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)
Jun 23, 2017, 3:25 pm
#241
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 208
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?
Jun 23, 2017, 7:53 pm
#243
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,516
Jun 23, 2017, 11:59 pm
#244
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: SJC
Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
Posts: 6,068
I'm glad you were able to get it sorted out. A similar thing happened up this way awhile ago. In that case, rather than shipping a new card InComm activated the one inside the package. I'd be a little more vigilant down at locations in the LA area as there have been some problems in the past. (There are a few dedicated threads on this topic.) I haven't read any recent cases, but there were a number of stories a few years ago.
Jun 24, 2017, 1:43 am
#245
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: SoCal
Programs: IHG RA, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, Delta Silver
Posts: 100
I'm glad you were able to get it sorted out. A similar thing happened up this way awhile ago. In that case, rather than shipping a new card InComm activated the one inside the package. I'd be a little more vigilant down at locations in the LA area as there have been some problems in the past. (There are a few dedicated threads on this topic.) I haven't read any recent cases, but there were a number of stories a few years ago.
Jun 27, 2017, 8:34 am
#247
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: United Gold, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 207
I did $500 in MS (Vanilla/USPS) yesterday to test the waters, and did an additional $1k today to nearly max out CF 5% category. Wanted to say thanks for all the advice in this post, I was super nervous about it for no reason, but it ended up being super easy.
Aug 7, 2017, 3:09 pm
#249
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
Aug 7, 2017, 3:15 pm
#250
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 9
Thanks. A follow up to that, does it matter if I get MyVanilla or OneVanilla card for that? Also, after I buy the card, do I need to set it up as a debit card (and assign a pin), or will it come with a default pin?
Sorry for the naive questions, just trying to make sure I am doing it right.
Sorry for the naive questions, just trying to make sure I am doing it right.
Aug 7, 2017, 3:51 pm
#251
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SAN
Programs: Delta Gold. Hilton Diamond. Hyatt Explorist.
Posts: 1,677
Thanks. A follow up to that, does it matter if I get MyVanilla or OneVanilla card for that? Also, after I buy the card, do I need to set it up as a debit card (and assign a pin), or will it come with a default pin?
Sorry for the naive questions, just trying to make sure I am doing it right.
Sorry for the naive questions, just trying to make sure I am doing it right.
Aug 7, 2017, 3:54 pm
#252
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 9
Oh, so you set it up when you swipe the card for the first time, then? Instead of doing it online/on phone before using the card for the first time? Thanks.
Aug 7, 2017, 6:12 pm
#253
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Land of the parrots and parrotheads
Programs: Several dozen
Posts: 4,820
It aint Meta - they don't work at USPS. Buy a Meta, Live to Regreta! 
Aug 7, 2017, 6:14 pm
#254
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
Read the terms on MVanill DEBIT package and you'll know why it's not the one to buy. Yes to OV! It is best for you to understand why instead of just following what others do; it is the best way to learn and find new routes to MS and/or fix issues, if any.
Aug 8, 2017, 7:40 pm
#255
Join Date: Jun 2011
Programs: AA
Posts: 35
Hm, tried to get an OVGC at CVS (LA area) today, not one I usually go to, and the cashier scanned the OVGC and told me that her system wouldn't allow her to sell it. Not sure what the exact error message was, but something like this item cannot be sold. Hadn't scanned my license or inserted my credit card at that point. Hopefully it's just a fluke!