CVS vs Walgreens: Which Gives Out Better Rewards Program?

Here’s something that’ll blow your mind: the average American family spends over $4,000 annually at pharmacies and drugstores! That’s a chunk of change that could seriously benefit from some strategic rewards program action. As someone who’s been juggling both CVS ExtraCare and Walgreens rewards for years, I’ve learned the hard way which program actually puts money back in your pocket versus just making you feel good about “earning points.”

Trust me, I made every rookie mistake in the book when I first started using these programs. But after countless trips to both chains and way too many receipt calculations, I’ve figured out the real deal on maximizing your pharmacy savings.

My Journey Through Pharmacy Rewards Hell (and Back)

So picture this: it’s 2019, and I’m standing in CVS at 11 PM because my kid’s got a fever and we’re out of children’s Tylenol. The cashier asks if I have an ExtraCare card, and I’m like, “Uh, no?” Bad move. I walked out paying full price for everything while the person behind me got like $8 off their purchase.

That night, I signed up for both CVS ExtraCare and Walgreens myWalgreens because I wasn’t about to get caught slipping again. Little did I know I was about to embark on a years-long experiment that would teach me way more about pharmacy rewards than any sane person should know.

CVS ExtraCare: The Good, Bad, and Confusing

Let me start with CVS because honestly, their program is both brilliant and frustrating at the same time. The ExtraCare program gives you 2% back on most purchases, which sounds decent until you realize it comes as ExtraBucks that expire.

Here’s where I messed up initially: I’d get these ExtraBucks coupons and forget to use them. They expire every month, folks! I probably lost $50 worth of rewards in my first year just because I’m organizationally challenged.

But here’s the kicker – CVS has these weekly deals where you can get ridiculous amounts back. I once bought $30 worth of Tide detergent and got $10 ExtraBucks back. The catch? You gotta be on top of their circular and plan your shopping around their promotions.

Walgreens myWalgreens: Simple but Sneaky

Walgreens kept it simpler with their myWalgreens program (formerly Balance Rewards, which confused the heck out of me when they switched). You earn 1% back on most stuff, 5% on Walgreens brand products, and 10% on select health and wellness items.

What I love about Walgreens is that your rewards don’t expire as long as you earn or redeem something every six months. Way more forgiving than CVS’s monthly expiration madness. Plus, you can redeem rewards in $1 increments, which is clutch when you’re trying to use up small amounts.

However, and this is a big however, their sale prices often aren’t as aggressive as CVS. I’ve done side-by-side comparisons, and CVS frequently beats Walgreens on regular pricing even before rewards.

The Real-World Comparison Nobody Talks About

Okay, here’s where I got nerdy with it. I tracked my spending at both stores for six months in 2023. CVS consistently gave me better overall value, but it required way more effort and planning.

At CVS, I averaged about 8% back when I played their game right – combining coupons, ExtraBucks deals, and their quarterly promotions. But when I was lazy or forgot to check their app? More like 2-3% back, which is pretty meh.

Walgreens was steadier at around 4-5% back without much effort. Their Cash Rewards were easier to track, and I never had that sinking feeling of expired benefits. Sometimes steady wins the race, you know?

Which Program Actually Wins Your Wallet?

Here’s my honest take after years of using both: if you’re the type who loves couponing and doesn’t mind checking apps weekly, CVS ExtraCare can be amazing. Their deals can be genuinely insane when you stack everything right.

But if you want something simple that just works without constant attention, Walgreens myWalgreens is your friend. I’ve saved more money overall with CVS, but I’ve had more consistent savings with Walgreens.

For prescription medications specifically, both programs offer decent benefits, though CVS’s prescription rewards program tends to be more generous for people with chronic conditions.

My Bottom Line After All These Years

Look, I still use both programs because I’m not driving across town to save $2. But if I had to pick just one? I’d probably go with CVS ExtraCare despite its complexity, simply because the potential savings are higher when you get the hang of it.

The key is not to stress about maximizing every single deal. Pick the program that fits your shopping style and stick with it. Your sanity is worth more than squeezing out every last cent of rewards.

Remember, these programs change frequently, so what worked for me might not work exactly the same way for you. But the fundamentals – reading the fine print, checking expiration dates, and actually using your rewards – those never change. Want more money-saving tips and honest reviews like this? Head over to Budget Hackers where we break down all the best ways to stretch your dollars without the marketing fluff.