How to Save at CVS: A Complete Guide

Shopping at CVS can feel like a game — and once you learn the rules, you can win big. With the free ExtraCare program, smart stacking, and rolling ExtraBucks, you can often bring home health, beauty, and household essentials for pennies on the dollar. This refreshed guide focuses on the moves that work best right now.

💡 Hack #1: Master ExtraCare — the Base of All Savings

Join the free ExtraCare program and link it in the CVS app. You earn 2% back in ExtraBucks on most in-store and online purchases, paid out quarterly to your card. The best personalized CVS coupons now live in the app. Still in-store? Use the red Coupon Center kiosk to print offers with your card or phone number.

• Don't miss boosters: Watch for threshold coupons like $8 off $40 or 20% off CVS Health items.
• Digital manufacturer coupons: Many brands load in the app. Tap Send to Card and they'll apply at checkout.

💡 Hack #2: Become a Stacking Pro

CVS allows one manufacturer coupon + one CVS store coupon per item, and you can still earn and spend ExtraBucks on top. Think of it like this:

Sale Price + CVS Store Coupon + Manufacturer Coupon + Pay with ExtraBucks = Lowest Out-of-Pocket

Threshold math tip: CVS threshold coupons (like $8 off $40) usually qualify based on your total before manufacturer coupons. If you're close to the target, add a small filler to avoid missing it.

98% rule: Many Spend $X, Get $Y ExtraBucks promos trigger at about 98% of the requirement. If your receipt doesn't show the reward, toss in a small item and try again.

💡 Hack #3: Roll Your ExtraBucks

ExtraBucks spend like cash on a future purchase. Use rewards from Transaction 1 to pay for Transaction 2, then earn more and repeat. This rolling keeps real cash outlay low while your cart stays full.

1. Transaction 1: Buy a deal that gives $5 ExtraBucks.
2. Transaction 2: Use that $5 to cover the next deal, then earn more ExtraBucks again.

💡 Hack #4: Join CarePass for a Guaranteed Monthly Reward

CarePass costs $5 per month or $48 per year and gives a $10 Monthly Promo Reward to spend at CVS — that's instant value if you shop monthly. Perks also include free 1–2 day shipping on eligible orders and 20% off regularly priced CVS Health brand items (exclusions vary).

💡 Hack #5: Stack Rebates and Seasonal Promos

• Rebate apps: Where allowed, stack CVS deals with receipt-based cash-back apps for extra savings.
• Beauty events: Watch for promos like Spend $30 on beauty — get $10 ExtraBucks. Pair with coupons for big wins.
• Clearance: End-caps and seasonal aisles can drop to 75%–90% off. Clearance items can still trigger ExtraBucks if they're in a qualifying promo.

🎯 The Takeaway: Plan Your Trip for Max Savings

The CVS weekly ad runs Sunday–Saturday. Before you go, load digital coupons in the app, bring any paper manufacturer coupons you plan to use, and map out two quick transactions so you can roll your ExtraBucks. CVS runs frequent BOGO and Spend $X, Get $Y ExtraBucks offers on vitamins, personal care, and cosmetics — perfect for stacking. With a bit of planning, routine errands turn into serious savings.

P.S. Want broader savings across retailers? Explore our Deals & Coupons, sharpen your strategy with Savings Tips, and fund your next haul with Earn Cash Rewards.