CVS: CVS Shopping Guide and What is an ECB?

I’ve been asked by some what an ECB is (also know as Extra Care Bucks). That is CVS’ version of a catalina. Each week CVS adds ECBs to certain items. When you buy that item, you will receive ECB’s that can be used on your next purchase. The ECB’s will come in the form of a coupon at the end of your receipt so before the cashier starts scanning your items, make sure they scan your Extra Care card first so you don’t miss out on any ECBs. You also get ECBs just by shopping in general at CVS. Each quarter you will get 2% of your shopping purchase in ECBs. This will also show up at the end of your receipt so keeping track of your receipts is important when shopping here.

The first step to shopping at CVS is to get an Extra Card Card. You can get it online or apply for one in-store. I prefer the latter as you get your card right away to use as oppose to waiting 2 weeks to get it if you apply online.

So How Do I Get FREE Stuff with ECBs?

Once you start earning ECBs, you can start rolling them over and soon, you can get stuff for FREE at CVS! This means you’ll be spending little to NO money out of pocket! Once you get really good, you’ll start profiting off these deals. How? Well, when you stack manufacturer coupons on top of Extra Care Buck deals, you’ll start making money off your purchases!

If you’re a beginner, I would suggest making several transactions at a single visit. Your first transaction where you will spend the most money will get you your ECBs. Then you can roll them (i.e. use them) on your next transaction which will save you money.

What to do at Checkout

It is important that when you’re ready to checkout you first hand the cashier your Extra Care Card. Then put your coupons in this order to maximize your savings:

1. Any store coupons (like $5 OFF $20, etc.)
2. CVS store product coupons
3. Manufacturer coupons
4. Extra Care Bucks

So although technically you do spend money out of pocket to get the ECB’s, once you get really good you can apply them to other purchases and that’s where you save! I hope I’ve given you enough info to get started on shopping at CVS. If you have any other tips or questions, feel free to leave a comment or e-mail me! In no time you’ll be a CVS shopping pro!