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 27, 2014, 5:56 pm
#3931
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 222
At another locations, I was able to charge 4x500 all at once. The cashier swiped 2 separate Walgreens GC enter $5 for each. The system promptly took those off. I thought you can only buy $500 per transaction. I guess it's YMMV per location.
Jan 27, 2014, 10:43 pm
#3932
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,162
Tried out Walgreens for the first time today. Picked up 2 $500 VGCs and showed the manager the flyer. He grabbed a Walgreens GC off of the same rack and scanned then swiped it, entering $5. The system automatically took the $5 off. BUT i think you have to scan your Walgreens Balance Card before hand. Asked about daily limits of purchasing, he didn't know.
At another locations, I was able to charge 4x500 all at once. The cashier swiped 2 separate Walgreens GC enter $5 for each. The system promptly took those off. I thought you can only buy $500 per transaction. I guess it's YMMV per location.
At another locations, I was able to charge 4x500 all at once. The cashier swiped 2 separate Walgreens GC enter $5 for each. The system promptly took those off. I thought you can only buy $500 per transaction. I guess it's YMMV per location.
Jan 28, 2014, 5:04 am
#3933
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 2,949
The Walgreens corporate policy is that one may not purchase more than $500 worth of gift cards daily. However, I have found that depending upon who checks you out, the policy may or not be enforced. Of the three Walgreens I have in town, only two enforce the $500 policy store-wide. The third Walgreens is hit or miss.
Jan 28, 2014, 5:34 am
#3934
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul
Posts: 271
NOt so sure about that
Someone here also said that Walgreens has a limit of one VR activation per 24 hour period. So it seems you might be able to purchase more but activation could be limited per day.
YMMV.. it seems. I'm making a habit of treating everywhere I go as unique.
YMMV.. it seems. I'm making a habit of treating everywhere I go as unique.
Jan 28, 2014, 5:38 am
#3935
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SNA/LAX
Posts: 1,407
Is it still Walgreens overall policy that they may not sell GC's with a CC and you are all finding loophole branches? Or has the policy truly changed? I have not been able to buy GC's with a CC from my local Walgreens, so if there is a policy change, I'd love to educate them!!
Jan 28, 2014, 6:08 am
#3936
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP, DL PM, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 2,028
VR's have really dried up over the past 2-4 weeks in the Boston area. Been hitting a CVS whenever I see one (and there's a LOT of them here), and I'm probably 0/6 at this point. Between around this time last year and through the summer the supply was always flowing. Hope this is temporary!
Jan 28, 2014, 7:58 am
#3937
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,424
So I've exhausted my $10,000 (myself and my wife) in monthly BB loads. I've maxed out a couple thousand in monthly AP spending. I have a still-active 5x drug/grocery/gas cc. If I wanted to buy a few thousand more dollars in BBs or GCs at my 5x stores, is there a relatively easy way to unload them these days? I had a MVD card, but I know that's not working well these days. And I'm not keen to buy MO at Walmart. Any other option where the reward is better than the risk, especially if I'm just looking for a few thousand in more MS? Thanks.
Jan 28, 2014, 8:48 am
#3938
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
So I've exhausted my $10,000 (myself and my wife) in monthly BB loads. I've maxed out a couple thousand in monthly AP spending. I have a still-active 5x drug/grocery/gas cc. If I wanted to buy a few thousand more dollars in BBs or GCs at my 5x stores, is there a relatively easy way to unload them these days? I had a MVD card, but I know that's not working well these days. And I'm not keen to buy MO at Walmart. Any other option where the reward is better than the risk, especially if I'm just looking for a few thousand in more MS? Thanks.
They will be so happy with how you helped them, theyll likely let you borrow or rent their bluebirds after they are done now and you now have new vehicles to load!
Just be watchful of any tax or personal laws
Jan 28, 2014, 10:09 am
#3939
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
So I've exhausted my $10,000 (myself and my wife) in monthly BB loads. I've maxed out a couple thousand in monthly AP spending. I have a still-active 5x drug/grocery/gas cc. If I wanted to buy a few thousand more dollars in BBs or GCs at my 5x stores, is there a relatively easy way to unload them these days? I had a MVD card, but I know that's not working well these days. And I'm not keen to buy MO at Walmart. Any other option where the reward is better than the risk, especially if I'm just looking for a few thousand in more MS? Thanks.
Last edited by FlightNurse; Jan 28, 2014 at 11:16 am
Jan 28, 2014, 10:42 am
#3940
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
I would look into the Paypal Mycash cards and load some of those through PayPal. That's my plan once I'm done with the bird.
Jan 28, 2014, 1:50 pm
#3941
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Minneapolis/St. Paul
Posts: 271
I've heard PayPal will shut people down. I'm ok if it. If they are willing to lose me as a customer I'm willing to lose them. I've been with them over 14 years ..it should mean something to PayPal.
Jan 28, 2014, 3:02 pm
#3942
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Have things dried up for other folks in the DC region? I haven't seen anything in weeks now.
Jan 28, 2014, 4:50 pm
#3943
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 8
Can't seem to find any in Southern Indiana or Louisville KY.
Jan 28, 2014, 6:43 pm
#3944
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 17
I guess I'll join in the above posts - I'm in the MSP area and all the stores near me have been dry for weeks. I've asked the employees and they all say they have not been restocked. Anyone know what gives?
Jan 28, 2014, 7:11 pm
#3945
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: UNited American
Posts: 60
I've gotten 14 cards (500 vanilla visa) since Sunday at walgreens. Not loaded into register but manager doing gift cards manually. No one mentioning any limits. Buying 2K at a time. Not a great deal but easier to deal with than the MC cards, and about ten gallons of free milk for my teenagers!