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)
Mar 30, 2014, 11:00 am
#6286
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
Other than the float, what is the down side of holding on to the VR for a month? I already bought the max that I can load in April, was thinking of buying more today.
I found one report on the web of someone buying a card without a pin, which he felt was a scam, but only one. I suppose waiting a month would be an issue in that case, is it prudent to check to make sure the PIN is there?
I found one report on the web of someone buying a card without a pin, which he felt was a scam, but only one. I suppose waiting a month would be an issue in that case, is it prudent to check to make sure the PIN is there?
It would be better if the reload site also needed another factor, such as serial number, making the chance of "Vanilla Reload not Present" fraud almost 0.
Mar 30, 2014, 11:00 am
#6287
Join Date: May 2013
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 246
Well planned by Amex.. They were losing with BB so made people switch to Serve by letting them load with CC (no fee) and do free MS.. Then close the loop and not allow people to switch back to BB.. LOL.. J/K..
Mar 30, 2014, 11:06 am
#6288
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: US Airways Gold, Marriott Platinum, SW A List
Posts: 1,575
Well worth $39.50 to see the expressions at the store when I come in with the roller bags. Would bring joy to my heart to partially relive the days of the mint when I was hauling up to $75k a day to the banks.
Mar 30, 2014, 11:08 am
#6289
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
but how about we move to quoting Animal House instead:
Bluto: What? cash only? Did you say "cash only"? Nothing is cash only until we MSers decide it is! Was it over when the Russian Government stopped
Otter: Russians?
Boon: Forget it. He's rolling.
Bluto: And it ain't over now. 'Cause when the MSin' gets tough . . . the tough get MSin'! Who's with me? Let's go! C'mon! [He runs out of the room screaming but then returns.]
Mar 30, 2014, 11:08 am
#6290
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,404
Yeah, I know there are folks taking their gift cards into supermarkets and such and buying money orders. Obviously, there's a (modest) fee for this and all the usual problems of needing human assistance and "looking sketchy." But if you have a friendly supermarket, I'm sure it's a good option.
So you're talking about this card, right?
https://www.7-eleven.com/Cards/No-Co...a-Prepaid-Card
Will CVS still allow us to buy that one tomorrow?
Yeah, if I were in your shoes, I guess I'd feel a little smug satisfaction that others now had to endure the same hassle. 
But since you're obviously an expert in "alternative BB experiences," why don't you share what you've learned from the field?
Thanks for the link. The wiki there is helpful. But it sounds like you sometimes have to do a "payment dance" if you load with a cashier. Is there a card that just goes through without any drama -- or need for quick reflexes?
https://www.7-eleven.com/Cards/No-Co...a-Prepaid-Card
Will CVS still allow us to buy that one tomorrow?
But since you're obviously an expert in "alternative BB experiences," why don't you share what you've learned from the field?
Mar 30, 2014, 11:09 am
#6291
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
Mar 30, 2014, 11:18 am
#6292
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 1,134
From my encounters with many CVS managers over the last few years, I cannot believe some of you have so much faith that many of these managers check their email on a regular basis, even if such a policy is part of their job responsibilities. The cashiers are even worse, as many are not daily, full-time employees and this information would likely be posted behind the counter and later discussed during a weekly 30- to 60-minute store meeting (which may or may not be mandatory for all employees). This type of communication regularly takes a week or more to spread to everyone in the store ... and even that may not be long enough. When the register denies the purchase with CC, it will be the first time many people - managers and cashiers - at the CVS will know about the policy (and even then it will be a "I don't know why it is doing this..." response).
Until someone successfully purchases VR on 3/31 and someone else successfully purchase VR on 4/1, there should be a general assumption that this particular scheme at this particular venue is coming to an abrupt stop after today.
Until someone successfully purchases VR on 3/31 and someone else successfully purchase VR on 4/1, there should be a general assumption that this particular scheme at this particular venue is coming to an abrupt stop after today.
Mar 30, 2014, 11:20 am
#6293
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: a hotel room, somewhere...
Posts: 962
i did almost 10k in MS on friday and was very pleased. i have payments that haven't hit yet, so that 10k left me very little on the cards that make sense for VR's @ cvs.
pre devaluations, cards like ink and CSP still made sense to me @ .08, now it still offers savings vs the cash price, but when i factor in everything, it's not that compelling anymore.
Mar 30, 2014, 11:21 am
#6294
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: SFO/ORD
Posts: 212
Woohoo! I was able to buy VR's fee-free (thanks ISIS)
Mar 30, 2014, 11:24 am
#6295
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: MKE
Posts: 73
went to my favorite CVS this morning when it opened expecting to fight over the last VRs I'll probably ever buy, only to find an empty parking lot and an adequate supply. No problem buying $5k, but didn't ask the unfamiliar cashier about the new policy.
Mar 30, 2014, 11:30 am
#6296
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: SFO/ORD
Posts: 212
On Vanilla Reload's website:
Mar 30, 2014, 11:30 am
#6297
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 31
I'm about to go on my annual Sunday shopping routine, which involves a run to several CVS in Fort Worth. I'll ask the managers I come across about the memo.
Mar 30, 2014, 11:31 am
#6298
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
From my encounters with many CVS managers over the last few years, I cannot believe some of you have so much faith that many of these managers check their email on a regular basis, even if such a policy is part of their job responsibilities. The cashiers are even worse, as many are not daily, full-time employees and this information would likely be posted behind the counter and later discussed during a weekly 30- to 60-minute store meeting (which may or may not be mandatory for all employees).
Mar 30, 2014, 11:32 am
#6299
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 31
http://www.walmart.com/cp/Rapid-Reload/1101512
theres the walmart link to this......and says its cash and check only.
theres the walmart link to this......and says its cash and check only.
Mar 30, 2014, 11:33 am
#6300
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,404
Um, what's that one about?
That sounds simple enough. Obviously, if you have a drugstore bonus credit card it doesn't help you, but for folks simply using BB to reach their credit card minimum spends, why isn't this simple technique more popular?
That sounds simple enough. Obviously, if you have a drugstore bonus credit card it doesn't help you, but for folks simply using BB to reach their credit card minimum spends, why isn't this simple technique more popular?