Here is an introduction to saving at CVS
Before you can start saving at CVS, you’ll need a CVS card. If you don’t have one, just ask at the register for a form to fill out and they’ll give you a card that same day when you turn the form in.
1) CVS has a program called “Extra Care Bucks” that will generate “paper cash” on the bottom of your receipt that you can use on your next purchase. Again, there are exclusions that do apply, such as the ECBs can’t be used on gift cards, postage stamps, etc. With the ECB program, you also earn a certain percentage of your purchase, currently 2% that you will receive quarterly.
2) Whenever you checkout, you’ll need to have them scan your CVS card to get the prices that are advertised and for the ECBs to print. (Remember, the ECBs are on the bottom of your receipt—so don’t throw it away!)
3) Like Walgreens, CVS has their own store coupons. These can be “stacked” with manufacturer’s coupons on the same item. Unlike Walgreens, though, you do not need as many items as you have coupons.
4) In some CVS stores, there is a machine where you can scan your card and extra coupons will print out. If you have one of these machines, make sure you always scan your card before shopping. You might receive a coupon for $$ off your purchase or on a better product that may alter your shopping “game plan.”
5) Each week/month, CVS puts out certain items that will produce the ECBs. Except for the general ECB exclusions, you can use these on anything and keep “rolling” deals, buying the same thing over and over. BUT you must always check the limits on deals in the ads. Some will not list a limit. Others will say limit 1. Some may even say limit of 5. Your CVS card will keep track of what you buy so there’s no sneaking in an extra item if you’ve reached your limit. At the bottom of your receipt, it will list what you’ve bought and if you’ve reached the limit for that deal. So keep track of your receipts.
6) The amount of your purchase must be higher than the value of your ECB. For example, if you have an ECB for $5, your purchase must be at least $5.01.
How Deals Will Look On Blogs for CVS
Buy 1 Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste, Rinse, or Oral B Floss at $2.99, Get $2 ECBs (Limit 1)
*Use $0.50/1 coupon from the 6/7 P&G insert
FINAL PRICE = $0.49 after coupon and ECBs
In the instance above, you’ll spend $2.49 plus tax out of pocket, if you have the coupon. After you checkout, an ECB for $2 will be on the bottom of your receipt that you can use on your next order. Now, since this is only a limit of 1, you cannot buy this deal again and have the ECBs print out.