Couponing at CVS can lead to major savings — when everything works. But let’s be honest: sometimes CVS deals don’t go quite as planned. Maybe a digital coupon didn't apply, a promotion didn't stack right, or your ExtraBucks didn't print. We’ve been there, and we know how frustrating that can be.

That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you troubleshoot the most common CVS couponing hiccups. From figuring out why a deal didn’t trigger to knowing when (and how) to use your spend threshold coupons the right way, we’ve got answers.

Plus, KCL experts share their best insider tips to help you avoid issues before they start — and save more in the process.

KCL TIP:  Download the free Krazy Coupon Lady app to make saving at CVS simple. And check out our CVS deal breakdowns, telling you exactly what to buy and what coupons to use.

Top 10 Pro Tips for Couponing at CVS

1. ExtraBucks Expiration: Once you send ExtraBucks to your card, you have 30 days to use them; be sure to send them to your card ASAP after earning them to avoid losing them.

2. Scan for Coupons in the App: Scan a product's barcode in the CVS app in-store to make sure your coupons apply. Use the barcode scanner button in the search bar.

3. Percentage-Off Coupons: These apply last , after all other discounts and ExtraBucks.

4. Spend-Based Coupons: If you're combining spend-based coupons, you must meet both spending thresholds. For example, if you have a $3/$15 L'Oreal coupon and a $4/$20 L'Oreal coupon, you'd need to spend $35 total on L'Oreal for both coupons to apply.

5. ExtraBuck Deal Limits: Note that some ExtraBuck deals can be applied done more than once. For example, if the sales tag says “Buy 4, get $2 ExtraBucks, limit 2 per household per week," you could do the deal twice, buying four products and receiving two $4 ExtraBucks rewards. This can be done in the same transaction, on the same day, or split up during the week. It’s up to you.

6. Price Check: You can do a price check or check for clearance at the CVS Coupon Center (or the Coupon Machine — the red kiosk located in stores). It's usually found at the front of the store.

7. New CVS Coupons: They're typically released on Sundays .

8. CVS Coupons Can Disappear: Clip any coupons you're interested in right away . CVS may remove them from the app, even before they expire. But if you've added the coupon to your ExtraCare account, you'll still be able to use it.

CVS Couponing FAQ: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why didn’t my CVS coupon come off?

Answer: This can happen for a few reasons. Check if you forgot to clip the coupon to your account; you're using a threshold coupon and haven't met the spend threshold yet; the coupon isn't valid on the item you purchased.

I expected to pay less since I used a 40% off CVS coupon and ExtraBucks. What happened?

Answer: Remember percent-off coupons are applied last. Example: If you buy a $10 item and use $5 ExtraBucks and a 40% off coupon, they'll apply in this order: $10 - $5 = $5 - 40% ($2) = $3 final price.

I had two threshold coupons. Why didn’t they come off?

Answer: In order to use two threshold coupons in one transaction, you have to meet both thresholds. For example, if you have a $5 off $25 coupon and a $10 off $50 coupon, you would need to spend $75 ($25 + $50) to get the $15 off ($5 + $10).

I didn’t get the ExtraBucks I expected from a deal.

Answer: Typically this can be caused by two reasons: Items you purchased were not part of a deal. For example, the wrong size or type. OR you were doing a threshold deal and didn’t meet the threshold spend requirement. In-store, thresholds are met after store sales but before all coupons and ExtraBucks. Online, thresholds are met after store sales, store coupons, and ExtraBucks, but before manufacturer coupons.

What's rolling ExtraBucks?

Answer: That’s the practice of taking ExtraBucks earned in one transaction and using them in the next transaction as a form of payment to lower your out-of-pocket cost.

I overpaid in ExtraBucks. Where's my change?

Answer: CVS doesn’t give change for ExtraBucks. If you overpay, the remainder is forfeited.

My coupon was for $3 but the item was $2.50. Where's the $0.50 overage?

Answer: CVS adjusts coupons down. They don’t allow overage.

My item was free after coupons. Why am I still paying money?

Answer: For most states, tax is calculated before discounts, so even if an item is free after coupons, you'll have to pay tax. Only in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Texas is the tax calculated after discounts.

Does CVS price match?

Answer: No, not to themselves or competitors.

I didn't get a receipt with my CVS pickup. 

Answer: You won't get a receipt with store pickup, but you will get an email verifying your pickup. You can find your purchase history under your profile. And if earned, any ExtraBucks will appear in your account and be available to clip anywhere from 10 minutes to 24 hours later.

Can I use paper coupons?

Answer: Yes — these are still manufacturer coupons.

How can I price check an item?

Answer: You can do a price check at the CVS Coupon Center (or the Coupon Machine — the red kiosk located in stores). It's usually found at the front of the store.

How do I know can I tell if my store follows the 98% rule?

Answer: You just have to try a deal and see if you get your ExtraBucks. However, online orders don't follow the 98% rule.

Extra Credit — Manufacturer vs. Store CVS Coupons, Plus Stacking and the 98% Rule

CVS Manufacturer Coupons

Manufacturer coupons are labeled MFR and found mostly online.

CVS Store Coupons

Store coupons are labeled CRT (Cash Register Tape); they're found online and printed on receipts. If printed, they can be added to your ExtraCare account (and used) online.

You'll run into three main types of store coupons:

• Percentage-Off Coupons — for example, 20% off, can't be used on clearance

• Product-Based Coupons — for example, $1 off Charmin

• Spend-Based Coupons — for example, $4 off $20

Combining (Or Stacking) Manufacturer Coupons With Store Coupons

To save the most money, combine sale prices, manufacturer coupons, store coupons, and ExtraBucks promotions. You can stack one manufacturer coupon with multiple store coupons per item. You can also stack multiple threshold coupons and percentage off coupons with a store product coupon as long as the coupon requirements are met. 

98% Rule

Many CVS stores follow the 98% Rule. That is, you can still earn ExtraBucks if you spend 98% of the required amount. For example, if a promo says you'll receive $5 ExtraBucks when you spend $20 on Maybelline, you'd only need to spend $19.60 (98% of $20) to get the $5 ExtraBucks at checkout.

However, not all stores follow this rule. Try it at your store, and check your receipt or ExtraCare account to see if you earned your ExtraBucks. And keep in mind that online orders don't follow the 98% rule.