Cvs Freebies Money Makers And Extracare Savings Strategies

CVS Pharmacy offers numerous opportunities for consumers to obtain products for free or even earn money while shopping through strategic use of coupons, rewards programs, and promotional offers. These deals, commonly referred to as "freebies" and "money makers," have become a cornerstone of savvy shopping at CVS, allowing customers to stock up on essentials from beauty products to household goods without spending much, if anything, out of pocket. Understanding how to navigate CVS's deal structure, including the ExtraCare rewards program and digital coupon system, is essential for maximizing these savings opportunities.

Understanding CVS Freebies and Money Makers

Freebies and money makers represent the pinnacle of couponing deals at CVS, allowing shoppers to obtain products at no cost or even receive cash back or store rewards after purchase. According to deal tracking resources, these opportunities are regularly available at CVS alongside other retailers. A freebie typically occurs when the combined value of coupons, store promotions, and rewards brings the final price of an item to zero. Money maker deals take this further, resulting in a net gain for the shopper after all discounts and rewards are applied.

The CVS weekly ad regularly features deals that can be structured as freebies or nearly-free purchases. For instance, the November 16-22 weekly ad included multiple buy-one-get-one-free (B1G1 FREE) offers on popular products:

• Oreo, Chips Ahoy!, Nutter Butter, Nilla Wafers, Lorna Doone or Honey Maid cookies (10-20 oz)
• Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick
• Bastiste Dry Shampoo (3.81-5.71 oz)
• Kellogg's Rice Krispies Treats or Pop-Tarts (7-8 ct)
• Raw Sugar Bath & Shower or Hair Care products

These B1G1 FREE deals, when paired with applicable coupons or ExtraCare Bucks, can significantly reduce the final cost or result in free items.

Money maker deals at CVS often involve earning ExtraCare Bucks (ECBs) that can be used on future purchases. For example, the weekly ad advertised Conair Hair Stylers for $19.99 with a $10 ECB back, effectively reducing the price to $9.99 after rewards. Similarly, purchasing two Crest toothpaste or mouthwash products for $4.99 each and using a $1/1 digital coupon resulted in paying $8.98 out of pocket while receiving $5 ECBs back, making the final cost just $1.99 each after accounting for the rewards.

The ExtraCare Program: Maximizing Savings

Central to accessing CVS freebies and money makers is the ExtraCare rewards program. Becoming an ExtraCare member is free and requires creating a CVS account. This membership provides access to personalized offers, the ability to clip digital coupons, and earnings on ExtraCare Bucks that can be redeemed on future purchases.

The ExtraCare Plus program, formerly known as CarePass, represents an enhanced option for frequent CVS shoppers. This paid membership costs $5 per month but provides substantial benefits that typically outweigh the fee. According to available information, ExtraCare Plus members receive:

• Free delivery services
• 20% off CVS Health brand products
• Monthly $10 CVS promotional rewards

The monthly $10 reward alone essentially makes the membership free for regular shoppers, with additional benefits providing further value. For those who frequently purchase CVS Health brand products or utilize delivery services, this program can significantly enhance savings opportunities.

Digital coupons play a crucial role in accessing CVS freebies and money makers. These coupons are available through the CVS account and can be clipped digitally to the shopper's ExtraCare card. It's important to note that CVS store coupons may vary by account, meaning personalized offers are based on shopping history and other factors tracked by CVS. This personalization means that not all shoppers will see identical coupon offers, even for the same products.

CVS Deal Categories and Examples

CVS offers several categories of deals that can be structured as freebies or money makers when combined with coupons and rewards:

B1G1 FREE Deals

The weekly ad regularly features B1G1 promotions across various product categories. These deals allow shoppers to obtain two items for the price of one when the items are of equal or lesser value. When paired with manufacturer coupons or store promotions, these can result in significant savings or free products. Examples from the weekly ad include: - Various cookie and cracker brands - Revlon lipstick - Bastiste dry shampoo - Kellogg's breakfast items - Raw Sugar bath and hair care products

Deals with ExtraCare Bucks Rewards

Many CVS deals offer ExtraCare Bucks back with purchase, which function as store credit for future transactions. These deals often require purchasing a specific quantity or meeting a minimum threshold. Examples include: - Conair Hair Stylers: $19.99 with $10 ECB back, making the effective price $9.99 - Crest toothpaste/mouthwash: Buy 2 for $4.99 each, use $1/1 digital coupon, pay $8.98 and get $5 ECB back - Garnier Fructis products: Buy 2 for $5.29 each, use $3/2 digital coupon, pay $7.58 and get $6 ECB back

Deals Under $1 After Coupons and Rewards

Some CVS deals, when properly structured with coupons and rewards, result in final costs of just $1 or less per item. These require careful planning to maximize savings. Examples include: - Crest toothpaste/mouthwash: Final cost of $1.99 each after coupon and ECBs - Garnier Fructis shampoo/conditioner: Final cost of $2.29 each after coupon and ECBs

Tips for Finding and Using CVS Freebies

Accessing CVS freebies and money makers requires staying informed about current deals and properly organizing coupons and rewards. Several strategies can help shoppers maximize these opportunities:

Setting up a CVS account and downloading the CVS app is essential for accessing digital coupons and personalized offers. The app allows users to clip digital coupons directly to their ExtraCare card and receive notifications about current deals. Shoppers should regularly check their accounts for personalized offers that may not be available to all customers.

CVS provides text alerts for the latest deals and promotions. By texting "CVS" to 57299, shoppers can receive timely information about the best CVS deals directly to their mobile device. Similarly, other deal alert services like The Krazy Coupon Lady offer text updates by texting "HACKS" to 57299 for general money-saving tips and deals.

Combining CVS deals with rebate apps can further enhance savings. Ibotta, for example, offers rebates on various products that can be stacked with CVS coupons and ExtraCare Bucks. However, it's important to note that rebate offers may vary by user and not all offers will be available to everyone.

Planning shopping trips around weekly ad cycles is crucial for accessing the best deals. CVS typically releases new weekly ads on Sunday, featuring deals that run for the following week. By reviewing the ad in advance and planning purchases accordingly, shoppers can ensure they have all necessary coupons and meet any purchase requirements to qualify for rewards.

CVS Policies and Shopping Considerations

Understanding CVS policies can help shoppers better navigate freebies and money maker deals while avoiding potential issues:

CVS allows returns within 60 days of purchase for most items. This policy provides flexibility for shoppers who may purchase items as part of a deal but later decide they don't want to keep them.

Unlike some retailers, CVS does not price match. The company does not match competitor prices, and physical stores will not match prices found on CVS.com. Shoppers should take this into account when planning their deal strategies.

CVS offers delivery services through Instacart, providing convenience for shoppers who prefer home delivery. This service is particularly beneficial for ExtraCare Plus members, who receive free delivery as part of their membership benefits.

CVS does not offer curbside pickup. While some pharmacies may accommodate special requests by having associates bring items to customers at their vehicles, this is not a standard service. Shoppers with health concerns who cannot enter the store should call ahead to inquire about possible accommodations or consider using pharmacies like Walgreens that do offer curbside ordering.

Conclusion

CVS offers numerous opportunities for savvy shoppers to obtain products for free or even earn rewards through money maker deals. The key to accessing these opportunities lies in understanding and properly utilizing the ExtraCare rewards program, digital coupons, and weekly promotions. By setting up a CVS account, clipping digital coupons, and staying informed about current deals through text alerts and weekly ads, shoppers can significantly reduce their out-of-pocket expenses.

The ExtraCare Plus program provides additional benefits for frequent shoppers, essentially paying for itself through monthly rewards while offering free delivery and discounts on health products. However, even without the paid membership, free CVS membership provides access to valuable savings opportunities.

To maximize savings, shoppers should plan their purchases around weekly ad cycles, combine manufacturer coupons with store promotions and ExtraCare Bucks, and consider using rebate apps for additional savings. Understanding CVS policies regarding returns, price matching, and delivery options helps shoppers navigate the shopping experience more effectively.

With careful planning and strategic shopping, CVS freebies and money maker deals can provide substantial savings on everyday necessities and occasional treats, making the pharmacy a valuable destination for budget-conscious consumers.

Sources

1. The Krazy Coupon Lady - Freebies and Moneymakers
2. Passive Penny Pincher - CVS Weekly Ad
3. The Krazy Coupon Lady - CVS Deals Under $1
4. Hip2Save - CVS Deals & Sales
5. Free Stuff Finder - Coupons for CVS
6. The Krazy Coupon Lady - CVS Coupons and Deals