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 9, 2014, 12:27 am
#9678
Suspended
Join Date: May 2012
Location: ORD
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Jun 9, 2014, 3:20 am
#9679
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
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I've found that some stores automatically ask for ID when I show them the OV cards (or a card), regardless if the computer prompts them to or not. So with that, I assume that those employees don't know that the ID limit >$999. If they are scanning it when you only purchase $500, that is another issue.
Jun 9, 2014, 3:22 am
#9680
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,463
Tried to liquidate 8 AMEX gift cards into two OV cards today at CVS, and found out that there is a maximum limit of 7 swipes per transaction. Beyond that, the system does not even allow cash to cover the remaining balance. The manager came and informed me no gift card allowed to buy OV and void the whole transaction. I remember there was info for number of swaps per transaction in the old wiki page. This is useful information. Now I have to wait for AMEX to release the hold.
Jun 9, 2014, 5:33 am
#9681
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 91
Let's be realistic. How many people including MS veterans read 10,000 posts in this thread several times? Even search failed because of too many bogus hits. There is a reason why we have a wiki page.
Last edited by romeogg; Jun 9, 2014 at 5:45 am
Jun 9, 2014, 5:45 am
#9682
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 91
My original post was a data point and a request for wiki enhancement (as I did not have permission to edit the wiki). I did not ask a question and hence not looking for an answer.
Jun 9, 2014, 5:58 am
#9683
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Land of the parrots and parrotheads
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Posts: 4,820
Jun 9, 2014, 6:26 am
#9684
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 77
I have gotten that response too in some stores, and been able to use them in other stores the same day. At least for the moment seems to be variable. And I always try to slip it by without them seeing the card by just swiping and saying "the last 4 on this one are..." Sometimes it works, sometimes they still ask to see it.
Jun 9, 2014, 6:35 am
#9685
Join Date: Nov 2013
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Posts: 192
Jun 9, 2014, 10:17 am
#9686
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 415
ID check system down right now for the past hour in NY. Need to get my MS done before lunch is over!
Jun 9, 2014, 10:24 am
#9687
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: UR, MR, United, SPG
Posts: 78
Also, I'm down in NC.
Last edited by SumGai88; Jun 9, 2014 at 12:20 pm
Jun 9, 2014, 10:26 am
#9688
Join Date: Oct 2012
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Jun 9, 2014, 10:31 am
#9689
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Posts: 4,375
I went to my local CVS yesterday for the first time to purchase OV with my Amex GC after using WG and RA recently. The CVS cashier made me split the transaction for two OV and the card machine made me hand her the card! A little awkward because as we know, the Amex GC has "Gift Card" in big letters. She didn't give me any issues, but was nothing like WG or RA where I just swipe and go.
Jun 9, 2014, 11:31 am
#9690
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: 25 million points to burn!
Posts: 1,522
Ah I assume that's why I was only able to purchase 1 OVGC this morning (around 9:45 ET). After scanning the first card cashier tried to scan my ID and she said a "Transaction not valid" message popped up on her screen. Was able to purchase the first OVGC which did not required ID scan.
Also, I'm down in NC.
Also, I'm down in NC.