How to Shop at CVS

1. Be a part of the system:
   To do so, you'll need to have a CVS ExtraCare card. You can sign up in-store to receive a card immediately, or sign up on CVS's website here (you'll receive your card by mail within a week or so).
   
   
2. Know the system:
   The ExtraCare system works by giving you discounts on certain items and, more importantly, generating "Extra Care Bucks" (aka ECBs) when you purchase certain items. ECBs are printed on the end of your receipt at checkout and are used like cash on any future CVS purchase.
   
   This is what ECBs look like:
   The items that generate ECBs vary week to week and are featured in the weekly CVS circular that is distributed with the Sunday newspaper. These circulars can also often be found at the front of the store on a display when you walk in.
   
   The weekly deals are also available for viewing on a number of message boards, such as Slickdeals and Hot Coupon World.
   
   
3. Work the system:
   To fully take advantage of the ECB system, you'll want to purchase items that generate as much (if not more) money in ECBs than you have spent out of pocket. Sometimes, this will be a straightforward purchase where the item will cost exactly the same as the ECB it generates. Other times, you will need to use coupons to push the price down. There are even cases when the use of a coupon will push the price below the amount you earn in ECBs, thus earning you money!
   
   InshaAllah, it will be our goal to provide information on a weekly basis regarding the best deals and scenarios that will maximize your ECBs.
   
   
4. Remember these tips:
   So, now that you have a basic idea about how all this works, here's some practical information for your shopping trip.
   
   When you check out, this is the order you'll want your items and coupons processed:
   
   • ECB card
   • Your items
   • Any CVS $ off coupons; for example, $2 off a $10 purchase (written $2/10)
   • Manufacturer's coupon
   • ECBs
     
     
   Your goal any time you shop at CVS should be to keep your Out-of-Pocket (aka OOP) cost as low as possible. Using this blog to help you plan out your trips before you go to the store is one way to do that. Also, if you have any prescriptions, you may want to be on the lookout for coupons that award you gift cards for transferring (CVS will accept competitors coupons).