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)
Aug 8, 2013, 10:36 pm
#1351
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
Hey all. I posted this in the prepaid thread, but seems apt to post here too...especially with concerns over store policy and worries from regulations and such.
I just finished writing up a relatively comprehensive post on FinCEN and what it means in terms of various store policies regarding GC purchase. If you are interested, take a look at it over on FWF.
These limits shouldn't trigger CTRs although a SAR may be appropriate (read my post for explanations). Although it seems silly to offer these options and then get all suspicious about them. I don't think the CC companies are smart enough to put a snare like this up, and I don't think the government is in collusion with CVS. Of course, tens of thousands a month may very well trigger suspicion from all sides. I wouldn't be paranoid...but I would still use judgement.
I just finished writing up a relatively comprehensive post on FinCEN and what it means in terms of various store policies regarding GC purchase. If you are interested, take a look at it over on FWF.
These limits shouldn't trigger CTRs although a SAR may be appropriate (read my post for explanations). Although it seems silly to offer these options and then get all suspicious about them. I don't think the CC companies are smart enough to put a snare like this up, and I don't think the government is in collusion with CVS. Of course, tens of thousands a month may very well trigger suspicion from all sides. I wouldn't be paranoid...but I would still use judgement.
Aug 8, 2013, 10:44 pm
#1352
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Airline nobody. Sad!
Posts: 26,062
.
Aug 9, 2013, 7:02 am
#1355
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Raiegh, NC
Posts: 300
I go to my local charlie vic sierra to buy 4 VRs at a time. When I do, I buy 2 on 1 CC and 2 on another.
Yesterday:
Bought 4 $500 beans (2 $1K transactions on different CCs). They scanned my DL.
Today:
Bought $500 and $498.50 on 1 CC; did the same on another. No DL scan.
Lesson - appears I need to keep the total VR load per transaction less than $1K to avoid DL scan.
Yesterday:
Bought 4 $500 beans (2 $1K transactions on different CCs). They scanned my DL.
Today:
Bought $500 and $498.50 on 1 CC; did the same on another. No DL scan.
Lesson - appears I need to keep the total VR load per transaction less than $1K to avoid DL scan.
Aug 9, 2013, 7:19 am
#1356
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 111
bought 2VRsX2 different credit cards, 2 trips, same store in ATL
Aug 9, 2013, 7:26 am
#1357
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORF
Programs: Amex Plat, AA, BA Silver, Marriott Plat, Choice Gold, HHonors Gold, IHG Diamond
Posts: 3,749
And remarkably so, given that all indications point to the willingness of CVS to continue to sell these items by credit card. In other words, this isn't the HIGC deal. By the way, notice how quickly that got shut down? Buying these cards at a 5X bonus at office supply stores? Although more slowly down, almost the same thing.
That hasn't happened here despite the evidence that quick shutdowns occur when things don't go the way companies intend. Then, why the paranoia? Well, if you've concocted schemes to buy more than $5K per month similar to those used in certain cities to insure that everyone, including the deceased, exercises their right to vote (or in this case, gets to fly internationally in a lie-flat seat), then you get a little worried when the spotlight starts shining near you.
That hasn't happened here despite the evidence that quick shutdowns occur when things don't go the way companies intend. Then, why the paranoia? Well, if you've concocted schemes to buy more than $5K per month similar to those used in certain cities to insure that everyone, including the deceased, exercises their right to vote (or in this case, gets to fly internationally in a lie-flat seat), then you get a little worried when the spotlight starts shining near you.
Aug 9, 2013, 8:53 am
#1358
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 939
I go to my local charlie vic sierra to buy 4 VRs at a time. When I do, I buy 2 on 1 CC and 2 on another.
Yesterday:
Bought 4 $500 beans (2 $1K transactions on different CCs). They scanned my DL.
Today:
Bought $500 and $498.50 on 1 CC; did the same on another. No DL scan.
Lesson - appears I need to keep the total VR load per transaction less than $1K to avoid DL scan.
Yesterday:
Bought 4 $500 beans (2 $1K transactions on different CCs). They scanned my DL.
Today:
Bought $500 and $498.50 on 1 CC; did the same on another. No DL scan.
Lesson - appears I need to keep the total VR load per transaction less than $1K to avoid DL scan.
I thinik when the 2nd VR card was scanned (before the amount was entered) the registered promoted for a DL scan.
I'll try again today...
Aug 9, 2013, 9:12 am
#1359
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 801
You are correct (in my experience). Demand for DL scan was with scan of second VR. Maybe try loading FIRST VR with $498 and see what happens?
Aug 9, 2013, 9:13 am
#1360
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: NYC
Posts: 415
Is it all possible CVS saw what we are doing, churners specifically, and decided they are OK with it? Then developed a policy to reign in excessive abuse (more than 5k a day) and also institute security measures (DL scans) to cover their butts on any legal/tax fronts. Is that possible? Otherwise this does feel like a sting operation. Are those the only two possibilities?
Aug 9, 2013, 9:33 am
#1361
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 657
I think if they wanted to shut it down they would, they are OK with us, this is just a security measure to ensure people are not buying with stolen credit cards.
Aug 9, 2013, 9:50 am
#1362
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
I'm buying 1k a transaction with 2 cards. I'm happy to cut down trips.
Aug 9, 2013, 9:53 am
#1363
Join Date: May 2000
Location: I see palm trees....
Posts: 414
Thank god I saved my fake ID from my college days.
Let's see them try to track down Carlos Danger.
Let's see them try to track down Carlos Danger.
Aug 9, 2013, 10:09 am
#1364
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 249
Is it all possible CVS saw what we are doing, churners specifically, and decided they are OK with it? Then developed a policy to reign in excessive abuse (more than 5k a day) and also institute security measures (DL scans) to cover their butts on any legal/tax fronts. Is that possible? Otherwise this does feel like a sting operation. Are those the only two possibilities?
Aug 9, 2013, 10:34 am
#1365
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: RDU
Programs: A few
Posts: 5,499
It has been fairly well established the CVS store is losing money on each VR CC transaction. Store managers have complained to people about P&L reports, etc. A sensible business decision would be to scan DL to mitigate risk but keep limit to $1k/day, as any legit prepaid user would not need more than that. But why would corporate sanction an increase to $5k/day, only multiplying store losses for the benefit of churners?) I am going to stay a bit paranoid until someone can explain the business case behind it...