are apx 10 mins from 1 another
Everything is still normal = each store and employee will do as they please
Sure, but your transactions wouldn't hit this limit. Since no ID was swiped at the first location, your running total in the system would be $1k. The two other posters were stopped trying to buy more than $2k. What I'm curious about is whether the limit has been reduced to $2k per 24 hours or if the limit is still $5k per 24 hours and $2k per transaction?
Cashier acknowledged 5k per day still lives on, but system only allowed him 2k in 1 transaction.
Hope that helps!
Jan 1, 2014, 10:12 pm
#3555
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 95
I was told today at a CVS in central NJ that multiple VR transactions were prohibited due to new policy. He acknowledged that I could buy up to $5k a day but said I'd have to do it all in one transaction. I was going to do two $1k purchases on different cards and ended up just doing one $1k purchase (with drivers license scan).