CVS ExtraBucks Tip: The 98% Rule

When it comes to getting deals at CVS which require a certain purchase, there are times when you find you are only a few cents short from hitting the limit.  You struggle to find something more to add to your total to bring it to the amount needed in order to generate the Extrabucks (ECB) on your purchase.  The thing is – you don’t have to!!!

CVS’s computer system will generate ECB when your purchase meets the 98% rule.  What is this?  Simply put:

When your purchase is within 98% of  the amount required to generate ECB or cash card, it will still generate.

Let me try helping to explain this further with some examples using this week’s deal:  CVS is offering a $10 Cash Card when you spend $30 or more on select products.  That means, you can take $30 * 98% to find out the amount you must spend in order to get the deal to print.  In this case, it is $29.40.

5 Tide Detergent – $29.70
4 – $1.50/1 Tide Detergent, exp. 1/31/03 9 (P&G 12/30/12)
Final Price: $23.70 out of pocket + get $10 card

In this case, $29.70 is at least 98% of $30, so the card will generate with your purchase! In addition, cash card/ECB are always based upon your purchase amount prior to any ECB or other coupons being applied to your total.

This deal, on the other hand, would NOT work:

1 Huggies – $9.49
1 Scott Paper Towels – $9.99
1 Scott Bathroom Tissue – $7.49
1 Dawn Dish Washing Liquid – $0.99
1 – $1.50/1 Huggies Diapers, exp. 2/9/13 (SS 01/13/13 R)
1 - $1/1 Scott Towels, exp. 2/23/13 (SS 01/13/13 R)
1 - $1/1 Scott Extra Soft Bath Tissue, exp. 2/23/13 (SS 01/13/13 R)
1 - $0.25/1 Dawn Product, exp. 1/31/13 (P&G 12/30/12)
Final Price: $24.21 out of pocket – NOT card generates

Since your total purchase prior to coupons is $27.96, you are below the 98% thresh hold and therefore, your card will not print.

Hopefully, this tip will help make it a little simpler when putting together you shopping trip at CVS!!