Feb 3, 2017, 9:45 am
Last edit by: RedSun
This is the thread for 2017 onward. The previous discussion can be found here.
UPDATED Oct-2018: A lot of CVS store take CCs for GC purchases. Some stores check CCs and scan driver's license (with hand scanner). The best GCs are OVVGC and VVGC. The only differences are card designs. The current fee is $5.95 for $25 - $500 variable loading. If prompted for PIN, enter the last 4 digits.
Look for mobile shipping portal with CVS bonus. Certain CCs have category bonus.
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.
Transaction limits since October 20, 2014:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $ 2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period. (Some are reporting limit of $1000 per 24 hrs as of 2/2018)?
Limit of 10 cards per 24 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.
System error after giving them license If you keep getting this error, there could be a problem with the magnetic strip on your license. Have them use the wand to scan it instead.
UPDATED Oct-2018: A lot of CVS store take CCs for GC purchases. Some stores check CCs and scan driver's license (with hand scanner). The best GCs are OVVGC and VVGC. The only differences are card designs. The current fee is $5.95 for $25 - $500 variable loading. If prompted for PIN, enter the last 4 digits.
Look for mobile shipping portal with CVS bonus. Certain CCs have category bonus.
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.
Transaction limits since October 20, 2014:
Transactions with $300 or more of card face value require ID.
Limit $ 2000 of card face value per 24 hour rolling period. (Some are reporting limit of $1000 per 24 hrs as of 2/2018)?
Limit of 10 cards per 24 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.
System error after giving them license If you keep getting this error, there could be a problem with the magnetic strip on your license. Have them use the wand to scan it instead.
CVS Master Thread(2017 onwards)
Apr 13, 2017, 11:16 am
#226
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,064
I am new to this but tried 3 seperate CVS in the SLC, Utah area with no luck. Brought up the Vanilla VGC by bancorp to the desk and all 3 said it wouldn't be a probably paying with a credit card. Scanned my ID, asked how much I wanted on the cards, told them $500 and then tried to run the order but it wouldn't work. They told me on their screen that cash was required for these. They tried to override it with no luck. Called the manager over at each place and they told me they couldn't override it. Just my experience.
Apr 13, 2017, 12:58 pm
#227
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 7
I am not positive exactly what the message said but I did get a fraud alert from Chase. They called me the next day and reviewed a bunch of my purchases asking if that was me. Can I tell Chase to allow me to buy those or is there some other workaround?
Apr 13, 2017, 3:51 pm
#228
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,064
In your case, the card issuer flagged the purchase, causing the transaction to fail. The cashiers misinterpreted the message as being the cards were cash only purchases because I think it says something like "alternate tender required".
Jun 22, 2017, 9:38 am
#233
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 253
Anyway, I moved on to another store and have never had an issue.
Jun 22, 2017, 1:37 pm
#234
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 584
I did go to a new store, and I got the error "system issue unable to process transaction". This was right after she swiped my drivers license. I got this same error a week ago, but a couple days later I was able to make a purchase.
Has this happened to anybody else? Is this truly a system problem, or am I blacklisted in some sense?
As far as why, the shift manager said that her manager told her not to sell to me anymore because I've been making purchases with different cards. I think the problems started back when I used "debit" for the cashback5% card several months ago. Then I had to switch credit cards last week because a card was declined. I should have asked to speak with the manager, but I was completely caught off guard.
Has this happened to anybody else? Is this truly a system problem, or am I blacklisted in some sense?
As far as why, the shift manager said that her manager told her not to sell to me anymore because I've been making purchases with different cards. I think the problems started back when I used "debit" for the cashback5% card several months ago. Then I had to switch credit cards last week because a card was declined. I should have asked to speak with the manager, but I was completely caught off guard.
Jun 22, 2017, 2:22 pm
#235
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 506
I did go to a new store, and I got the error "system issue unable to process transaction". This was right after she swiped my drivers license. I got this same error a week ago, but a couple days later I was able to make a purchase.
Has this happened to anybody else? Is this truly a system problem, or am I blacklisted in some sense?
As far as why, the shift manager said that her manager told her not to sell to me anymore because I've been making purchases with different cards. I think the problems started back when I used "debit" for the cashback5% card several months ago. Then I had to switch credit cards last week because a card was declined. I should have asked to speak with the manager, but I was completely caught off guard.
Has this happened to anybody else? Is this truly a system problem, or am I blacklisted in some sense?
As far as why, the shift manager said that her manager told her not to sell to me anymore because I've been making purchases with different cards. I think the problems started back when I used "debit" for the cashback5% card several months ago. Then I had to switch credit cards last week because a card was declined. I should have asked to speak with the manager, but I was completely caught off guard.
Jun 22, 2017, 4:05 pm
#236
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: SoCal
Programs: IHG RA, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Delta Silver
Posts: 100
Bought an OV VGC in SoCal today. Everything was fine until I checked the balance in the parking lot... Got an error and it said to call support. I drove to the PO hoping it just needed more time to update, but no dice. Still getting the error so I call OV: card isn't active, and now I wait for the ticket process. I just hope this gets resolved ASAP.
Jun 22, 2017, 5:11 pm
#237
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 60
Bought an OV VGC in SoCal today. Everything was fine until I checked the balance in the parking lot... Got an error and it said to call support. I drove to the PO hoping it just needed more time to update, but no dice. Still getting the error so I call OV: card isn't active, and now I wait for the ticket process. I just hope this gets resolved ASAP.
Jun 22, 2017, 9:42 pm
#238
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,064
Bought an OV VGC in SoCal today. Everything was fine until I checked the balance in the parking lot... Got an error and it said to call support. I drove to the PO hoping it just needed more time to update, but no dice. Still getting the error so I call OV: card isn't active, and now I wait for the ticket process. I just hope this gets resolved ASAP.
Jun 23, 2017, 12:15 pm
#239
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: SoCal
Programs: IHG RA, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Delta Silver
Posts: 100
They (S/N) didn't match. I called yesterday as soon as I got the error and this morning had an email saying a replacement was being shipped.
Last edited by dmac1418; Jun 23, 2017 at 12:16 pm Reason: Clarification
Jun 23, 2017, 2:38 pm
#240
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 584
Don't know what's going on with CVS. Went back to the one I was at yesterday with a new cashier, and after trying twice, she got the same system error. Then I tried another one and based on her reaction I'm pretty sure it was the same error. She tried it once more, and it went through.
I don't know if these are employees doing the process in the wrong order or what?
I don't know if these are employees doing the process in the wrong order or what?