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)
Jun 3, 2013, 12:22 pm
#646
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: AA, SPG, UA, CSP
Posts: 338
that could be possible. Well - for now i will continue to get 10K worth of VRs monthly in 7-10 days.
Jun 3, 2013, 1:40 pm
#647
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
I am surprised that so many of U are still hung up on VR at CVS. It has been some time that I bought a VR, there are other, easier, simpler ways. Is it because Most of U are using Citi for 5 pts?
Jun 3, 2013, 1:43 pm
#648
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
Yes, because on post 557 you said that the VR rush had evened out. Appears a lot of us didn't get that message.
Jun 3, 2013, 1:44 pm
#649
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
Anyway - at this new location they refused to let me buy standard Visa GCs with credit. They said debit or cash only. There was one cashier, one guy who looked to be either a manager or asst. manager and another guy who looked like he might have been a stock guy. The 2 working the registers claimed that it was "Walgreens policy" not store-specific. I asked them if they were sure because I buy at the one down the street - and ones in the burbs - and ones out of state before multiple times with never an issue. The (asst) manager asked "with credit?" and I said "yes...multiple times." He shook his head and again said "no...cash only." So I said thanks and left.
Again - this is likely an isolated incident...but it is the first time I have ever been turned down from buying standard GCs at a Walgreens (amount exclusive). Hope its not a new trend.
Jun 3, 2013, 1:49 pm
#650
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
VRs have two main advantages:
1) You can purchase them in advance and then load them onto your cards at your leisure. This means if you are out for the weekend running errands you can buy as many as you can get your hands on and load them throughout the week. With daily limits on BB and other cards this makes it very easy to not have to go out to WM to load all the time.
2) Cheapest option. At 3.95 for a VR it is $1 to $2 less than a standard Visa/MC/Amex gift card.
So yes - it is usually easier to find places that let you buy standard GCs for credit with higher limits then VRs - but if you can find a place to get them it is still the best option.
Jun 3, 2013, 1:51 pm
#651
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
not many like to get creative and do other things
Jun 3, 2013, 1:53 pm
#652
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 801
You know what isn't easy? Pimpin' ain't easy.
Jun 3, 2013, 1:57 pm
#653
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
lol!!
(but it is in this game!! I have a white unmarked windowless van I drive around with a bunch of illegals in it who I send into stores to get my MOs and GCs all the time. If they fail to return with the goods... *makes the slit his throat signal* lol
(but it is in this game!! I have a white unmarked windowless van I drive around with a bunch of illegals in it who I send into stores to get my MOs and GCs all the time. If they fail to return with the goods... *makes the slit his throat signal* lol
Jun 3, 2013, 2:26 pm
#654
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Jun 3, 2013, 2:28 pm
#655
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
Jun 3, 2013, 2:29 pm
#656
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 7
I went 4 for 4 yesterday morning buying $1,000 at each of the four different CVS stores I tried, all on the same card. I was running errands later in the day in a different neighborhood and tried another 2 locations. One of these cashiers played the "cash only" card so I left empty handed, until I drove 2 minutes down the road and was successful. 5 for 6 for the day on my 10% card isn't too bad.
Jun 3, 2013, 2:49 pm
#659
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
VR is expensive ($7.90/1000?) compared to Chase gift card or Google wallet is free (with limits)