Jan 10, 2015, 9:20 pm
Last edit by: NoonRadar
Nov 24, 2015
Dear XXXXXXXXX,
We want to let you know that we are making a change to your Target Prepaid REDcard® by American Express, and you will no longer be able to add money from your debit card at Target stores. As always, you can continue to add money to your Prepaid REDcard by using:
• Your debit card online through your Account
• Cash at a Target Store
• Direct Deposit (You can automatically add all or part of your paycheck, government benefits and federal tax refunds to your Prepaid REDcard)
DEAD FOR DEBIT CARD LOADS EFFECTIVE 10/12/2015 - MEMO: http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...uests-can-use/
DEAD FOR CREDIT CARD LOADS. (Amex GCs Included)
Effective May 6, 2015 registers are hard-coded to not allow credit card reload. PIN-based debit cards are working, however YMMV. PIN-based debit cards may be refused by cashiers.
WHAT IS TARGET PREPAID REDCARD?
Prepaid Redcard is a reloadable American Express card. It is only available to purchase at select Target stores.
WEBSITE:
This site may error when in Firefox, especially with adding payees / bill pay. Customer service says to use Chrome or Internet Explorer.
https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcard
PREPAID REDCARD LOAD LIMITS
Cash (or debit card) loading at Target: ** - $1,000/transaction, $2,500/day and $5,000/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
All "Monthly" limits are per calendar month and reset on the 1st of each month.
Daily limits reset at midnight Eastern time, 9 PM Pacific time.
*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.
ATM Withdrawals:
No-fee ATM usage at US Target stores* and U.S. Allpoint network ATMs. (ATM usage not available at any other ATMs.) Find an Allpoint ATM at: www.allpointnetwork.com Note that some ATMs only allow $400/transaction. There is a $750/day and $2,000/month limit to ATM withdrawals.
RedCard is only available in specific Target stores and is not available in all states. Go to this site to find a list of available locations:https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcard
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Can I reload a RB at a Target that doesn't sell RB?
Yes. However, the cashier may not know how to do it. You may be able to coach them through it by saying "It's like reloading a Starbucks (or Gift) card". For step-by-step instructions on one method of 'coaching' new cashiers see Post#1904
Q: Can I buy or reload a RB in North Carolina?
See post here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...a-63.html#2520
There is currently a software issue preventing any reload of any kind in NC. It is a known issue but there is no ETA on a fix.
Q: Can I reload the RB at any register, or just at the Customer Service desk?
It can be done at any register, however some cashiers are not trained on how to do this and you may have to go to Customer Service.
Q: What is the most efficient way to drain a RedCard?
Use BillPay to pay bills. For example, pay the credit card you used to load RedCard with. You can also withdraw money at ATMs.
Q: I cant access the BillPay feature through the RB website!
Verify that your account information correctly reflects a 10-digit phone number (including area code). Numerous people have reported that their account only had a 7-digit phone number (no area code) and that, after updating to a 10-digit phone number, BillPay miraculously started working.
Q: Can we buy a temporary Redbird card while we still have a Bluebird or Serve account?
Yes.
Q: How many Redbird cards can you purchase at once?
You can only purchase one Redbird card a day per SSN. If you plan to purchase more than one, be sure to use a different SSN for each purchase to avoid activation issues.
Q: Can we register our temporary Redbird online while we still have a Bluebird or Serve account?
No. You will have to cancel your Bluebird or Serve account first before registering.
Q: How do I cancel my BlueBird or Serve Account online? Do I need to call them?
Frequent Miler posted a useful trick that will help you cancel online How to cancel Bluebird online This works for both BlueBird and Serve.
Q: Cancelled Bluebird, why does registering Redbird error out saying Bluebird is still active?
If you have open transactions that have not been settled, like BillPay checks that have not yet been cashed, the account cannot settle and will not be truly closed. Thus Target will reject it until it's permanently closed.
Q: Can we get Redbird online?
No. The only way to get Redbird is to find a participating Target store and buy a temporary card there. Some people have purchased RB on Ebay, Amazon, or through private deals. Be aware that doing so may violate the TOS of one or more of these services. Also be aware that buying an un-activated RB, you are potentially buying "stolen" merchandise; the seller *may* have simply taken the un-activated RB cards from a target store without permission. At best they got permission from a low-level employee; they certainly are not getting permission from someone authorized to allow sale of RB outside of the current Target-authorized roll out markets. It is highly recommended to only buy already activated Redbirds because many Targets which do not offer Redbirds also will not be able to activate them and you will spend a month with the Customer Service line trying to get a new one.
Q: Does the initial load you put in when purchasing the Redbird count against the monthly limit?
No. After registering the Redbird online, any loads done will count against your monthly limit, even on your temp card.
Q: Can we load Redbird with Target gift cards at Target?NO.
When loading, the register displays a large message saying that gift cards cannot be used to pay for this transaction.
Q: What are the card’s load limits per transaction at Target?
[B]As of 2/2/2015 there is a maximum $1,000 load per transaction. You can no longer load the same RB multiple times (multiple swipes) in 1 transaction. Likewise, you can no longer load multiple RBs (say your's and your spouse's) in 1 transaction. Maximum of 1 load, for $1,000 per debit card payment. End of story.
Q: What credit cards can I use to reload RedCard in Target stores?
NONE. As of May 6, 2015, credit cards cannot be used to reload.
Q: Can I reload with a debit card?
Yes, but only if the debit card can be authenticated with PIN-number. Signature-based debit that processes on the Visa/MasterCard/AmEx networks will NOT work.
Q: Can I reload with a prepaid debit card or Vanilla Visa?
Yes, but only if you have a PIN for that card.
Q: How can I load 2 debit cards in one transaction? Example 2x$500.
1. Swipe debit card on my terminal after total comes up $1000.
2. PIN pad comes up. Enter 4 digit PIN.
3. Do you want cash back? press NO
4. Do you want full amount on this card? press NO <<<Note: I pressed YES and did not have a step 5. - PHLisa
5. Cashier reads something on register, asks how much on this card. $500. They push something to continue.
6. Swipe card #2. Enter PIN
7. Repeat 3 to 5. Total: 0.00
8. Receipt prints. Thank cashier. The end.
(thanks to Mamibear)
Q: Can someone else buy a Redbird card for you?
Yes. When you buy a temp Redbird card at Target, you have to give them your drivers license info, your SSN (can be any set of numbers, does not need to be real), birthdate, and more. Then, you have to register the card online in order to get a permanent card. In the process of registering online, they ask for the birthday of the original buyer on the first screen, but you can put your own and it will still work. Either way, you can still change the details on the following screens. I did this for my wife. I bought the card at Target and used my own driver’s license, SSN, etc. But, when I got home, I registered the card to my wife. I can’t promise this will work for everyone, but it worked for me.
Q: Can you reload Serve/Bluebird at Target?
No.
Q: How do I contact Target's support team to resolve an issue with my RedCard?
Call Target's Prepaid Resolution Team, their direct telephone number is 800 438 6468 (open from 8AM to 430PM MST).
Q: Can you have both Redbird and AFT cards?
Yes.
You can have both Redbird and AFT since they are independent products.
Q: I got a "Pending" notice that the registration is being reviewed, what now?
Add [email protected] to your address book, and check your spam folder for an email about it. You can also call in. They will need images or faxes of:
• Social Security Documentation (must clearly show full 9 digit Social Security Number). Choose 1 of the following options:
◦ Social Security Card, OR
◦ A Medicare insurance card
Plus...
• Picture ID
◦ A valid driver's license card OR
◦ A valid state issued ID OR
◦ A valid United States Government ID Card (e.g. Green Card) OR
◦ A valid United States Passport (photo page only)
◦ Social Security Card, OR
◦ A Medicare insurance card
Plus...
• Picture ID
◦ A valid driver's license card OR
◦ A valid state issued ID OR
◦ A valid United States Government ID Card (e.g. Green Card) OR
◦ A valid United States Passport (photo page only)
Secure Document Upload
Here's the link to upload secure documents to REDcard: https://secure.prepaidredcard.com/User/SecureFileUpload
Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015-2016
Jul 2, 2015, 2:11 pm
#8896
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 333
I usually do 5X $500, but I wait until there is no one in line, If I'm about to be next, and someone lines up behind me, I tell them to go ahead of me. If I was to get more than one person lined up behind me during loading, I'd stop and let them be taken care of before I finish, or else come back later. Maybe I'm lucky that my stores aren't that busy, but that almost never happens. But I do sometimes have to let 3 or 4 people go before me.
I think it's less suspicious to do it all at one time than to do one, lurk about the store, do another with someone else, lurk around, do another with someone else. I'd think that would look like I'm up to something. I'm not, I'm just loading the $2500 per day that the T/Cs specifically permit.
I think it's less suspicious to do it all at one time than to do one, lurk about the store, do another with someone else, lurk around, do another with someone else. I'd think that would look like I'm up to something. I'm not, I'm just loading the $2500 per day that the T/Cs specifically permit.
Jul 2, 2015, 3:16 pm
#8898
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Metro ATL
Posts: 359
Interesting thing happened at my regular target (the first one which let me swipe AFT and RB on my own).
There was a new CSR who commented that POS which I usually use was not updated (???) and she took me to the farthest POS (never in use) and loaded my RB using the old system.
Conclusion: after the last update they left some (rarely used) POS with the old software program (probably as a backup).
The very same thing happened in a different Target where manager took me to the remote POS, said that it was not updated and loaded my AFT as CS POS was down.
There was a new CSR who commented that POS which I usually use was not updated (???) and she took me to the farthest POS (never in use) and loaded my RB using the old system.
Conclusion: after the last update they left some (rarely used) POS with the old software program (probably as a backup).
The very same thing happened in a different Target where manager took me to the remote POS, said that it was not updated and loaded my AFT as CS POS was down.
Jul 2, 2015, 3:25 pm
#8899
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Metro ATL
Posts: 359
Was it a Target branded GC?
Because those are specifically excluded from loading to RB. The cashier gets a message to that effect before you even swipe a debit card.
I loaded 4 $500 Vanilla Visa GCs from CVS yesterday one after the other. (I waited until there was no one in line, and luckily no one lined up behind me while I was loading).
The fifth one the POS gave a funny beep, and a message that the card was not valid. Tried again with same result. Called the number on the card, and the computer said "activated" and with $500 available. Talked with a CSR, who confirmed the $500, apologized that the card didn't work, and said it was probably a defect in the magnetic strip. They are sending me a replacement card, 7 to 10 business days to arrive. I can handle the float, so no problem.
Then I went to another Target, with a different RB, and five $500 VVGCs. I told the friendly CSR who has loaded for me before "$500", and she asked "five times in a row like usual?"
Yep, she knows the drill, and has no problems with it.
Because those are specifically excluded from loading to RB. The cashier gets a message to that effect before you even swipe a debit card.
I loaded 4 $500 Vanilla Visa GCs from CVS yesterday one after the other. (I waited until there was no one in line, and luckily no one lined up behind me while I was loading).
The fifth one the POS gave a funny beep, and a message that the card was not valid. Tried again with same result. Called the number on the card, and the computer said "activated" and with $500 available. Talked with a CSR, who confirmed the $500, apologized that the card didn't work, and said it was probably a defect in the magnetic strip. They are sending me a replacement card, 7 to 10 business days to arrive. I can handle the float, so no problem.
Then I went to another Target, with a different RB, and five $500 VVGCs. I told the friendly CSR who has loaded for me before "$500", and she asked "five times in a row like usual?"
Yep, she knows the drill, and has no problems with it.
MS YMMV
Jul 2, 2015, 7:04 pm
#8901
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 25
Any success in loading with gift cards in Annapolis/Bowie Area
Any success stories loading Redbird in Annapolis/Bowie, MD area using gift debit cards? Couple of times I tried got turned around with the story that no debit card loads without names on it. Thx.
Jul 3, 2015, 2:43 pm
#8904
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 910
I keep my gift cards in my pocket and get them out one at a time, swipe, put in the other pocket. I have not been given grief once, not even when I load my g/f Redbird with an obvious woman's name on it; I just do things this like this as a precaution.
Jul 3, 2015, 5:27 pm
#8905
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,269
Was it a Target branded GC?
Because those are specifically excluded from loading to RB. The cashier gets a message to that effect before you even swipe a debit card.
I loaded 4 $500 Vanilla Visa GCs from CVS yesterday one after the other. (I waited until there was no one in line, and luckily no one lined up behind me while I was loading).
The fifth one the POS gave a funny beep, and a message that the card was not valid. Tried again with same result. Called the number on the card, and the computer said "activated" and with $500 available. Talked with a CSR, who confirmed the $500, apologized that the card didn't work, and said it was probably a defect in the magnetic strip. They are sending me a replacement card, 7 to 10 business days to arrive. I can handle the float, so no problem.
Then I went to another Target, with a different RB, and five $500 VVGCs. I told the friendly CSR who has loaded for me before "$500", and she asked "five times in a row like usual?"
Yep, she knows the drill, and has no problems with it.
Because those are specifically excluded from loading to RB. The cashier gets a message to that effect before you even swipe a debit card.
I loaded 4 $500 Vanilla Visa GCs from CVS yesterday one after the other. (I waited until there was no one in line, and luckily no one lined up behind me while I was loading).
The fifth one the POS gave a funny beep, and a message that the card was not valid. Tried again with same result. Called the number on the card, and the computer said "activated" and with $500 available. Talked with a CSR, who confirmed the $500, apologized that the card didn't work, and said it was probably a defect in the magnetic strip. They are sending me a replacement card, 7 to 10 business days to arrive. I can handle the float, so no problem.
Then I went to another Target, with a different RB, and five $500 VVGCs. I told the friendly CSR who has loaded for me before "$500", and she asked "five times in a row like usual?"
Yep, she knows the drill, and has no problems with it.
Jul 4, 2015, 9:02 am
#8907
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: San Diego
Posts: 229
Gift card, pin enabled, are working for loading.
Jul 4, 2015, 9:08 am
#8908
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
But yes, with 3 RBs and 2 T-M cards between us, I'm having a much harder time to cover our combined $25K MS each month. Not so much T-M, as that is totally free, so even marginal spend like AMEX HH at 5X in grocery stores is worth it. But RB, where I'm paying 1% to buy VVGCs at CVS, I'm having to do some real $ analysis to make sure the loading is worth the cost. Right now there is a lot of Min Spnd to cover, but after that....
Jul 4, 2015, 12:40 pm
#8909
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 50
I was contacted by my credit card company because the local police had contacted them because I bought 3 gift cards in 3 days at my local store. 2x$500 and 1 x$500. Guess I need to mix up the cards I purchase with! (I was trying to meet min spend). My Walmart only sells variable GC that you need to purchase with cash. What type of gift cards is everyone buying at Walmart that they can purchase with credit? Thanks!
Jul 4, 2015, 1:06 pm
#8910
Join Date: May 2015
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, IHG Plat, AA peon
Posts: 15
That's crazy! Which chain did this to you? What did the credit card company say about it? (I don't know the answer to your Walmart question.)