Savings program

CVS ExtraCare — full guide

How CVS's pharmacy savings program actually works, what it costs, and how it stacks against the other major chains.

What ExtraCare is

ExtraCare is CVS's free loyalty program. Members earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on most purchases plus quarterly ExtraBucks based on prescription pickups, and unlock weekly digital coupons in the CVS app.

CarePass ($5/month or $48/year) layers on free shipping, a 24/7 pharmacist helpline, a 20% discount on CVS Health brand items, and a $10 monthly promotional reward.

How to enroll

The fastest path is the official CVS mobile app — you'll be enrolled in ExtraCare the moment the account is created. In-store sign-up is also available at any pharmacy counter or front-store register; the cashier will tie the account to your phone number for instant lookup at future visits.

If you're moving from a different chain, CVS will transfer all of your active prescriptions in a single phone call. The new pharmacy contacts the old one directly, pulls your prescription history, and notifies you when the first fill is ready. Keep your insurance card and a photo ID on hand for the first pickup.

Pharmacy savings & everyday discounts

ExtraCare is CVS's free loyalty program. Members earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on most purchases plus quarterly ExtraBucks based on prescription pickups, and unlock weekly digital coupons in the CVS app. The biggest practical wins come from stacking the loyalty program with manufacturer copay cards, GoodRx or SingleCare discount codes, and the chain's own seasonal coupons. CVS pharmacy staff are trained to run a price comparison if you ask — when a discount card beats your insurance copay, they'll process the cash-pay price instead. It's a polite ask: "Can you check the cash price with GoodRx versus my insurance?"

Members of ExtraCare can also clip personalized digital coupons in the app. These rotate weekly and frequently include $5 off a $25 front-store purchase — a useful stack for anyone refilling a prescription anyway, since the coupon applies to the whole basket.

ExtraCare vs other chains

  • Walgreens (myWalgreens): myWalgreens replaced the older Balance Rewards program.
  • Rite Aid (Rite Aid Rewards): Rite Aid Rewards is a points-based program.
  • Walmart Pharmacy (Walmart+ Rx for Less): Walmart+ ($98/year or $12.
  • Costco Pharmacy (Costco Member Prescription Program): The Costco Member Prescription Program (CMPP) gives Costco members discounted cash prices on a wide list of generics and brand medications when paying without insurance.
  • Kroger Pharmacy (Kroger Rx Savings Club): Kroger Rx Savings Club ($36/year individual, $72/year family) offers $0 generics on hundreds of medications, up to 85% off thousands more, and discounts that work without insurance.
  • Publix Pharmacy (Publix Pharmacy Free Medication Program): Publix Pharmacy fills several common medications free of charge with a valid prescription, including up to a 90-day supply of metformin (immediate-release), lisinopril, amlodipine, and the generic versions of amoxicillin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, penicillin VK, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, and more.

Full pharmacy savings program comparison →

Where to use ExtraCare

ExtraCare works at every CVS Pharmacy location nationwide — see CVS hours for the full directory. You can also browse by state below.