Let’s talk about the ExtraCare Bucks themselves for a moment. ECBs should be treated like cash with one caveat. You must use them before they expire, which is four weeks from the time they are generated. If you lose them or let them expire, you’re basically out of luck. It’s very rare for CVS to replace them or issue new ones. Trust me – I learned this the hard way.
ECBs can be used on just about anything in the store, not just CVS brand items. Items that you cannot purchase with ECBs are prescriptions, alcohol, tobacco, lottery tickets, stamps, gift cards, money orders, and prepaid debit cards, including prepaid phone cards.
When you purchase an item or items that generate ECBs, they will print when you complete all of the parameters of the deal. For example, if you have to purchase $20 worth of a product to earn ECBs, you can break your purchase up in any manner that you’d like. When you break the $20 threshold, your ECBs will print with your receipt for that transaction.
They will print in various amounts by offer. This is definitely something to keep in mind when grouping transactions, because if you purchase several of one item that generates ECBs, you may end up with a very large ECB that will be harder to roll over. Since you can use more than one ECB per purchase, you can more easily group them to pay for smaller transactions.
This brings me to another very important point to keep in mind. You will not receive change from ECBs. If you use a $5 ECB to purchase a $3 item, you will forfeit the rest. In fact, some stores won’t even allow you to use them if you are more than a few cents below the value of the ECB. You can avoid this by adding “filler items” to your transaction, i.e., sample-size items, clearance items, candy bars, gum, or alternatively, you can use the balance towards something you really need, i.e., milk, diapers, cereal, etc. This is what makes the ExtraCare Program so valuable for those of us trying to stretch our budgets.
Are you new to CVSing? Read up on the CVS for Newbies basics!!!
Sharon
newbie to the ECB but how do you redeem them? Do I go online and print something or do you tell the cashier to use the ECB? I don’t usually bother with the ECB system and deals but find I have about $10 in ECB so might as well use them. Just not sure how to go fro, being on my card to physically presenting them to the cashier
Sharon
newbie to the ECB but how do you redeem them? Do I go online and print something or do you tell the cashier to use the ECB? I don’t usually bother with the ECB system and deals but find I have about $10 in ECB so might as well use them. Just not sure how to go fro, being on my card to physically presenting them to the cashier
Sharon
I have the card but not an online account-just made an account at CVS homepage. My reciepts show me as having 9.78 in ECB but my account balance is zero when i just did it. What the heck?
Sharon
I have the card but not an online account-just made an account at CVS homepage. My reciepts show me as having 9.78 in ECB but my account balance is zero when i just did it. What the heck?
catherine Nichols
I’ve had you extraCard card since it first came into existance…however my card is really worn and need to be replaced. please tell me how to replace mycard.
CVS Employee
All you have to do is call 1-800-shop-cvs give them your old card # or if your phone number is current you can use that instead for them to look you up. That way you dont loose anything from your previous card. They also normally send coupons with your new card
Rob
I was in CVS tonight on 4/12/11 for that $20/$10ECB going on with the cleaning products and air fresheners. I had 3 coupons for the $4/1 Freshmatic Kit but the cashier said i was only able to use one per CVS card. How do i group my $4 coupons for a better savings all at once??
Nat
I used ECBs to purchase a lipstick, and paid $4 out of pocket. I would like to return it. Will they reissue/refund my ECBs or just the money I paid out of pocket?
cindy
it really depends on the store and the person, they are suppose to return your money but as far as the ECBs they are not suppose to give it to you because you are not buying that item.
james ryan
How can I get an extracare bucks receipt with the bar code for last quarter? I don’t have a printer with my computer.
james ryan
How do I get a barcode printout of my extracare bucks for last quarter. I don’t have a printer with my computer.
cindy
just call 1-800-shop-cvs and the will set it up so you can get them in the store.
donna
what is the cvs return policy for items that offer extra bucks? if i buy say a lipstick and receive $3.00 XB’S,then later i return it.
jen
Can you buy condoms with them?
cindy
yes you can buy anything except booze, cigs, lottery, gift cards, RX, and things of that sort.
Nadine
I work at a cvs and I was wondering:
In order to qualify for a ‘Spend $30, get $10 Ex$’ do I have to purchase items that total $30 AFTER or BEFORE my employee discount?