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 13, 2013, 1:20 pm
#751
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: AA, SPG, UA, CSP
Posts: 338
So my local CVS finally had some VR by the checkout which I never saw before. I thought I hit the jackpot and tried to load one with my purchases. The cashier said OK to loading with a CC.
Me:"$500, please"
Cashier:"Uhm.. you cant load that much"
Me:"It says on the card, $20-$500"
Cashier:"Uhm.. for $500 it needs to be cash"
Me:"And how much for a CC?
Cashier:"Uhm.. Ah.. Well.. $200"
Me:"Did you just guess at a number right at this moment?"
Cashier:"Uhm.. Well.. Yes... because $500 is too much"
*FacePalm*
Me:"Forget it then.. Thanks"
I drove 5 miles to the next CVS and found some more VR there.
No problems buying $500 with a CC.
Moral of the story,
No two CVS are like another... nor are the cashiers in each individual CVS.
Im going to try the closer CVS tommorrow with a different cashier to see if she imposes a made up <$1K limit.
Me:"$500, please"
Cashier:"Uhm.. you cant load that much"
Me:"It says on the card, $20-$500"
Cashier:"Uhm.. for $500 it needs to be cash"
Me:"And how much for a CC?
Cashier:"Uhm.. Ah.. Well.. $200"
Me:"Did you just guess at a number right at this moment?"
Cashier:"Uhm.. Well.. Yes... because $500 is too much"
*FacePalm*
Me:"Forget it then.. Thanks"
I drove 5 miles to the next CVS and found some more VR there.
No problems buying $500 with a CC.
Moral of the story,
No two CVS are like another... nor are the cashiers in each individual CVS.
Im going to try the closer CVS tommorrow with a different cashier to see if she imposes a made up <$1K limit.
Of course i am right, i buy 30 VRs from you guys each month - of course i dont say this part....yet!!
Jun 13, 2013, 3:54 pm
#752
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 94
I have seen a lot of kids are now working (probably for the summer). Have heard a couple of them say i dont think you can use a CC. Just a stern " no it works, swipe the card and you will see" always works, followed by a "AAhhh you are right" by the cashier.
Of course i am right, i buy 30 VRs from you guys each month - of course i dont say this part....yet!!
Of course i am right, i buy 30 VRs from you guys each month - of course i dont say this part....yet!!
Jun 13, 2013, 9:23 pm
#753
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 173
$5 off
I saw today when I went to my local CVS $5 off the purchase of two Visa or MasterCard gift cards with CVS card. I didn't give it a try, so I can not comment on the validity of it, but I will do so tomorrow.
Jun 13, 2013, 9:26 pm
#754
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: BOS, MHT
Programs: AA ltg, B6, DL, UA, AS, SPG/Marriott Plt, HH, Hyatt
Posts: 10,052
get the visa ones
use your cvs number on purchase
it spits out a $5 coupon for a future purchase
that wont work on GCs though
I bought two things of colgate toothpaste the next day and well, THAt gave me another $2 coupon! So I made $7 and spent $1... plus of course the fees for the GCs but that is factored into my matrix already and these little gimmies offset all things in the master list
Jun 13, 2013, 9:33 pm
#755
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 939
There was a sign at my CVS but it was for Amex Prepaids and not Visa/MC...
Maybe i wasnt looking in the right place...
Will try again tomorrow.
Those $5 coupons are great for stocking up on bubble bum!
Maybe i wasnt looking in the right place...
Will try again tomorrow.
Those $5 coupons are great for stocking up on bubble bum!
Jun 14, 2013, 12:54 pm
#756
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 801
Mine also had a sign for a $10 coupon with purchase of home improvement gift card.
Jun 14, 2013, 10:57 pm
#757
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 18
Anyone know how much the retailer (CVS / 7-11 / etc) makes off VRs? My theory is that Vanilla is selling each card for, say, $485.. then out of the $500 load, CVS pays $15 (3%) swipe fee, and Vanilla makes the $7.90 fee
Jun 15, 2013, 8:05 am
#758
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: BOS
Programs: AA, SPG, UA, CSP
Posts: 338
Your theory(guess) or conclusion based on some key indicators?
Jun 15, 2013, 8:30 am
#759
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
nobody knows the complete truth, why does it matter?
Last edited by prasha11; Jun 15, 2013 at 8:27 pm
Jun 15, 2013, 4:07 pm
#760
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: LA/SD
Programs: SPG Gold, Hyatt Platinum, HHonors Gold
Posts: 125
Related data point (don't feel the need to start new thread):
Tried buying beans at my local CVS where I've never had a problem (other than the occasional new cashier) with my Amex Hilton. Transaction didn't go through. Tried with a Citi card no issues. Will try my Amex again in a week. I'm hopeful this will not be a permanent thing. I'm planning Diamond through spend (GW was going to be great for that until it went away).
Tried buying beans at my local CVS where I've never had a problem (other than the occasional new cashier) with my Amex Hilton. Transaction didn't go through. Tried with a Citi card no issues. Will try my Amex again in a week. I'm hopeful this will not be a permanent thing. I'm planning Diamond through spend (GW was going to be great for that until it went away).
Jun 16, 2013, 1:48 am
#762
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 970
Jun 17, 2013, 8:52 pm
#763
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: IL
Posts: 270
CVS Ad
$10 extra bucks when purchasing at least $50 paypal reload. Limit 1 per household, which I assume they enforce based on extra bucks #. And as it has been said, those aren't redeemable for gift cards. I believe paypal reloads can go elsewhere than paypal (I get the prepaid cards confused) but at any rate no interest for me but worth passing along to someone with a good resale scheme with a lot of cvs's in town.
Jun 17, 2013, 9:29 pm
#764
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: MCO
Programs: AA 1MM, BA, UA, HH Dia, CC Gold, SPG Plat
Posts: 795
Related data point (don't feel the need to start new thread): Nor should you have.
Tried buying beans at my local CVS where I've never had a problem (other than the occasional new cashier) with my Amex Hilton. Transaction didn't go through. Tried with a Citi card no issues. Will try my Amex again in a week.If you try again in a week it'll still be declined. It's 99% an issue with your card and you need to call to get it cleared.
Tried buying beans at my local CVS where I've never had a problem (other than the occasional new cashier) with my Amex Hilton. Transaction didn't go through. Tried with a Citi card no issues. Will try my Amex again in a week.If you try again in a week it'll still be declined. It's 99% an issue with your card and you need to call to get it cleared.
Jun 18, 2013, 3:35 pm
#765
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
I suppose a google search will still land folks here anyway.
Last edited by TheDapperDon; Jun 18, 2013 at 3:37 pm Reason: Removed snarky comment
