Oct 25, 2013, 11:21 am
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
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
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:
Treated as purchase, but doesn't earn points/miles:
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
Switching from BB to Serve
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:
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
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Launch Softcard Mobile app again click add new
- 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
- Login to BB account, bring account balance to Zero, (By Bill Pay, Send money, etc..)
- 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."
- 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!!)
- 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
- after the register and login, second error: "We're still processing your application. Please check your email for an update"
- 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.
- CSR, told me that my account went to "account security protection department" transfer me to them.
- at account security protection department, they told me need to call back on my phone number which I registered to verify.
- 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.
- 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
Serve - Another Paypal/Amazon Payments.
Oct 18, 2014, 1:35 am
#7426
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 19
I successfully loaded $200 last week using a new card. A few days later I was asked to send copies of my drivers license and credit card, which I uploaded for them that same day. Does anyone know how long it takes until I can make the cc deposits again?
Last edited by pennstate94; Oct 18, 2014 at 1:40 am Reason: Clarity
Oct 18, 2014, 5:33 am
#7427
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 565
About 10 minutes after you call them so they actually take a look at your uploads.
Oct 18, 2014, 5:46 am
#7428
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 25
any updates on 5% for discover card this month for serve ( & anycash advance fees)?
& on if there are any cash advance fees for CapitalOne visa or mc?
& on if there are any cash advance fees for CapitalOne visa or mc?
Oct 18, 2014, 10:28 am
#7429
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 21
BOA travel visa
Coded as CA this month. Was not last month - Charged 50 dollars in fees 
Oct 18, 2014, 10:33 am
#7430
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 120
Serve - Another Paypal/Amazon Payments.
InkPlus loaded on 10/15 still coded as sale...
Oct 18, 2014, 11:34 am
#7431
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 4
I searched and found many discussions specifically related to serve wrap case for iphone. My family uses android phones exclusively, and I have questions about signing up for softcard serve using just one softcard compatible sim card. Please kindly let me know if procedures below would work:
Background:
1) Only one of the family member has a softcard compatible phone.
2) I heard that downgrading from softcard serve to regular serve still keeps the $1500 CC online load limit per month
3) switching from regular serve to softcard serve - i) drain account balance to 0 ii) close account online iii) reapply through softcard app for serve iv) call to receive verification email v) increased load limit once physical card arrived and activated
4) Right now I am the only person in the family who have a serve account (regular version).
Procedure:
1) Upgrade my regular serve to softcard serve as outlined above.
2) Downgrade softcard serve to regular serve by removing the serve card in softcard app. (and keeping $1500/month online CC load limit)
3) Sign up for softcard serve again using other family member's phone numbers. (sign up with a brand new softcard account by wiping app data)
4) Repeat until all family members have $1500/month online CC load.
Thank you for your time.
Background:
1) Only one of the family member has a softcard compatible phone.
2) I heard that downgrading from softcard serve to regular serve still keeps the $1500 CC online load limit per month
3) switching from regular serve to softcard serve - i) drain account balance to 0 ii) close account online iii) reapply through softcard app for serve iv) call to receive verification email v) increased load limit once physical card arrived and activated
4) Right now I am the only person in the family who have a serve account (regular version).
Procedure:
1) Upgrade my regular serve to softcard serve as outlined above.
2) Downgrade softcard serve to regular serve by removing the serve card in softcard app. (and keeping $1500/month online CC load limit)
3) Sign up for softcard serve again using other family member's phone numbers. (sign up with a brand new softcard account by wiping app data)
4) Repeat until all family members have $1500/month online CC load.
Thank you for your time.
Oct 18, 2014, 12:29 pm
#7432
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 43
I'm having trouble adding cards to the Softcard app on an iPhone 5. I switched from AT&T to Cricket after linking my Serve card. When I go the Softcard site, their only option for support is to "Contact your wireless provider for Softcard support" and they give a number for AT&T.
Anyone have experience here? Should I call Cricket, which seems to not officially support Softcard (even though the cash wrap case still works), or AT&T, which I no longer have an account with? Just trying to save time in customer support phone purgatory, thanks!
Anyone have experience here? Should I call Cricket, which seems to not officially support Softcard (even though the cash wrap case still works), or AT&T, which I no longer have an account with? Just trying to save time in customer support phone purgatory, thanks!
Oct 18, 2014, 2:09 pm
#7433
Used to be 'g_leyser'
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Brandon Johnson International Airport (expect delays)
Programs: AA PlatPro, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold, IHG Plat, Reno Air MEGA Platinum
Posts: 10,039
Loaded with Citi AA Mastercard on 10/15 it appears to be a "purchase" transaction. Statement date is 11/1 so we'll see.
10-15-2014 AMERICAN EXPRESS SERVE 8009540559 FL
POI FUNDING TRANSACTIONS(EX MC MONEYSEND
Transaction Type: Purchases
Posted Date :10-15-2014
10-15-2014 AMERICAN EXPRESS SERVE 8009540559 FL
POI FUNDING TRANSACTIONS(EX MC MONEYSEND
Transaction Type: Purchases
Posted Date :10-15-2014
Oct 18, 2014, 3:06 pm
#7434
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 35
I'm having trouble adding cards to the Softcard app on an iPhone 5. I switched from AT&T to Cricket after linking my Serve card. When I go the Softcard site, their only option for support is to "Contact your wireless provider for Softcard support" and they give a number for AT&T.
Anyone have experience here? Should I call Cricket, which seems to not officially support Softcard (even though the cash wrap case still works), or AT&T, which I no longer have an account with? Just trying to save time in customer support phone purgatory, thanks!
Anyone have experience here? Should I call Cricket, which seems to not officially support Softcard (even though the cash wrap case still works), or AT&T, which I no longer have an account with? Just trying to save time in customer support phone purgatory, thanks!
I'm not aware of any phone number for Softcard directly. The only way I've found to get in touch directly with their support people is to send a PM via their facebook page or maybe by twitter (though I haven't tried that avenue myself).
Their facebook page is here: https://www.facebook.com/GoSoftcard
But they're just going to tell you that you're SOL because in order to use Softcard you need to be with AT&T, T-mobile or Verizon.
Oct 18, 2014, 5:00 pm
#7435
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
So I was loading my wife's card today and got worried for a minute because I thought that perhpas we hadn't loaded it at all last month and so we might have to pay the monthly fee (aghast $1!!).
Anyway, I just looked online and we were indeed charged $1 this month..it posted on 10/2. However, we did load $1000 on 9/1 last month.
I though that they did this monthly, and it wasn't based on any "cycle" other than monthly.
Should we have been charged a fee this month if we loaded at any point in September?
thanks
Anyway, I just looked online and we were indeed charged $1 this month..it posted on 10/2. However, we did load $1000 on 9/1 last month.
I though that they did this monthly, and it wasn't based on any "cycle" other than monthly.
Should we have been charged a fee this month if we loaded at any point in September?
thanks
Oct 18, 2014, 6:12 pm
#7436
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 250
So I was loading my wife's card today and got worried for a minute because I thought that perhpas we hadn't loaded it at all last month and so we might have to pay the monthly fee (aghast $1!!).
Anyway, I just looked online and we were indeed charged $1 this month..it posted on 10/2. However, we did load $1000 on 9/1 last month.
I though that they did this monthly, and it wasn't based on any "cycle" other than monthly.
Should we have been charged a fee this month if we loaded at any point in September?
thanks
Anyway, I just looked online and we were indeed charged $1 this month..it posted on 10/2. However, we did load $1000 on 9/1 last month.
I though that they did this monthly, and it wasn't based on any "cycle" other than monthly.
Should we have been charged a fee this month if we loaded at any point in September?
thanks
Oct 18, 2014, 6:57 pm
#7437
Join Date: Feb 2011
Posts: 66
You're sure the message you're talking about wasn't on your Android phone rather than the iPhone? Because the purpose that the Enhanced SIM card serves on Android phones is provided by the secure element microsd card on the iPhones (that being an encrypted storage location for the Softcard NFC data).
When the microsd card is not inserted the ISIS iPhone app will pop up the message "Isis cannot connect to your micro SD card. Please ensure your micro SD card is properly inserted in your case". Are you sure that's not the message you saw on your 5/5S?
The only other thing I could think of is if the iPhone 5/5S cashwrap case is somehow different than the 4/4S one. I actually did connect my iPhone 5S to a 4 cashwrap case via a lightning-to-30-pin adapter cable and still never got any message about needing an enhanced SIM.
But fundamentally, there should be no need for an enhanced SIM with the iPhones because the microSD card inside the cashwrap provides the secure storage area for the wallet (on an android phone the enhanced SIM provides that storage area.
Anyway, just wanted to provide my experience. Some of the SIM cards I used to activate the ISIS softcard accounts were five years old--certainly not enhanced and the ISIS app let me activate the account just fine.
When the microsd card is not inserted the ISIS iPhone app will pop up the message "Isis cannot connect to your micro SD card. Please ensure your micro SD card is properly inserted in your case". Are you sure that's not the message you saw on your 5/5S?
The only other thing I could think of is if the iPhone 5/5S cashwrap case is somehow different than the 4/4S one. I actually did connect my iPhone 5S to a 4 cashwrap case via a lightning-to-30-pin adapter cable and still never got any message about needing an enhanced SIM.
But fundamentally, there should be no need for an enhanced SIM with the iPhones because the microSD card inside the cashwrap provides the secure storage area for the wallet (on an android phone the enhanced SIM provides that storage area.
Anyway, just wanted to provide my experience. Some of the SIM cards I used to activate the ISIS softcard accounts were five years old--certainly not enhanced and the ISIS app let me activate the account just fine.
Aside from that, I "modified" (read that cut up) one of my 2 cases so I could connect it to the bottom of my iPhone 6 (since they aren't supporting "outside NFC) just to mess around and it didn't work.
Oct 18, 2014, 7:24 pm
#7438
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 367
When i go to settings I see they have hidden away "Statements" as well and it looks like mine closes on the 2nd...which is why I was charged since my deposits went on the 1st.
Oct 18, 2014, 7:27 pm
#7439
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
Citi Hilton HHonors Visa SignatureŽ Card
-- Minimum expense $1000 in 3 months
Hilton HHonors Card from American Express
-- Minimum expense $750 in 3 months
Just applied for both & wondering if these 2 are treated as cash advance with Serve or I can earn points? I Did read the wiki but want to be sure.
Thanks.
If you don't believe the Wiki, then why don't you just test it yourself with a $1 charge..
Oct 18, 2014, 7:38 pm
#7440
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 3
I went to Family Dollar and the AM told me they don't allow debit card reload - cash only. I guess it's YMMV?
After Family Dollar I went to Walmart and tried to load OV to Serve but it never prompted me to put a pin number. Even tried to hit cancel and hoping it asks for pin number and no luck too. I proceeded to the MC to buy MO and failed. I guess it's not my night or I'm doing something wrong.
After Family Dollar I went to Walmart and tried to load OV to Serve but it never prompted me to put a pin number. Even tried to hit cancel and hoping it asks for pin number and no luck too. I proceeded to the MC to buy MO and failed. I guess it's not my night or I'm doing something wrong.