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, 2:46 pm
#6406
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: LAS
Programs: DL PM, UA PS, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 4,904
Mar 30, 2014, 2:49 pm
#6407
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,269
Normally a lurker, but registered to post this.
I was at CVS yesterday and asked about the memo. Manager said he had no idea so just shook it off and figured it was a joke and bought my beans. Went back today and same manager was there, but he wasn't looking friendly like yesterday. Normally he's chatty, but today he was pissed off!
I guess the memo had been sent to him yesterday morning, but there was something screwy with his email where some of his messages didn't get delivered until later in the day (even though they were sent earlier). I think this explains why some managers have seen the memo and others haven't. What sucks is his manager saw that he let my beans go through yesterday. His manager tried to call the store to ask what was up, but I guess nobody answered. So his manager then called the store manager's cell, but that call didn't go through either. Left him a fuming message about how they couldn't get their act together to properly answer phones and how they're just ignoring important memos from corporate. There was some profanity on the message and a threat about how "if he didn't give a .... about following the rules or getting things done that there were plenty of other people interested in his position." This is what got him going back and checking email and suddenly the memo was there!
I feel kind of bad now. He might get fired because I bought beans yesterday! So if you're lucky enough to find a store still selling them for credit, you might want to think twice. If you don't care about the manager or he's a prick then I say go for it. If he's a nice guy... well, I'm not going to tell you what you have to do, but it is nice to have a little compassion.
I was at CVS yesterday and asked about the memo. Manager said he had no idea so just shook it off and figured it was a joke and bought my beans. Went back today and same manager was there, but he wasn't looking friendly like yesterday. Normally he's chatty, but today he was pissed off!
I guess the memo had been sent to him yesterday morning, but there was something screwy with his email where some of his messages didn't get delivered until later in the day (even though they were sent earlier). I think this explains why some managers have seen the memo and others haven't. What sucks is his manager saw that he let my beans go through yesterday. His manager tried to call the store to ask what was up, but I guess nobody answered. So his manager then called the store manager's cell, but that call didn't go through either. Left him a fuming message about how they couldn't get their act together to properly answer phones and how they're just ignoring important memos from corporate. There was some profanity on the message and a threat about how "if he didn't give a .... about following the rules or getting things done that there were plenty of other people interested in his position." This is what got him going back and checking email and suddenly the memo was there!
I feel kind of bad now. He might get fired because I bought beans yesterday! So if you're lucky enough to find a store still selling them for credit, you might want to think twice. If you don't care about the manager or he's a prick then I say go for it. If he's a nice guy... well, I'm not going to tell you what you have to do, but it is nice to have a little compassion.
Mar 30, 2014, 2:52 pm
#6409
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 16
Yeah, that part confused me. The memo posted online clearly says "3/31" on it. There's no missing that. But when I talked to the manager he didn't see a date mentioned and if his manager is chewing him out, apparently he didn't see a date mentioned either. So either they both missed the date being on there or there was a different memo for the midwest region.
Mar 30, 2014, 2:53 pm
#6410
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 46
What a bummer. My store in the Chicago suburbs is full of them today, must've just got a fresh batch.
Mar 30, 2014, 3:00 pm
#6411
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Home Airports: CAE/CLT
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, National Executive
Posts: 5,452
CAE Card Availability.
In case anyone in Columbia, SC is interested, I just bought some some VR from the CVS located at Clemson at Longtown. They have what appears to be 100 or so left.
I may be the first person purchasing a large volume of VRs at this particular store. I say that because of the surprised comments I got from the fellow who's name tag identified him as a senior clerk.
In case anyone in Columbia, SC is interested, I just bought some some VR from the CVS located at Clemson at Longtown. They have what appears to be 100 or so left.
I may be the first person purchasing a large volume of VRs at this particular store. I say that because of the surprised comments I got from the fellow who's name tag identified him as a senior clerk.
Mar 30, 2014, 3:01 pm
#6412
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: LAX, SNA
Posts: 359
I know the memo does not exclude variable GCs, but I hope that it doesn't get taken away as well. I know Office Depot prohibited purchases of VGCs with CCs shortly after doing the same with VRs. I also hope that the memo doesn't get misinterpreted as well to exclude VGCs. I have been using the VGCs anyway after reaching my limit with BB.
I was beginning to believe that VRs would be available forever. This just goes to show how easily anything can be taken away. I hope nobody quit their job to become a professional MS'er.
I was beginning to believe that VRs would be available forever. This just goes to show how easily anything can be taken away. I hope nobody quit their job to become a professional MS'er.
Last edited by dogbyte; Mar 30, 2014 at 3:14 pm
Mar 30, 2014, 3:08 pm
#6413
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
Ben, there is a difference. People can buy these other cards with a credit card at many grocery stores. There are many more people that want to get one of them just once in a while as a gift, sickening to us as that sounds. If they go cash only for those cards, they will definitely lose customers to other businesses and piss people off, who came in looking for them.
If there's any silver lining, maybe new credit cards will be more likely to offer pharmacies as a 5% category, but I doubt this affects it.
If there's any silver lining, maybe new credit cards will be more likely to offer pharmacies as a 5% category, but I doubt this affects it.
Any argument you can make for them stopping selling these "reloadables" can be made for the Visa cards and vice-versa. Maybe they are just short sighted in leaving these off the list, but I'm using it as a grain of hope against this story.
Mar 30, 2014, 3:09 pm
#6414
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: BOS
Programs: AA XPlat
Posts: 103
Same in Boston – cash only.
ZapperO -- we can share tips at tomorrow's Boston DO!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...arch-31-a.html
ZapperO -- we can share tips at tomorrow's Boston DO!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/commu...arch-31-a.html
[edit: I was referring to VRs, I now believe quoted was referring to MOs]
Last edited by BeckhamsTears; Mar 30, 2014 at 10:09 pm Reason: context
Mar 30, 2014, 3:09 pm
#6415
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 405
Even if it is not misinterpreted, the consequence of this will be that VGCs become less available and the new targets of credit card scammers.
Mar 30, 2014, 3:11 pm
#6416
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: BTV
Programs: AA EXP, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 486
It's true what they say.
Went to my ol' reliable CVS today, in Connecticut. With all the doomsday rumors, I picked up 10 VRs (they were well stocked as always).
When I brought them up to the cashier, I was told, "we only except cash for these now."
I politely replied, "Are you sure? My understanding is this new policy comes into effect tomorrow." She called the manager.
Manager came over, looked at how many VRs I had, confirmed the store limit was 5k, scanned my DL, and ran the transaction herself. No problem. As I was walking out, I heard her say to the cashier, "starting tomorrow, customers can only buy these with cash."
So sad, it was good while it lasted. Glad I walked away with this today.
When I brought them up to the cashier, I was told, "we only except cash for these now."
I politely replied, "Are you sure? My understanding is this new policy comes into effect tomorrow." She called the manager.
Manager came over, looked at how many VRs I had, confirmed the store limit was 5k, scanned my DL, and ran the transaction herself. No problem. As I was walking out, I heard her say to the cashier, "starting tomorrow, customers can only buy these with cash."
So sad, it was good while it lasted. Glad I walked away with this today.
Mar 30, 2014, 3:12 pm
#6417
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 584
Am I correct that the 5k daily limit resets at 12:00GMT, or 8:00EST?
Mar 30, 2014, 3:18 pm
#6418
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
I find it interesting that this memo has borders on the tables where the other one doesn't.
Also find it interesting that the font is different (easiest to see in the "I" in the "MIO").
Not saying that it isn't real - just another chink in the armor to give me hope this is still a farce.
Also find it interesting that the font is different (easiest to see in the "I" in the "MIO").
Not saying that it isn't real - just another chink in the armor to give me hope this is still a farce.
Mar 30, 2014, 3:19 pm
#6419
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHL
Posts: 930
After Q2 ends, Incomm will probably look at their Q2 income statement and wonder "... happened to our revenue?!?! It dropped by X-hundred percent!"
Mar 30, 2014, 3:20 pm
#6420
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: CAE/SDF/OBE snowbird
Programs: Up there, Route 36 LaPaz Diamond
Posts: 66
CAE Card Availability.
In case anyone in Columbia, SC is interested, I just bought some some VR from the CVS located at Clemson at Longtown. They have what appears to be 100 or so left.
I may be the first person purchasing a large volume of VRs at this particular store. I say that because of the surprised comments I got from the fellow who's name tag identified him as a senior clerk.
In case anyone in Columbia, SC is interested, I just bought some some VR from the CVS located at Clemson at Longtown. They have what appears to be 100 or so left.
I may be the first person purchasing a large volume of VRs at this particular store. I say that because of the surprised comments I got from the fellow who's name tag identified him as a senior clerk.
The mgr of this particular store plays the game and stated he had not received any memo and even so until its hardcoded into the system it would be play the game as usual.
The truck stop up your way is a good resource as well ;-)