CVS/Walgreens Rewards Comparison

If you've been following MyRockyMtnMommy for any length of time, you know how valuable the drugstore rewards programs can be when saving.  Over the past few months there have been some changes in some programs and some extra incentives.  I wanted to share with you a bit of a comparison on the rewards programs with both CVS ExtraBucks Rewards and Walgreens new Balance Rewards.

Here are some major highlights and differences in the programs:

CVS:

How to Earn:

With ExtraCare, you can earn rewards all the time, on everyday items you buy, even when they are not on sale. With ExtraBucks Rewards, in addition to the quarterly rewards that pay out four times a year, there are also tons of opportunities to earn rewards that show up instantly on your receipt or online.

Note: Many other programs’ rewards points are NOT instant and can take multiple days to post to your account. Plus with some other programs you may not be able to earn points for items found in store unless you purchase select items featured each week.

How to Redeem:
You can spend ExtraBucks Rewards on just about anything at CVS/pharmacy, including on shopping trips where you’ll be earning even more ExtraBucks Rewards. You can consider ExtraBucks Rewards almost like “free CVS money” that can be used to purchase nearly anything,... no guesswork, no math to figure out... what you see is what you get. This makes it REALLY easy for newbies couponers too!

How to Enroll:
· Sign up in-store or online at CVS.com/ExtraCare to get an ExtraCare card and start earning 2% back, and to unlock all your savings and rewards. Register an email address at CVS.com/ExtraCareEmail to receive more savings and rewards offers, including a special coupon when you register a new email address for the first time.

Now through December 15, you can sign up for Double Quarterly ExtraBucks Rewards in three easy steps:

1. Visit CVS.com/DoubleBucks, enter your information and ExtraCare number!

Note: Today there are more than 70 million active cardholder households, making ExtraCare the largest retail rewards program.

 

Walgreens will be ending their Register Rewards program within the next few months while launching Walgreens Balance Rewards in September.

Since the program hasn't officially kicked off, I don't have personal experience, but this is what I can expect from what I'm seeing from the program.

How to Earn:

The current Register Rewards program, will be able to be used in conjunction with the Balance Rewards program (until Register Rewards are no longer available). Members may earn and redeem points for both in store and online purchases. The bonus points are bonus offers so coupons will not matter when accumulating points and do not decrease your bonus points. Members can earn points for making healthy choices, such as getting an immunization or participating in Walk with Walgreens (walk.walgreens.com).

Still unsure of limits.

How to Redeem:

Balance rewards are considered payment. You must give all coupons and RR as payment prior to using balance rewards.  You do not have to spend the full $5 when you redeem 5000 points. You do forfeit the unused portion of that credit. This is similar to CVS’ program where the ECB can be adjusted down a few pennies instead of adding filler. 5,000 bonus points equals $5 and may be used to pay for purchases at time of check-out. You cannot roll your purchases, in other words you can't use your reward and get more points on the new purchase.

This can make things very confusing, especially for shoppers who are new to couponing and saving with rewards programs and might get overwhelmed.

How to Enroll:

Just sign up . You will be able to earn and redeem points for items in store and online and receive exclusive savings.

With all of this being said, the Walgreens program is new so it might take some some bumps and bruises to get used to.  With CVS ExtraBucks program, I'm comfortable and that gives me a sense of security.  Regardless, as a shopper and saver I'm thankful I have these stores to offer us rewards and ways to get more bang for our buck.

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