11 ways to save money at CVS

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CVS makes it easy to save what you need.

Key Point

• CVS offers many ways to save on the products you want from our store.
• CVS is one of the few retailers that still allows coupon stacking.
• The CVS app is a convenient place to store your digital coupons, ExtraBucks and exclusive deals.

If you’re like my family, you spend a lot of time (and money) at CVS. But one thing I’ve never been crazy about CVS is its price. The store is having a great sale, but it seems my timing is off. My favorite brands never seem to be on sale when I need them.

That’s why I’m excited to learn how CVS encourages customers to save money. Here are 11 of my favorite money-saving techniques.

The CVS ExtraCare Card is part of our Loyalty Program. Absolutely free and you might be surprised at all the benefits it offers. One is that you get 2% back on most purchases. Refunds come in the form of ExtraBucks Rewards points that can be used on your next purchase. This card also offers great deals on sale prices.

2. CVS Carepass

About six months ago, I signed up for CVS CarePass, a paid membership plan. Why should I spend $5 a month (or $48 a year) paying for a plan when I already have an ExtraCare card? Because you get cash with free 2-day shipping, a 24/7 pharmacist helpline, free same day prescription delivery, and my favorite perk: a $10 monthly promotion. So far, we’ve used our perks in cash to cover the cost of our membership and help pay for the products we’ve purchased.

3. CVS Beauty Club

When you purchase cosmetics and beauty items from CVS, you can benefit from signing up for the Beauty Club. The program lets you get 10% off on ExtraBucks several times a year and a free beauty gift every month with a qualifying $30 purchase.

4. Receipt coupon

I thought the ridiculously long CVS receipts were comical. That is until you realize that there are tons of great coupons and offers at the bottom. Taking advantage of these coupons and offers is another way to save money.

5. Coupon Kiosk

Kiosks are the first thing you see when you walk into many CVS stores. Just enter a little information and the kiosk will spit out coupons that you can use immediately or on subsequent shopping trips. Coupons range from product discounts to completely free items.

6. Email

I hate spam, but CVS doesn’t send spam. When I get an email from CVS, it’s a personalized offer based on items I’ve purchased in the past. let me know about it.

7. Influenza vaccination

My husband and I stopped by our local CVS a few months ago for our annual flu shot. Amazingly, when the pharmacist finished helping us take care of our health, she handed each of us her $5 shopping pass.

8. Birthday Treat

Add your birthday to your account profile and receive $3 in ExtraBucks to spend on anything you need.

9. Pharmacy and Health Rewards

If you’ve signed up for the ExtraCare program, you’re also eligible for benefits through our pharmacy and health rewards programs. Here’s how it works: Get $5 in ExtraBucks for every 10 prescriptions. You can only earn up to $50 in credits per year, but you can use them to purchase anything in the store.

10. Rain check

Let’s say you browse through a weekly magazine and find the item you need on sale. If the store is out of stock, ask an employee to write a rain check for you.

11. Coupon stacking

Did you know that CVS lets you stack ExtraBucks, Store Coupons, and Maker Coupons? I didn’t realize that little shopping gem until recently.

If you want to take advantage of CVS discounts, download the CVS app and connect your ExtraCare card to simplify your life. Even better, you can use this app to store ExtraBucks, digital coupons, and CVS exclusive deals.

Personally, I’ve found that traveling to CVS is more enjoyable when you know you’re saving money. After all, for my family, that means more money in our bank accounts.