Old Oct 25, 2013, 11:21 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: JAXBA
Read the wiki before posting a question.
It's a literacy test that's easy to pass.

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.

Mentions of Softcard (formerly ISIS) are purely incidental to setting up and using Serve/Softcard. Softcard does not hold money, and you cannot load to it.


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


Normal 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 (NOT a gift card with a PIN that some people call a "Debit card")
  • Online Credit 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

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.

Serve/Softcard Check if your phone/network is compatible
  • 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 (NOT a gift card with a PIN that some people call a "Debit card")
  • 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.

The SD card in the iPhone case used for Softcard is account specific. Once an account has been registered to a card, it cannot be used for another.

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.


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

As of 10/09/14, coding of credit card loads changed. In general, Mastercard and American Express cards post as before; see below for information on point earning. Visa cards transact as a cash advance and, therefore, require available CA limit; although most cards post as a purchase.

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

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

Treated as purchase, but doesn't earn points/miles:
  • American Express (May count toward minimum spend)

Posts as a cash advance:
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.

Several people have reported no problems with 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. YMMV.

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.


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 or Serve/Softcard
Helpful instruction post, latest. Thanks raeneye.

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

Switching to Serve/Softcard
  1. Call up Bluebird or Serve and close account. Make sure your account is at $0.00 before calling. Just close it, don't ask for a temp Serve or anything. CSR will say account is now closed and you have 30 days to change your mind should you decide to re-open it.
  2. Download the Softcard mobile app from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. If you're an iPhone user you have to buy the NFC CashWrap case from your carrier store.
  3. Launch Softcard Mobile App and create Softcard account. You'll be asked if you want to open a Serve account; Yes you do. Start the registration through Softcard mobile app for a Serve account, once you are finished you will be told you will receive an Email from Amex with your account approval. I waited a few hours and called Serve customer service like the wiki says and completed the registration.
  4. Once I got off the phone with Serve I received an email from Serve where I verified my account and email; at this point Amex Serve is open.
  5. Launch Softcard Mobile app again click add new
  6. Activate card with Softcard and select Amex Serve. Follow the instructions & you're good to add. Once this is complete a Serve Card will populate in Softcard. Must activate physical card to get full load limits. Check account status and it automatically credits to your serve account based on who you signed up with. (Verizon - $25, T-Mobile - $50, AT&T - $30 (For AT&T: Get $15 w/activation. Earn additional $15 w/account replenishment))

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.

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 #8530
Print Wikipost

Serve - Another Paypal/Amazon Payments.

Old Jun 24, 2014, 11:48 am
  #4651  
Suspended
 
Join Date: May 2014
Location: ILG/PHL
Programs: Amex Plat, AA Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Gold, HHonors Gold, Carlson Gold
Posts: 1,075
Originally Posted by tomcanada22
Is it possible to load Serve online with an Amex Gold card. Wiki said will treat Amex as purchase but earns no miles. But Amex Gold is a charge card and not a CC. Wanted to know if this could be an option if I wanted to meet min. Spending on the Amex. Gold for sign on bonus. Thnaks
Try it.
payeco is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 12:01 pm
  #4652  
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 260
Originally Posted by payeco
Try it.

I would if I have card in hand, but just saw an offer for the Amex Gold Biz card with 50k sign on after $5000 spending. If Serve takes it then I would sign up for the card as deal ends in July. I currently still have $5000 spending to do with the Chase Ink Bold so don't want to push it if Serve don't take Amex Gold.
tomcanada22 is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 2:03 pm
  #4653  
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: ATL
Programs: AA, AGR, DL, MR, WoH, UA
Posts: 951
Originally Posted by tomcanada22
I would if I have card in hand, but just saw an offer for the Amex Gold Biz card with 50k sign on after $5000 spending. If Serve takes it then I would sign up for the card as deal ends in July. I currently still have $5000 spending to do with the Chase Ink Bold so don't want to push it if Serve don't take Amex Gold.
While I would suspect that it works the same as the credit cards, the only way to know for sure is to just do it.

It's not as if Serve loads are the only way to meet minimum spend.
sechs is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 3:06 pm
  #4654  
 
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, TK *Gold, HHonors Gold, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 570
hello - found this post from a few months ago. I live in NYC so WM is not an option for me. I primarily want to use Serve to load $1500/month via CC.

Could I still buy the case, switch to Serve ISI (I already have Bluebird), return the case and still be able to do 1.5k/month loads via cc?

Thanks,

Originally Posted by stupidzbu
just to verify.. if I return the case and no longer have access to ISIS, do I still keep the higher limits?

because, I don't need the case to load with the higher limits (can do it online) and wouldn't mind returning them
Duffman is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 3:16 pm
  #4655  
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: WAS
Programs: SPG Plat. Marriott Plat. Hilton Diamond. Hyatt Diamond. IHG Plat.
Posts: 2,580
Originally Posted by Duffman
hello - found this post from a few months ago. I live in NYC so WM is not an option for me. I primarily want to use Serve to load $1500/month via CC.

Could I still buy the case, switch to Serve ISI (I already have Bluebird), return the case and still be able to do 1.5k/month loads via cc?

Thanks,
Don't be that guy.
f0xx is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 3:24 pm
  #4656  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: NYC
Programs: Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 2,272
Originally Posted by Tuppins
Never never never (NEVER) mix actual business accounts/cards/expenses with MS.
So I take it by this that chase will shut people down who load their serve accounts with ink cards then? If I use a citi AA card will I get the miles/min spend credit by loading serve?
Red259 is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 5:26 pm
  #4657  
 
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NC
Programs: CITI, Barclay, Fidelity Amex, CC
Posts: 128
God help me if this has been covered recently cause I haven't even looked, but will someone please tell me if Serve is still giving a $50 bonus for 2 DDs totaling >$500?
birdhands is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 5:49 pm
  #4658  
 
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 43
Originally Posted by birdhands
God help me if this has been covered recently cause I haven't even looked, but will someone please tell me if Serve is still giving a $50 bonus for 2 DDs totaling >$500?
Yes I did mine about a week ago.
ninetwosix is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 8:47 pm
  #4659  
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 6
I tried adding a $500 visa vanilla gift card as a debit card via Serve online. Ended up with an error that says the card must be under my name. But i was under the impression people were unloading their gift cards using Serve?
Btai88 is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 9:17 pm
  #4660  
 
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, HH Diamond
Posts: 174
Originally Posted by Btai88
I tried adding a $500 visa vanilla gift card as a debit card via Serve online. Ended up with an error that says the card must be under my name. But i was under the impression people were unloading their gift cards using Serve?
Oh boy.
fletch512 is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 9:31 pm
  #4661  
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 613
Originally Posted by Btai88
I tried adding a $500 visa vanilla gift card as a debit card via Serve online. Ended up with an error that says the card must be under my name. But i was under the impression people were unloading their gift cards using Serve?
Read the WIKI and return here if you don't find your answer(s).
JATR4 is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 10:00 pm
  #4662  
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 260
Originally Posted by sechs
While I would suspect that it works the same as the credit cards, the only way to know for sure is to just do it.

It's not as if Serve loads are the only way to meet minimum spend.


I know, but I'm finding that Charge cards are a little more difficult and also Amex charge makes it worst.
Ex. All Buxx options are closed to Amex.
Amex Target also don't accept Charge cards as I've found out just now as I've tried using Chase Ink Bold.
Also living in NYC with no WM further my options.
Only Amazon is ok for me right now but that have $1000/mth.

Only big expense I have is rent but landlord don't accept anything but a personal check.

Anyone can PM me with options to meet min. Spend with an Amex charge card.
Thanks
tomcanada22 is offline  
Old Jun 24, 2014, 11:23 pm
  #4663  
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Posts: 1,075
Originally Posted by tomcanada22
Anyone can PM me with options to meet min. Spend with an Amex charge card.
Thanks
Move back to Canada?
payeco is offline  
Old Jun 25, 2014, 3:18 am
  #4664  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 77
Originally Posted by Red259
So I take it by this that chase will shut people down who load their serve accounts with ink cards then? If I use a citi AA card will I get the miles/min spend credit by loading serve?
Uhh...I've been reading and following for about 6 months now and I've never come across anyone specifically stating that Chase will shut you down for simply loading your Serve card (after all, that is one of the primary and well advertised functions of Serve). I think it's when people start engaging in terms that violate/abuse the rules is when it becomes an issue. Such as paying off the same CC you loaded with, or using it as a third party for cash advance, etc. those are no-nos. Just play by the rules and you should be fine

However, if there is even a shred of a chance that I'm wrong and Chase does frown on using any of their CCs to even load Serve, please veterans do chime in.

P.S. for everyone teasing F0xx...he's actually been one of the most helpful people since i got here. Don't let them get you down f0xx
tnguyen29 is offline  
Old Jun 25, 2014, 4:09 am
  #4665  
 
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: WAS
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Posts: 2,580
Originally Posted by tnguyen29
Uhh...I've been reading and following for about 6 months now and I've never come across anyone specifically stating that Chase will shut you down for simply loading your Serve card (after all, that is one of the primary and well advertised functions of Serve). I think it's when people start engaging in terms that violate/abuse the rules is when it becomes an issue. Such as paying off the same CC you loaded with, or using it as a third party for cash advance, etc. those are no-nos. Just play by the rules and you should be fine

However, if there is even a shred of a chance that I'm wrong and Chase does frown on using any of their CCs to even load Serve, please veterans do chime in.

P.S. for everyone teasing F0xx...he's actually been one of the most helpful people since i got here. Don't let them get you down f0xx


No one teases me. They just don't like how I go about explaining everything.
All the information is readily available. You just have to be willing to look for it.

The smart ones know how to get information from me.
f0xx is offline  

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