CVS is a couponers dream! Your first few transactions can seem daunting but after a few runs, you'll be in an expert in no time.The first thing that you'll need to do is get a CVS extracare card. Although they will send you one by mail, it is much easier to get one in person.
Once you have your card, head over to CVS' Website and create a login. Make sure you use the number on the back of your extra card card and correct email. CVS will email you many amazing coupons which can be sent directly to your card. NO PRINTING! Occasionally, you will also receive coupons by mail. Also, make sure you sign up for their Beauty Club. This will earn you an additional $5 ECB after purchasing $50 worth of beauty products which can be earned over multiple transactions.
If you are unfamiliar with CVS' Extra Care Bucks, you may be wondering what an ECB is. ECBs are CVS money that can be used on future purchases. Once you begin your CVS couponing adventure, ECBs will be your holy grail. ECBs will print at the end of your receipt after purchasing qualifying items. Your first purchase, you will have to spend some money out of pocket but after a few weeks of "CVSing", you should be only spending pennies on the dollar and maybe even none at all!
When you first get to CVS, do not forget to scan your card at the coupon center. It usually located near the first few isles. There are tons of CVS coupons each week which can be paired with manufacturer coupons. Even if you can't use them during this trip, be sure to save them! Most of the coupons are good for 1-2 weeks.
Let's take a look at a few scenarios:
The CVS ad states that if you by 2 Colgate Total toothpaste or mouthwash priced at $2.99 each, you will receive a $3 ECB toward your next purchase. There was also a $2 Colgate Mouthwash coupon in the Smart Source. When you go to the coupon center, a $1 off of $5 oral care coupon prints. This is a store coupon which can be combined with the manufacturer coupon.
2 Colgate Total Mouthwash $2.99each = $5.98
2 Colgate Manufacturer Coupon -$4.00
1 CVS ORAL CARE coupon -$1.00
Total Out Of Pocket (OOP)= .98 cent with a $3 ECB
This would be considered a money maker!
Now, let's say the next week there is a deal where you will get a $10 ECB when you spend $30 in P&G products. You have also received a $5 off of $20 CVS coupon in your email.
Charmin Basic $5.49
Bounty Paper Towels $5.99
Gain Detergent $11.49 X2 $22.98
Total Before Coupons: $34.46
$5/20 CVS coupon -$5.00
$3/2 Gain Detergent MC -$3.00
$1 Charmin Basic MC -$1.00
$1 Bounty MC -$1.00
$3 ECB from last week -$3.00
Total OOP: $21.46 plus a $10 ECB
It is essentially like getting it for $11.46 which is the price of just the 1 Gain! If you happen to find CVS store coupons for detergent or paper products, this would become an even better deal!
There are also many couponers who recommend "rolling" your ECBs. This is where you must do multiple transactions and continuously roll your ECBs from the previous transactions into the next. This can get complicated and stressful for both you and cashier. Unless it is an exceptional deal or money maker, I usually try to stick with one transaction and save my ECBs for the next week's deals.
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