Finding the Best Place to Get Prescriptions Filled: A Pharmacy Comparison Guide

When deciding where to get prescriptions filled, U.S. consumers often find themselves choosing between two retail giants: Walgreens and CVS. These pharmacy chains command significant market presence, collectively holding over 40% of the prescription market. Understanding their differences can help you select the option that best aligns with your needs.

Market Dominance and Store Accessibility

The pharmacy landscape is shaped by two major players. CVS leads the industry with approximately 25% of market share based on prescription revenue, while Walgreens holds the second position with 18%. In terms of physical footprint, CVS operates over 9,700 locations nationwide, with Walgreens maintaining approximately 9,000 stores. This extensive network ensures both chains remain conveniently accessible across the country, often with multiple locations in the same neighborhoods.

A notable distinction emerges in how customers can access their orders. Walgreens offers curbside pickup service, enabling customers to place orders online and receive their prescriptions and other items at their vehicle within 30 minutes or less. CVS, while providing online and app-based ordering options, requires customers to enter the store to collect their purchases at the checkout counter. For those prioritizing convenience and minimal contact, this feature represents a significant advantage for Walgreens.

Healthcare Services and Clinical Offerings

Both pharmacy chains operate as comprehensive retail healthcare providers, extending beyond prescription fulfillment. They both offer immunizations, over-the-counter medications, health screenings, mobile apps for prescription refills, and home delivery services for medications.

However, CVS maintains an edge in retail clinic infrastructure. Its MinuteClinic operates within 1,100 CVS locations and ranks as the largest retail healthcare provider in America. These clinics employ nurse practitioners and physician’s assistants available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends, without requiring appointments.

Walgreens currently operates 400 medical clinics across 20 states—roughly one-third of CVS’s presence. The company has announced substantial investment in VillageMD partnerships, planning to launch 600 Village Medical Clinics by 2025 and expand to 1,000 by 2027. Until this expansion materializes, CVS offers superior accessibility for in-person medical consultations.

Pricing Strategy and Rewards Structure

Competitive pricing characterizes both retailers. Medication costs fluctuate based on specific products and available promotions, making price comparison worthwhile before deciding where to get prescriptions filled.

Each chain operates distinct rewards programs designed to incentivize customer loyalty. CVS features an in-store coupon kiosk that generates personalized coupons based on purchase history. Notably, CVS’s ExtraBucks rewards can be applied immediately and continue rolling through successive purchases, allowing customers to stack savings. Walgreens offers Register Rewards but structures them differently—coupons typically apply to alternative products rather than recurring purchases of the same item.

CVS’s personalized coupon approach tends to deliver more targeted discounts, while Walgreens directs rewards toward product diversification. Your preference may depend on whether you prioritize savings on specific items or appreciate discovering new products.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Customer service quality varies by location and individual experience. According to Consumer Affairs, Walgreens averages 3.9 out of 5 stars compared to CVS’s 3.6 rating. Conversely, Comparably reports CVS’s Net Promoter Score exceeds Walgreens by 13 points. These mixed metrics suggest that satisfaction depends heavily on individual store experiences rather than chain-wide standards.

Making Your Decision

Selecting the best place to get prescriptions filled requires evaluating your personal priorities. Location convenience, service availability, pricing competitiveness, and rewards alignment should guide your choice. Both Walgreens and CVS provide reliable pharmacy services with comparable medication pricing. The determining factors often center on convenience features—such as curbside pickup availability—complementary healthcare services, and which rewards program maximizes your savings potential. Comparing specific prices and services at your local retailers ensures you select the option delivering maximum value for your prescription needs.