GoodRx can cut your prescription costs by 80% or more at CVS and Walgreens — sometimes below your insurance copay. Here’s exactly how to use it at both pharmacies.
- Go to GoodRx.com or open the GoodRx app
- Search your medication name and dose
- Select CVS or Walgreens — compare prices
- Click “Get Free Coupon”
- Show it to the pharmacist before they ring up your prescription
- Pay the GoodRx price instead of full price
5 Minutes
09-07-2026
Reynolds
What Is GoodRx?
GoodRx is a free service that helps you get lower prescription prices by working with pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and many more. It is not insurance. Instead, it works as a discount card or coupon that can sometimes save you more than your insurance copay.
GoodRx doesn’t charge you to use its service. They earn money from pharmacies when you use their coupons, not from you. You do not need a subscription for the basic service.
How GoodRx Works At CVS
Step by step:
- Visit GoodRx.com or download the free GoodRx app for iOS or Android.
- Search for your medication by entering the drug name, dose, and quantity.
- Choose CVS as your pharmacy from the results list.
- GoodRx will show you the discounted price and provide a coupon.
- Click ‘Get Free Coupon.’ You will see a BIN, PCN, and Group number, which are the discount card codes.
- Go to the pharmacy counter at CVS.
- Let the pharmacist know you have a GoodRx coupon before they process your prescription.
- Show the pharmacist the coupon on your phone or bring a printed copy.
- Pay the price shown by GoodRx.
Important: Tell the pharmacist about your GoodRx coupon before they ring up your prescription. It is hard to change the price after it has been processed through insurance or regular pricing.
How GoodRx Works At Walgreens
Here’s how the process works at Walgreens:
- Look up your medication on GoodRx.com or in the GoodRx app.
- Choose Walgreens from the list of pharmacy options.
- Compare the price with CVS Always check both, since prices can be different.
- Get your free coupon.
- Show the coupon to the Walgreens pharmacist before they process your prescription.
A quick note about Walgreens: They also offer their own prescription savings program called the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club, which costs $20 per year for individuals. GoodRx is often less expensive for generic medications, so it’s worth comparing both options before you decide.
GoodRx Price Comparison — CVS vs Walgreens
GoodRx prices vary by pharmacy because each one sets its own rates with GoodRx’s Pharmacy Benefit Manager partners. Check prices at both CVS and Walgreens before you decide where to go.
How to compare:
- Start by searching for your medication on GoodRx.
- Then, use the “Compare Pharmacies” option.
- You’ll see both CVS and Walgreens listed with their GoodRx prices.
- Choose the lower-priced option, or go with the more convenient one if the prices are similar.
General pattern:
- For common generic medications, CVS and Walgreens prices are usually similar with GoodRx.
- For certain brand-name drugs, prices can vary widely from one pharmacy to another.
- For speciality medications, you might not find GoodRx discounts at either pharmacy.
GoodRx vs Insurance — Which Should You Use?
Choosing between GoodRx and insurance is important. GoodRx is the better option in these situations:
Use GoodRx instead of insurance when:
- You have a high-deductible plan and have not met your deductible yet
- Your insurance copay costs more than the GoodRx price
- Your insurance does not cover the medication
- You do not have insurance or your coverage is limited
- The prescription is for a short-term medication you won’t need repeatedly
Use insurance instead: Your insurance copay costs less than the GoodRx price
- The purchase counts toward your deductible, which is important if you have high ongoing medical costs
- Your pharmacy benefit manager does not allow you to use discount cards with your insurance
How to compare in 2 minutes:
- Look up your copay in your insurance app or on your Explanation of Benefits (EOB).
- Check GoodRx to see the price for the same medication at your pharmacy.
- Use whichever price is lower. Your pharmacist can process either option.
Reynolds’ recommendation: Check GoodRx for every new prescription before you assume your insurance is the best deal. Many patients find GoodRx is much cheaper, especially for common generics.
Can You Use GoodRx and CVS ExtraCare Together?
No, you cannot combine GoodRx with CVS ExtraCare or myWalgreens rewards on the same prescription purchase. When you use GoodRx, it bypasses your insurance and any loyalty program for that transaction.
However, you can use GoodRx with CVS ExtraCare for front-store (non-prescription) purchases at CVS They only conflict when you are buying prescriptions.
Common Problems — Fixed
Sometimes, certain CVS or Walgreens locations or pharmacists may not accept GoodRx coupons. If so, ask to speak with a manager or try a different store. Both CVS and Walgreens officially accept GoodRx coupons nationwide.
GoodRx prices can change and may be different depending on where you are. The price you see is an estimate, so your pharmacy price may differ slightly. If the final price is much higher or lower, ask your pharmacist to check that the GoodRx codes were entered correctly.
Some very new brand-name drugs, speciality medications, and certain controlled substances might not be available through GoodRx. You can also try Blink Health or RxSaver for other options.
Yes, you can use GoodRx as often as you need. Use it for every prescription if it offers a better price than your other options.
GoodRx Gold — Is It Worth $9.99/Month?
GoodRx Gold is a paid subscription that offers bigger discounts than the free version. It costs $9.99 per month, or $5.99 per month for each person on a family plan.
It’s worth it if:
- You need to fill several prescriptions each month
- The savings with Gold add up to more than $9.99 per month for your medications
- Be sure to check the GoodRx Gold price for your medications before you sign up
Stick with free GoodRx if:
- You only fill prescriptions occasionally.
- The free GoodRx price is already much lower than your insurance copay.
Reynolds’ Honest Take
GoodRx is one of the most overlooked ways to save money at CVS and Walgreens. If you are uninsured, underinsured, or have a high-deductible plan, it’s a good idea to check GoodRx for generic medications before you fill your prescription.
It only takes about 30 seconds to search for your drug, get a coupon, and show it to the pharmacist. If GoodRx offers a better price than your insurance, you can save money. If not, you don’t have to use it. There’s no commitment and no extra cost.
CVS Survey Tip
After your next CVS Pharmacy visit, you can take the CVS Health Survey for a chance to win the $1,000 monthly sweepstakes. It only takes 5 minutes, and you’ll need the 17-digit code from your receipt.
Check out our complete guide to the CVS Health Survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is GoodRx free to use?
A: Yes, the basic GoodRx service is completely free. For even bigger discounts, you can upgrade to GoodRx Gold, a paid option.
Q: Does GoodRx work at all CVS locations?
A: CVS pharmacies nationwide accept GoodRx. Occasionally, a pharmacist may be unfamiliar with the process—ask for a manager if you encounter resistance.
Q: Will using GoodRx affect my insurance coverage?
A: When you use GoodRx for a prescription, your insurance doesn’t cover that purchase, so it doesn’t count toward your deductible. This matters if you’re tracking spending for tax reasons or to meet your insurance coverage requirements.
Q: Can I use GoodRx for my pet’s prescription?
A: Yes, GoodRx can be used for many veterinary prescriptions that are filled at human pharmacies. You can look up your pet’s medication and preferred pharmacy on GoodRx.
Change Log
| Date | Update |
|---|---|
| 09-07-2026 | Published: GoodRx process verified at CVS and Walgreens in 2026 |
Reviewed by Reynolds
Reynolds writes about ways to save at the pharmacy and shares insights from customer surveys for shoppers at CVS and Walgreens.
Last updated: 09-07-2026.
Questions? Contact Reynolds →