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Select national retailers now selling at-home COVID-19 tests

April 24, 2021
3 min read
Shoppers enter and exit the front of a Walmart building.
Select national retailers now selling at-home COVID-19 tests
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As millions of Americans receive a COVID-19 vaccine each day, we can be more confident that an end to the pandemic that upended the world over the last year is in sight.

And as we begin to return to "normal" life, which includes traveling more frequently, many public health experts agree that continued testing for COVID-19 will be critical to the recovery of the economy as the country continues to vaccinate as many people as possible.

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Having access to fast, affordable and convenient testing options is more important than ever to continue making progress against the pandemic and to help facilitate safe travel while most of the world is still dealing with the health crisis in one way or another.

Fortunately, several national retailers now sell at-home testing kits.

According to AARP, Abbott Laboratories began shipping its at-home antigen testing product to various CVS, Walgreens and Walmart retail stores across the country. The Abbott kit comes with two tests and sells for $23.99, and can be purchased online through those chains.

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And by the end of next month, another company called Ellume hopes to have its own at-home testing kit on the shelves of most CVS stores. Both tests have received emergency use authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Unlike other at-home testing products, Abbott's do-it-yourself tests do not require you to send your kit to a lab for processing. In fact, you will get results in about 15 minutes.

However, it's important to note that the majority of countries requiring negative COVID tests for entry will only accept results from PCR tests, so you would not be able to utilize one of these at-home testing kits for your pre-departure testing requirement. Some PCR companies do offer at-home test kits, and the results from some of these kits have begun being accepted in certain destinations.

Theoretically, you could purchase one of these rapid-test kits before a trip and then administer the test yourself while abroad, but it's generally safer to get tested through your hotel or a local lab, since we don't yet know if results from these kinds of kits will be accepted for entry into the United States.

Featured image by (Photo by BCFC/Shutterstock)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

6X6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
4X4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
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  • Intro Offer
    Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.

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    $125
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    Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is a stacked card with a rewards rate that will help you earn bonus points on everyday and business-related purchases. You'll earn 15 elite night credits each calendar year, and receive automatic Gold elite status. Finally, the free night award certificate with a redemption level of 35,000 points or less can get you hundreds of dollars in potential value each year.

Pros

  • 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping
  • 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  • Earn a free-night award each card renewal month (up to 35,000 points)
  • Receive 15 elite night credits to jump-start status
  • Transfer Marriott points to 40+ airlines

Cons

  • Airline points transfer ratios are poor
  • Must spend $60,000 in a year for second free-night award
  • Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 5/3/23.
  • Receive a 7% discount off standard rates for reservations of standard guest rooms at hotels that participate in the Marriott Bonvoy program when you book directly. Terms and Conditions Apply.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Card.
  • Terms apply.