Apr 3, 2013, 11:44 am
Last edit by: markr33
Read the wiki before posting a question.
Check your BB load limits BEFORE asking in this thread about "tender not allowed" or any other errors.
Bluebird website. There's no need to buy a Bluebird kit in-store; sign-up free on the website.
The original FlyerTalk discussion thread is here: Wal-Mart, Amex take on banks with Bluebird debit card
Bluebird Load Limits:
*For online debit load, only use of bank-issued cards is allowed. The use of pre-paid debit cards (Netspend, Paypower, Univision, Paypal, etc.) and VGC/MGC/AGCs is not allowed. Your account will be flagged upon first/second attempt. If blocked, call Account Protection Services at 1-800-660-2454 to clear it (9am-8pm EST, Mon-Fri).
The day currently resets around midnight Eastern/11pm Central/10pm Mountain/9pm Pacific.
For online bill pay
Loading with debit card at Walmart
Self checkout does not work for loading.
Many Walmart stores are enforcing a rule against the use of gift cards when loading, even though the register and the MCE do not enforce. Do not make your prepaid debit cards visible. Show them a bank debit card if asked. Otherwise, you may be asked by management to never visit the MC again to load with gift cards.
Loads at register over $500 will sometimes trigger ID requirement. There is a limit of four swipes per transaction; this means your card plus three payments.
If your card doesn't say "debit" on the front, it isn't a debit card.
Please see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...bit-cards.html for additional information on using prepaid debit cards.
Training a WM cashier:
Error Messages:
DEBIT NOT AVAILABLE
Received when I used a card I thought I had activated but hadn't.
DEBIT NOT APPROVED
Received when the card's monthly load limit had been reached.
TENDER NOT ALLOWED
Card was incorrectly read, or wrong PIN entered .
HOST TIMEOUT
Connection problems. The GC may be drained but the transaction should reverse itself, and funds will become available again. Try again later.
UPdate Notice on Sept 15, 2014.
Some minor changes on the ATM limits and fees:
• Out-of-Network ATM Fees:
Beginning October 30, 2014, the fee for withdrawing funds using out-of-network ATMs will increase from $2.00 to $2.50. ATM operator fees may also apply.
• Free In-Network MoneyPass® ATMs:
Effective immediately, all Bluebird Customers can withdraw funds for free when using in-network MoneyPass ATMs. You can find one of the more than 24,000 MoneyPass ATMs below.
• ATM Withdrawal Limits Increase:
We have increased your daily ATM limit, so you can withdraw up to $750 per day. Your monthly ATM withdrawal limit will remain at $2,000.
-----
•If you use Wal-Mart Savings Catcher, you can earn double rewards by redeeming to your BlueBird account <== Doubling of savings catcher amounts ended sometime in the summer of 2015.
Check your BB load limits BEFORE asking in this thread about "tender not allowed" or any other errors.
Bluebird website. There's no need to buy a Bluebird kit in-store; sign-up free on the website.
The original FlyerTalk discussion thread is here: Wal-Mart, Amex take on banks with Bluebird debit card
Bluebird Load Limits:
- BB loading via VR or WM load: $2,500/day and $5,000 total per calendar month
- Online Debit Card Load* - $200/day and $1,000/month
- Checking/Savings Account - $2,000/month
- Checks - $2,000/day and $10,000/month
- ATM Withdrawals - $750/day and $2,000/month
*For online debit load, only use of bank-issued cards is allowed. The use of pre-paid debit cards (Netspend, Paypower, Univision, Paypal, etc.) and VGC/MGC/AGCs is not allowed. Your account will be flagged upon first/second attempt. If blocked, call Account Protection Services at 1-800-660-2454 to clear it (9am-8pm EST, Mon-Fri).
The day currently resets around midnight Eastern/11pm Central/10pm Mountain/9pm Pacific.
For online bill pay
- You can pay the credit card that you used to buy reloads
- Error 1302 means that you have 1 pending payment the same amount as the one you just submitted. For example, 1000 bill pay to sapphire preferred from Friday and then on Saturday you submit another bill pay for 1000 to sapphire preferred, you will get this error.
- Tip: if using online bill pay to the same place multiple times, vary your amounts by $0.01 to make it easier to track since your confirmation number does not match the tracking number on your credit card statement
Loading with debit card at Walmart
Self checkout does not work for loading.
Many Walmart stores are enforcing a rule against the use of gift cards when loading, even though the register and the MCE do not enforce. Do not make your prepaid debit cards visible. Show them a bank debit card if asked. Otherwise, you may be asked by management to never visit the MC again to load with gift cards.
Loads at register over $500 will sometimes trigger ID requirement. There is a limit of four swipes per transaction; this means your card plus three payments.
If your card doesn't say "debit" on the front, it isn't a debit card.
Please see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...bit-cards.html for additional information on using prepaid debit cards.
Training a WM cashier:
- If the WM cashier doesn't know how to load the card, advise them to enter "70" then press "action code".
- If you are using a temp card that doesn't have your name on it, you can swipe the card from your side of the terminal. The WM rep never has to touch any of your cards. The screen will say "enter account." That is your prompt to slide the card.
- The terminal will ask the WM employee if you are loading in multiples of $2000. Advise them to enter "no."
- Avoid saying gift card. Always refer to your card as a debit card.
Error Messages:
DEBIT NOT AVAILABLE
Received when I used a card I thought I had activated but hadn't.
DEBIT NOT APPROVED
Received when the card's monthly load limit had been reached.
TENDER NOT ALLOWED
Card was incorrectly read, or wrong PIN entered .
HOST TIMEOUT
Connection problems. The GC may be drained but the transaction should reverse itself, and funds will become available again. Try again later.
UPdate Notice on Sept 15, 2014.
Some minor changes on the ATM limits and fees:
• Out-of-Network ATM Fees:
Beginning October 30, 2014, the fee for withdrawing funds using out-of-network ATMs will increase from $2.00 to $2.50. ATM operator fees may also apply.
• Free In-Network MoneyPass® ATMs:
Effective immediately, all Bluebird Customers can withdraw funds for free when using in-network MoneyPass ATMs. You can find one of the more than 24,000 MoneyPass ATMs below.
• ATM Withdrawal Limits Increase:
We have increased your daily ATM limit, so you can withdraw up to $750 per day. Your monthly ATM withdrawal limit will remain at $2,000.
-----
•If you use Wal-Mart Savings Catcher, you can earn double rewards by redeeming to your BlueBird account <== Doubling of savings catcher amounts ended sometime in the summer of 2015.
Bluebird prepaid debit, now with FDIC insurance and paper checks (2013-2014)
May 10, 2013, 2:40 pm
#616
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: DL, WoH
Posts: 1,253
I got a number of $100 Visa prepaid debit gift cards through the Staples deal last month. I registered them all with my name/address and got PINs. Then I signed up for BB and received my permanent card, which I activated and successfully loaded 2 cards online ($98 each - the $2 fee). I know they have a daily limit of $100, so I planned to do them slowly. It worked on Monday and Wednesday, then yesterday I linked another and tried to pay but got an error to call their security team. Talked to a lady on the phone today who indicated that they had recently changed policy and you were no longer allowed to link non-reloadable prepaid cards (so Vanilla is OK, just no disposable gift-cards). I looked through their terms and conditions on the site and see no mention of this - has anyone else had this happen? Is this for Wall-Mart physical stores as well, or just online? I am afraid to try again as she said the account would be closed if I tried to link another.
Surprised that they are doing this because I would think the $2 fee makes it profitable for them (I didn't care since I only paid $95/each for the cards).
Surprised that they are doing this because I would think the $2 fee makes it profitable for them (I didn't care since I only paid $95/each for the cards).
May 10, 2013, 2:40 pm
#617
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SAN
Posts: 1,396
I got a number of $100 Visa prepaid debit gift cards through the Staples deal last month. I registered them all with my name/address and got PINs. Then I signed up for BB and received my permanent card, which I activated and successfully loaded 2 cards online ($98 each - the $2 fee). I know they have a daily limit of $100, so I planned to do them slowly. It worked on Monday and Wednesday, then yesterday I linked another and tried to pay but got an error to call their security team. Talked to a lady on the phone today who indicated that they had recently changed policy and you were no longer allowed to link non-reloadable prepaid cards (so Vanilla is OK, just no disposable gift-cards). I looked through their terms and conditions on the site and see no mention of this - has anyone else had this happen? Is this for Wall-Mart physical stores as well, or just online? I am afraid to try again as she said the account would be closed if I tried to link another.
Surprised that they are doing this because I would think the $2 fee makes it profitable for them (I didn't care since I only paid $95/each for the cards).
Surprised that they are doing this because I would think the $2 fee makes it profitable for them (I didn't care since I only paid $95/each for the cards).
I don't think anyone here has tried to do the online load function - everyone either loads VRs or goes to Wal-Mart and loads with no fees. The $2 per $100 load fee is onerous at best.
May 10, 2013, 2:41 pm
#618
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 939
Denver, can you activate the PIN on these cards.
Messing around with BB when you have other choices isn't good.
Wouldnt want to lose BB for any reason,
Messing around with BB when you have other choices isn't good.
Wouldnt want to lose BB for any reason,
May 10, 2013, 3:37 pm
#619
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,162
I finally broke down and got a BB card because I have to spend $3000 to get 50K AA miles. I've loaded a couple of Chase gift cards at WM and just bought a couple of VRs from CVS using the AA card with no problem. I plan on using BB to pay off a different CC that's due on the 16th. If I start the process today is it likely to get there in time?
May 10, 2013, 3:55 pm
#620
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 79
I finally broke down and got a BB card because I have to spend $3000 to get 50K AA miles. I've loaded a couple of Chase gift cards at WM and just bought a couple of VRs from CVS using the AA card with no problem. I plan on using BB to pay off a different CC that's due on the 16th. If I start the process today is it likely to get there in time?
If you use the payee already in the system it could take two days since it's sometimes sent electronically. Give it a try, it'll tell you how long it'll take before you press submit.
Last edited by Jerfer; May 10, 2013 at 4:14 pm
May 10, 2013, 4:29 pm
#621
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,162
I sent a payment on the 8th and it's not going to get to its destination until the 13th. It's a good idea to give them another 1-2 days to open the mail and apply it to your account. This is my first time sending a payment though.
If you use the payee already in the system it could take two days since it's sometimes sent electronically. Give it a try, it'll tell you how long it'll take before you press submit.
If you use the payee already in the system it could take two days since it's sometimes sent electronically. Give it a try, it'll tell you how long it'll take before you press submit.
May 11, 2013, 4:22 pm
#622
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 81
Anyone know BB qualifies as a bank account for AP that I can withdraw from? Thanks.
May 11, 2013, 4:24 pm
#623
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: UA MPE, BA Blue, AA, IHG Plat Amb, Marriot Silver, HHonors Silver, National Exec, Avis First
Posts: 553
May 11, 2013, 7:04 pm
#624
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,777
Outrageous Walmart Experience
I had a revolting experience at a Bay Area Walmart today.
As is often the case, the Money Center machine was on the fritz. So I had to get human assistance. I went to the adjacent Customer Service counter. The agent swiped my Bluebird card and I swiped a couple of $500 debit cards, depositing a total of $1000 to my BB. So far so good. Then I gave her my wife's new Bluebird. I swiped one $200 card and was preparing to swipe 4 more of them. I apologized that these would take longer since they were only $200 each. At that point she noticed they were My Vanilla gift debit cards, which of course are no different from any other debit cards I've swiped at WM. She immediately objected to processing "gift cards", which are supposedly not allowed to be loaded (just at this Walmart?) Not only that, she went to find a manager to reverse the loads already entered, using "Action Code 1". This was absurd. I was detained while one manager was summoned, then another. Finally they phoned Amex, which told them the loads couldn't be reversed. The manager returned and handed my receipts back, informing me that I was never to try and load "gift cards" there again. Total detention time was approximately 25 minutes, and I missed a train.
Has anyone had an experience like this?
As is often the case, the Money Center machine was on the fritz. So I had to get human assistance. I went to the adjacent Customer Service counter. The agent swiped my Bluebird card and I swiped a couple of $500 debit cards, depositing a total of $1000 to my BB. So far so good. Then I gave her my wife's new Bluebird. I swiped one $200 card and was preparing to swipe 4 more of them. I apologized that these would take longer since they were only $200 each. At that point she noticed they were My Vanilla gift debit cards, which of course are no different from any other debit cards I've swiped at WM. She immediately objected to processing "gift cards", which are supposedly not allowed to be loaded (just at this Walmart?) Not only that, she went to find a manager to reverse the loads already entered, using "Action Code 1". This was absurd. I was detained while one manager was summoned, then another. Finally they phoned Amex, which told them the loads couldn't be reversed. The manager returned and handed my receipts back, informing me that I was never to try and load "gift cards" there again. Total detention time was approximately 25 minutes, and I missed a train.
Has anyone had an experience like this?
May 11, 2013, 7:24 pm
#625
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Posts: 398
I had a revolting experience at a Bay Area Walmart today.
As is often the case, the Money Center machine was on the fritz. So I had to get human assistance. I went to the adjacent Customer Service counter. The agent swiped my Bluebird card and I swiped a couple of $500 debit cards, depositing a total of $1000 to my BB. So far so good. Then I gave her my wife's new Bluebird. I swiped one $200 card and was preparing to swipe 4 more of them. I apologized that these would take longer since they were only $200 each. At that point she noticed they were My Vanilla gift debit cards, which of course are no different from any other debit cards I've swiped at WM. She immediately objected to processing "gift cards", which are supposedly not allowed to be loaded (just at this Walmart?) Not only that, she went to find a manager to reverse the loads already entered, using "Action Code 1". This was absurd. I was detained while one manager was summoned, then another. Finally they phoned Amex, which told them the loads couldn't be reversed. The manager returned and handed my receipts back, informing me that I was never to try and load "gift cards" there again. Total detention time was approximately 25 minutes, and I missed a train.
Has anyone had an experience like this?
As is often the case, the Money Center machine was on the fritz. So I had to get human assistance. I went to the adjacent Customer Service counter. The agent swiped my Bluebird card and I swiped a couple of $500 debit cards, depositing a total of $1000 to my BB. So far so good. Then I gave her my wife's new Bluebird. I swiped one $200 card and was preparing to swipe 4 more of them. I apologized that these would take longer since they were only $200 each. At that point she noticed they were My Vanilla gift debit cards, which of course are no different from any other debit cards I've swiped at WM. She immediately objected to processing "gift cards", which are supposedly not allowed to be loaded (just at this Walmart?) Not only that, she went to find a manager to reverse the loads already entered, using "Action Code 1". This was absurd. I was detained while one manager was summoned, then another. Finally they phoned Amex, which told them the loads couldn't be reversed. The manager returned and handed my receipts back, informing me that I was never to try and load "gift cards" there again. Total detention time was approximately 25 minutes, and I missed a train.
Has anyone had an experience like this?
May 11, 2013, 7:24 pm
#626
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 657
I had a revolting experience at a Bay Area Walmart today.
As is often the case, the Money Center machine was on the fritz. So I had to get human assistance. I went to the adjacent Customer Service counter. The agent swiped my Bluebird card and I swiped a couple of $500 debit cards, depositing a total of $1000 to my BB. So far so good. Then I gave her my wife's new Bluebird. I swiped one $200 card and was preparing to swipe 4 more of them. I apologized that these would take longer since they were only $200 each. At that point she noticed they were My Vanilla gift debit cards, which of course are no different from any other debit cards I've swiped at WM. She immediately objected to processing "gift cards", which are supposedly not allowed to be loaded (just at this Walmart?) Not only that, she went to find a manager to reverse the loads already entered, using "Action Code 1". This was absurd. I was detained while one manager was summoned, then another. Finally they phoned Amex, which told them the loads couldn't be reversed. The manager returned and handed my receipts back, informing me that I was never to try and load "gift cards" there again. Total detention time was approximately 25 minutes, and I missed a train.
Has anyone had an experience like this?
As is often the case, the Money Center machine was on the fritz. So I had to get human assistance. I went to the adjacent Customer Service counter. The agent swiped my Bluebird card and I swiped a couple of $500 debit cards, depositing a total of $1000 to my BB. So far so good. Then I gave her my wife's new Bluebird. I swiped one $200 card and was preparing to swipe 4 more of them. I apologized that these would take longer since they were only $200 each. At that point she noticed they were My Vanilla gift debit cards, which of course are no different from any other debit cards I've swiped at WM. She immediately objected to processing "gift cards", which are supposedly not allowed to be loaded (just at this Walmart?) Not only that, she went to find a manager to reverse the loads already entered, using "Action Code 1". This was absurd. I was detained while one manager was summoned, then another. Finally they phoned Amex, which told them the loads couldn't be reversed. The manager returned and handed my receipts back, informing me that I was never to try and load "gift cards" there again. Total detention time was approximately 25 minutes, and I missed a train.
Has anyone had an experience like this?
I usually go to several different cashiers, works better in bigger stores. The kiosk is always broken.
Try neighborhood walmarts, they are less busy. Or the garden center at larger ones.
Don't even let them see the card, just say its debit if they ask, I HAVE A PIN!!!
May 11, 2013, 9:38 pm
#627
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: BAEC Silver, WN CP, Marriott Gold
Posts: 424
I have activated the PINs but BB website doesn't seem to offer the option to enter one. No Walmart stores close to where I live but we're supposed to be getting one soon, I will just plan to wait and use them for regular purchases in the meantime, unless there are other good options (Amazon payments? I assume I can't send to myself, would need to pay a trusted friend and then have them pay me back?)
May 11, 2013, 10:21 pm
#628
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,777
just keep saying I have a pin, it is a debit card! They are trained not to accept gift cards for gift cards. Use the words I want to LOAD my bluebird card. or I want to add funds to my checking account.
I usually go to several different cashiers, works better in bigger stores. The kiosk is always broken.
Try neighborhood walmarts, they are less busy. Or the garden center at larger ones.
Don't even let them see the card, just say its debit if they ask, I HAVE A PIN!!!
I usually go to several different cashiers, works better in bigger stores. The kiosk is always broken.
Try neighborhood walmarts, they are less busy. Or the garden center at larger ones.
Don't even let them see the card, just say its debit if they ask, I HAVE A PIN!!!
May 11, 2013, 11:15 pm
#629
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 250
I wonder why employees even care enough to make a huge deal about using these gift debit cards to load BB. I'm pretty sure they don't have any printed rule about restrictions of loading BB with debit gift card. I sure as hell would've taken legal action if they kept you from leaving and was holding on to your personal belongings (this case, your Amex BB/receipts.) You weren't doing anything illegal and you have the right to use these debit gift cards anyway you like.
May 12, 2013, 12:03 am
#630
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHX & AGP
Programs: AA Lifetime PLT, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 11,453
I never had this problem, I guess I would show them that is says DEBIT on the card and that some of these cards LOOK like GC but are DEBIT cards. But I would complain to the general manager about how you were treated, and how NO ONE would listen to you.... Since listening is part of customer service.