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)
May 27, 2013, 7:17 pm
#556
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta GM, SPG Gold
Posts: 161
You know you could do better with Chase Gift Cards to load Bluebird at Wal-Mart at no fee, right? The only problem with that is that you have to get to a Wal-Mart and wait for the gift cards to show up.
May 27, 2013, 8:03 pm
#559
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,777
Just don't put more than $2,600 on your Ink card every month at office supply stores, at least for starters. Balance this with un-bonused and small-scale spending.
May 27, 2013, 8:14 pm
#560
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta GM, SPG Gold
Posts: 161
May 27, 2013, 8:15 pm
#561
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta GM, SPG Gold
Posts: 161
Actually, on your Ink cards you'd be better of buying 5x$200 Visa GCs at Office Depot (or the occasional OfficeMax) for about $35. You'll earn 5,000 UR points worth at least $75, often more. Your 1x purchase of the Chase gift card, for free, will net 1,000 UR points worth about $15.
Just don't put more than $2,600 on your Ink card every month at office supply stores, at least for starters. Balance this with un-bonused and small-scale spending.
Just don't put more than $2,600 on your Ink card every month at office supply stores, at least for starters. Balance this with un-bonused and small-scale spending.
May 29, 2013, 8:24 am
#562
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 747
Actually, on your Ink cards you'd be better of buying 5x$200 Visa GCs at Office Depot (or the occasional OfficeMax) for about $35. You'll earn 5,000 UR points worth at least $75, often more. Your 1x purchase of the Chase gift card, for free, will net 1,000 UR points worth about $15.
Just don't put more than $2,600 on your Ink card every month at office supply stores, at least for starters. Balance this with un-bonused and small-scale spending.
Just don't put more than $2,600 on your Ink card every month at office supply stores, at least for starters. Balance this with un-bonused and small-scale spending.
May 29, 2013, 9:27 am
#563
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
So I was out of town in St. Louis this weekend and was successful not in just buying $1000 worth with my CC, but of Beans no less!
I only discovered the CVS my last night there - so only got to get a pair. On my way home I stopped at another CVS in Illinois and it wouldn't process. It seemed to be saying another tender was required - but it is possible that there was a fraud alert up on my CC.
I went to the Walgreens across the street and they had beans there too (never saw them in a Walgreens before). The cashier told me however they were cash only (I *think* they actually swiped them before they told me this - but maybe they just knew). They said it was only for the reloadable cards though, and I could use credit for the GC no problem.
I only discovered the CVS my last night there - so only got to get a pair. On my way home I stopped at another CVS in Illinois and it wouldn't process. It seemed to be saying another tender was required - but it is possible that there was a fraud alert up on my CC.
I went to the Walgreens across the street and they had beans there too (never saw them in a Walgreens before). The cashier told me however they were cash only (I *think* they actually swiped them before they told me this - but maybe they just knew). They said it was only for the reloadable cards though, and I could use credit for the GC no problem.
Hey guys...hope someone will save me the time of reading through this entire thread. I'm not new to manufacture spend, but am new to using CVS.
I went into a CVS today to buy $1000 of gift card. Not reload beans, but the non-reloadable variable Visa cards. I was told I couldn't pay with credit but the cashier, and then the manager came over and confirmed. He said it was company policy. Even when I asked "company policy or store policy?"
My gist from this thread is that credit should still be allowed up to $1000. Is this not correct?
This is in Chicago BTW.
tia
I went into a CVS today to buy $1000 of gift card. Not reload beans, but the non-reloadable variable Visa cards. I was told I couldn't pay with credit but the cashier, and then the manager came over and confirmed. He said it was company policy. Even when I asked "company policy or store policy?"
My gist from this thread is that credit should still be allowed up to $1000. Is this not correct?
This is in Chicago BTW.
tia
May 29, 2013, 6:20 pm
#564
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Virginia
Programs: AA Gld 1MM; Marriott Silver; Hilton Gold
Posts: 47
I just don't understand the technique!
I've been through much of this forum, and still don't know what "VR" and "beans" means - and can't figure out the technique you folks are using. It seems to me that following what I think you're talking about would rather quickly result in accumulation of tons of gift cards, lots of points earned on my Ink (or whatever) card, and monstrous bills to pay on the credit cards each month - but I can't use those gift cards to pay my credit card bills, my mortgage payment, my property tax... what am I missing here? Please PM me if this is some deep, dark secret. 
Advice would sure be appreciated before I rip out my hair - what's left of it - in frustration.
Advice would sure be appreciated before I rip out my hair - what's left of it - in frustration.
May 29, 2013, 6:58 pm
#565
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
I've been through much of this forum, and still don't know what "VR" and "beans" means - and can't figure out the technique you folks are using. It seems to me that following what I think you're talking about would rather quickly result in accumulation of tons of gift cards, lots of points earned on my Ink (or whatever) card, and monstrous bills to pay on the credit cards each month - but I can't use those gift cards to pay my credit card bills, my mortgage payment, my property tax... what am I missing here? Please PM me if this is some deep, dark secret.
Advice would sure be appreciated before I rip out my hair - what's left of it - in frustration.
Advice would sure be appreciated before I rip out my hair - what's left of it - in frustration.
May 29, 2013, 7:04 pm
#566
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
I think U are late, this game is now less popular/ending(imho) CVS cashiers are adding to the difficulties, too many uncertainties. New programs like Google Wallet, Chase gift cards, Visa +pin and few more are simpler, easier, controllable and getting popular. People get exited and get deep into the game and cannot handle the mess or loose money, get frustrated then disappear. If you have control to do within moderation, U may survive longer. My monthly limit is $5000 between all programs combined.
GreatPeer: it is all explained in various places both here and in the infamous circles and arrows on blogs. Basically VR = Vanilla Reload, a card that is used to reload various other cards, cost $3.95 + reload cost of up to $500. Some CVS allow you to purchase them with credit cards, getting the points etc, for the $3.95 charge. You can then use the card to reload say an Amex Bluebird, which you can then use to pay bills, including your credit card bill, or transfer to your bank account.
May 29, 2013, 7:11 pm
#567
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 218
I haven't paid attention to this thread until now but my CVS allows many VRs as I want but I need to buy in separate transactions because the limit is 1k for each transaction.
May 29, 2013, 7:15 pm
#568
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: United MP, American AAdvantage, Chase UR, AMEX MR
Posts: 211
Went to CVS at noon to drop off my prescriptions and notice 3 racks of VR (total maybe, 6, 16 and 10 cards on the racks, respectively). Grabbed a pair on the way out with a bottle of water. Went back at 4:30pm to pickup my drugs only to find 2 left. How interesting that these fly off the racks in hours.
May 29, 2013, 7:22 pm
#569
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: AA, SPG, UA, CSP
Posts: 338
Went to CVS at noon to drop off my prescriptions and notice 3 racks of VR (total maybe, 6, 16 and 10 cards on the racks, respectively). Grabbed a pair on the way out with a bottle of water. Went back at 4:30pm to pickup my drugs only to find 2 left. How interesting that these fly off the racks in hours.
May 29, 2013, 7:24 pm
#570
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: AA, SPG, UA, CSP
Posts: 338
I sort of disagree. With all the other options, there is certainly less contention for VR, and while CVS may vary, those that do allow credit card purchase (even if there is a $1K limit) now seem better stocked.
GreatPeer: it is all explained in various places both here and in the infamous circles and arrows on blogs. Basically VR = Vanilla Reload, a card that is used to reload various other cards, cost $3.95 + reload cost of up to $500. Some CVS allow you to purchase them with credit cards, getting the points etc, for the $3.95 charge. You can then use the card to reload say an Amex Bluebird, which you can then use to pay bills, including your credit card bill, or transfer to your bank account.
GreatPeer: it is all explained in various places both here and in the infamous circles and arrows on blogs. Basically VR = Vanilla Reload, a card that is used to reload various other cards, cost $3.95 + reload cost of up to $500. Some CVS allow you to purchase them with credit cards, getting the points etc, for the $3.95 charge. You can then use the card to reload say an Amex Bluebird, which you can then use to pay bills, including your credit card bill, or transfer to your bank account.