We're reader-supported and only partner with brands we trust. When you buy through links on our site we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date and time indicated and are subject to change.

If you spend at least $10 a month at CVS or use the CVS Pharmacy for your prescriptions, then you need to know about the CVS CarePass program. It’s a paid program that will cost you $5 a month, but it pays you back more than it costs. There are tons of benefits, including making money every single month. Plus, CVS is giving you the first month for free!

If you’ve stumbled across this post before learning how to coupon at CVS, check out our easy guide and get ready to grab all the CVS deals.

You can also download The Krazy Coupon Lady app and make CVS one of your favorite stores. When you do that, all of the latest CVS coupons and deals will show up in your deals feed.

 

1. Get $10 back every month just for joining the CVS CarePass program.

Seriously. This is one of the best benefits of the CarePass program. Sign up and you’ll automatically get a $10 promo reward to spend in store or online every single month. When I signed up for the CarePass program, the $10 ExtraBucks reward instantly went to my card, but they say it can take up to 72 hours to load. Keep in mind you have to use each $10 reward by the end of the month you get it.

Related: CVS ExtraCare: Get More ExtraBucks With These 11 Tips

 

2. It isn’t free, but if you shop at CVS at least once a month, you’ll still come out ahead by $5!

Two women standing in front of a CVS register while a clerk is holding a shopping bag with merchandise in it.

Here’s the scoop: pay $5 a month for the CVS CarePass program and get a $10 promo reward back as long as you shop at CVS at least once a month.

You can also choose to pay upfront for the whole year and get charged $48, which works out to just $4 a month. This means you’ll make a $6 profit in rewards each month if you choose the annual plan.

Basically, if you shop at CVS at least once a month (and spend at least $10), then you need this program in your life. If you’re a casual CVS shopper, then we say skip it.

Related: Not familiar with the CVS rewards program, ExtraBucks? We’ve got all of the details on how it works and some expert-level ways to save while using your rewards.

 

3. Get $10 ExtraBucks for free when you join during a promo.

Woman holding a phone with CVS coupons pulled up

CVS will frequently offer the first month free for new members to join CVS CarePass in-store. CVS most recently provided a join-for-free promotion in July 2023. Even though you’re joining for free, you still receive the $10 ExtraBucks. Yay for free CVS money!

TIP: Just remember, you can only get your first month free if you sign up in-store.

 

4. Easily cancel CVS CarePass over the phone or online.

Two woman sitting at a table, talking while one holds a cell phone and the other looks at a laptop.

If you find yourself not shopping at CVS often enough to earn your $10 bonus ExtraBucks, then you may consider canceling your CVS CarePass.

Canceling is pretty easy, too.

 

Cancel CVS CarePass in two ways:

1. Over the phone with CVS Customer Service at 1-833-320-CARE.

2. On CVS.com.

To cancel on CVS.com, you’ll first need to log in to your account, go to CarePass Dashboard, scroll almost to the bottom, and you’ll see “Have questions or want to cancel your membership?” Click that link and boom! It will ask you a few questions from there to try and keep you as a member.

Just make sure you cancel at least three days in advance of the membership renewal date to avoid recurring charges.

 

5. Use the whole $10 in one transaction or you’ll lose the remainder.

A person putting their items on the checkout counter at CVS while the employee scans them

This rule is the same as with all CVS ExtraBucks; you must use the entire amount in one transaction. It’s not like a $10 bill where they’ll give you change. If you use it on something that’s just $8, you’ll forfeit $2.

And if you’re shopping at CVS.com, then you won’t be able to use it at all unless you’re spending at least $10 — they simply won’t let you.

The $10 will automatically get added to your CVS ExtraCare card monthly. It’ll also expire at the end of every month, so you can’t save them up.

You can stack the reward with any other ExtraBucks you’ve earned and also with manufacturer and CVS coupons.

Related: If you don’t use coupons at CVS, then you need to. This is how to coupon at CVS.

 

 

6. You can pretty much use your $10 reward on anything at CVS, but there are a few exclusions.

two woman walking with cart in cvs pharmacy

CVS has exclusions on what you can use your ExtraBucks on. Here’s a quick guide.

 

ExtraBucks Exclusions:

  • Alcohol
  • Bottle deposits
  • Bus passes
  • Hunting and fishing licenses
  • Lottery
  • Money orders
  • Postage stamps
  • Prepaid cards and gift cards
  • Prescriptions and copays
  • Pseudoephedrine/ephedrine products
  • Newspapers and magazines
  • Milk (where required by law or regulation)
  • Any imposed governmental fees or items reimbursed by a government health plan

 

7. Get free 1- to 2-day shipping, extra discounts, and exclusive perks with the CVS CarePass program.

A person picking up a CVS deliver box from a doorstep

The $10 reward is great, but there’s actually a whole host of other perks, too:

  • Free 1- to 2-day shipping when you shop at CVS.com
  • Free 1- to 2-day Rx delivery on qualifying prescriptions
  • 24/7 pharmacist helpline
  • 20% discount on CVS Health brand products (but not on sale items)

As an ultimate couponer, I don’t use CVS shipping that often, but it’s so much cheaper than paying for items to be delivered via Shipt, Instacart, or DoorDash.

TIP: As a CVS CarePass member, you’ll get free shipping all the time. But one of the items in your cart needs to be CarePass eligible, which is noted on each product page.

 

UP NEXT: The Best CVS Deals Available Now

CVS CarePass Will Get You $10 a Month (And Your First Month Is Free!)