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Serve - Another Paypal/Amazon payments (2015)

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Old Jan 10, 2015, 8:55 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: ericdabbs
The previous megathread is here.

Read the wiki before posting a question.
It's a literacy test that's easy to pass.


As of April 16, 2015 regular Serve cards will only accept American Express network cards for online credit card loads.
Softcard Serve accounts are apparently grandfathered in the old system and continue to work as before, being able to load Mastercard, Visa, and Discover (see below).


Serve loads count towards minimum spend on AmEx-issued cards, including SPG.

This is the Serve thread. Post questions or information concerning other topics in the appropriate threads elsewhere in this forum.

For additional information on using prepaid debit cards, see PIN available now for Visa/MC prepaid debit cards.


You cannot make an ACH pull from Serve. The direct deposit account and routing numbers are for deposits only.

https://www.serve.com/#/add-cash

If your card doesn't say "debit" on the front, it isn't a debit card.


Loads at 7-11 and CVS are cash only. Debit cards are NOT allowed.

Loads at Walmart have been confirmed with debit cards. Self checkout does not work for loading Serve. Many Walmart stores are enforcing a rule against the use of prepaid debit 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, then discreetly use your prepaid card when asked to swipe. Otherwise, you may be asked by management to never visit the MC (Walmart Money Center) again to load.

Debit loading at Family Dollar appears to be limited to $500 per day per store total (not per person or per account). Whoever gets there first gets the load for the day. Troubleshooting loading problems at FD

Regular Serve
  • Serve loading via VR/MP or WM/FD load: $2,500/day and $5,000 total per calendar month
  • Online Debit Card Load - $200/day and $1,000/month [B]
  • Online Credit Card Load (AmEx only) - $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

You can combine the three methods above and load a total of $7k/month to a single Serve account for miles/points earning purposes, but beware that you're also subject to a $10,000/month add money limit which also includes check deposits, ACH transfers, and Serve transfers.

Softcard Serve
Softcard has shutdown and there is no longer any way to apply for this version.
  • Serve loading via VR/MP or WM/FD load: $2,500/day and $5,000 total per calendar month
  • Online Debit Card Load - $500/day and $1,500/month
  • Online Credit Card Load - $500/day and $1,500/month
  • Checking/Savings Account - $2,000/month
  • Checks - $2,000/day and $10,000/month
  • ATM Withdrawals - $750/day and $2,000/month

You can combine the three methods above and load a total of $8k/month to a single Serve account for miles/points earning purposes, but beware that you're also subject to a $10,000/month add money limit which also includes check deposits, ACH transfers, and Serve transfers.

Temp Serve
You can only load a maximum of $500/day, $1000/month on a temporary card. Once you get your permanent card, then you can load more. The initial $500 when you purchase the temp card doesn't count against the $5,000/month load limit.

OneVip Card: (Mucho gracias, AndrewTheMan)
This card is essentially just like the regular, fee-free, "old" serve. You may reload this card up to $2,500/day; $1,000/transaction at Walmart (not impacted by Blue Bird daily limit change). Have not tested FD or anywhere else. KATE takes this no problems..
You can use this to load the FIDO AMEX up to 1k a month.

Limits for online debit card and credit card loads reset at 9 PM PST/12 AM EST

Online Credit Card Loads
Only one card can be linked at a time.

For online CC/DC loads, the name on the Serve account is supposed to match the name of the primary or joint cardholder. So using someone else's CC/DB card to load a Serve account is not allowed.

A few report no problems loading with an AU card in the Serve account holder's name. Increase your chances by making sure the AUs social security number is on file with the Credit Card.

When adding a new card you will usually need to call Serve Account security (1-800-555-4318) for verification of the new card on the second load try. This verification usually requires uploading of a photo of your ID and the credit card. You may pre-emptively avoid the error by going to the above website, logging in, and uploading a scan of a photo ID and the card you are trying to add. You may call back to expedite approval. One person with a Serve/Softcard account reported being sent to the main Serve number for this process.

https://www.serve.com/help/#add-money-5

Regular Serve Credit Card Loading

Regular Serve can only load from American Express network cards. In addition to those issued directly by American Express, this includes the following:
  • AAA Rewards AmEx
  • Alitalia AmEx
  • Bank of America Accelerated Rewards AmEx
  • Bank of America Asiana Airlines AmEx
  • Bank of Hawaii AmEx Card with MyBankoh Rewards
  • Bloomingdale's AmEx
  • Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select AmEx
  • Citi Dividend AmEx (not obtainable unless specifically requested)
  • Citi Thank You Preferred AmEx (not obtainable unless specifically requested)
  • Dillard's AmEx
  • FNBO AmEx
  • FNBO Graphite AmEx
  • FNBO Platinum AmEx
  • Macy's AmEx
  • Penfed Premium Travel Rewards AmEx
  • SavingStar AmEx
  • Travelocity AmEx
  • US Bank Flexperks AmEx
  • USAA Cash Rewards/Rewards Plus AmEx
  • Wells Fargo Propel World/365 AmEx

Softcard Serve Credit Card Loading

If you are fortunate enough to be grandfathered into a Softcard Serve Account, you can also load other credit cards beside American Express cards. Softcard Serve is not available to new applicants anymore so you'll need to get one of the other Serve options if you don't already have one. In general, Mastercard and American Express cards post as purchases. Visa cards transact as a cash advance and, therefore, require available CA limit; although most cards post as a purchase.

Treated as purchase, earns cashback/points/miles:
  • Bank of America (FIA) (MasterCard, American Express)
  • Barclaycard (Mastercard, Visa)
  • Capital One (Mastercard, Visa)
  • Chase (MasterCard, Visa)
  • Citi (MasterCard, American Express)
  • Discover
  • Wells Fargo (American Express)

Treated as purchase, but doesn't earn points/miles:
  • American Express issued (Counts toward minimum spend -- see post #434) but does not earn points. Example: For the Delta Amex card, Serve counts towards min spend DL miles sign-up bonus, but that spend and subsequent trials of spend on Serve will not earn points. Don't do it, man!

Posts as a cash advance:
The Chase Ink Bold is a charge card and has no cash advance ability.

A few report being unable to add the Chase IHG MC.

Online Debit Card Loads
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. While initial transactions may work, your account will eventually be flagged.

Switching to Serve
Helpful instruction post, latest. Thanks raeneye.

Also see this thread: Switching from Serve to BlueBird - 31 day wait???

Switching from BB to Serve
  1. Login to BB account, bring account balance to Zero, (By Bill Pay, Send money, etc..)
  2. Call BB, tell them that you want to open a serve account and close your current BB account. after they check everything they will say something like: "Your account will be permanently closed after 31 days, you can reopen it within 31 day if you change your mind, and you can apply for your new Serve account now, just make sure use the exact same register info from BB."
  3. at this point BB is closed. next morning, goto CVS and get a temporary Serve card (only with cash), load $500, ($2.95 waived, Yeah!!)
  4. get back home, register temporary Serve online, First error: "phone number already registered, please try a different number" could be the my BB's ghost account still showing up on their system, could be my info is not match my BB's registration? i'm not really sure at this point. What I did is keep the same number but change from Cell phone to home phone. and registration went through
  5. after the register and login, second error: "We're still processing your application. Please check your email for an update"
  6. I have see people on the thread reported waiting for weeks for the same message, So, I pickup the phone and called them, ask them to speed up the process.
  7. CSR, told me that my account went to "account security protection department" transfer me to them.
  8. at account security protection department, they told me need to call back on my phone number which I registered to verify.
  9. after the call back of verification, CSR told me that my new Serve account is active now, email address verification will be send with in 5 minutes, permanent card will be received within 7-10 days.
  10. CSR also told me the I can load and spend on the temporary card, but not bill pay.

Switching from Redbird is presumably similar. See the RedCard thread for more information.

The number to call to approve your registration after closing Bluebird: Serve Account security 1-800-555-4318

Loading with debit card at Walmart register
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.

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.

Using Serve
For online bill pay
  • You can pay the credit card that you used to buy VRs/GCs
  • 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

For bank transfers
Under Settings --> Funding & Transfers --> Bank & Cards --> U.S. Bank Account, you can add your bank info and transfer funds from your Serve card directly to your bank. The bank account must be verified, either by the standard "deposit 2 small sums into your account, such as $0.23 & $0.42" method, or doing an "instant verification" by actually logging into your bank account while still logged into Serve.
===

People with an apartment address can find helpful information quoted in post #7
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Serve - Another Paypal/Amazon payments (2015)

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Old Mar 3, 2015, 7:38 am
  #601  
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 427
Originally Posted by Beetlesauce
So, I've never used Reloadit before and recently bought a $25 pack with a credit card to try out and load to my Amex Serve account. Completed successfully. Although heart skipped a bit when I added $25 to my $22.10 Serve balance and Reloadit said "your prepaid card was successfully loaded and the new balance is $4,710.00. Really? I'll take that. Turns out it was actually $47.10 after I checked. Programming error on reloadit's part, I guess.

As long as I can purchase the reloadit cards with a credit card, it looks like this will be my go to method now since it allows up to $5,000 cash load per month. This is in addition to the CC online load. Took 15 secs to load once I got home and instant verification on Amex Serve. No need to deal with Walmart or other VGC loads.

Any Reloadit pitfalls to watch out for?
Buying RI is much more YMMV than buying VGC, you will find this out soon. Reloadit is actually supposed to be a cash transaction, but some stores do not yet hard code this in POS. Most managers and front line supervisors will stop you from using CC. You'll still wind up buying some VGC to max your serve, probably.
bigugly is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 9:00 am
  #602  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 9
Okay, I'm stuck? I understand attaching a cc to my Serve account to add funds. But, adding funds via VGC, how is that done? I thought the name has to be on the debit card to use? I have a Tmobile Prepaid Debit Card enroute in the next few days, should I wait to use that? Or am I missing something?
Blackaces88 is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 9:16 am
  #603  
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,207
Originally Posted by Blackaces88
Okay, I'm stuck? I understand attaching a cc to my Serve account to add funds. But, adding funds via VGC, how is that done? I thought the name has to be on the debit card to use? I have a Tmobile Prepaid Debit Card enroute in the next few days, should I wait to use that? Or am I missing something?
VGC cannot be used online. Only at stores and then it is YMMV whether the cashier checks or not.
hamokmonky is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 12:09 pm
  #604  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 11
I tried to add money to my Serve account for the first time. I am using a Chase Ritz Carlton Rewards card. Chase declined the initial attempt. When I called in the representative alerted me that the transaction was being handled as a Cash Advance.

The transfer did not go through because my credit/cash advance limits were set very low so the transaction was declined. I raised the limits so I can get the transaction to go through but now I pause for fear Chase will charge cash advance fees.

Any help?
nomar116 is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 12:15 pm
  #605  
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: HH Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 252
Originally Posted by nomar116
I tried to add money to my Serve account for the first time. I am using a Chase Ritz Carlton Rewards card. Chase declined the initial attempt. When I called in the representative alerted me that the transaction was being handled as a Cash Advance.

The transfer did not go through because my credit/cash advance limits were set very low so the transaction was declined. I raised the limits so I can get the transaction to go through but now I pause for fear Chase will charge cash advance fees.

Any help?
Did you read the Wiki? Chase codes all Serve transactions as a Cash Advance but they post as a normal transaction. This started happening since October and it still works. So for the time being, you need a cash advance limit to make the transaction occur, but it should post as a purchase.
knowledgeispower is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 12:24 pm
  #606  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 11
Originally Posted by knowledgeispower
Did you read the Wiki? Chase codes all Serve transactions as a Cash Advance but they post as a normal transaction. This started happening since October and it still works. So for the time being, you need a cash advance limit to make the transaction occur, but it should post as a purchase.
I thought I read the WIKI but a search cleared this up. Nevertheless thank you for your quick response. I'm back on track. Sorry for the stupid question.
nomar116 is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 12:47 pm
  #607  
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Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Originally Posted by Lumpylump76
Depositing 10k cash regularly into a bank account is asking to be investigated for Money Laundering.
That is nonsense. I deposit and withdraw more than that on a regular basis. Tons of CTRs, I'm sure. No one cares.
VegasGambler is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 12:51 pm
  #608  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Originally Posted by sam_goh
What's the maximum you can withdraw to a checking account from serve? Was hoping to load 5K from 200 VGCs, another $1K from CC loads, and then $2K + $2K from two other serve accounts. Withdraw 10K out to WF bank account. Any idea? More Less?
Remember that you have a $150k annual withdrawal limit and $100k deposit limit..

Why are you combining funds from other Serve accounts? I don't see what that gets you.
VegasGambler is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 2:39 pm
  #609  
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Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 74
Softcard will shut down

Softcard has already told us they will shut the app down in the coming weeks. If we want to continue using tap to pay with android phones we will have to use google wallet. I've been using the softcard app to get free bottles of coke by loading the mycokerewards loyalty card. I guess I can just do it with google wallet. But more important is what you stated....will our Serve load limit with CC change? That has yet to be determined.

https://www.gosoftcard.com/faq.html
What does the deal mean for Softcard users?
For now, the Softcard app will continue to work. Users can continue to tap to pay, redeem offers and apply loyalty at more than 275,000 locations across the U.S. Google has acquired some technology and intellectual property from Softcard and we encourage our Android users to download Google Wallet. In the near future, the Softcard app will shut down and all wallets will be terminated. A specific termination date will be provided soon.

Originally Posted by mediator
With the upcoming Google take over, will Serve abolish the extra Softcard load limit?
benosufan is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 5:48 pm
  #610  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 77
Originally Posted by benosufan
Softcard has already told us they will shut the app down in the coming weeks. If we want to continue using tap to pay with android phones we will have to use google wallet. I've been using the softcard app to get free bottles of coke by loading the mycokerewards loyalty card. I guess I can just do it with google wallet. But more important is what you stated....will our Serve load limit with CC change? That has yet to be determined.

https://www.gosoftcard.com/faq.html
What does the deal mean for Softcard users?
For now, the Softcard app will continue to work. Users can continue to tap to pay, redeem offers and apply loyalty at more than 275,000 locations across the U.S. Google has acquired some technology and intellectual property from Softcard and we encourage our Android users to download Google Wallet. In the near future, the Softcard app will shut down and all wallets will be terminated. A specific termination date will be provided soon.
My (educated/uneducated) guess is that new softserve accounts will not be able to be opened with the higher limits, but that existing accounts will retain the higher limits. I make this conjecture based on the fact (I believe...) that even if you no longer have a Softcard account on your phone, you still retain the limits. This would be no different in my opinion
MrDioji is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 8:09 pm
  #611  
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: HH Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 252
Originally Posted by MrDioji
My (educated/uneducated) guess is that new softserve accounts will not be able to be opened with the higher limits, but that existing accounts will retain the higher limits. I make this conjecture based on the fact (I believe...) that even if you no longer have a Softcard account on your phone, you still retain the limits. This would be no different in my opinion
I'm thinking the same thing. The existence Softcard was never tied to the limits as the limits were tied to the offer when you signed up. This is why many of us who had opened a Serve account before doing so through Softcard's offer could not upgrade our limits, we had to close the account and open a new Serve account. Ironically the limits listed on our accounts still say $1000/month $200/day which makes me thing our increased limits are a backend thing that is likely not to change.
knowledgeispower is offline  
Old Mar 3, 2015, 9:14 pm
  #612  
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: CVG
Programs: Hyatt Giraffe
Posts: 1,664
Originally Posted by VegasGambler
Remember that you have a $150k annual withdrawal limit and $100k deposit limit..

Why are you combining funds from other Serve accounts? I don't see what that gets you.
I'm trying to move MS capital into WF via serve withdrawl to checking. There are no local WF branches and mobile deposit limits are extremely low.
sam_goh is offline  
Old Mar 4, 2015, 5:44 am
  #613  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PIT-SCE-AOO-PHL-NYC-WAS
Programs: free agent
Posts: 1,034
Work fine at DC area WM. MC employee pulled up money order form books after I ask for 2nd 2x500 load. I want to laugh but of course, I said no thanks and left nicely. Start to think its not worth the hassle (my WM don't have kate).
washeelers747 is offline  
Old Mar 4, 2015, 7:48 am
  #614  
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 69
What cards do you load Serve with?

Just got a Serve card and have been trying to research which cards charge cash advance fees, which still give points, etc for loading Serve. However, it seems like this changes frequently and it's hard to find a list that's up to date. What cards are you able to successfully load your Serve card with online, preferably recently?

Of the cards I have, I believe I can use these without CA fees and still earn points (unless things have changed recently):
Chase British Airways
Chase Hyatt
Barclays US Airways

I also have the SPG AmEx, and am not sure about this one. I know AmEx typically doesn't give points for loading Serve, but I have read that this doesn't always apply to their cobranded cards and have heard reports of people getting points from loading their Serve with their SPG card.

I plan to try the British Airways card first. I sent Chase a secure message to lower my cash advance limit to $0 if possible just to be safe. I have heard they will do this if requested. Sorry if this topic has been addressed recently, I tried searching and could not find anything that has been updated lately relating to using particular cards with Serve.


EDIT: Sorry, just found the answer to my question... Well, except the SPG part, haven't heard whether or not it gives points for Serve from anyone who actually tried it.

Last edited by Drew777; Mar 4, 2015 at 8:27 am
Drew777 is offline  
Old Mar 4, 2015, 8:25 am
  #615  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 62
Originally Posted by Beetlesauce
So, I've never used Reloadit before and recently bought a $25 pack with a credit card to try out and load to my Amex Serve account. Completed successfully. Although heart skipped a bit when I added $25 to my $22.10 Serve balance and Reloadit said "your prepaid card was successfully loaded and the new balance is $4,710.00. Really? I'll take that. Turns out it was actually $47.10 after I checked. Programming error on reloadit's part, I guess.

As long as I can purchase the reloadit cards with a credit card, it looks like this will be my go to method now since it allows up to $5,000 cash load per month. This is in addition to the CC online load. Took 15 secs to load once I got home and instant verification on Amex Serve. No need to deal with Walmart or other VGC loads.

Any Reloadit pitfalls to watch out for?
I have been buying RL's mainly to use them for my Tmo prepaid. But I had extra capacity for Serve cash loads remaining last month... The RL balances are hilarious (this is for a load of $500):

pwned is offline  


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