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 $2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period.
Limit of 10 cards per 24 hours.
Cashback posted in 48 hours.
Cash Register Freezing
Multiple reports that the CVS cash register will freeze and lock after scanning the ID when purchasing multiple prepaid cards. Then the register's computer needs to be restarted. Some report that "swiping" the ID instead of "scanning" will avoid the issue.
Limit of 7 tenders (swipes) per transaction. This is most commonly run into when using low-value AGCs. After seven, the transaction must be complete, no cash (or any other payment method) will be accepted to pay the balance.
CVS master thread(2013-2016)
Jul 7, 2014, 12:02 pm
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: JFK
Programs: *$ Gold :)
Posts: 1,061
I went to CVS this morning and bought 3500 of OVCs and the receipt now says "Prepaid Card Activation Will Occur Within 24 Hours". Called the # on the back and they are not activated immediately like usual. Definitely was not like this on Thurs when I bought some and those were immediately activated
One card is accessible via the site, another - not.
Ruined my morning operation
Jul 7, 2014, 1:02 pm
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 143
All of mine activated normally this afternoon. It was probably just intermittent incomm network issues earlier.
Jul 7, 2014, 1:11 pm
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 64
The only weird thing about it is the 3 that did not activate I checked online before 9:06 and the 4 that did activate I never bothered to call or check online. Probably just coincidence. Those 3 were also the last 3 scanned on the receipt.
I just don't want this to ruin my relationship with this CVS, because I can easily buy 5k worth without them flinching.
Jul 7, 2014, 1:20 pm
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Uranus
Posts: 333
So I purchased at 7:41AM, 4 of the 7 activated at 9:06AM and the other 3 have yet to activate. All purchased on the same receipt. I called INCOMM and they opened a ticket for me.
The only weird thing about it is the 3 that did not activate I checked online before 9:06 and the 4 that did activate I never bothered to call or check online. Probably just coincidence. Those 3 were also the last 3 scanned on the receipt.
I just don't want this to ruin my relationship with this CVS, because I can easily buy 5k worth without them flinching.
The only weird thing about it is the 3 that did not activate I checked online before 9:06 and the 4 that did activate I never bothered to call or check online. Probably just coincidence. Those 3 were also the last 3 scanned on the receipt.
I just don't want this to ruin my relationship with this CVS, because I can easily buy 5k worth without them flinching.
Jul 7, 2014, 1:22 pm
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 64
Jul 7, 2014, 1:26 pm
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Uranus
Posts: 333
There is no good reason. That's why you have an ounce of patience and wait a little before drawing attention to yourself buying $3,500 worth of gift cards that their target consumer would not ever dream of doing. [not to mention the attention that it casts on your cvs relationship]
Jul 7, 2014, 1:36 pm
Join Date: May 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: AA, UA, DL, NSA, CIA, MIB
Posts: 537
The "Uninformed"
I walked over to a local CVS at lunch to pick up 2 OVs and the guy behind the counter said 'Cash Only'. I asked if he was certain and he replied this is the store policy. I asked if we could just try and he said NO.
I didn't push it and walked out. Sadly if this is the case my lunch time walk will have to be in a different direction as that one had a purpose!
I hate leaving empty handed.
I didn't push it and walked out. Sadly if this is the case my lunch time walk will have to be in a different direction as that one had a purpose!
I hate leaving empty handed.
Jul 7, 2014, 1:42 pm
Join Date: May 2013
Location: RMS
Programs: DL Plat, UA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Credit Card Diamond
Posts: 8,826
I had 2 out of 4 activate immediately and the other 2 take about 12 hours. This was about 2 weeks ago. Several other people and I posted about it somewhere in this forum. AFAIK no one called, and it all worked out. I bought MOs successfully the next day.
Jul 7, 2014, 3:37 pm
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: JFK
Programs: *$ Gold :)
Posts: 1,061
Jul 7, 2014, 4:58 pm
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 299
CVS
Toxiccity is correct, the cardinal rule, never call!! Just wait. Why would anyone buy all these OV and then immediately run to cash out with MO/ATM. I always wait at least 3 days before doing anything with them... This hobby requires lots of patience. They have all activated in time.. Also just because 1 CVS states Cash Only... doesn't mean anything. Either go to another store, or show up at same store.. different time and the other clerk will probably do it. I speak from experience. It's probably just that particular manager/clerk wanting to give you hard time.
Jul 7, 2014, 5:11 pm
Join Date: May 2014
Location: SoCal
Posts: 2,164
Toxiccity is correct, the cardinal rule, never call!! Just wait. Why would anyone buy all these OV and then immediately run to cash out with MO/ATM. I always wait at least 3 days before doing anything with them... This hobby requires lots of patience. They have all activated in time.. Also just because 1 CVS states Cash Only... doesn't mean anything. Either go to another store, or show up at same store.. different time and the other clerk will probably do it. I speak from experience. It's probably just that particular manager/clerk wanting to give you hard time.
Jul 7, 2014, 5:25 pm
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 639
Toxiccity is correct, the cardinal rule, never call!! Just wait. Why would anyone buy all these OV and then immediately run to cash out with MO/ATM. I always wait at least 3 days before doing anything with them... This hobby requires lots of patience. They have all activated in time.. Also just because 1 CVS states Cash Only... doesn't mean anything. Either go to another store, or show up at same store.. different time and the other clerk will probably do it. I speak from experience. It's probably just that particular manager/clerk wanting to give you hard time.
Does quick cash out eliminate risk? Most of it I think. I am heading to Socal, home of the Hemet Henchman, so I will be even quicker to churn.
Jul 7, 2014, 5:36 pm
Join Date: May 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: AA, UA, DL, NSA, CIA, MIB
Posts: 537
The "Uninformed"
I'll give that store another shot, but wait a while.
I suspect they aren't happy with having to only sell OV's, I don't even buy a pack of gum.
Jul 7, 2014, 6:55 pm
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 64
Same here, I called to close out my ticket with INCOMM. I will show a little more patience if this ever happens again.
But I honestly think INCOMM could care less, if they cared what we were doing they could easily stop this by increasing fees which would cause CVS and all other stores to go Cash Only. But they have to be making some money or this wouldn't continue.
But I honestly think INCOMM could care less, if they cared what we were doing they could easily stop this by increasing fees which would cause CVS and all other stores to go Cash Only. But they have to be making some money or this wouldn't continue.
Jul 8, 2014, 9:14 am
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 10
There is too much fraud and potential for fraud imo to wait more than 3 minutes to dump these prepaid GC. I had one "disappear" early in the game, and swore off for awhile, but upon reentry I wouldn't count on getting your money back without paying a serious toll in stress and BS.
Does quick cash out eliminate risk? Most of it I think. I am heading to Socal, home of the Hemet Henchman, so I will be even quicker to churn.
Does quick cash out eliminate risk? Most of it I think. I am heading to Socal, home of the Hemet Henchman, so I will be even quicker to churn.