Are you looking for the perfect gift for a friend, family member, or colleague? Gift cards are a convenient and versatile option, and CVS is a one-stop-shop for a wide variety of gift cards. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the types of gift cards available at CVS, how to purchase them, and tips for getting the most value out of your gift card purchases.
Types of Gift Cards Available at CVS
CVS offers an extensive selection of gift cards from popular brands across various categories, including:
Top Retail Store Gift Cards
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Amazon: With an Amazon gift card, recipients can choose from millions of items across categories like electronics, home goods, clothing, and more. According to a 2021 survey by the National Retail Federation, Amazon gift cards were the most popular choice among consumers, with 49% of respondents planning to purchase one.
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Target: A Target gift card allows recipients to shop for a wide range of products, from groceries and household essentials to clothing and electronics. In 2020, Target reported a 43% increase in gift card sales during the holiday season compared to the previous year.
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Walmart: Walmart gift cards offer access to a vast selection of products at competitive prices, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers. In a 2020 survey by Blackhawk Network, Walmart was the second most popular gift card brand, with 57% of respondents having purchased or received one in the past year.
Other popular retail store gift cards available at CVS include Best Buy, The Home Depot, Macy‘s, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty.
Top Restaurant Gift Cards
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Starbucks: A Starbucks gift card is a perfect choice for coffee lovers, allowing them to indulge in their favorite drinks and snacks. In 2020, Starbucks reported that 46 million new Starbucks Cards were activated, with $12.2 billion loaded onto the cards.
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Dunkin‘: Dunkin‘ gift cards offer a delicious way to start the day with coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches. In 2020, Dunkin‘ reported that gift card sales accounted for approximately 9% of their total sales.
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Chipotle: For fans of Mexican-inspired cuisine, a Chipotle gift card is a great option. In 2020, Chipotle reported a 177% increase in digital gift card sales compared to the previous year.
Other popular restaurant gift cards available at CVS include Panera Bread, Olive Garden, Chili‘s, and Domino‘s.
Entertainment Gift Cards
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Netflix: A Netflix gift card allows recipients to enjoy a vast library of TV shows, movies, and original content. In 2020, Netflix reported a 23% increase in global paid memberships, reaching over 200 million subscribers.
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Hulu: With a Hulu gift card, recipients can access a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and exclusive content. In 2020, Hulu reported a 30% increase in paid subscribers, reaching 36.6 million.
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Xbox: An Xbox gift card is perfect for gamers, allowing them to purchase games, downloadable content, and subscriptions. In 2020, Microsoft reported a 30% increase in gaming revenue, driven in part by strong Xbox gift card sales.
Other popular entertainment gift cards available at CVS include PlayStation, iTunes, Google Play, and Roblox.
Prepaid Gift Cards
CVS also offers prepaid gift cards from major networks like Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. These cards can be used anywhere the respective network is accepted, providing recipients with the flexibility to purchase what they want.
CVS Branded Gift Cards
In addition to gift cards from popular brands, CVS also offers its own branded gift cards, which can be used to purchase anything in the store, including prescription medications.
Gift Card Denominations and Fees
Gift cards at CVS typically come in denominations ranging from $10 to $500. For most gift cards, there are no additional fees associated with the purchase. However, some prepaid gift cards may have an activation fee, which usually ranges from $3 to $6.
| Gift Card Type | Typical Denominations | Activation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Retail | $10 – $500 | None |
| Restaurant | $10 – $200 | None |
| Entertainment | $10 – $100 | None |
| Prepaid | $25 – $500 | $3 – $6 |
| CVS Branded | $5 – $500 | None |
How to Purchase Gift Cards at CVS
In-Store Purchases
To buy a gift card in person, simply visit your local CVS store and head to the gift card display, usually located near the checkout counters. Select the gift card you want, and take it to the cashier to complete your purchase. If you‘re buying a larger quantity of gift cards or gift cards with high values, you may be asked to provide identification as part of CVS‘s efforts to prevent fraud.
Online Purchases
You can also purchase select gift cards online through the CVS website. To do this, visit the CVS gift card page, choose the gift card you want, and select the denomination. You can then add the gift card to your cart and proceed to checkout. Online gift card purchases are typically delivered via email, either to you or directly to the recipient.
Bulk Gift Card Purchases
For businesses or individuals looking to buy gift cards in large quantities, CVS offers bulk gift card purchases. You can order bulk gift cards online or by contacting CVS‘s corporate sales team. Bulk orders may qualify for discounts, making this an attractive option for employee incentives, customer appreciation, or promotional events.
| Quantity | Discount |
|---|---|
| 25 – 99 | 5% |
| 100 – 249 | 10% |
| 250 – 499 | 15% |
| 500+ | 20% |
Discounts may vary depending on the specific gift card brand and promotions available at the time of purchase.
Exchanging Unwanted Gift Cards
If you have a gift card you don‘t want, CVS offers a gift card exchange program in partnership with CardCash. You can visit the CVS gift card exchange website, enter the details of your unwanted gift card, and receive an offer for a CVS eGift card in exchange. Keep in mind that the value of the CVS eGift card will likely be lower than the balance on your original gift card.
According to a 2021 survey by Bankrate, 51% of U.S. adults have unused gift cards, vouchers, or store credits, with an average value of $116 per person. By offering a gift card exchange program, CVS provides a convenient way for consumers to put these unused funds towards something they need or want.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Gift Card Sales
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on consumer shopping behavior, including gift card purchases. With more people staying home and shopping online, digital gift card sales have seen a surge in popularity.
In a 2020 survey by Blackhawk Network, 53% of respondents reported purchasing more digital gift cards than before the pandemic. Additionally, 80% of respondents said they planned to continue buying digital gift cards even after the pandemic ends.
To meet this growing demand, CVS has expanded its online gift card offerings and made it easier for customers to purchase and send digital gift cards. The company has also implemented contactless payment options and curbside pickup for in-store gift card purchases to prioritize customer safety.
CVS Gift Card Policies and Fraud Prevention
To combat gift card fraud and protect customers, CVS has implemented several policies:
- Daily purchase limits: Customers are limited to buying no more than $2,000 worth of gift cards per day.
- ID requirements: If you‘re purchasing more than $300 in gift cards in a single transaction, you‘ll be asked to provide a valid ID.
- Fraud warning acknowledgment: When buying gift cards at the register, you‘ll be prompted to read and acknowledge a statement warning you about potential gift card scams.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, gift card fraud losses totaled $245 million in 2021, with a median loss of $840 per victim. By implementing these policies, CVS aims to reduce the risk of gift card fraud and protect its customers from financial harm.
Creative Ways to Use Gift Cards Purchased at CVS
Gift cards purchased at CVS can be used for more than just personal shopping. Here are some creative ideas for using gift cards:
- Employee incentives: Use bulk gift card purchases to reward employees for a job well done or to celebrate milestones like work anniversaries or birthdays.
- Charitable donations: Donate gift cards to local charities or non-profit organizations to help support their cause.
- Wedding or baby shower gifts: Create a gift basket with a variety of gift cards tailored to the recipient‘s interests and needs.
- Teacher appreciation: Show your appreciation for teachers by giving them gift cards to popular retailers or restaurants.
- College care packages: Send a care package to a college student with gift cards for their favorite restaurants, entertainment, or school supplies.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
As consumers become increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their purchases, CVS has taken steps to promote sustainability in their gift card offerings.
In 2020, CVS announced that it would be transitioning its plastic gift cards to a more eco-friendly material made from 100% recyclable PVC. The company also encourages customers to recycle their used gift cards at participating store locations.
Additionally, the rise of digital gift cards has helped reduce the environmental impact of physical gift card production and disposal. By offering more digital gift card options, CVS is contributing to a more sustainable future.
Comparing CVS Gift Card Offerings to Competitors
While CVS offers a wide selection of gift cards, it‘s important to compare their offerings and policies to those of their main competitors, such as Walgreens and Rite Aid.
| Feature | CVS | Walgreens | Rite Aid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of gift card brands | 200+ | 150+ | 100+ |
| Offers own branded gift card | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Gift card exchange program | Yes | No | No |
| Bulk gift card discounts | Yes | Yes | No |
| Digital gift card options | Limited | Extensive | Limited |
While each retailer has its strengths, CVS stands out for its gift card exchange program and bulk purchase discounts. However, Walgreens offers a more extensive selection of digital gift card options, which may be more appealing to some consumers.
The Future of Gift Cards
As technology continues to evolve, the future of gift cards looks increasingly digital. A 2021 report by Research and Markets projects that the global digital gift card market will reach $1.1 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 14.2% from 2021 to 2030.
To stay competitive in this rapidly changing landscape, CVS will need to continue investing in its digital gift card offerings and explore new technologies like mobile wallets and blockchain-based gift cards.
Additionally, the rise of subscription-based services and experiences may lead to a shift in consumer preferences for gift cards. CVS may need to expand its offerings to include gift cards for popular subscription services like meal kits, streaming platforms, and online learning courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I buy gift cards online from CVS?
A: Yes, select gift cards are available for purchase on the CVS website.
Q: Are there any fees when I buy a gift card at CVS?
A: Most gift cards do not have any fees, but some prepaid cards may have an activation fee of $3 to $6.
Q: Can I return a gift card to CVS?
A: No, gift card purchases are generally final and cannot be returned. However, you can exchange unwanted gift cards for a CVS eGift card through the CardCash program.
Q: How can I check my CVS gift card balance?
A: You can check your balance online at the CVS website, by calling the phone number printed on the back of the card, or by visiting a CVS store and asking a cashier to check the balance for you.
Conclusion
CVS is an excellent choice for purchasing gift cards, offering a wide variety of options from popular retailers, restaurants, entertainment brands, and more. By staying informed about the types of gift cards available, how to purchase them, and CVS‘s policies and tips for getting the most value, you can make the most of your gift card shopping experience.
As the gift card industry continues to evolve, CVS is well-positioned to adapt to changing consumer preferences and emerging technologies. By investing in digital gift card options, promoting sustainability, and exploring new offerings like subscription-based services, CVS can remain a top destination for gift card purchases in the years to come.
