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, 10:18 pm
#3556
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,061
Thanks for clarifying. I never buy more than $2k/day anyway since only my spouse and I have Bluebirds, so I don't have to worry about the rolling 24-hour period at that rate.
Jan 2, 2014, 12:52 am
#3557
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
I bought $1500 on 1-1-14 and no problem, I'll being buying another $1500 today. I'm glad none of the stores I go to have gotten this memo or any other one.
Jan 2, 2014, 1:40 am
#3558
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: FL
Programs: AAdvantage Elite Plat, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Hertz Gold, BA
Posts: 498
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.
A) An out of state resident who is getting lots of VR,
B) in a gambling area which is a hotbed for crime
seems very very suspicious.
They sure get their good number of johns over there but that is not an excuse for the behavior of those employees or the manager. They should have refused the sale politely if they felt something was not right. Granted, I am not sure if an argument followed or you tried to "educate" the employee. ( I never engage but smile and leave )
I guess this is part of the wonderful world of MS. I wouldn't take it personally but leave it alone. Not your town anyway.
Last edited by lacuadra; Jan 2, 2014 at 1:47 am
Jan 2, 2014, 5:36 am
#3559
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,948
Last month I purchased $1,500 of VR's in one transaction, and yesterday I purchased $2,500 in a single transaction. Both times my driver's license was scanned, which I realize is the general rule for purchases over $1K.
Does anyone think the DL scans are an issue, or might come back to bite me?
Does anyone think the DL scans are an issue, or might come back to bite me?
Jan 2, 2014, 7:02 am
#3560
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
Jan 2, 2014, 8:03 am
#3562
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: East Coast
Programs: AA/DL/UA, SPG/HH
Posts: 154
I'm guessing that some worry that having DL and credit card related information in the "secure" databases of even a large company could result in financial and/or identity theft trouble down the road.
I'm all for CVS protecting itself against fraud, but there's an argument that the way CVS does that might make its honest customers more vulnerable to fraud in the process.
I'm all for CVS protecting itself against fraud, but there's an argument that the way CVS does that might make its honest customers more vulnerable to fraud in the process.
Jan 2, 2014, 8:39 am
#3563
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
I'm guessing that some worry that having DL and credit card related information in the "secure" databases of even a large company could result in financial and/or identity theft trouble down the road.
I'm all for CVS protecting itself against fraud, but there's an argument that the way CVS does that might make its honest customers more vulnerable to fraud in the process.
I'm all for CVS protecting itself against fraud, but there's an argument that the way CVS does that might make its honest customers more vulnerable to fraud in the process.
Jan 2, 2014, 8:55 am
#3564
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,948
I'm completely fine if their sole intent is to protect them self from fraud. However, it's the unknown that concerns me with respect to them tracking my purchases for other reasons.
Jan 2, 2014, 10:12 am
#3565
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
I haven't been following the thread super close for a while, so feel free to point to other posts that back up this claim.
Things that don't count as evidence:
1 - What a CVS employee told you (short of a written response from an Executive member).
2 - Your paranoia
Jan 2, 2014, 10:46 am
#3566
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,061
Quit worrying about the mechanics of buying VRs so much and being anxious over nothing. You quickly get over the awkward feeling, and may even build a bit of a rapport with your local cashiers. If you're acting anxious, then the cashier might get nervous too. Sure, we are likely way above the median transaction value, but there's no reason why your VR purchases can't be as routine as buying chips and a soft drink.
Jan 2, 2014, 11:04 am
#3567
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: PVD/BOS
Posts: 879
But $1500 would have been allowed regardless. This is only for transactions above 2k. Still no problem going up to 5k, but a transaction limit seems to be in place for some of us.
Jan 2, 2014, 11:07 am
#3568
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
Jan 2, 2014, 11:15 am
#3569
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,948
There is nothing illegal about purchasing VR's or gift cards with a credit card, but is there anything to be concerned with in terms of structuring or money laundering, given the quantities some people do?
I generally purchase $500 at a pop, but that has become cumbersome.
I generally purchase $500 at a pop, but that has become cumbersome.
Jan 2, 2014, 11:24 am
#3570
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
No laundering involved whatsoever. Any store clerk who thinks so is uneducated and overzealous. Bring a printout of the definition of laundering with you when you shop and slap it on the counter and ask if you do any of those things.
I also shut those types up when i run into them by having more than one form of id out before they even ask.
As for structuring, milesabound's advice seems solid:
Once and a while, purposely do a huge transaction so that in your history you can show times when you clearly went up higher and are thus never trying to hide anything. It just happens to be what you actually want to buy most times
I also shut those types up when i run into them by having more than one form of id out before they even ask.
As for structuring, milesabound's advice seems solid:
Once and a while, purposely do a huge transaction so that in your history you can show times when you clearly went up higher and are thus never trying to hide anything. It just happens to be what you actually want to buy most times