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)
Dec 23, 2017, 7:38 am
#346
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
I have a problem. It seems the cashier gave me an empty visa card (she couldn't ring the card, so she took a new one and threw the old one into a trash. Now, I guess the "card in the trash" has $500, and the card I have - $0.00).
Is there a solution to this problem? Should I go to the store and talk to them?
Is there a solution to this problem? Should I go to the store and talk to them?
You may have to deal with the cashier who checked you out and hopefully, the manager will be able to fix it for you if Incomm refuses to activate your card with the discrepancy. If all else fail, you may have to dispute with your CC although you know there's adverse consequences for doing so.
Dec 23, 2017, 9:14 am
#347
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 30
I have a problem. It seems the cashier gave me an empty visa card (she couldn't ring the card, so she took a new one and threw the old one into a trash. Now, I guess the "card in the trash" has $500, and the card I have - $0.00).
Is there a solution to this problem? Should I go to the store and talk to them?
Is there a solution to this problem? Should I go to the store and talk to them?
Dec 23, 2017, 10:59 am
#348
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,516
This incident sounds very familiar. This happened to me 2 years ago when I bought 2 GCs at CVS. I called InCom and they were able to issue me 2 new cards with my name on them. You will need to take pictures of your receipt and your ID, and InCom will issue you a case number. Since you don't have the info from the package, InCom will still be able to search its database when you've purchased your card. It might take a week to resolve. Do it immediately.
When I was in the CVS later, I saw that cashier and told her about what she did. She just said "sorry" and offered nothing. I hope I don't need to come back to store and deal with them.
Feb 23, 2018, 8:04 am
#349
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 559
Is there any new restriction on purchasing # of cards, or the amount ? i was trying to purchase 1500 ( 3 ov) , 3rd card didnt get activated after the payment , it error-ed before printing the bill , and automatically issued a refund for the failed card ( 506).
This has happened 2 consecutive times.
This has happened 2 consecutive times.
Feb 23, 2018, 8:34 am
#350
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: DEN
Posts: 502
Is there any new restriction on purchasing # of cards, or the amount ? i was trying to purchase 1500 ( 3 ov) , 3rd card didnt get activated after the payment , it error-ed before printing the bill , and automatically issued a refund for the failed card ( 506).
This has happened 2 consecutive times.
This has happened 2 consecutive times.
Feb 23, 2018, 12:49 pm
#352
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EWR
Posts: 884
Is there any new restriction on purchasing # of cards, or the amount ? i was trying to purchase 1500 ( 3 ov) , 3rd card didnt get activated after the payment , it error-ed before printing the bill , and automatically issued a refund for the failed card ( 506).
This has happened 2 consecutive times.
This has happened 2 consecutive times.
Feb 23, 2018, 9:04 pm
#353
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 584
Is there any new restriction on purchasing # of cards, or the amount ? i was trying to purchase 1500 ( 3 ov) , 3rd card didnt get activated after the payment , it error-ed before printing the bill , and automatically issued a refund for the failed card ( 506).
This has happened 2 consecutive times.
This has happened 2 consecutive times.
Feb 24, 2018, 11:11 pm
#354
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 559
So now i think 1000$ per 24h is the new limit
Feb 25, 2018, 7:09 am
#355
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 584
The purchase has not posted yet, but the refund was for $1000, suggesting that you are right. I'm surprised that there are not more data points though... are we the only two people buying these at CVS still? I did not attempt to rebuy the other $1000 as the manager was suggesting, as I didn't want to trigger any fraud issues.
You got refund for 1000 $ ? or just 500$ ? 1 or 2 card error ed out ?
After i made the purchase for 1500 $ , and got the refund for 500 $ for 1 of the failed card , the manager asked me to try for another card , but after swiping my licence , it didnt even proceed.
So now i think 1000$ per 24h is the new limit
After i made the purchase for 1500 $ , and got the refund for 500 $ for 1 of the failed card , the manager asked me to try for another card , but after swiping my licence , it didnt even proceed.
So now i think 1000$ per 24h is the new limit
Feb 25, 2018, 9:59 am
#356
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 319
The purchase has not posted yet, but the refund was for $1000, suggesting that you are right. I'm surprised that there are not more data points though... are we the only two people buying these at CVS still? I did not attempt to rebuy the other $1000 as the manager was suggesting, as I didn't want to trigger any fraud issues.
Feb 25, 2018, 1:13 pm
#357
Join Date: Jul 2016
Location: NY
Posts: 523
Feb 25, 2018, 2:02 pm
#358
Join Date: Dec 2004
Programs: UA-1K, MM, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium
Posts: 4,432
Feb 25, 2018, 4:06 pm
#359
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Midwest U.S.A
Programs: Too many to list. Since the early 90's.
Posts: 1,407
Between higher fees as well as other varied limitations that many ms'rs are facing, including lost interest, there is a decline in demand. Some areas have seen steep declines in GC purchases. Also a contributor is that as the economy improves so does the buying and reselling of merchandise on auction sites as well as other online platforms. Some are gaining reward points that way.
Feb 27, 2018, 7:43 am
#360
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 559
The purchase has not posted yet, but the refund was for $1000, suggesting that you are right. I'm surprised that there are not more data points though... are we the only two people buying these at CVS still? I did not attempt to rebuy the other $1000 as the manager was suggesting, as I didn't want to trigger any fraud issues.