Aug 2, 13, 7:51 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)
Jul 17, 13, 7:26 pm
#931
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 61
I found a gas station in my area that 1. Has VRs, 2. Accepts credit cards, and 3. Seemed to forget to charge the $3.95 load fee because they barely even knew how to work the register to load the VR. I sat there and loaded it to my BB on my phone because they were worried they hadn't done it correctly. I walked out kind of giggly at the experience.
Jul 17, 13, 7:50 pm
#932
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,133
I found a gas station in my area that 1. Has VRs, 2. Accepts credit cards, and 3. Seemed to forget to charge the $3.95 load fee because they barely even knew how to work the register to load the VR. I sat there and loaded it to my BB on my phone because they were worried they hadn't done it correctly. I walked out kind of giggly at the experience.
Jul 18, 13, 2:11 am
#933
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ORD
Programs: status free since 2017
Posts: 2,185
Had a new issue today @ CVS.
Walked in to a CVS store with 1K worth of beans and swiped by Citi AAdvantage cc. Transaction didn't go through... tried twice. Cashier said system displayed - "Submit Alternative Tender" message. I have purchased at this store before using chase/amex and no problems. Is Citi changing policies on spending?
Walked in to a CVS store with 1K worth of beans and swiped by Citi AAdvantage cc. Transaction didn't go through... tried twice. Cashier said system displayed - "Submit Alternative Tender" message. I have purchased at this store before using chase/amex and no problems. Is Citi changing policies on spending?
Jul 18, 13, 5:32 am
#934
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: USA
Posts: 1,179
Had a new issue today @ CVS.
Walked in to a CVS store with 1K worth of beans and swiped by Citi AAdvantage cc. Transaction didn't go through... tried twice. Cashier said system displayed - "Submit Alternative Tender" message. I have purchased at this store before using chase/amex and no problems. Is Citi changing policies on spending?
Walked in to a CVS store with 1K worth of beans and swiped by Citi AAdvantage cc. Transaction didn't go through... tried twice. Cashier said system displayed - "Submit Alternative Tender" message. I have purchased at this store before using chase/amex and no problems. Is Citi changing policies on spending?
Jul 18, 13, 10:04 am
#935
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Finally back in Boston after escaping from New York
Posts: 13,636
Mike
Jul 18, 13, 10:07 am
#936
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NE
Programs: UA PLAT, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 211
Had a new issue today @ CVS.
Walked in to a CVS store with 1K worth of beans and swiped by Citi AAdvantage cc. Transaction didn't go through... tried twice. Cashier said system displayed - "Submit Alternative Tender" message. I have purchased at this store before using chase/amex and no problems. Is Citi changing policies on spending?
Walked in to a CVS store with 1K worth of beans and swiped by Citi AAdvantage cc. Transaction didn't go through... tried twice. Cashier said system displayed - "Submit Alternative Tender" message. I have purchased at this store before using chase/amex and no problems. Is Citi changing policies on spending?
Jul 18, 13, 11:10 am
#937
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ORD
Programs: status free since 2017
Posts: 2,185
Additionally, fraud dept called me from Chase CSP as well. Since Citi didn't go through, I had used CSP buy the beans.
Funny... I am only generating these flags in Chicago. Never happened in DC and I bought lot more beans from RX over there.
Jul 18, 13, 11:23 am
#938
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,944
I've never had fraud alerts buying in my home area (Boston) but when tried to buy one VR in TX, Citi stopped the transaction (although they had allowed smaller Whole Foods transactions earlier in the day). So maybe Chicago is sufficiently foreign from DC to trigger their alerts.
Jul 18, 13, 11:49 am
#939
Join Date: May 2010
Location: NJ
Posts: 1,389
The algorithms for fraud detection are fairly tough to figure out. That's why I always bring my "alternative tender." And always from different accounts. If one Amex card gets denied, the rest of your cards on the same account will too.
Jul 18, 13, 12:03 pm
#940
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 1999
Posts: 24,154
Their fraud dept gave me a call today to verify the transactions but it didn't go through yesterday.
Additionally, fraud dept called me from Chase CSP as well. Since Citi didn't go through, I had used CSP buy the beans.
Funny... I am only generating these flags in Chicago. Never happened in DC and I bought lot more beans from RX over there.
Additionally, fraud dept called me from Chase CSP as well. Since Citi didn't go through, I had used CSP buy the beans.
Funny... I am only generating these flags in Chicago. Never happened in DC and I bought lot more beans from RX over there.
2- Ive gotten plenty of Holds even when down the.More so with a newly
issued CC then an old 1.
Jul 18, 13, 12:08 pm
#941
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOS/SIN
Programs: SQ
Posts: 2,703
It seems to be completely random. I've only gotten one fraud detection, and it was when I was using the Hyatt Visa to buy a VR after I hadn't used it much at all.
I then had to use the AMEX back-to-back after the Hyatt froze and no problem doing 2k in 2 minutes.
I then had to use the AMEX back-to-back after the Hyatt froze and no problem doing 2k in 2 minutes.
Jul 18, 13, 1:46 pm
#942
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, TK *Gold, HHonors Gold, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 570
I'm driving down to DC this weekend.. how is the beans situation down there?
Is it CVS' only or 7-11 worth a shot? Any recommendations on a good CVS to hit up a couple of times in downtown DC?
Would appreciate a PM if you don't want to post it on the forum. I will only be in town for two days, with no imminent plans to return so will not be competing with you at all!
Thanks in advance =)
Is it CVS' only or 7-11 worth a shot? Any recommendations on a good CVS to hit up a couple of times in downtown DC?
Would appreciate a PM if you don't want to post it on the forum. I will only be in town for two days, with no imminent plans to return so will not be competing with you at all!
Thanks in advance =)
Jul 18, 13, 6:54 pm
#943
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: IAD/DCA
Programs: Bunch of mid-tiers
Posts: 1,034
I'm driving down to DC this weekend.. how is the beans situation down there?
Is it CVS' only or 7-11 worth a shot? Any recommendations on a good CVS to hit up a couple of times in downtown DC?
Would appreciate a PM if you don't want to post it on the forum. I will only be in town for two days, with no imminent plans to return so will not be competing with you at all!
Thanks in advance =)
Is it CVS' only or 7-11 worth a shot? Any recommendations on a good CVS to hit up a couple of times in downtown DC?
Would appreciate a PM if you don't want to post it on the forum. I will only be in town for two days, with no imminent plans to return so will not be competing with you at all!
Thanks in advance =)
Jul 20, 13, 3:40 pm
#944
Join Date: May 2008
Location: BOS/SIN
Programs: SQ
Posts: 2,703
CVS in Alabama will sell me as many VRs as I want, but all the stores are insisting on 500 per transaction.
Jul 20, 13, 3:54 pm
#945
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 13
I went around to about 10 CVS stores in the Houston area the past 3 days. Only 1 had Vanilla Reloads in stock. I tried to buy at the register and they said cash only, not just for that but for the Visa gift cards as well. It's the first time I've ever been unable to buy.
