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 25, 2013, 5:44 pm
#811
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: UA MPE, BA Blue, AA, IHG Plat Amb, Marriot Silver, HHonors Silver, National Exec, Avis First
Posts: 553
Jun 25, 2013, 7:01 pm
#813
Join Date: May 2005
Programs: UA Plat (1MM), AA Plat, HH Diamond, MR Plat, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat.
Posts: 655
Jun 25, 2013, 7:56 pm
#814
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: BDL
Programs: UA 1K, SPG gold, PC Plat, Delta GM, Amex Plat
Posts: 90
Jun 25, 2013, 8:03 pm
#815
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA, BA, CX, DL, EK, F9, GA, HA, IB, JL, KE, LH, MH, NH, OS, PG, QR, RJ, SA, TG, UA, VN, WN, ZH
Posts: 927
At my local WM I've noticed that the voice assist is on sometimes and off others, so obviously there is a way. I've never much worried about it. I know there is a headphone jack about halfway down from the screen with a volume knob, perhaps that is how you can turn it off.
Jun 25, 2013, 8:18 pm
#816
Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 150
At my local WM I've noticed that the voice assist is on sometimes and off others, so obviously there is a way. I've never much worried about it. I know there is a headphone jack about halfway down from the screen with a volume knob, perhaps that is how you can turn it off.
Or get the cheapest earbuds you can buy, cut off the actual earbuds (or use them as is if you like the computer's voice) so all you have is a 1-2 inch 3.mm jack, then insert that into the machine before doing your transactions. It's worked for me. The couple I've used have no volume control/knob..only a 3.mm input thing. It's really dumb that there's no way to turn off the audio on all these kiosks. I mean, what other ATMs out there announces, out loud, how much you're depositing so every one around you knows?
Jun 25, 2013, 9:22 pm
#817
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Avis Chairman
Posts: 1,286
I am constantly getting fraud alerts on my Citi CC when buying these. And then, for some reason, it takes a while for the automated system to kick in and realize there's a stop on my card, and then even after it's cleared up, card is still blocked for a while longer. It's getting VERY FRUSTRATING. Anyone else experiencing? I would call and talk to someone but with Citi's history of shutting down accounts, I obviously don't want a pair of eyeballs looking at the account. Hints? Suggestions?
Jun 26, 2013, 9:01 am
#818
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: IAD/DCA
Programs: Bunch of mid-tiers
Posts: 1,034
I am constantly getting fraud alerts on my Citi CC when buying these. And then, for some reason, it takes a while for the automated system to kick in and realize there's a stop on my card, and then even after it's cleared up, card is still blocked for a while longer. It's getting VERY FRUSTRATING. Anyone else experiencing? I would call and talk to someone but with Citi's history of shutting down accounts, I obviously don't want a pair of eyeballs looking at the account. Hints? Suggestions?
I find Citi really slow at a lot of stuff, so I can understand the waiting-to-clear frustration.
Jun 26, 2013, 11:20 am
#819
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,495
I've been regularly buying VRs at a NYC CVS for the past few weeks with my Amex without incident. Last week I tried to use a second Amex instead to meet some minimum spending on that card but got a message at the register that alternate payment was required. The cashier said the card wasn't accepted. I asked if I could use another credit card and the cashier said I was free to try. I used the original Amex and it then went through. I've used this second Amex on other purchases without incident, and I don't believe there to be any fraud alerts, so any idea on whether this is an issue with my card or something going on at CVS?
I plan to try this second Amex at a CVS outside Manhattan to see if maybe it works there...
I plan to try this second Amex at a CVS outside Manhattan to see if maybe it works there...
Jun 26, 2013, 12:08 pm
#820
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta GM, SPG Gold
Posts: 161
I've been regularly buying VRs at a NYC CVS for the past few weeks with my Amex without incident. Last week I tried to use a second Amex instead to meet some minimum spending on that card but got a message at the register that alternate payment was required. The cashier said the card wasn't accepted. I asked if I could use another credit card and the cashier said I was free to try. I used the original Amex and it then went through. I've used this second Amex on other purchases without incident, and I don't believe there to be any fraud alerts, so any idea on whether this is an issue with my card or something going on at CVS?
I plan to try this second Amex at a CVS outside Manhattan to see if maybe it works there...
I plan to try this second Amex at a CVS outside Manhattan to see if maybe it works there...
Jun 26, 2013, 1:26 pm
#821
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,495
SPG Amex worked, SPG Biz Amex did not work for me. Seems odd since the store is definitely allowing some Amex transactions for VRs and my SPG Biz Amex is working for other types of purchases.
Jun 26, 2013, 1:47 pm
#822
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Posts: 1,470
Nothing odd about it. I know this thread is 50+ pages long but it's been mentioned multiple times here that this happens. Swipe again and it may go through. If not then you triggered a fraud alert.
Jun 26, 2013, 6:24 pm
#823
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AA, SPG, United, BA Avios, US Airways
Posts: 12
No more cc for gc's?
In bay area one CVS store denied purchase of visa gcs using a cc.
Is this a one off?
Is this a one off?