How one shopper slashed her $98 CVS bill down to $11—here’s how you can do it too
By
Veronica E.
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If you’ve ever walked out of the drugstore wondering how your total added up so fast, you’re not alone.
Between everyday essentials, health items, and the occasional treat, those receipts can get long—and expensive.
But what if you could cut that total down by more than 80% using just your phone and a few smart steps?
One savvy CVS shopper shared how she did just that—dropping her total from nearly $99 to just a little over $11—and it’s all thanks to a few clever tricks using CVS’s coupons and rewards system.
Here’s how it works.

A shopper named Kayla—who calls herself a “CVS self-checkout boss”—shared a step-by-step method that helped her save big during a recent trip.
Her trick? Planning ahead, using the CVS app to apply coupons and rewards before ever scanning a single item.
Here’s a breakdown of her simple three-step approach:
Step 1: Download the CVS app and create an account if you haven’t already. This gives you access to weekly coupons, personalized deals, and the ExtraBucks Rewards program.
Step 2: Browse the app and “clip” any coupons that apply to items you plan to buy. These digital coupons will be saved to your account and ready when you check out.
Step 3: At the self-checkout, scan your items as usual. When it’s time to pay, hit “Finish and Pay.” The screen will prompt you to apply available coupons and rewards—select all that apply, and watch your total drop.
Kayla shared a recent trip where her total started at $98.98 for 10 items.
After applying all her clipped coupons and rewards, she walked out having paid just $11.80.
That’s a savings of nearly 90%—and she didn’t use any paper coupons at all!
This method isn’t just about pressing buttons. It’s about being a smart, intentional shopper.
Clipping every coupon might sound tempting, but the key is to apply deals only to items you truly need.
As one viewer noted, “You only save if you actually use the items.”
By combining digital offers with a planned shopping list, you can avoid impulse buys and keep more money in your pocket.
Beyond the savings, it’s worth noting that CVS has been making some big changes behind the scenes.
As part of a three-year strategy that started in late 2021, the company is in the process of closing around 900 stores.
Their focus is shifting toward a more health-centered model and a streamlined store experience through their evolving HealthHub format.
These changes highlight just how much CVS is investing in digital tools and apps.
For shoppers, that means it’s more important than ever to be familiar with the digital side of shopping—even if you prefer picking things up in-store.
Read next: Is Your Favorite Store Closing? Shocking List of Retail Giants Shutting Down in 2024!
Have you used the CVS app to save on your shopping? Do you have any tips for stretching your dollars at the drugstore or anywhere else? Or maybe you’ve noticed the changes happening in retail and how it’s changed your habits? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience or advice in the comments below!
Between everyday essentials, health items, and the occasional treat, those receipts can get long—and expensive.
But what if you could cut that total down by more than 80% using just your phone and a few smart steps?
One savvy CVS shopper shared how she did just that—dropping her total from nearly $99 to just a little over $11—and it’s all thanks to a few clever tricks using CVS’s coupons and rewards system.
Here’s how it works.

One shopper's smart use of CVS self-checkout turned a nearly $99 bill into just $11. Image Source: Pexels / Natalia S.
The power of CVS digital coupons and rewards
A shopper named Kayla—who calls herself a “CVS self-checkout boss”—shared a step-by-step method that helped her save big during a recent trip.
Her trick? Planning ahead, using the CVS app to apply coupons and rewards before ever scanning a single item.
Here’s a breakdown of her simple three-step approach:
Step 1: Download the CVS app and create an account if you haven’t already. This gives you access to weekly coupons, personalized deals, and the ExtraBucks Rewards program.
Step 2: Browse the app and “clip” any coupons that apply to items you plan to buy. These digital coupons will be saved to your account and ready when you check out.
Step 3: At the self-checkout, scan your items as usual. When it’s time to pay, hit “Finish and Pay.” The screen will prompt you to apply available coupons and rewards—select all that apply, and watch your total drop.
Kayla shared a recent trip where her total started at $98.98 for 10 items.
After applying all her clipped coupons and rewards, she walked out having paid just $11.80.
That’s a savings of nearly 90%—and she didn’t use any paper coupons at all!
Also read: Discover the 'insane' new strategy Walmart is using to put an end to self-checkout thefts – could it affect your shopping experience?
Shop smarter, not just cheaper
This method isn’t just about pressing buttons. It’s about being a smart, intentional shopper.
Clipping every coupon might sound tempting, but the key is to apply deals only to items you truly need.
As one viewer noted, “You only save if you actually use the items.”
By combining digital offers with a planned shopping list, you can avoid impulse buys and keep more money in your pocket.
Also read: What happened at CVS? Company responds to customer concern following major misstep
What this tells us about CVS’s direction
Beyond the savings, it’s worth noting that CVS has been making some big changes behind the scenes.
As part of a three-year strategy that started in late 2021, the company is in the process of closing around 900 stores.
Their focus is shifting toward a more health-centered model and a streamlined store experience through their evolving HealthHub format.
These changes highlight just how much CVS is investing in digital tools and apps.
For shoppers, that means it’s more important than ever to be familiar with the digital side of shopping—even if you prefer picking things up in-store.
Read next: Is Your Favorite Store Closing? Shocking List of Retail Giants Shutting Down in 2024!
Key Takeaways
- A CVS shopper shared a "self-checkout trick" that reduced her shopping bill from $98.98 to $11.80 by using the CVS app to clip coupons and earn ExtraBucks.
- The technique involves selecting all available coupons and rewards on the self-checkout screen after pressing the "Finish and Pay" option.
- The video demonstrating this trick has gathered significant attention online, with many viewers impressed by the savings.
- CVS is nearing the end of a three-year plan to close 900 stores, aiming to adapt to changing consumer buying patterns and focus on expanding health services in their stores.
Have you used the CVS app to save on your shopping? Do you have any tips for stretching your dollars at the drugstore or anywhere else? Or maybe you’ve noticed the changes happening in retail and how it’s changed your habits? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience or advice in the comments below!