Old Jan 10, 2015, 9:20 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
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 cards 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 drivers license, SSN, etc. But, when I got home, I registered the card to my wife. I cant 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)


    Secure Document Upload
    Here's the link to upload secure documents to REDcard: https://secure.prepaidredcard.com/User/SecureFileUpload
    Print Wikipost

    Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015-2016

    Old Oct 13, 2015, 8:01 pm
      #10876  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Programs: All of them
    Posts: 1,663
    Originally Posted by ManFactSpendLA
    This market of people might have questionable credit, might be fee prone (over drafting) this offers a way to not get fees, also this doesn't put a hold on your account you can use the cash immediately and let's face it, target and Walmart is the perfect demographic of people they want to attract.
    I don't understand how credit score matters when you're coming to a bank to store your money but maybe it does. And you can disable overdrafting. Maybe it seems obvious and common sense to us but not that demographic.
    littlewinglet is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 8:04 pm
      #10877  
     
    Join Date: May 2015
    Posts: 508
    As I was standing in line one night at target to load my Redbird there was a lady at the cs desk that had just dumped 15 boxes of tampax tampons on the counter and wanting to return them. She didn't have a receipt...

    That's their demographic...any more questions? 😆😆😆😆

    Originally Posted by littlewinglet
    I don't understand how credit score matters when you're coming to a bank to store your money but maybe it does. And you can disable overdrafting. Maybe it seems obvious and common sense to us but not that demographic.
    ManFactSpendLA is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 8:15 pm
      #10878  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2013
    Location: Michigan
    Programs: AA, UA, DL, UR, IHG platnium, AirAsia
    Posts: 323
    On a day the St. Louis Cardinals are out of the playoffs, RedBird is officially now DeadBird. Oh the irony!!

    Just withdrew balance from RB & plan to close account once funds clear. Back to Serve.
    JamieDee78 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 8:25 pm
      #10879  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Location: AZ
    Posts: 250
    Originally Posted by littlewinglet
    I don't understand how credit score matters when you're coming to a bank to store your money but maybe it does. And you can disable overdrafting. Maybe it seems obvious and common sense to us but not that demographic.
    "Credit" in this context likely refers to bank account-related CRAs like ChexSystems, Telecheck, etc. which track bank-related things such as accounts closed for excessive overdrafts or with a negative balance. Many (maybe even most) banks and CUs won't open an account for someone with outstanding items on those reports, and this is one market these prepaid products are intended for.

    You're right that not overdrafting and such is just common sense to us, but remember that we're the "overbanked" - managing one's finances well is effectively a prerequisite to MS, and most of us have bank accounts and CCs all over the place.
    devnull is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 8:34 pm
      #10880  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2012
    Location: ATL
    Programs: DL, Marriott
    Posts: 728
    So I got a temp card, loaded with $500 from OVGC purchased by CSP, just got permanent card today, and initiated BP to my Chase card. Once my CSP lists the payment, am I good to close my RB and open a Serve the same day?
    pritomd is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 8:44 pm
      #10881  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2015
    Posts: 1,727
    Originally Posted by ktm19
    Over/under on percentage of RB cards canceled within the next two weeks or so?
    Originally Posted by iflyjetz
    95%. The entire program will probably be cancelled before next spring.
    Originally Posted by Flyby01
    It appears that the mass exodus to Serve/BB is on.
    My accounts are now 100% billpaid. Redbirds/TG is useless without gebit loads. Have a few days to decide on serve or back to BB.
    Chelski is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 9:23 pm
      #10882  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2011
    Location: SFO
    Programs: Hilton-Gold
    Posts: 703
    RIP Redbird, I spent time chasing to get RB in Bay Area and it was totally worth it.
    concordian is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 9:24 pm
      #10883  
    FlyerTalk Evangelist
     
    Join Date: Apr 2002
    Location: Madison, WI, USA
    Posts: 14,162
    Originally Posted by ericdabbs
    Now thank all the A-holes that screamed at cashiers for not taking their "debit cards" and try to quote policy and caused a ruckus for the shutdowns. I hope yall think that your incessant complaining was worth it.
    Exactly how many of these did you personally see? Be honest.

    I really don't understand this need to find a scapegoat. You've taken advantage of this opportunity and reaped the rewards -- why aren't you happy? It's not like any of us deserve it in any way. Just go on to the next opportunity.
    PaulMSN is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 9:38 pm
      #10884  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2015
    Location: San Diego
    Posts: 229
    OK, so which product do you go after? Serve or BB?

    I see someone posted a Serve link: http://www.doctorofcredit.com/six-di...main-fee-free/

    Just trying to figure out which one to go after.
    memphian901 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 9:43 pm
      #10885  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2012
    Location: Heaven
    Posts: 552
    ...and all of a sudden amex is flooded with RedBird closures and new Serve/BB apps.
    coolblues is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 9:49 pm
      #10886  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2015
    Location: San Diego
    Posts: 229
    found this gem: http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...and-softserve/

    I might get Serve over BB.
    memphian901 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 9:49 pm
      #10887  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2005
    Programs: Northwest, United
    Posts: 3,256
    Originally Posted by Flyby01
    It appears that the mass exodus to Serve/BB is on.
    Yeah, gonna be ugly at Wallyworld this weekend...
    nwflyboy is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 9:53 pm
      #10888  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2015
    Location: Champaign, IL
    Programs: Total Rewards Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Marriott Gold, AA Gold
    Posts: 564
    The President just called me again. He said, "Ha! You thought I was joking, didn't you?"


    Well played Mr. President.........well played.
    pwd847 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 9:58 pm
      #10889  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2004
    Programs: UA-1K, MM, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium
    Posts: 4,419
    I think the Redbird site may be overloaded. I just paid bills and zeroed out two of the three. Went to do the same with the third and it kept saying the user name or password was wrong, It wasn't. Now I'm locked out and gotta get my son to call to unlock it as its in his name. I can't get my female voice low enough to pretend to be him
    cruisr is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 10:01 pm
      #10890  
     
    Join Date: Mar 2014
    Location: SFO/OAK, LAX, TPE
    Programs: Hilton Diamond, Hertz PC, DL Gold
    Posts: 134
    Originally Posted by concordian
    RIP Redbird, I spent time chasing to get RB in Bay Area and it was totally worth it.
    Was it ever sold around here? I bought in a few months before credit loads died, and I had to resort to Ebay.
    gpen1827 is offline  

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