Jan 7, 2016, 8:18 am
Last edit by: RedSun
This is the 2016 and onwards Bluebird thread.
The original discussion. The previous 2013- 2014 megathread. The previous 2015 megathread.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read the wiki before posting a question.
The most recent huge wave of shutdowns occurred in May 2019.
Most accounts used for MS were shut down on Jan 8, 2016. Another wave of shutdowns occurred on March 4, 2016. Using Bluebird for MS is very likely to lead to account closure. There is no clear pattern as to how to avoid the account shut-downs. Some of the dormant accounts were not shut down.
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.
For information on switching from BB to Serve, see the Serve thread wiki.
Bluebird Load Limits:
The cash load limit for a temp card is $1,500 total.
*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.
The original discussion. The previous 2013- 2014 megathread. The previous 2015 megathread.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read the wiki before posting a question.
The most recent huge wave of shutdowns occurred in May 2019.
Most accounts used for MS were shut down on Jan 8, 2016. Another wave of shutdowns occurred on March 4, 2016. Using Bluebird for MS is very likely to lead to account closure. There is no clear pattern as to how to avoid the account shut-downs. Some of the dormant accounts were not shut down.
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.
For information on switching from BB to Serve, see the Serve thread wiki.
Bluebird Load Limits:
- Cash loading: $2,500 ($1,999.99 at Walmart) per card per day; $9,000 per day all BB cards combined; $5,000 total per calendar month each card; $10,000 calendar month and $100,000 per year all BB cards combined for each SSN.
- Direct Deposit: $100,000 per year
- Online Debit Card Load* - $200/day and $1,000/month
- Checking/Savings Account - $2,000/month
- Mobile Check Capture by Ingo® Money - $5,000/day and $10,000/month
- ATM Withdrawals - $750/day and $2,000/month
The cash load limit for a temp card is $1,500 total.
*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.
Bluebird master thread (2016 onwards)
Jan 8, 2016, 8:28 am
#16
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: PHX
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 78
Anyone else gotten one of these?...
D-Day may have officially arrived, gotten same notice on 2 of my accounts so far today.
...............
Dear __________,
We are writing to let you know that we have observed unusual usage patterns on your Bluebird Account. Because of this, effective immediately, you will no longer be able to add money to your Account.1 We have made this change in accordance with Section 22.d of our Member Agreement, which you can view here.
Please be aware that you continue to have full access to the funds on your Account and can withdraw them at any time.
Once your balance reaches $0, please close your Account online via your Profile page accessible here. Scroll down to the Close Account section and click “Close Account.”
If you have any questions or would like to inquire further about this issue, you may write to us at the following address:
American Express
C/O Customer Relations 02-04-40
4315 S 2700 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84184-0440
Thanks,
The Bluebird® Team
D-Day may have officially arrived, gotten same notice on 2 of my accounts so far today.
...............
Dear __________,
We are writing to let you know that we have observed unusual usage patterns on your Bluebird Account. Because of this, effective immediately, you will no longer be able to add money to your Account.1 We have made this change in accordance with Section 22.d of our Member Agreement, which you can view here.
Please be aware that you continue to have full access to the funds on your Account and can withdraw them at any time.
Once your balance reaches $0, please close your Account online via your Profile page accessible here. Scroll down to the Close Account section and click “Close Account.”
If you have any questions or would like to inquire further about this issue, you may write to us at the following address:
American Express
C/O Customer Relations 02-04-40
4315 S 2700 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84184-0440
Thanks,
The Bluebird® Team
Jan 8, 2016, 8:28 am
#17
Join Date: May 2013
Location: RMS
Programs: DL Plat, UA Gold, Bonvoy Titanium, Hilton Credit Card Diamond
Posts: 8,788
I got the same message. 
Jan 8, 2016, 8:28 am
#18
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Anybody else get shut down recently?
EDIT (after typing the above, hitting "post", and seeing others' posts that showed up while I was typing): Well THAT answers THAT.
Looks like I have good company.
EDIT (after typing the above, hitting "post", and seeing others' posts that showed up while I was typing): Well THAT answers THAT.
Looks like I have good company.
Jan 8, 2016, 8:29 am
#19
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Hotlanta
Programs: Delta DM .5mm
Posts: 214
Dear xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx,
We are writing to let you know that we have observed unusual usage patterns on your Bluebird Account. Because of this, effective immediately, you will no longer be able to add money to your Account.1 We have made this change in accordance with Section 22.d of our Member Agreement, which you can view here.
Please be aware that you continue to have full access to the funds on your Account and can withdraw them at any time.
Once your balance reaches $0, please close your Account online via your Profile page accessible here. Scroll down to the Close Account section and click “Close Account.”
If you have any questions or would like to inquire further about this issue, you may write to us at the following address:
American Express
C/O Customer Relations 02-04-40
4315 S 2700 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84184-0440
We are writing to let you know that we have observed unusual usage patterns on your Bluebird Account. Because of this, effective immediately, you will no longer be able to add money to your Account.1 We have made this change in accordance with Section 22.d of our Member Agreement, which you can view here.
Please be aware that you continue to have full access to the funds on your Account and can withdraw them at any time.
Once your balance reaches $0, please close your Account online via your Profile page accessible here. Scroll down to the Close Account section and click “Close Account.”
If you have any questions or would like to inquire further about this issue, you may write to us at the following address:
American Express
C/O Customer Relations 02-04-40
4315 S 2700 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84184-0440
Jan 8, 2016, 8:29 am
#20
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: FLL / BKK
Posts: 703
Very disturbing news. BB account just shutdown due to "unusal activity". All ST and SMGC loads over the last 2 years. Nothing but billpay and International atms when I'm traveling.
Jan 8, 2016, 8:32 am
#21
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 18
one of my accounts were closed today as well
Good bye Bluebird..
Good bye Bluebird..
Jan 8, 2016, 8:34 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 8
Same message. WTH? I had barely used mine. Geez.
Jan 8, 2016, 8:38 am
#23
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: AA Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 245
Me too. So far, only on one of the accounts I manage. The account that got the hammer is the lightest used of my accounts and hasn't been touched since early November.
I assume the others will fall shortly. For a long time, I've been maxing out the monthly load at WM and then withdrawing with Bill Pay. No ATM usage or anything else.
I assume the others will fall shortly. For a long time, I've been maxing out the monthly load at WM and then withdrawing with Bill Pay. No ATM usage or anything else.
Jan 8, 2016, 8:46 am
#24
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 783
Yup, good bye Blue Bird. Got same emails.
We had solid 3 years together, right? Not bad.
Cheers,
PedroNY
We had solid 3 years together, right? Not bad.
Cheers,
PedroNY
Jan 8, 2016, 8:46 am
#25
Join Date: Jun 2012
Programs: ihg priority club, hhonors, united,aa
Posts: 41
I got the same email today! Looks like BB is starting some shutdowns!
Jan 8, 2016, 8:50 am
#26
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: DFW
Posts: 43
3 of 3 BBs killed!
$15k month loaded/unloaded for nearly 2 years. It was a good run!
What am I gonna do with this $5k of plastic in my pocket today? I better hit the MO lines before everyone else.
$15k month loaded/unloaded for nearly 2 years. It was a good run!
What am I gonna do with this $5k of plastic in my pocket today? I better hit the MO lines before everyone else.
Jan 8, 2016, 8:53 am
#27
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Francisco Bay Area
Programs: United 1K, Hyatt Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 37
Yup. Got it this morning too! Goodbye Kate! 
Jan 8, 2016, 8:55 am
#28
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Whittier
Posts: 23
Got the SERVE shutdown notice as well...
Jan 8, 2016, 8:57 am
#29
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,784
Dear xxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx,
We are writing to let you know that we have observed unusual usage patterns on your Bluebird Account. Because of this, effective immediately, you will no longer be able to add money to your Account.1 We have made this change in accordance with Section 22.d of our Member Agreement, which you can view here.
Please be aware that you continue to have full access to the funds on your Account and can withdraw them at any time.
Once your balance reaches $0, please close your Account online via your Profile page accessible here. Scroll down to the Close Account section and click “Close Account.”
If you have any questions or would like to inquire further about this issue, you may write to us at the following address:
American Express
C/O Customer Relations 02-04-40
4315 S 2700 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84184-0440
We are writing to let you know that we have observed unusual usage patterns on your Bluebird Account. Because of this, effective immediately, you will no longer be able to add money to your Account.1 We have made this change in accordance with Section 22.d of our Member Agreement, which you can view here.
Please be aware that you continue to have full access to the funds on your Account and can withdraw them at any time.
Once your balance reaches $0, please close your Account online via your Profile page accessible here. Scroll down to the Close Account section and click “Close Account.”
If you have any questions or would like to inquire further about this issue, you may write to us at the following address:
American Express
C/O Customer Relations 02-04-40
4315 S 2700 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84184-0440
What is a "unusual usage pattern"? All I did was load 2 $500 GCs at WM, and then pay off a cc with those funds. Did I use it as a debit card to buy a gallon of milk or a Big Mac? No. But they let you load $5K a month. Who does $5K a month of small charges?
Jan 8, 2016, 9:22 am
#30
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: naples, florida
Posts: 44
Me too.! And in the same time frame as these others have posted. And it hit my husband's account just moments ago.
Anyone have any idea what is triggering it? We use ours to just pay bills. Rarely uses to purchase anything. Never use ATM and never withdraw to bank account.
Is it worth calling on?
Anyone have any idea what is triggering it? We use ours to just pay bills. Rarely uses to purchase anything. Never use ATM and never withdraw to bank account.
Is it worth calling on?