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)
#676
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Anywhere I need to be.
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CVS is the trouble maker / uncertainties. If I walk in CVS no guarantees that I walk out with VR or frustration!, so I walk in only if I have some other business in there, VR is secondary.
VR is expensive ($7.90/1000?) compared to Chase gift card or Google wallet is free (with limits)
VR is expensive ($7.90/1000?) compared to Chase gift card or Google wallet is free (with limits)
#677
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
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#678
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
Today I bought a $50 Amazon Gift Card at CVS, one that is just $50, not variable load. (This actually was a gift, not a botched attempt at manufactured spend!)
To my surprise, the process was very similar to that when buying VR, the cashier asked for my card again and had to enter the last four numbers into some record. So I guess, at least at this store, this is a general "prepaid" card policy.
To my surprise, the process was very similar to that when buying VR, the cashier asked for my card again and had to enter the last four numbers into some record. So I guess, at least at this store, this is a general "prepaid" card policy.
#679
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
My normal location for buying beans near my job has caught on to me. The lady said she recognized me. She also went to a sheet posted near the register to check something. She mentioned something about a limit. She said it was a CVS policy. That's the first time I've actually heard about it. I never buy more than 1k anyway. I always felt like it would draw too much attention to me.
Both locations recognize me now, but I haven't had any issues. They ask for my id and the card, and that's it.
Both locations recognize me now, but I haven't had any issues. They ask for my id and the card, and that's it.
#680
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
Today I bought a $50 Amazon Gift Card at CVS, one that is just $50, not variable load. (This actually was a gift, not a botched attempt at manufactured spend!)
To my surprise, the process was very similar to that when buying VR, the cashier asked for my card again and had to enter the last four numbers into some record. So I guess, at least at this store, this is a general "prepaid" card policy.
To my surprise, the process was very similar to that when buying VR, the cashier asked for my card again and had to enter the last four numbers into some record. So I guess, at least at this store, this is a general "prepaid" card policy.
Now buy 40 of those in a month, stack with coupons and other deals and sell some online and you are set!
#681
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 168
My normal location for buying beans near my job has caught on to me. The lady said she recognized me. She also went to a sheet posted near the register to check something. She mentioned something about a limit. She said it was a CVS policy. That's the first time I've actually heard about it. I never buy more than 1k anyway. I always felt like it would draw too much attention to me.
Both locations recognize me now, but I haven't had any issues. They ask for my id and the card, and that's it.
Both locations recognize me now, but I haven't had any issues. They ask for my id and the card, and that's it.
#683
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
#684
Join Date: May 2002
Location: St Louis, MO
Programs: AA L.T. PLT
Posts: 3,275
Went to my local store and they finally restocked thier supply after being out for 2 weeks. During that time I chatted with a couple of different Mgr's and mentioned that they seem to run out on a fairly regular basis. He said he would check into upping their order amount. Boy did he. Probably 10x as many cards there as I have ever seen! Very nice to see so many.
And then I went to buy a couple of cards and the cashier happens to mention as I get ready to pay for them "Credit or Debit cards ONLY" No cash. Just the opposite policy as another store near me. Go figure.
And then I went to buy a couple of cards and the cashier happens to mention as I get ready to pay for them "Credit or Debit cards ONLY" No cash. Just the opposite policy as another store near me. Go figure.
#685
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 76
That is really bizarre. Is that store in an affluent, average, or depressed area?
#686
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
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Posts: 1,871
#688
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
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Posts: 1,871
Is there anyone on this thread that purchases VRs at any other pharmacy besides this one?
#690
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871