If you are new to couponing at CVS it can be a little confusing. This is a guide to help you learn the ropes and send you on your way to big savings at CVS.
How to get start
The first thing you need to do is get a CVS card. You can sign up for one in-store and start using it immediately or you can apply for a card online.
First, get a CVS card. You can get one in the store immediately or you can apply for a card online.
It’s important that you always give the cashier your CVS card before checking out. You must use your card to receive Extra Care Bucks and get the deals that are available. Nearly every week there are items that are free after Extra Care Bucks, or ECBs. ECBs print out at the bottom of your receipt and can be used like cash on future purchases.
EXAMPLE: If the ad features Colgate Toothpaste for $2.99 with $2.99 Extra Care Bucks, you would pay $2.99 for it up front but a ECB for the same amount would print on your receipt. In future weeks you’ll be using your ECBs for your free after ECB purchases and rolling them so you’ll pay nothing out of pocket.
How to Make Money From ECBs
When you pair free after ECB items with a coupon you’ll earn the extra amount back in ECBs.
EXAMPLE: If Colgate Toothpaste is $2.99 with $2.99 Extra Care Bucks back and you use a $1 off Colgate coupon you’ll only “pay” $1.99 for the toothpaste but still earn the $2.99 ECB. Use this method to accumulate extra ECBs without paying anything more out of pocket. This is called a money maker, when you receive more ECBS than what you paid out of pocket using cash or ECBs.
Monthly and Weekly Deals
Weekly deals are shown in the Sunday papers. Monthly deals are found in theECB book at the front of the store. These deals often have a limit to the number of times you can purchase these items and receive ECBs. Limits will be noted in the ad.
Stacking Coupons
CVS store coupons sometimes print at the bottom of your recieipt with your ECBs. You can stack store coupons with manufacturer coupons. To maximize your savings even further, try to wait until the items are on sale and use both coupons.
EXAMPLE: You have a $2 off Huggies diapers store coupon and a $2 off Huggies manufacturer coupon. You can use BOTH coupons on your purchase. If Huggies are on sale for $7.99 and you stack your store and manufacturer coupons you get diapers for only $3.99.
Sometimes, you will also find $3/$15 (3 dollars off 15 dollar purchase coupons) or $4/$20 coupons that you can stack with your store and manufacturer coupons. Make sure to check your email as these type of coupons are sometimes sent to you that way.
Order to Use Your Coupons
1. Use any $3/$15 or $4/$20 coupons first
2. store coupons
3. manufacturer coupons
4. ECBs
You won’t get change on your ECB’s so make sure you use the total amount.
EXAMPLE: If your total purchase is $10 and you use a $11 ECB to pay for it you will not get $1 back. Use a filler item such as a candy bar so you won’t lose your dollar.
Shopping at CVS and purchasing money makers is a great way to buy essential items for your household without paying anything for them. This will mean that you sometimes purchase items you don’t actually need. Donating these items to charity is a great way to do a good dead while benefitting your own family. Win-win!