Pharmacies are uncomfortable. People don’t tend to visit them when they’re entirely well. Whether you’re caretaking or feeling miserable, your pharmacy has to work for you.
Not only should your prescriptions be filled in a timely manner, but you should feel comfortable when you pick up your medical supplies, as it isn’t a fun errand by any means.
So, what pharmacy makes your trip the easiest, and who offers the best perks and shopper hacks ? These are the eight best retail drugstore pharmacies, ranked by Reddit pros.
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1. CVS is the most convenient
While the comedically massive receipts and inconsistent pharmacy hours are reasons many Reddit users stay away from CVS, many more really love its convenience.
There are more than 9,000 pharmacy locations across the United States, with over 1,800 of those located inside Target stores.
Reddit user WickedAngelLove cites the discounts and deals included with the Extra Care Card as their reason for coming back time and time again. CVS reps have even been active on Reddit in recent months, giving health and prescription pick-up tips to customers.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Walgreens’ pharmacists are the most helpful
Many Redditors have found solace in their Walgreens pharmacists and technicians. In recent months, Reddit user InfiniteSr1 got extra help from her pharmacist in transferring a prescription quickly and effortlessly.
Join myWalgreens for free to get 5% Walgreens Cash for every Walgreens branded item purchased and earn additional rewards by reaching your health goals.
3. Walmart can access items that are out-of-stock elsewhere
Walmart is known for helping customers in a pinch, according to Reddit user Diliggent_Abrocoma680.
As a big box store, their pricing is often cheaper than other pharmacies, and their hold on the market is sufficient enough that they are rarely out of items, something Reddit user sadmarland notes.
As long as you’re willing to wait a little bit, they often have prescriptions ready within about 15 minutes. Plus, Walmart pharmacists will price check with GoodRx to get you the best deal.
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4. Albertson’s takes all walk-in vaccinations
It is widely agreed that Albertson’s pharmacies offer more one-on-one care for patients. That is, once they get in an appointment chair.
While the buyout with Kroger made some of the pharmaceutical functions clunky, they seem to have recovered nicely. Albertson’s is known for taking all walk-in vaccination appointments, but be ready for wait times up to an hour, Reddit user wanderlust217 warns.
5. Small chains like Harris Teeter offer big bonuses
East Coast grocer Harris Teeter is a smaller chain owned by Kroger with a very user-friendly website. They encourage their digital pharmaceutical options, and you get fuel points when you visit the pharmacy.
The Harris Teeter Pharmacy Savings Club Membership can save customers up to 80% on health necessities for families and pets. Members also get access to $3 and $6 price points on some prescriptions and free opportunities to nab others.
6. Sam’s Club caters their services well
J.D. Power consistently ranks Sam’s Club’s pharmacy high in customer satisfaction year after year. They offer health and wellness services outside of filling prescriptions that are catered to the customer.
According to Reddit user Jrock9589, you don’t need a Sam’s Club membership to use their pharmacy.
Big box stores that can afford to pay their pharmacy techs well seem to foster the best community environment. While Sam’s Club can be overwhelming to shop in, its pharmacy area is comforting, the staff is quick and knowledgeable, and prescription wait times are low.
Make Money: 8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially 7. Publix pharmacists check in
Reddit users are widely impressed with Publix and often compare it to Costco. According to Redditor pinback77, workers seem “less stressed and flustered” than at other chains.
Pharmacists will make follow-up calls more often than their competitors and will price shop to get you the best deal.
Publix workers get great stock offerings and bonuses, and most of them earn competitive pay. Their growth and earning potential drive them to clear their queues by the end of each workday.
8. Costco is the king of pharmacies
Every user on Reddit raves about Costco’s pharmacy. In fact, user Anything84 emphatically says, “Costco is basically the best retail pharmacy experience there is, not only for patients but their staff as well.”
You don’t need a Costco membership to use their pharmacy. However, with a membership, you can get special deals and lower prices on prescriptions, vaccines, home delivery options, and virtual doctor visits, whether you are insured or not.
These are almost on-demand appointments, with same-day options available at all times. Unlike many competitors, Costco carries 90-day supplies of common prescriptions at affordable pricing.
Bottom Line
Be sure to choose your pharmacy based on the availability and cost of your medications, the care and knowledge of your pharmacists and technicians, and any other important details.
And don’t forget to use one of the top rewards credit cards to save more on your prescriptions and other eligible purchases every time you shop.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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