Does CVS Do Cash Back in 2024? Your Complete Guide
As one of the largest pharmacy chains in America, CVS sees millions of customers walk through its doors every day. Many shoppers visit CVS not only for prescriptions and everyday essentials, but also to conveniently get cash back on debit card purchases.
But do CVS‘s cash back policies still apply in 2024? Can customers continue to get money back quickly and easily without fees?
As a retail banking expert, I decided to research the latest on CVS‘s cash back program. Here is a detailed overview of everything you need to know about getting cash back when shopping at CVS this year.
Overview of Cash Back at CVS
Cash back programs allow customers to get cash from debit card purchases at many large retailers, including CVS, rather than having to visit an ATM. As of 2023, here are some quick facts about getting cash back at CVS pharmacy and convenience store locations across the United States:
- Cash back limit: Up to $35 per transaction
- Cost: Free
- Minimum purchase: None
- Payment methods: Debit cards only (except Discover)
CVS‘s standard cash back policies have not changed going into 2023. The perks of getting cash back on debit purchases remain the same – it‘s quick, easy, and avoids ATM fees.
Why CVS Shoppers Love the Cash Back Option
There are a few key reasons the cash back option at CVS is very popular among shoppers:
Convenience: Get cash instantly during a regular purchase instead of making a separate ATM trip.
Saves money: CVS doesn‘t charge any fees for cash back. ATM fees are typically $3-5 per transaction.
Fast access: Cash is available immediately at checkout rather than waiting 1-3 days for other withdrawal options.
Safety: Avoid having to visit an ATM late at night or in an unsafe area. Get cash along with regular CVS purchases.
No extra spending: Unlike ATMs, CVS doesn‘t require taking out any minimum amount for cash back. Take out only what you need.
CVS cash back provides great value for shoppers by seamlessly combining a purchase and cash withdrawal in one quick trip.
Cash Back Limits at CVS in 2024
One key cash back policy that has not changed at CVS for 2024 is the maximum amount per transaction:
- Cash back limit: $35 per transaction
This $35 limit applies to all cash back requests at CVS stores across the country. It has remained consistent for many years.
While some retailers allow up to $100 or more per transaction, CVS has stuck with a lower $35 ceiling. This may help CVS control costs and cash inventory risks associated with large cash back amounts.
If you need more than $35 in cash, there are two easy options:
Make multiple transactions. Simply complete your first transaction, then ring up another to get additional cash back up to $35.
Visit multiple stores. You can get $35 cash back at each separate CVS location.
As long as you stay within the per-transaction limit, there‘s no limit to the total cash back amount per day or week from CVS.
How Much Does Cash Back Cost at CVS?
One of the best parts of using cash back at CVS instead of an ATM is that it‘s completely free.
CVS does not charge any fees for requesting cash back from a debit card purchase. There is no minimum transaction size either.
You can get cash back whether you‘re:
- Buying a $1 pack of gum or a $100 grocery haul.
- Simply getting $5 back or the $35 max.
As long as you use a debit card (with the exception of Discover), there are zero fees involved.
This makes CVS cash back much cheaper than getting cash from an ATM. ATM fees are typically $3-5 per transaction, so getting cash back at CVS can add up to big savings.
How To Get Cash Back at CVS in 2024
Wondering about the step-by-step process to request cash back at CVS? Here is an overview:
Initiate a debit purchase – Have items to buy or load a small amount like $1 to your debit card if just getting cash.
Select "Debit" when prompted for payment. Do not run as credit.
Choose "Yes" for cash back option on the PIN pad.
Enter the cash back amount up to $35 when prompted. You can do custom amounts like $27.53.
Complete transaction as normal by entering PIN. Cash back will be added to total.
Collect cash along with receipt when transaction finishes. Count cash before leaving.
| Pro Tip: If the cash back option doesn‘t appear on the card reader, simply ask the cashier to add cash back to the transaction. |
The entire process takes seconds. Just look for the "Cash Back" option on the card reader screen during checkout.
Minimum CVS Purchase for Cash Back
One great benefit that CVS offers versus ATMs is no minimum purchase requirement to get cash back in 2024.
You can get cash back whether spending:
- $100 on a full cart of items
- $1 on a pack of gum
- Or $0 with just your debit card
Cash back works the same no matter how much you spend. There‘s no need to buy filler items just to get money.
This minimum purchase flexibility makes CVS an extremely convenient option when you just need a small amount of cash quickly.
Cash Back from Credit Cards or Checks?
The one key limitation on cash back from CVS is that it only works with debit card purchases.
- Cash back is not available for credit card or check transactions.
The sole exception is Discover. Discover debit and credit cards allow 1% cash back rewards through CVS transactions with no fee.
Otherwise, CVS limits cash back to debit cards as a fraud prevention measure. Debit cards directly tap cash assets versus credit that incurs debt.
So unless you have a Discover card, stick to debit when getting cash back at CVS. It‘s the fastest and most affordable way.
Contactless Cash Back Options at CVS
Can you get cash back from CVS using contactless payment methods like Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Unfortunately, tap-to-pay apps do not work for cash back directly. However, CVS does offer one contactless work around.
Discover debit cards can be added to Apple Pay and Google Pay. Purchases then earn 1% cash back rewards.
PayPal/Venmo QR codes provide $10 cash back rewards on a first CVS purchase of $20+ when scanned at checkout.
Otherwise, physical debit cards are still required for normal cash back. Contactless methods like Apple Pay do not include a cash back option.
Exchanging CVS Gift Cards for Cash Back
Looking to turn old CVS gift cards into quick cash? Unfortunately gift cards can‘t be directly redeemed for cash back at CVS in 2024.
Instead, your options are:
Use gift cards to shop for CVS merchandise.
Exchange online for different gift card at CVS.com.
Sell to gift card reseller sites for ~80% cash value.
Since gift cards are not tied to a bank account like debit cards, CVS cannot directly provide cash back in exchange. But you can recoup most of the value by reselling or exchanging gift cards.
Cash Back Alternatives Besides CVS in 2024
In addition to CVS, many top retailers offer free debit card cash back up to $100 or more per transaction:
| Retailer | Cash Back Limit |
|---|---|
| Walmart | $100 |
| Target | $40 |
| Costco | $60 |
| Kroger | $100 |
Grocery stores like Kroger and club stores like Costco and Sam‘s Club tend to have the highest cash back limits. But CVS remains a top option for small cash needs while running daily errands.
The Bottom Line on CVS Cash Back in 2024
The basics of getting cash back at CVS remain unchanged going into 2023. Customers can still conveniently get up to $35 cash back for free per debit transaction.
Key perks include avoiding ATM fees, no minimums, fast access to cash, and combination with regular CVS purchases. It‘s a great way to grab quick cash while shopping.
While debit cards are required, except for Discover, the process is seamless. Just look for the "Cash Back" button at checkout.
So next time you need fast cash access, remember that CVS offers a simple, free cash back option right at the register. Get the cash you need while also grabbing milk, prescriptions, or other essentials during a quick CVS run.
