Supermarket Steals: CVS Extra Care - Your Key to Super Savings

I was initially a little hesitant to include a post about shopping at CVS in my Supermarket Steals series. The subject has already been covered in detail by many widely-read bloggers, most of whom are better bargain-hunters than I am. Their writing on this topic is amazing, informative, and detailed. The shopping game-plans they create week after week are incredibly sophisticated, and they result in some exceptionally good buys. Their work doesn’t require any further elaboration on my part.

The only reason I’m throwing my hat into the ring at all is because I sometimes find posts by expert CVS shoppers a little intimidating, especially for the beginning bargain-hunter. My goal is to provide easy-to-understand directions for those of you who want to start shopping at CVS, but worry that the process is too complicated. Trust me, it isn’t. If I can get free stuff from CVS, so can you. I’m no expert, but I’ve mastered a few bargain-hunting basics that serve me well and keep my expenses low. As a result, I no longer pay for personal care products. You don’t have to either. It’s not difficult. I promise.

Your goal when shopping at CVS is to accumulate CVS Extra Care Bucks (ECBs). ECBs are like store gift certificates printed at the bottom of your CVS receipt. The first time you ever shop at CVS, you’ll have to pay in cash (obviously). However, if you’ve shopped smartly, there will be ECBs printed at the bottom of your receipt. The next time you go to CVS, you’ll pay with those ECBs instead of cash. The ECBs you earn back will fund your next trip, and so on. If you play your cards right, the first small amount of cash you spent will fund your CVS purchases for years to come.

Before you can start earning ECBs you must become a CVS Extra Care member. As an Extra Care member, you’ll receive an Extra Care card. If you want to earn ECBs or take advantage of sale prices, you’ll need to present your Extra Care card every time you make a purchase at CVS. (Fortunately, in addition to a wallet-sized card, you’ll also receive a keychain, which is much more convenient!) You can sign up to become an Extra Care member at any store, or online by clicking here. When you register, you’ll be given the option to receive offers via email, and I strongly recommend you choose this option. By doing so, you’ll receive valuable store coupons sent right to your inbox.

Once you’re a registered Extra Care member, you’re ready to start saving some serious cash. Get yourself signed up today, then check back Friday for my step-by-step guide to bargain-hunting your way through the CVS circular.