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A Closer Look At CVS’ And Walgreens’ Drugstore Rewards Programs

Avatar photo Roxanne
4 min read

Want to stretch every dollar you spend at the drugstore as much as possible? You can do so at CVS and Walgreens by taking advantage of their drugstore rewards programs.

Does it seem like the prices of goods and medications keep going up while your income stays the same? It probably does, but luckily, some well-known pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens have instituted drugstore rewards programs to help you keep those costs down.

Today, we’ll look at what both stores’ programs have to offer so you can see which fits your needs better.

How Does a Drugstore Rewards Program Work?

These programs basically work by rewarding loyalty. Since competition is so stiff, stores need to do everything in their power to keep their customers back, which is what rewards programs do by providing incentives.

While each store’s rewards program has its unique differences, most work similarly.

You begin by signing up for free. You then rack up points by performing specific tasks like getting vaccinated or having your prescriptions filled, making purchases, or even doing things to improve your health, such as logging your blood pressure, quitting smoking, or exercising.

The more points you accumulate, the more discounts or reward dollars you can enjoy, which can be used to make other purchases through the store.

Before we jump into the features of each drugstore rewards program, note that they may not be available in every state, so check with your nearest store for details. Also, there may be exclusions as to how rewards accumulate and what they can be used for, as the following are usually off-limits:

  • Alcohol
  • Tobacco
  • Lottery tickets
  • Money orders

Lastly, points/rewards may differ from those listed and are subject to change. As always, read the fine print before you proceed.

CVS ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards

As soon as you sign up for this drugstore rewards program, you’ll be able to earn ExtraBucks Rewards that can be used to purchase items either in-store or online. Every 10 credits earned translate to $5 in ExtraBucks Rewards that expire at the end of the year.

Here are some of the specifics on the program:

  • A 90-day prescription earns three credits.
  • Filling or refilling a prescription earns one credit.
  • Vaccines like flu shots earn one credit.
  • Signing up for prescription text alerts or reminder emails for refills earns one credit.
  • You can earn $5 in ExtraBucks by filling 10 prescriptions (doing so at a CVS Pharmacy in Target will earn you a $5 Target coupon).
  • If you add prescription management to your CVS online account, you’ll earn three credits.

As you can see, rewards can start to stack up. There is a maximum of $50 ExtraBucks Rewards you can earn in a year, however.

Walgreens Balance Rewards

Walgreens takes a bit of a different approach with its rewards program. While it does give you 10 points per dollar spent in-store and online, it adds some health-related incentives as well through its healthy choices program.

Here are the highlights:

  • Points can be used for discounts on qualifying items at Walgreens and Duane Reade.
  • 1,000 points = $1 that you can use on new purchases.
  • 30-day prescriptions and immunizations earn 100 points.
  • 90-day prescriptions earn 300 points.
  • Syncing your healthy choices account with an activity app/tracker earns 250 points.
  • You can earn 250 points by pledging to stop smoking, plus 20 points daily to track your progress.
  • Quitting smoking earns 250 points.
  • Each mile that you run, walk, or bike earns 20 points.
  • You can earn 20 points per day by logging your weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, or sleep activity.
  • The number of points that can be earned per activity is limited.
  • Linking your AARP membership earns 50 points per dollar spent on Walgreens-brand products.
  • Points expire after 12 months or for account inactivity after six months.

Discounts on Gift Cards From CVS and Walgreens

While their drugstore rewards programs are popular, shoppers also love to purchase gift cards from CVS and Walgreens. They make a quick, convenient gift, as you don’t have to shop for presents in person. Simply give that special someone a gift card, and they can use it to buy what they desire at either drugstore.

You can also buy gift cards right from the comfort of your couch, with savings that can help you keep more money in your pocket.

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