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)
#706
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
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No, CVS has no right to claim it came from dealings with any agency(IRS?), if its not true, its called 'misrepresentation'.
Yes, CVS can make up a rule, but be uniform in its implementation, if they are selective it can be 'discrimination'
Collecting 'data' with a pretext is questionable(privacy) these days....
Yes, CVS can make up a rule, but be uniform in its implementation, if they are selective it can be 'discrimination'
Collecting 'data' with a pretext is questionable(privacy) these days....

#707
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NE
Programs: UA PLAT, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 211
Just bought Microsoft points for my son at CVS, they asked to see my card for the "last 4 digits" just like when I buy beans. Keeping the criminals off of Xbox?

#708
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
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Posts: 3,674
In my area, that's SOP for any purchase made by credit card--no matter whether they're VRs or toilet paper or any other product CVS sells.

#709
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
I assume this is just the store making sure that the employee has seen the physical card (as obviously the transaction already contains the last 4 digits anyway!)

#710
Join Date: May 2013
Programs: DL PLT, AS 75k, AA Exec Plat
Posts: 391
There is another reason too; scammers sometimes replicate someone else's magnetic strip and put it on their own card. Seeing the physical card ensures the numbers match with what rings up with the magnetic stripe.

#711
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
Well I tend to agree with you on this actually, but since none of us are really losing anything by just abiding by their stupid $1k rule, we cant really do much about it. I did have one store get on my case about it and the mgr said I can never buy a GC there again, but I did not pursue this for a few reasons. One was that there are so many other stores, and the other is because she wont be there for always and forever. lol. As well, I figured if I did push it, that could HELP CVS make up new bad rules. So I let it go. I wanted to get a ton of VR and well, she had her misunderstanding of the rules or lack there of, and what could I really do about it but forgive her for being stupid! I guess i retained something from sunday school: Forgive them, for they know not what they do lol
Last edited by prasha11; Jun 12, 13 at 12:35 pm

#712
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 801
My stores let me buy multiple thousands in a single transaction on a single card. YMMV.

#713
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
some years ago CVS Money Cards (store credit) were the target of a scam, so all cashiers are told for all cards! CVS is poor at training new cashier! (revolving door?) U will notice the quality of cashiers depends on the neighborhood

#715
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
no worries, demand for VR/CVs is going down due to competition. Anyone heard next week(may be one after) CVS has Paypal pp card on sale ($10 EB), a money maker... how much is activation?
Last edited by prasha11; Jun 12, 13 at 1:06 pm

#717
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Finally back in Boston after escaping from New York
Posts: 13,623
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.

The CVSs near me have also just started enforcing the 1K per day. Since I have at least four within a few blocks of my office, it's not a problem and forces me to get some exercise.
And definitely do make friends with your local folks. My guys see me coming and have me in and out in a minute.
What's funny is all the claims that buying gift cards with a credit card is somehow a way to launder money. Cash transactions are far more likely culprits.
Mike

#719
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101


#720
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Join Date: Nov 2002
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