CVS Coupon Policy 2020: 8 Things You Need to Know for Better Deals

The CVS coupon policy (2020 edition) can be tricky to maneuver. However, once you get the hang of it, there are many great deals you can enjoy.

So, what’s changed? Where do you start? What are the main rules to be aware of?

Let’s dive into all of that and more. Read on!

What is the CVS Coupon Policy for 2020?

First things first – how has CVS updated their policies for 2020? What does the CVS coupon policy for 2020 look like?

To start with, in 2020, you can always count on a CVS store observing these key rules:

Only one manufacturer’s coupon per item
There is no limit to CVS coupons
Discounted items cannot use percent-off coupons
Competitor’s coupons cannot be used
A coupon’s value can not exceed the item value

Of course, each rule has its own caveats!

8 Things to Consider: Coupon Rules at CVS

While the main rules above are very important, you’ll find there are great savings to be made when you understand the nitty-gritty. Let’s explore the eight main things to consider about CVS’s coupon policy, so you can use coupons at CVS like a master!

1. Coupon Types

When it comes to CVS, there are different types of coupons you can use. Specifically, these are:

Manufacturer’s coupons given by individual brands
Printable coupons found online
ExtraCare coupons offered to ExtraCare members

Each coupon type has its own specific rules, but across the board, they all follow these three main rules:

Must not be expired
Must be applicable for the items carried in the store
Must not exceed the value of the item(s)

2. Items on Sale

Even if an item is on sale, you can still use coupons to compound your savings! How does the CVS coupon policy in 2020 limit that?

You can’t use percent-off coupons alongside a sale (but other coupon types are fine!)
Coupons will only be accepted up to the price of the item. As such, if your coupon is worth more than the item on sale, you won’t get money back.

3. Manufacturer Coupon Rules

Like most coupon policies, at CVS in 2020, you are only allowed one manufacturer coupon per item.

However, there is an exception to this rule. When it comes to Buy One, Get One Free (or BOGO) items, you can use two manufacturer coupons. This is because two items are scanned, and one manufacturer coupon is used for each item.

4. BOGO Rules

Speaking of BOGO (Buy One, Get One) items, keep an eye out for them! BOGO items can give you more bang for your buck.

What are the guidelines on BOGO items?

You can stack manufacturer’s coupons on BOGO items, as mentioned above. This is because you’re technically buying two items.
Remember that you’re allowed one manufacturer coupon and one CVS coupon per item. This means that for BOGO items, you can use one manufacturer’s coupon and one CVS coupon on the item that you're "buying" AND one of each coupon on the item that you're getting for "free".
You can use a BOGO coupon on a BOGO item. In this way, you can technically get both items for free. All you need to pay is applicable taxes if there are any.

For example, if a BOGO item is priced at $2, you can use two $1 manufacturer coupons - meaning, one $1 coupon on the item you're "buying" and one $1 off coupon on the item you're getting for "free".

5. Multiple Coupons

Unlike the manufacturer’s coupons, you can use multiple CVS coupons at a time. Just remember that the value for coupons cannot exceed the actual price of the items.

For example, if you have a $2-off coupon for an item currently priced at $1.99, you will only get a $1.99 discount.

6. Printing Out Coupons

CVS will accept coupons that are printed out from the internet. However, there are some qualifications for printed-out coupons, such as:

The barcode should be scannable. If your coupon cannot be scanned, there is nothing that a cashier or store manager can do. When printing out coupons, make sure that the barcode is clear and legible.
The coupon should be printed out. Scanned or reproduced coupons will not be accepted. CVS will not accept coupons displayed on a phone or device.

When will CVS not accept a coupon print out? They will not accept a printed-out coupon that has been altered in any way.

7. Competitor’s Coupons Rules

Competitor coupons are not accepted for most items in the store. However, CVS makes an exception for new or transferred prescription drugs.

If you’re not sure about whether an item is valid, you can always ask to speak with the store manager or call 1-800-SHOP-CVS.

8. Applicable Taxes

After coupons are applied, you may still need to pay applicable taxes. This depends on the coupon itself, and the state that you are in. Taxes are often charged after applying the coupon price, except in the following states: CT, MA, PA, TX, and MA.

The Dos and Don’ts of Couponing at CVS

Knowing the CVS coupon policy for 2020 is only half the battle. You need a few tips and tricks to earn even more savings!

To help you get started, check out these coupon dos and don’ts for shopping at CVS.

Do - Read the Fine Print

The fine print includes the rules of the CVS coupon policy for 2020. All coupons will specify when they are applicable. Reading the fine print can be helpful to you and your cashier!

The fine print will include details on the type of coupon, its expiration date, and other rules and exemptions. These details will help ensure that your coupon is valid and good to use.

Do - Be Nice to Your Cashier

If you have questions about why a coupon doesn’t work, just ask nicely! More often than not, your cashier will be happy to help. Just explain your question, and your cashier will do their best to assist you. If they can’t, they will call a manager to sort things out.

Do - Bring a Copy of the CVS Coupon Policy

Sometimes you may have disputes on whether or not your coupon is valid. In these cases, a copy of the updated CVS coupon policy for 2020 can help. With it on hand, you can easily reference why you think a coupon should work.

You can also request that a store manager clear up misunderstandings. This is a great way to ensure that you’re observing the policies when you shop in the future.

Don’t - Ignore Expiration Dates

Letting a coupon’s expiration go by can be wasteful. Be sure to keep an eye on a coupon’s expiration date. Time to your shopping to ensure you’re using up coupons at the right time.

Don’t - Ignore Product Exemptions

Like coupons, products themselves can have caveats to the rule. The most common is limiting the number of products you can take. These limits differ per store. When shopping, make sure that you’re reading any rules specific to a product. Stores will display these rules alongside the product display.

Why Sunday Coupon Inserts?

There are many ways to be an expert at CVS couponing, and understanding the policy for this year is a great start!

What’s next? Just get your coupon collection ready and start shopping. Sunday Coupon Inserts can help!

Sunday Coupon Inserts offers weekly subscriptions at different prices. Choose your favorite bundles and wait as they’re shipped right to your door! With this advantage, you’re spared the hassle of finding coupons yourself.

What’s more, you’re always free to pause, cancel, or change your subscription – no fuss, no muss.