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)
Apr 1, 2014, 11:57 am
#7651
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: 25 million points to burn!
Posts: 1,522
3 more beans, just like clockwork in the Midwest (not Chicago). Still think this is regional...
Apr 1, 2014, 12:00 pm
#7652
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,322
My store manager is an extremely sharp older Russian lady that was probably a surgeon back in the old country. She gave me a copy of the memo w/ product numbers, and said that the new policy starts April 2 in our area. She also said that the registers would be programmed to deny CC use, such her people really didn't have to be re-trained.
Good thing I had some VRs stashed behind the Bob Evans cards ...
Good thing I had some VRs stashed behind the Bob Evans cards ...
Apr 1, 2014, 12:03 pm
#7655
Join Date: Jul 2011
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, CC Gold, IHG Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 32
Still working in Suburban Charlotte, NC....Just got 5k more
Apr 1, 2014, 12:04 pm
#7656
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA 1MM Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 1,524
Gary from View from the Wing supposedly has a CVS employee who commented on his blog entry that he has the memo on his desk confirming 4/4 all stores will be cash only.
Apr 1, 2014, 12:04 pm
#7657
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 140
Does anyone know if this change impacts vanilla gift cards or mvd cards??
Apr 1, 2014, 12:07 pm
#7659
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: 25 million points to burn!
Posts: 1,522
So far VGCs are safe. Not one report on this thread about them going under too, which is great! My Wally World is right on the way home from my CVS. Even if it's not regional, as long as the VGCs stay the same, it's totally game on!
Apr 1, 2014, 12:09 pm
#7660
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Atlanta
Programs: Delta Diamond; HHonors Diamond
Posts: 655
Got $5K in VRs from my favorite Atlanta location today. The manager, who I know pretty well, knew nothing about any potential move to cash only.
Apr 1, 2014, 12:09 pm
#7661
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Andover, MA, 01810
Posts: 1,972
Boston MA: Bought some Vanilla variables ($20-$500, 4.95 fee) today with a credit card, as usual.
Apr 1, 2014, 12:09 pm
#7662
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,207
So you work in the industry to come up with this number? Also its 20 cents per transaction regardless of the amount? I don't buy that. Doesn't matter if debit card fees are much lower. That is still a fee. We know that CVS already does not pay the often misquoted 1.9 - 2.9% processing fees on CC but yet they opted to get rid of it anyway. It won't matter how low the fees are because due to the sheer volume of MSers buying the lion share of reloadable cards all over the US. Even if it was 0.20% to 0.40% for debit card it all adds up. If it was just that cheap regardless of transaction amount, then give me a reason why CVS wouldn't do it?
Apr 1, 2014, 12:13 pm
#7663
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: DFW/DAL
Programs: AA 1MM Gold, Marriott Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 1,524
Apr 1, 2014, 12:15 pm
#7664
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Houston
Programs: UA, SWA, AA, Marriott
Posts: 22
Denied in Houston at Westheimer @ Voss. Manager working the register said cash only on VRs. Also tried Westheimer @ Yorktown but no cards in stock.
Apr 1, 2014, 12:16 pm
#7665
Join Date: Apr 2012
Programs: 25 million points to burn!
Posts: 1,522
You see, that's outstanding news! With VGCs still in play, the game is still on big time. It's a dollar more, and a trip to WalMart. Still the best option out there for low hanging fruit, for sure.