Vanilla Reloads for those in NYC…

by Adam

As I mentioned in my post last week, Adventures in CVS Vanilla Reloads, it’s quite difficult finding any reload cards here in NYC. Well, I stopped in a Walgreens just a few moments ago and noticed 4 Vanilla Reload cards on the very bottom shelf next to the regular VISA gift cards.  I took one and paid using my Hilton AMEX (6x points at drug stores). There is no self-checkout and the register required a manager to ring the purchase with a credit card.  It didn’t seem to be a problem at all and the manager mentioned he had never seen the reloads before (somehow this store or the manger has been absent from the Vanilla reload game).  I asked if they expected anymore in stock soon and he actually went in the back and checked his expected orders, unfortunately only regular VISA gift cards on the way through January. Anyway, I couldn’t find a section on the rack marked Vanilla Reloads and it looked like these were just thrown up there from storage.  I’ve left three cards for any readers here in New York.  It’s the Walgreens on 36h and 3rd.  Enjoy and please leave a comment if you pick one up!

UPDATE – No cards remaining

a group of gift cards

The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

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23 comments

David December 19, 2012 - 3:05 pm

Interesting; every other Manhattan Walgreen’s I’ve checked has them hard-coded into the register to be cash-only.

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adam December 19, 2012 - 3:18 pm

@David – same!!

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E-FI December 19, 2012 - 3:15 pm

Cannot find them anywhere in NYC!

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Leo23 December 19, 2012 - 3:20 pm

Only saw 2 and I have one!

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Arthur Cohen December 19, 2012 - 3:21 pm

They are gone, see the Dunkin and Visa gc, no more vanilla 🙁 Damn I live just 2 blocks over!

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David December 19, 2012 - 3:27 pm

The Astor place WGs has tons of VR cards but good luck using a cc

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adam December 19, 2012 - 3:33 pm

@David – Yep and so does the Times Square one, also a big NO on the cc. If only they could transfer some…

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Dee December 19, 2012 - 3:36 pm

Yup all gone, thanks for the tip!!! I live just 2 blocks away too and was on my way home from work. Would’ve been a great way to start my vacation!!!

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omp December 19, 2012 - 3:47 pm

after getting my bluebird about 6 weeks ago i check about 10 CVS,walgreens and office depot on TS,couple of 7/11s but no luck.i think i gave up in NY maybe i’ll have more luck on trips…

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Paul December 19, 2012 - 6:31 pm

I was thinking… Some of us in nyc should grab a beer one day and talk miles and points. I think I’m starting to bother my girlfriend and friends… I live and work in midtown if anyone is up for drinks after work after the holidays.

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DJ December 19, 2012 - 6:38 pm

I was thinking that too when I read Arthur above say he live’s 2 blocks away. I work in Midtown too.

Adam – is this something you can help coordinate if we email you? Don’t want to paste my email here.

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adam December 19, 2012 - 8:14 pm

@Paul / DJ – For sure, my friends, family, and gf have felt that way for some time!!! I’ll put something together after the holidays.

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David December 20, 2012 - 8:51 am

Sounds great (though I work in Fidi).

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Joanna December 19, 2012 - 8:26 pm

I’m in for the NYC get together as well! im convinced my friends think im nuts with all this miles/points talk…

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Albert December 20, 2012 - 7:25 am

Great idea!! I’m also in NYC and work in midtown.

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Melanie December 27, 2012 - 6:02 am

I’m in for NYC gathering as well! I work in midtown and would love to share info as well.

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Alex January 10, 2013 - 7:43 pm

If theres still a gathering happening in Midtown sometime, I’d be down for it!

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Peter January 15, 2013 - 5:48 am

Count me in for gathering in Midtown.

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adam March 23, 2013 - 10:18 am Reply
Rit April 3, 2013 - 12:17 pm

Went to apply for an Amex today and the fine print says reload cards do not qualify for points. Any one with first hand experience with this?

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adam April 3, 2013 - 12:23 pm

@Rit – I don’t believe they are referring to Vanilla Reload cards. Additionally, I’ve never heard of anyone not receiving points for a Vanilla Reload purchase with their AMEX.

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Rit April 9, 2013 - 9:24 am

The fine print..

Eligible Purchases means purchases for goods and services minus returns and other credits. Eligible purchases do NOT include fees or interest charges, balance transfers, cash advances, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. Additional terms and restrictions apply.

I hope your right though!

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adam April 9, 2013 - 10:09 am

@Rit – The frequent flier community has been earning points and miles for using Vanilla Reloads for well over a year.

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