Shopping for household essentials, beauty products, and prescriptions can quickly add up. However, savvy shoppers know that using coupons and rewards programs can significantly lower the total at the register. CVS Pharmacy offers one of the most robust loyalty programs in the retail industry, providing multiple ways to save every time you visit. By understanding how to navigate their digital tools and in-store offers, you can keep more money in your pocket while still getting the brands you love.
Join the ExtraCare Rewards Program
The foundation of all savings at this pharmacy is the ExtraCare rewards program. This is a free loyalty program that allows you to earn rewards on nearly every purchase you make. Without an ExtraCare card, you will not be eligible for the sale prices listed in the weekly ad, so signing up is the essential first step.
How to Sign Up
You can sign up for an ExtraCare account in three easy ways. The fastest method is to download the mobile app and create an account digitally. You can also sign up on the official website or visit any store location and ask a cashier to help you register. Once you have an account, you will receive a unique member ID that you can link to your phone number for easy access at the checkout counter.
Earn 2% Back in ExtraBucks
One of the primary benefits of the program is earning 2% back on most purchases. These rewards are paid out in the form of ExtraBucks, which act like store credit. You can track your earnings through the app or on your printed receipts. These rewards are issued frequently, allowing you to apply them to future transactions to lower your bill.
Master the Mobile App
In the modern shopping environment, the mobile app is your most powerful tool for finding discounts. The app consolidates all available offers into one place, making it easy to browse and activate them before you even step into the store.
The Send to Card Feature
The “Send to Card” feature is a game-changer for couponing. Instead of cutting out paper slips, you can simply browse through hundreds of digital coupons in the app and tap the ones you want. These coupons are then digitally linked to your ExtraCare account. When you scan your card or enter your phone number at the register, the discounts are applied automatically to qualifying items.
App-Only Deals
The app often features exclusive deals that are not available in the printed weekly ad or through other channels. These might include high-value discounts on specific brands or bonus ExtraBucks for reaching a certain spending threshold. Checking the app once a week ensures you never miss these time-sensitive opportunities.
Navigate the Weekly Ad
The weekly ad is the roadmap for your shopping trip. It typically runs from Sunday to Saturday and highlights the best sales across all departments, including health, beauty, grocery, and household items.
Identify BOGO Offers
CVS is well-known for “Buy One, Get One” (BOGO) deals. These offers often include “Buy One, Get One Free” or “Buy One, Get One 50% Off.” When you combine these sales with manufacturer coupons, you can often acquire products for a fraction of their original price. Always look for the yellow tags on the shelves that indicate these active promotions.
Plan Your Trip Around Sales
Before you go shopping, take a few minutes to browse the digital version of the weekly ad. You can add items directly to a shopping list within the app. By planning your purchases around what is currently on sale, you avoid paying full price for items that might be discounted the following week.
Understand ExtraBucks Rewards
ExtraBucks are the currency of savings at this retailer. Unlike traditional coupons that provide a percentage off, ExtraBucks are specific dollar amounts that can be used on almost anything in the store.
Earning ExtraBucks Through Promotions
Many items in the weekly ad are tied to ExtraBucks promotions. For example, a deal might state, “Spend $20 on select skincare, get $5 ExtraBucks.” When you complete the required purchase, the $5 reward prints at the bottom of your receipt or appears in your app account. You can then use that $5 on your next transaction, effectively “rolling” your rewards to keep your out-of-pocket costs low.
Expiration Dates
It is important to keep an eye on the expiration dates of your ExtraBucks. Most earned rewards are valid for about four weeks. If you do not use them within that timeframe, they will expire and cannot be recovered. Setting a reminder in your phone or checking the app regularly can help you maximize these rewards.
Learn the Art of Coupon Stacking
The most effective way to save a significant amount of money is through a technique called coupon stacking. This involves using multiple types of discounts on a single item.
Combining Store and Manufacturer Coupons
According to the store’s policy, you can generally use one manufacturer coupon and one store coupon on the same item. For instance, if you have a $1.00 manufacturer coupon for a specific toothpaste and a $1.00 store coupon for any oral care product, you can use both to save $2.00 on that one item. If the item is also on sale, your total savings will be even higher.
Applying ExtraBucks to Your Total
After all manufacturer and store coupons have been applied, you can then use your ExtraBucks to pay for the remaining balance. This tiered approach is how many experienced shoppers manage to get products for nearly free. Just remember that coupons cannot exceed the price of the item; the store does not provide “cash back” if the coupon value is higher than the price.
Consider ExtraCare Plus
For frequent shoppers, the ExtraCare Plus program offers even deeper discounts for a small monthly or annual fee. This membership is designed to provide convenience and consistent savings.
Monthly Rewards
Members of ExtraCare Plus receive a $10 promotional reward every month. This reward is added directly to your ExtraCare account and can be used just like ExtraBucks. Since the monthly fee for the program is typically less than $10, the membership essentially pays for itself if you shop at the store at least once a month.
Free Shipping and Pharmacy Benefits
In addition to the monthly reward, members get free shipping on many online orders and free 1-to-2 day delivery on eligible prescriptions. You also get a 20% discount on all store-brand health-related products, which includes everything from vitamins to over-the-counter pain relief.
Use the In-Store Coupon Center
When you walk into a physical store, look for the red kiosk known as the Coupon Center. This machine is a valuable source of paper coupons that are often customized based on your shopping history.
Scanning Your Card
Simply scan your ExtraCare card or enter your phone number at the kiosk. The machine will print out a variety of coupons tailored to your needs. These might include “mystery offers” or high-value discounts on categories you shop in frequently, such as makeup or snacks.
Checking for Quarterly Rewards
The Coupon Center is also a great place to check for your quarterly ExtraBucks. Every three months, the 2% back you earned on your purchases is totaled up and issued as a reward. Printing these at the kiosk ensures you have a physical copy to hand to the cashier.
Earn Pharmacy and Health Rewards
You can even earn rewards for taking care of your health. By joining the ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards program, you earn credits for various pharmacy-related activities.
How to Earn Credits
You earn credits for every prescription you fill, as well as for getting vaccinations like the flu shot. Once you accumulate 10 credits, you receive a $5 ExtraBucks reward. This is an excellent way for families with recurring prescriptions to earn extra spending money throughout the year.
Privacy and Security
It is important to note that joining the pharmacy rewards program does not give the marketing department access to your sensitive medical records. The program simply tracks the number of prescriptions filled to calculate your rewards, maintaining your privacy while still providing financial benefits.
Conclusion
Saving money at your local pharmacy does not have to be a difficult task. By signing up for the ExtraCare program, utilizing the mobile app, and understanding how to stack coupons with weekly sales, you can drastically reduce your spending. Whether you are picking up daily essentials or managing long-term health needs, these strategies provide a clear path to significant savings. Start by downloading the app today and see which offers are waiting for you. For more tips on managing your household budget and finding the best deals, explore our other guides on smart shopping and financial wellness.