Vanilla Reloads!
#46
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,493
CVS across the street from me was chock full of VRs, probably 50+. Tried to buy one and the cashier said it was cash only.
Is that hard coded into the system for a store or just a policy clerks are told about? Imagining I might get a different response if I try back by the pharmacy or throw in some extra stuff. Didn't see any signs listing any policies about VRs.
Is that hard coded into the system for a store or just a policy clerks are told about? Imagining I might get a different response if I try back by the pharmacy or throw in some extra stuff. Didn't see any signs listing any policies about VRs.
#47
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Platinum
Posts: 129
Try another CVS. The whole CVS cash only thing is a store by store decision. Sometimes seeing a lot of VR's means its not a good sign. I mean if there are like 20 or so left then that makes sense but having 50+ VRs means one of two things. Either the CVS manager limits ppl to $1K per day or cash only.
"Acceptance of cash or credit card only for prepaid card purchases and acceptance of cash only for Prepaid Debit Card [sic] product purchases."
Anyone else see this or know a way around? Is this a new trend?
#48
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,493
Hmm, went to another CVS and got the same thing, saw an official disclaimer saying they wouldn't sell prepaid on credit card. The disclaimer was actually printed as part of the whole gift card kiosk, so it's not like a store manager put it up on a whim. Went back to the first cvs and it also had the same printed disclaimer:
"Acceptance of cash or credit card only for prepaid card purchases and acceptance of cash only for Prepaid Debit Card [sic] product purchases."
Anyone else see this or know a way around? Is this a new trend?
"Acceptance of cash or credit card only for prepaid card purchases and acceptance of cash only for Prepaid Debit Card [sic] product purchases."
Anyone else see this or know a way around? Is this a new trend?
Unfortunately if the sign says what you posted, then it is clear as day that there is no exceptions to accepting CC on VRs or any prepaid purchases. Its going to suck but the only thing I can suggest ot make sure you check all possible CVS stores around you. Its probably going to be inconvenient but if you can find a CVS that still honors that but you have to drive a bit further, it is worth it. The alternative could be that in your place of work in another part of town has CVS stores, then you can try checking it out there.
#49
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LA, CA
Programs: AA EXP, exSPG, Marriott TE
Posts: 26
Had some bizarre experiences after visiting 5 different CVS stores today.
Store 1: I purchased $4.5k yesterday in one txn with manager there. Same manager today but he went nuts. He said I had to buy one $500 at a time up to $2k. But he allowed me to buy $2k PayPal cards in one txn w/ID. Of course my AA Citi card got fraud alert during this drama. Manager said this wasn't right, he understands i want my cc "points" but then started pulling all the VR/PayPal cards off the rack. He said he got a memo yesterday about limiting the cards but wouldn't divulge any more info.
Store 2: Line too long, only had PayPal cards.
Store 3: Had VR and PP cards. Friend used CC a few days ago. Spoke to manager and he said the only card I could use cc for was MyVanilla. He wouldn't show me any official documentation on the cash limitation. He said the vendor has dictated cash only.
Store 4: Had VR. Manager said he fired an employee last week for selling VR with cc. Told me they've never sold them with cc and my experience must have been with the employee he fired.
Store 5: Got the final $1.5k I needed for the $10k min. spend, no issues. Manager was nice, told me it was no problem. Just asked for ID and rang up $1.5k in one txn.
YMMV. What gets me is the excuses these store managers use.. like they NEVER EVER allowed cc at that location...but before I've used cc and my friends have used cc there.
Store 1: I purchased $4.5k yesterday in one txn with manager there. Same manager today but he went nuts. He said I had to buy one $500 at a time up to $2k. But he allowed me to buy $2k PayPal cards in one txn w/ID. Of course my AA Citi card got fraud alert during this drama. Manager said this wasn't right, he understands i want my cc "points" but then started pulling all the VR/PayPal cards off the rack. He said he got a memo yesterday about limiting the cards but wouldn't divulge any more info.
Store 2: Line too long, only had PayPal cards.
Store 3: Had VR and PP cards. Friend used CC a few days ago. Spoke to manager and he said the only card I could use cc for was MyVanilla. He wouldn't show me any official documentation on the cash limitation. He said the vendor has dictated cash only.
Store 4: Had VR. Manager said he fired an employee last week for selling VR with cc. Told me they've never sold them with cc and my experience must have been with the employee he fired.
Store 5: Got the final $1.5k I needed for the $10k min. spend, no issues. Manager was nice, told me it was no problem. Just asked for ID and rang up $1.5k in one txn.
YMMV. What gets me is the excuses these store managers use.. like they NEVER EVER allowed cc at that location...but before I've used cc and my friends have used cc there.
#51
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: LA, CA
Programs: AA EXP, exSPG, Marriott TE
Posts: 26
#52
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 22
There's a CVS just north of LAX on Sepulveda that tends to have them in stock and CC purchases are ok. But they are out and have been for a while. No explanation.
LA is dry as a bone at the moment, except at the (many) places where they don't sell them on CC. Hopefully this is not a trend that portends a policy shift...
LA is dry as a bone at the moment, except at the (many) places where they don't sell them on CC. Hopefully this is not a trend that portends a policy shift...
#53
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: Delta PM | US PP | Hilton Gold
Posts: 288
There's a CVS just north of LAX on Sepulveda that tends to have them in stock and CC purchases are ok. But they are out and have been for a while. No explanation.
LA is dry as a bone at the moment, except at the (many) places where they don't sell them on CC. Hopefully this is not a trend that portends a policy shift...
LA is dry as a bone at the moment, except at the (many) places where they don't sell them on CC. Hopefully this is not a trend that portends a policy shift...
#54
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,493
Had some bizarre experiences after visiting 5 different CVS stores today.
Store 1: I purchased $4.5k yesterday in one txn with manager there. Same manager today but he went nuts. He said I had to buy one $500 at a time up to $2k. But he allowed me to buy $2k PayPal cards in one txn w/ID. Of course my AA Citi card got fraud alert during this drama. Manager said this wasn't right, he understands i want my cc "points" but then started pulling all the VR/PayPal cards off the rack. He said he got a memo yesterday about limiting the cards but wouldn't divulge any more info.
Store 2: Line too long, only had PayPal cards.
Store 3: Had VR and PP cards. Friend used CC a few days ago. Spoke to manager and he said the only card I could use cc for was MyVanilla. He wouldn't show me any official documentation on the cash limitation. He said the vendor has dictated cash only.
Store 4: Had VR. Manager said he fired an employee last week for selling VR with cc. Told me they've never sold them with cc and my experience must have been with the employee he fired.
Store 5: Got the final $1.5k I needed for the $10k min. spend, no issues. Manager was nice, told me it was no problem. Just asked for ID and rang up $1.5k in one txn.
YMMV. What gets me is the excuses these store managers use.. like they NEVER EVER allowed cc at that location...but before I've used cc and my friends have used cc there.
Store 1: I purchased $4.5k yesterday in one txn with manager there. Same manager today but he went nuts. He said I had to buy one $500 at a time up to $2k. But he allowed me to buy $2k PayPal cards in one txn w/ID. Of course my AA Citi card got fraud alert during this drama. Manager said this wasn't right, he understands i want my cc "points" but then started pulling all the VR/PayPal cards off the rack. He said he got a memo yesterday about limiting the cards but wouldn't divulge any more info.
Store 2: Line too long, only had PayPal cards.
Store 3: Had VR and PP cards. Friend used CC a few days ago. Spoke to manager and he said the only card I could use cc for was MyVanilla. He wouldn't show me any official documentation on the cash limitation. He said the vendor has dictated cash only.
Store 4: Had VR. Manager said he fired an employee last week for selling VR with cc. Told me they've never sold them with cc and my experience must have been with the employee he fired.
Store 5: Got the final $1.5k I needed for the $10k min. spend, no issues. Manager was nice, told me it was no problem. Just asked for ID and rang up $1.5k in one txn.
YMMV. What gets me is the excuses these store managers use.. like they NEVER EVER allowed cc at that location...but before I've used cc and my friends have used cc there.
The manager from store 1 seems to be a bit over the top. My god..just tell the customer its cash only and move on. Why go beserk and rip all the VRs and PP cards off the shelf like a barbarian.
#55
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: HH Gold (again), US/UA/DL non-elite, ZE Presidents Circle, WN reluctant no fee convert.
Posts: 1,449
Hmm, went to another CVS and got the same thing, saw an official disclaimer saying they wouldn't sell prepaid on credit card. The disclaimer was actually printed as part of the whole gift card kiosk, so it's not like a store manager put it up on a whim. Went back to the first cvs and it also had the same printed disclaimer:
"Acceptance of cash or credit card only for prepaid card purchases and acceptance of cash only for Prepaid Debit Card [sic] product purchases."
Anyone else see this or know a way around? Is this a new trend?
"Acceptance of cash or credit card only for prepaid card purchases and acceptance of cash only for Prepaid Debit Card [sic] product purchases."
Anyone else see this or know a way around? Is this a new trend?
First one, no CC allowed for VR. This is a unique store with a very strict manager. Not too surprised and I retreated.
Later, had contention with my DS and decided to go for ride to separate for awhile and thought I would check another store. At first, and I don't know why, but was turned down initially by the register. The young male cashier offered to try it again and the CC payment was accepted. For CVS this dude was really exceptional in his public interaction and willingness to serve. AND, I am not saying that just because of the VR. He was pleasant and willing. I don't see that much at CVS. Anyway....finally, success.
Last edited by jan_believes; Feb 7, 2014 at 12:00 am
#56
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: HH Gold (again), US/UA/DL non-elite, ZE Presidents Circle, WN reluctant no fee convert.
Posts: 1,449
#57
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 486
Wait, they say cash or credit for prepaid cards but cash only for prepaid debit? What prepaid cards are they saying are OK with credit - things like phone cards? And reload cards aren't in that list, so if you can find a receptive cashier it might be worth making the argument that any payment method is permitted for VR.
#59
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Platinum
Posts: 129
Wait, they say cash or credit for prepaid cards but cash only for prepaid debit? What prepaid cards are they saying are OK with credit - things like phone cards? And reload cards aren't in that list, so if you can find a receptive cashier it might be worth making the argument that any payment method is permitted for VR.
I think they intend "prepaid cards" to mean traditional gift cards that function at only one location- Applebees, Amazon, etc, and not a cash equivalent card that can do cash advances or swiped for purchases almost anywhere. But good call on the VR, as it's technically not a debit card and the cards themselves say "Load $20-$500 to your prepaid card or online account".
Whether or not I can convince a cashier is one thing, whether or not they need to or can override the system is another. I think I'll try it tomorrow.
#60
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 466
I think they intend "prepaid cards" to mean traditional gift cards that function at only one location- Applebees, Amazon, etc, and not a cash equivalent card that can do cash advances or swiped for purchases almost anywhere. But good call on the VR, as it's technically not a debit card and the cards themselves say "Load $20-$500 to your prepaid card or online account".
Whether or not I can convince a cashier is one thing, whether or not they need to or can override the system is another. I think I'll try it tomorrow.
Whether or not I can convince a cashier is one thing, whether or not they need to or can override the system is another. I think I'll try it tomorrow.