Vanilla Reloads at Walgreens?

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Bluebird Introduction

One of the best uses of American Express Bluebird is the ability to pay for transactions which can’t usually be made with a miles or points earning credit card.  This includes transactions such as your rent, mortgage, car payment, credit card bill, tuition, etc.

You load your Bluebird card (which you can order online) with a points earning debit card at Wal-Mart.  You can also reload Bluebird with Vanilla Reload cards which you can buy at CVS, Walgreen’s or other locations.  Alternate with other credit cards so that you’re not spending too much at buying Vanilla Reloads with any one credit card.

Here’s a post on other credit cards to use with Bluebird, so that you’re not maxing out on just 1 card.

You may also be able to pay for the Vanilla Reloads with a credit card at Walgreen’s, but this isn’t always the case and could be a bit of wild goose chase.

Here’s a post on what a Vanilla Reload looks like and how to load a Vanilla Reload card to your Bluebird account.

Walgreens Vanilla Reload

A reader tipped me off that you *may* be able to buy Vanilla Reload cards at Walgreens.  A Vanilla Reload is 1 of the key ways to use American Express Bluebird to earn miles and points.

However, this is a VERY “Your Mileage May Vary” situation and could be a bit of a wild goose chase for many because Walgreens usually require you to pay cash for prepaid cards, but sometimes you may be able to use a credit card.

I went to the 2 Walgreens in my town, and was able to buy a $500 Vanilla Reload card at the 1st Walgreens with no problem with my American Express Starwood card.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have my American Express Hilton card in my wallet which earns 6 Hilton points per $1 at drugstores! 

I drove as fast as I could to the 2nd Walgreens and patiently waited while the rookie teller (his 2nd day on the job) took care of the people in front of me.  But he didn’t know how to ring up the Vanilla refill card, so he called the manager.

The manager rung up the card and showed me the message which said that I have to pay in cash only. I asked if I could swipe my credit card, but the transaction wouldn’t go through.  So I left without the Vanilla card.

Million Mile Secrets reader Corrdor! left a comment that he was also able to buy a Vanilla Reload card from Walgreens with a credit card.  However, he wasn’t successful at another Walgreens location which required cash only.

Bottom Line

I don’t think most folks will be able to buy a Vanilla Reload using a credit card at Walgreens, but it doesn’t hurt to try if you can’t find Vanilla Reload cards at an CVS near you.

But know that this could be a waste of your time if you’re unsuccessful.