Price matching has become a popular policy among major retailers looking to win over customers in a competitive marketplace. But does the drugstore giant CVS offer to match rivals‘ prices? I put on my retail expert and savvy shopper hat to investigate CVS‘s policies and find the best ways to save at the ubiquitous chain.
What is Price Matching?
Price matching is a retail practice where stores agree to match a lower advertised price from a competitor on an identical item. If a shopper brings in a current ad or receipt showing the same product available for a lower cost at another store, the retailer will match that price at the point of sale.
Some stores take it a step further with "price adjustments," refunding customers the difference if an item they purchased gets marked down within a specified timeframe, usually 7-30 days.
The policies are meant to disincentivize customers from shopping around for the best deal and to build trust and loyalty. A 2019 consumer survey found 87% of respondents said price matching makes them more likely to shop at a retailer.
Does CVS Price Match?
The short answer: No, CVS does not offer price matching or adjustments.
Unlike retailers such as Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and many supermarket chains, CVS does not have any price matching or adjustment policy as of 2023. The drugstore chain will not match a lower price on an identical item sold by a competitor, nor will it refund you the difference if something you bought goes on sale shortly after your purchase.
Why Doesn‘t CVS Price Match?
CVS has not publicly commented on the reason behind its lack of price matching. However, retail analysts say the chain‘s business model focuses more on convenience than having the absolute lowest prices.
With nearly 10,000 locations nationwide, many open 24/7 or with extended hours, CVS banks on being the most accessible place to quickly grab drugstore essentials. That allows the retailer to charge slightly higher prices than discount stores or big-box rivals, without having to eat into margins by matching their prices.
"For CVS, it‘s about being the most convenient option. They‘re located seemingly on every corner, open early and late to fit busy schedules. People are often willing to pay a small premium for that convenience and accessibility," said John Mercer, senior retail analyst at Coresight Research.
CVS also differentiates itself with an emphasis on health and wellness services beyond the aisles of a typical drugstore. The company is pivoting to become more of a healthcare provider, with in-store clinics, prescription delivery, and telemedicine partnerships. By focusing on those higher-margin services, CVS may feel less pressure to compete on price for everyday toiletry and grocery items.
How CVS Prices Compare to Competitors
To put CVS‘s pricing and policies in perspective, here‘s a comparison of a basket of popular drugstore items at CVS and its main rivals. Prices indicate the regular non-sale price.
| Item | CVS | Walgreens | Walmart | Target | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tide Original Liquid Laundry Detergent, 92 fl oz. | $19.49 | $19.49 | $18.93 | $18.99 | $18.94 |
| Crest 3D White Toothpaste, 4.8 oz. | $4.49 | $4.49 | $3.48 | $3.49 | $4.74 |
| Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, 25 ct. | $6.79 | $6.79 | $4.94 | $4.99 | $4.99 |
| Nature‘s Truth Melatonin 5mg Tablets, 200 ct. | $11.49 | $10.99 | $7.97 | $8.99 | $11.99 |
| Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash, 22 oz. | $10.29 | $10.29 | $9.64 | $9.79 | $10.50 |
| Total | $52.55 | $52.05 | $44.96 | $46.25 | $51.16 |
As the comparison illustrates, CVS‘s everyday prices do tend to be higher than mass retailers like Walmart and Target, and mostly on par with rival Walgreens. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens rely heavily on sales and loyalty programs to stay competitive.
However, it‘s important to factor in convenience and accessibility. CVS‘s expansive locations and hours mean you can often get items when and where you need them without making a special trip to a big-box store. For many shoppers, that convenience is worth a slight premium.
How to Save Money at CVS Without Price Matching
While CVS may not match competitors‘ prices, deal seekers can still find plenty of ways to save at the drugstore chain by leveraging rewards programs, coupons, and other savvy shopping strategies. Here‘s how to get the best bang for your buck at CVS.
1. Join ExtraCare Rewards
The free ExtraCare loyalty program is the gateway to CVS‘s best deals. Members earn 2% back in "ExtraBucks" rewards on most purchases, redeemable quarterly. You‘ll also get personalized coupons and exclusive sale offers delivered to your inbox or mailbox.
To maximize points, link your ExtraCare card to the CVS mobile app to easily track rewards and select paperless coupons to add to your account. You can also join ExtraCare offshoots like the Beauty Club (10% back on beauty products) and Pharmacy & Health Rewards (earn $5 ExtraBucks for every 10 prescriptions filled) to stack up more targeted rewards.
2. Look for App-Only and Text Deals
The CVS app is a one-stop shop for savings. Members can browse and send personalized deals to their ExtraCare card to redeem with one scan at checkout. Each week, there‘s usually at least one "app-only" deal, often a high-value or even freebie offer, so it pays to check in regularly.
You can also sign up for exclusive text alerts, which may include special flash sales, bonus rewards, or app coupons. Text "CVS APP" to 287522, reply "Y" to confirm, and you‘ll be in the loop.
3. "Stack" Coupons and Deals
One of the keys to saving at CVS is combining different coupons and promos on the same purchase, a practice known as "stacking."
CVS allows you to combine one manufacturer coupon with CVS store coupons and ExtraCare rewards on a single item, potentially yielding big savings. So that $2 toothpaste manufacturer coupon pairs with a $2 off oral care ExtraCare coupon and still earns 2% back – a triple-dip!
Keep in mind that CVS limits shoppers to one "purchase based" coupon per transaction (e.g. $5 off a $20 purchase, 30% off your whole purchase, etc.). To maximize savings, try to hit the dollar amount threshold in one trip rather than spreading out transactions.
4. Get Prescription Discounts
If CVS is your go-to pharmacy, programs like GoodRx, SingleCare, and WellRx can help unlock major prescription savings, to the tune of 50% or more. You can search discount cards or coupons for your medication, show them at the pharmacy counter, and ask to compare the price to what you‘d pay with insurance.
These discount cards do not stack with insurance copays but can sometimes be cheaper for cash payers. You can still earn ExtraCare rewards on top of the discount price.
5. Price Compare and Get Cash Back
Price matching at the register may not be an option at CVS, but you can still check rivals‘ prices and earn cash back for your savvy shopping with apps like Flipp, Shopkick, and Ibotta.
Flipp compiles hundreds of retailers‘ weekly ads all in one place, making it easy to quickly see who has the best price on your go-to products.
Meanwhile, Shopkick and Ibotta offer rebate-style rewards – simply upload a photo of your receipt showing eligible items and earn points or cash back. While not always applicable to drugstore shopping, the savings can add up over time.
Expert Tips for Savvy CVS Shopping
To help navigate the ins and outs of saving at CVS, I turned to two experts: Amy Sewell, a veteran consumer reporter and spokesperson for deal-finding browser extension Capital One Shopping, and Karen Hoxmeier, owner of bargain-hunting site MyBargainBuddy.com.
Both agree that with a bit of planning and insider know-how, CVS shoppers can find deals that rival competitors‘ prices. Their top tips:
"Start with the weekly ad to see what‘s on sale, then ‘cherry-pick‘ the best deals. Check your ExtraCare account for relevant coupons and rewards to stack on top of sale prices. If an item is out of stock, always ask for a rain check so you can get the discount later," Sewell said.
Hoxmeier‘s advice: "Think beyond the obvious categories. Drugstores mark down seasonal items like candy, decor, and gifts dramatically after holidays. You‘ll find some of the best prices by shopping a day or two after Valentine‘s Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas."
Both recommend using competitor coupons and ads to inform your CVS shopping list, even if you can‘t price match at the register.
"Bring those Walgreens or Rite Aid coupons with you and keep an eye out for similar CVS deals on the same items. Oftentimes stores will all have the same products on sale in the same week. You may not get the exact same price, but you can come close by maximizing CVS‘s own coupons and rewards," Sewell said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I price match at CVS?
No, CVS does not currently offer any price matching or price adjustment policies. The store won‘t match lower prices from competitors or refund the difference if an item goes on sale after you buy it.
What is ExtraCare at CVS?
ExtraCare is CVS‘s free loyalty rewards program. Members earn 2% back in "ExtraBucks" rewards to spend on future purchases, plus get access to personalized coupons and exclusive deals.
Can I use manufacturer coupons at CVS?
Yes, CVS accepts valid manufacturer coupons. Even better, you can combine one manufacturer coupon with applicable CVS store coupons and still earn ExtraCare rewards on your purchase.
Does CVS take GoodRx?
Yes, CVS accepts GoodRx and other prescription drug savings cards. Simply present your GoodRx barcode at the pharmacy counter to see if the discounted price beats your insurance copay.
Does CVS have a senior discount?
No, CVS does not offer a storewide senior citizen discount. However, seniors can save on prescriptions with the ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards program, earning $5 ExtraBucks for every 10 prescriptions filled. AARP members also get exclusive ExtraCare coupons and deals.
The Bottom Line
Though CVS doesn‘t match competitors‘ prices, it‘s still possible to be a savvy shopper and save money at the drugstore chain. By joining ExtraCare, leveraging personalized coupons, stacking deals and discounts, and shopping strategically, you can snag savings that rival other stores‘ prices.
"Even without price matching, CVS gives shoppers plenty of tools to find the best deals," Hoxmeier said. "It just takes a little extra effort."
At the end of the day, for many, the ability to quickly pop into a CVS trumps driving across town to hunt down the absolute lowest price.
"You might pay a little more at CVS, but you‘re paying for the convenience of getting what you need when and where you need it," Sewell said. "For busy folks, sometimes that‘s worth the extra $1."
