CVS/pharmacy says loyalty card holders saved more than $1.8 billion in 2008

WOONSOCKET, R.I. CVS/pharmacy announced on Tuesday that members of its ExtraCare loyalty card program received more than $1.8 billion in ExtraCare savings and rewards throughout 2008.

In the final quarter of 2008 alone, ExtraCare cardholders earned nearly $70 million in Extra Bucks. The rewards program is the largest in the nation and has attracted more than 50 million active cardholders.

“CVS/pharmacy shoppers have been using the ExtraCare program to save money year after year, and these everyday savings really add up,” said John Barron, director of relationship marketing at CVS/pharmacy. “With more than $69 million in Extra Bucks being given to cardholders this month, we are reminding all of our customers not to toss out their receipts without first checking the bottom, or they might be throwing away free money.”

Cardholders have until Feb. 15 to receive their personal savings out of the more than $69 million in Extra Bucks currently being paid out to CVS/pharmacy shoppers.

By using the card, shoppers earn CVS/pharmacy dollars called Extra Bucks on nearly all purchases. Some Extra Bucks offers are instant coupons that print when a specially advertised product is purchased, and quarterly Extra Bucks rewards are issued to cardholders in January, April, July and October. All cardholders earn 2 percent back on non-prescription purchases and $1 Extra Buck for every two prescriptions purchased.