# Walgreens vs CVS (2026): cashback on pharmacy purchases

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Last updated: 2026-08-13
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A comparison of Walgreens and CVS on cashback through ShopBack: confirmation timelines, pharmacy exclusions, and the reselling restriction that applies only at CVS.

By Jia, Editor-in-Chief (https://discover.shopback.com/authors/jia). Published: 2026-08-13. Last updated: 2026-08-13.

Verdict: Both Walgreens and CVS pay percentage cashback through ShopBack on eligible non-pharmacy orders, with prescription drugs excluded at both. CVS confirms cashback faster at about 60 days versus about 120 days for Walgreens, but CVS also applies reselling restrictions that Walgreens does not explicitly state.

## What do Walgreens and CVS sell online with cashback?

Walgreens and CVS both operate large US pharmacy chains with extensive online stores covering health products, vitamins, personal care, household essentials, and beauty items alongside their in-store pharmacy services. Both offer same-day delivery and in-store pickup.

Cashback through ShopBack applies to eligible non-pharmacy purchases at both chains. Prescription drugs and pharmacy-specific items are excluded at each, so cashback targets the general health, beauty, and household product ranges.

## How do Walgreens and CVS cashback structures differ?

Walgreens cashback on ShopBack is a percentage of eligible orders. Pharmacy items, prescription drugs, and gift cards are excluded, as are fees, taxes, service charges, shipping, and delivery. Cashback may initially track at a different rate before adjusting to the correct amount once transaction details are confirmed. Confirmation takes about 120 days.

CVS pays an up-to percentage, meaning the stated rate is the maximum some orders may earn less. CVS cashback confirms faster, in about 60 days, but adds reselling restrictions: orders over $500 or containing more than 8 of the same SKU are excluded, and CVS may cap the number of qualifying units of specific products.

## Which exclusions are shared and which differ between the two?

Both Walgreens and CVS exclude pharmacy items, prescription drugs, gift cards, taxes, fees, and shipping. Both also exclude orders using promo codes not featured on ShopBack, and both exclude cancelled, refunded, or returned orders.

The main difference is CVS's reselling threshold: orders over $500 or with more than 8 of the same SKU are excluded at CVS. Walgreens does not state that restriction, though it notes that the tracked rate may differ from the confirmed rate before final settlement.

## Walgreens vs CVS cashback on ShopBack

- Cashback type: Walgreens: Percentage on eligible orders | CVS: Up-to percentage on eligible orders
- Pharmacy and prescriptions: Walgreens: Excluded | CVS: Excluded
- Gift cards: Walgreens: Excluded | CVS: Excluded
- Reselling restriction: Walgreens: Not explicitly stated | CVS: Orders over $500 or with more than 8 of the same SKU excluded
- Confirmation window: Walgreens: About 120 days | CVS: About 60 days
- Rate tracking note: Walgreens: May track at a different rate initially, adjusts on confirmation | CVS: May track at a different rate initially, adjusts on confirmation

## FAQ

Q: Which pays more cashback, Walgreens or CVS?

A: The rates vary with promotions and are not fixed at either chain. Compare the live rates on the ShopBack Walgreens and ShopBack CVS pages before you shop. Both pay a percentage of eligible orders, with prescription drugs and gift cards excluded at each.

Q: Do Walgreens or CVS pharmacy prescriptions earn ShopBack cashback?

A: No. Pharmacy items and prescription drugs are excluded at both Walgreens and CVS on ShopBack. Cashback applies to eligible non-pharmacy products, such as health, beauty, and household items.

Q: Does CVS or Walgreens cashback confirm faster?

A: CVS confirms faster, in about 60 days after the order. Walgreens takes about 120 days. Both track within 2 days of placing the order.

Q: Why was my large CVS order excluded from ShopBack cashback?

A: CVS excludes orders it deems intended for reselling: those over $500 in value or containing more than 8 of the same SKU. CVS may also limit the number of qualifying units of specific products. Walgreens does not state that same threshold.

## Sources

Facts on this page were checked against these primary sources on 2026-08-13:

- Walgreens: official site: https://www.walgreens.com (accessed 2026-08-13)
- CVS: official site: https://www.cvs.com (accessed 2026-08-13)
- ShopBack: official site: https://www.shopback.com (accessed 2026-08-13)

About the author: Jia, Editor-in-Chief, ShopBack. Jia is Editor-in-Chief of ShopBack’s editorial team. She covers consumer pricing, sale-cycle timing, and retailer comparisons across Australia, Singapore, and the United States. Her reporting draws on ShopBack’s internal merchant pricing data and primary sources including retailers’ own sale histories and government statistics. Author page: https://discover.shopback.com/authors/jia. Full bio: https://www.shopback.com/blog/authors/jia.
