The CVS ExtraCare rewards program offers U.S. consumers multiple ways to earn and redeem rewards, including instant 2% back in ExtraBucks, weekly free gift offers in the CVS app, and a birthday freebie. The program, which has served 74 million members for over 20 years, recently updated its structure to provide faster access to rewards and new digital perks. Members can receive free products through promotional events, such as the "ExtraCare Extra Thanks event," which distributes daily freebies for limited periods. Additionally, the program includes a paid membership tier called ExtraCare Plus, which provides monthly ExtraBucks credits.
Program Overview and Membership
CVS ExtraCare is a free loyalty program that allows members to earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on most purchases. According to CVS Health, the program underwent significant updates in July to provide more flexibility in how members earn and spend rewards. The core benefit of earning 2% back remains, but the payout timing has changed. Previously, members received their 2% rewards on a quarterly basis. Now, rewards appear in the CVS App, on CVS.com, and on digital and paper receipts moments after a purchase is completed. Members can choose to use these rewards on their next visit or accumulate them to spend later, as long as they are used within 90 days of issuance.
To participate, consumers must sign up for an ExtraCare card, which can be obtained at any CVS store register or online. Members are encouraged to link their ExtraCare card to the CVS Pharmacy mobile app to access exclusive coupons, deals, and the new weekly free gift offers. The app has seen double-digit increases in downloads over the past year, and coupons sent to users' ExtraCare cards from the app have more than doubled.
Earning ExtraBucks Rewards
There are multiple ways to earn ExtraBucks Rewards through the ExtraCare program. The primary method is earning 2% back on eligible purchases. This 2% reward is calculated on the pre-tax total of most items purchased at CVS Pharmacy locations. These rewards are issued almost immediately after the transaction and can be viewed in the CVS App or on the receipt.
In addition to the 2% back, members can earn ExtraBucks through specific promotional offers. These offers, often referred to as "ExtraBucks deals," provide an instant rebate in the form of a coupon that prints at the end of a receipt when a qualifying transaction is made. For example, a purchase might trigger a reward that gives a specific dollar amount off a future purchase.
The program also includes other earning opportunities such as the Pharmacy & Health Rewards program, which offers rewards for filling prescriptions and other health-related activities. Additionally, the ExtraCare BeautyClub program offers enhanced rewards for beauty product purchases, though specific details on enhancements were scheduled to be announced later in the summer.
New Birthday Benefit and Weekly Free Gifts
A significant addition to the ExtraCare program is the new birthday benefit. ExtraCare members who opt in by providing their birthday information will receive $3 in celebratory ExtraBucks Rewards during their birthday month. This $3 credit can be used toward the purchase of any item from CVS Pharmacy’s selection of health and wellness products, beauty brands, everyday essentials, or better-for-you foods. Birthday rewards are delivered through the member's preferred communication channel, which may include email, SMS text messages, or the CVS App.
To celebrate the program updates, CVS launched a series of free gift offers exclusively in the CVS App. This promotional event, which began in late June and continued throughout July, features a new free gift each week. These gifts range from better-for-you snacks and treats to health and beauty essentials. Members can find these weekly free gifts in the "deals & rewards" section of the app.
Promotional Freebie Events
CVS periodically runs specific promotional events that offer free products. One such event detailed in the source material is the "ExtraCare Extra Thanks event." This event provided daily free products to ExtraCare Rewards members for a two-week period. For example, during the event running from July 5 to July 18, free products included Ibuprofen and Gold Emblem Gummy Bears. To access these daily freebies, members needed to have the CVS Pharmacy app and link their ExtraCare card. The free product of the day would then appear in the "deals & rewards" section of the app. These events are designed to encourage members to download the app and link their loyalty accounts.
Paid Membership: ExtraCare Plus
For consumers looking to boost their benefits further, CVS offers a paid membership tier called ExtraCare Plus. According to information from The Krazy Coupon Lady, members who upgrade to ExtraCare Plus receive $10 in ExtraBucks each month. This paid membership provides an additional layer of savings on top of the standard free ExtraCare benefits. While the primary source material mentions the existence of this tier, it does not provide comprehensive details on the cost or additional specific perks beyond the monthly ExtraBucks allocation.
Digital Engagement and App Usage
The CVS App is central to the modern ExtraCare experience. The app allows members to view, track, and manage their earnings and personalized deals. It also features a Rewards Tracker that shows progress toward earned rewards from ExtraCare, ExtraCare BeautyClub, ExtraCare Pharmacy & Health Rewards, and the paid CarePass membership program. The app facilitates the linking of the ExtraCare card via phone number or email, which is necessary to receive exclusive coupons and access member-only sale prices. Members can also opt-in to receive SMS text messages with surprise deals tailored to their interests.
Conclusion
The CVS ExtraCare rewards program provides substantial value through its 2% back in ExtraBucks, which is now paid out almost instantly rather than quarterly. Members can maximize their savings by utilizing the CVS App to access weekly free gifts, a $3 birthday reward, and limited-time promotional freebie events. The program is free to join, though a paid tier (ExtraCare Plus) is available for those seeking additional monthly rewards. For U.S. consumers, deal seekers, and sample enthusiasts, linking an ExtraCare card to the CVS app is the primary method for accessing these no-cost offers and promotional products.