Well, you might be a bit bummed to hear it, but the whole CVS curbside pickup thing isn’t around anymore. That neat feature they started testing back in 2016 used to let you snag your stuff without ever stepping foot into the store. But for an unknown reason, CVS discontinued curbside pickup in 2020. This is just one of the downsides we point out in the CVS vs. Walgreens showdown.
When you're thinking about the best things to buy at CVS, it's not just about what's on the shelves, but also how you can get your hands on them. But there are still plenty of ways to grab your goods from CVS without spending too much time in-store.
Although CVS curbside pickup isn't an option anymore, there are other options to make your CVS shopping trip quick and easy. If you don’t want to travel to the store, you can always learn how CVS delivery works.
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1. No CVS curbside pickup? No problem — pick up your order in-store at participating locations.
To do an in-store pickup order, you'll place your order online or through the app, and select in-store pickup. Most orders can get fulfilled in as little as one hour. After you place your order, you'll have to physically go into a CVS store to pick up the order.
2. Use digital coupons and earn ExtraBucks with CVS pickup orders.
The great thing about placing an online order on CVS.com is you still earn your CVS ExtraBucks rewards. Plus, most digital coupons can be applied. Make sure that when you clip them to your account, they say "in-store or online."
You can earn ExtraBucks and use coupons all from your couch. Just make sure you put your pants on to go pick up the order in-store.
Related: Check out how to coupon at CVS for an easy guide to how to get started.
3. Use Instacart coupons to save on CVS Delivery.
Sometimes you just don't want to get dressed and go inside the store. That's where the beauty of Instacart comes into play.
Shopping through Instacart still gives you some sales that you'd see in the store and also coupons for products. You can also earn 2% back in ExtraBucks rewards on qualifying CVS purchases made on Instacart. Just add your ExtraBucks rewards account number to your Instacart profile.
Keep in mind: Instacart prices are higher, plus you have to pay a delivery fee and tip. As a couponer trying to save the most money, CVS delivery wouldn't be the way to do it. But if you have a sick kid at home and need medicine, it has its purpose.
4. Get your CVS order delivered to your door with DoorDash.
Like with Instacart, you can shop at CVS through DoorDash. Lately, my app has been really trying to push shopping at "convenience" stores through DoorDash and has offered me deals like "$10 off $30" and "40% off three convenience orders." Offers vary by user, but make sure you look for DoorDash coupons before you check out.
Their prices are higher and they do charge fees, so be mindful of that.
Related: We have tons more tips on ways to save with CVS delivery.
5. Don't try to use paper manufacturer coupons on CVS pickup orders.
You can't use paper coupons (inserts or printable coupons) for your CVS pickup order, but you can use CVS digital coupons. Just clip them to your account before checking out online.
6. Look for exclusive ExtraCare offers and use your ExtraBucks on pickup orders.
While you can't use paper manufacturer coupons for pickup orders, you can take advantage of exclusive CVS offers and even put your ExtraBucks toward your pickup purchase if you're a rewards member.
Any discounts you get through ExtraCare deals or ExtraBucks rewards on your account will be applied after checkout through the app.