CVS Extra Care Program: What is It?

This first article in a series will explain exactly what the Extra Care Program at CVS is. You will learn the basics of what it is and how to take advantage of the program. In the next article, I will tell you how to use the program to save money and get free products.

What is the Extra Care Program?

CVS has a rewards program just like many different grocery stores do. They call it the Extra Care Rewards Program. The Extra Care Rewards are called Extra Care Bucks (ECBs) and you can earn them at any CVS pharmacy store when you use your Extra Care Card. You can get your card in one of two ways. Either go online to CVS.com and apply there or go to your local CVS store and apply there. I suggest going to the store as you can then use your card right away. If you apply online they will mail it to you in about a week. In addition to Extra bucks, your card will also give you instant savings on many different items in the store and will sometimes print out extra CVS coupons at the bottom of your receipt.

How do I get Extra Bucks??

There are three different ways that you can earn ECBs at CVS.

1. For everything that you purchase at CVS or CVS.com you can earn 2% back as ECBs. This is paid out quarterly and does not include purchases for things like alcohol, tobacco or lottery tickets. Some other restrictions apply. When the quarterly payout time arrives, you will have your total ECBs for that quarter print at the bottom of your receipt. This can be anything from $1 to $20 depending upon how much money you have spent at the store for that three month period. You do not have to do anything to earn these ECBs except for make sure that you scan your card every time you make a purchase so that they can keep track of it.

2. Earn one ECB for every two prescriptions that you have filled at CVS. This has exclusions, of course, and you cannot earn this if your scripts are paid for by insurance programs like Medicaid or Medicare.

3. The third and final way to earn ECBs at CVS is the funnest! This is the process that I will explain to you in detail. Basically, it is the fact that for certain purchases each week and month, you can earn specific amounts of ECBs instantly. These will print out at the bottom of your receipt.

What can I do with my ECBs??

Anything! Almost. And only at CVS. But really, ECBs can be used just like cash in any CVS store. You can use them to purchase any item except for tobacco, alcohol, gift cards and one or two other things. This is like a coupon for anything in the store! The ECBs do have an expiration date and must be used before that date or you lose them. Just like coupons. I love shopping at CVS and earning my ECBs. I love being able to purchase $100 worth of products and spend only $10 - $15 out of pocket. I have never saved so much in my life.

The next step is to tell you how exactly to start earning those ECBs. It can be intimidating and confusing when you first begin. You have to make an effort and be willing to invest time, energy and a little bit of money when you first start. So, next time... how to save big and earn bucks!