If I Don't Claim a CVS Gift Card, What Happens?

CVS is a major US retailer that offers gift cards, which function like prepaid debit cards and can be loaded with any amount. There are several CVS Gift Card alternatives, including the CVS Standard Gift Card, the CVS eGift Card, the CVS Select Card, and the CVS RXReload Card. These cards have low minimum purchase restrictions, are accepted at all CVS locations, and have volume discounts. Furthermore, they never expire, meaning you don't lose the amount if you fail to activate a CVS gift card.

Jeff Whelpley is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Jul 13, 2023

Gift cards have become popular for gifting and personal use due to their convenience and flexibility. CVS is one of the largest retailers in the United States that offers Gift Cards. This article will explain gift cards and what happens when you fail to activate a CVS Gift card.

What Are Gift Cards?

A gift card (or gift voucher or gift certificate) is a prepaid debit card loaded with a predetermined amount of money or credits that can be used to make a range of purchases. Store gift cards (like CVS gift cards) are created to be redeemed at specific shops. General-use prepaid gift cards are independent of any one retailer and can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs.

How Does a Gift Card Work?

Gift cards are loaded with money for future use. Many gift cards restrict the minimum and maximum amounts that can be loaded. For instance, there could be a $10 minimum and a $500 maximum. Sometimes, gift cards can be used as partial payment toward a transaction. The remaining balance can be paid with another payment method, like cash, debit, or credit.

Many gift cards now have an online registration option that can protect against loss by keeping track of spending and freezing the card's value in the event of theft. Consequently, some gift cards are more secure than cash.

Types of Gift Cards Sold at CVS

CVS Gift Cards

These are CVS-branded gift cards that can be used at any CVS location in the U.S. They can be used to buy prescription drugs and other services the pharmacy offers.

Below are some uses of CVS-branded gift cards for businesses.

  • Employee benefits
  • Customer loyalty programs
  • Fundraising
  • Wellness programs
  • Rewards programs
  • Sales recognition awards

Benefits of CVS Gift Cards

  • There are several options to choose from. You can choose a CVS Standard Gift Card, a CVS eGift Card, a Select Card, or an RXReload Card.
  • The initial purchase requirement is low
  • Fast fulfillment service
  • Accepted at all CVS stores for prescriptions and over-the-counter products
  • No expiration dates and fees
  • Volume discounts are available

Retailer Gift Cards

Whether you're shopping for clothes, gadgets, groceries, restaurants, or movies, CVS Pharmacy has a gift card to fit your needs. Below is a list of popular retailer gift cards CVS offers:

  • Amazon gift cards
  • Target gift cards
  • Apple gift cards
  • Best Buy gift cards
  • Sephora gift cards
  • Starbucks gift cards

Restaurant Gift Cards

CVS also sells gift cards to local restaurants, perfect for treating a foodie friend. Some of their most popular restaurant gift cards include:

  • Applebee's
  • Olive Garden
  • Texas Roadhouse
  • Outback Steakhouse
  • Cheesecake Factory
  • Chili's
  • Buffalo Wild Wings
  • Cracker Barrel
  • Dunkin Donuts

Buying a Gift Card From CVS

Follow the steps below to purchase a gift card from CVS:

  • Head to your nearest CVS location
  • Find the Gift Card rack
  • Look for the card you want
  • Pay for it at the cashier using any acceptable payment mode
  • Once you pay for the card, the cashier will activate it for you
  • Don't throw away the receipt in case there is any issue with the card

Redeeming Your CVS Gift Card

  • Visit any CVS pharmacy near you.
  • Browse the store and choose the things you want to buy
  • Take the chosen items to the cashier
  • Inform the cashier of your intent to buy the items using a gift card
  • The cashier will check the gift card's balance and process the payment
  • Ensure you collect the receipt

What If I Don't Claim a CVS Gift Card?

CVS gift cards have no expiration dates. Additionally, there are no dormancy or other associated fees. You will not be charged any fees if you fail to activate a CVS gift card immediately.

If you have any further questions, you can contact CVS for assistance.

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Jeff truly believes that all customers deserve good service. He’s been building tools, inventing phone tree hacks and helping customers since before his days at GetHuman. He's also a Google GDE and involved in the Angular community.
If I Don't Claim a CVS Gift Card, What Happens?

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