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 28, 2014, 4:41 pm
#7636
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
oh my god... I forgot to check the wiki.... I loaded the citi visa card!!!!!Am I will get the cash advanced charge ???
Oct 28, 2014, 4:53 pm
#7637
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 10
YES. CVS spend lots of money to develop their own touch-less pay. Apple pay start to make the NFC popular... CVS touch-less pay will become less attractive if more ppl get used to on apple pay , soft card or the google wallet .
so best thing, disable it and later promote their own technology until their technology get enough market share , and then reopen the portal to other touchless pay provider ,such as softcard and apple pay.
so best thing, disable it and later promote their own technology until their technology get enough market share , and then reopen the portal to other touchless pay provider ,such as softcard and apple pay.
Oct 28, 2014, 6:45 pm
#7640
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 33
There's a big thread on Serve that probably contains your answer about that, but for My Vanilla Debit card, people used to do what you suggest, cashing it out at a bank, but it was fraught with headaches and tough to get money back once accounts were frozen. I don't think anyone bothers with it anymore, but you can search for a thread about "MVD".
Oct 28, 2014, 7:56 pm
#7641
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,790
Also is the wiki actually up to date? I was hoping to use either my Chase Explorer Visa or Southwest Visa for Serve loads.
Oct 28, 2014, 9:50 pm
#7642
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 305
I need help, keep getting error that payment amount exceeds your monthly limit. I did $1k cc load and $5k through wmt. Billpay $5k and now try to bp $1k, error. Is billpay limit also $5k?
10/02 200 cc
10/03 200 cc
10/04 200 cc
10/05 200 cc
10/06 200 cc
10/10 500 wmt
10/10 500 wmt
10/10 500 wmt
10/10 500 wmt
10/10 500 wmt
10/15 -3500 bp
10/16 1000 wmt
10/16 1000 wmt
10/16 500 wmt
10/16 -1500 bp
10/21 -1000 bp error. That payment amount exceeds your monthly limit. Please lower the payment amount and try again.
10/02 200 cc
10/03 200 cc
10/04 200 cc
10/05 200 cc
10/06 200 cc
10/10 500 wmt
10/10 500 wmt
10/10 500 wmt
10/10 500 wmt
10/10 500 wmt
10/15 -3500 bp
10/16 1000 wmt
10/16 1000 wmt
10/16 500 wmt
10/16 -1500 bp
10/21 -1000 bp error. That payment amount exceeds your monthly limit. Please lower the payment amount and try again.
Oct 29, 2014, 12:14 am
#7643
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: BOS .. but soon SFO
Programs: UA PLAT, TK GLD, Hilton Diamond, IC PLAT, SPG GLD, Marriott GLD
Posts: 1,528
so... has anyone hit some weird road block loading ReloadIts today?
I had 3 loads on 3 serves on 10/24, 10/25, and 10/26 go no problem at all
I tried to load today and 2 out of 3 cards got shut down. I called the RI # and was told that they haven't put a block on my serve cards, that they can't put a block, and that my RIs are fine
I called Serve and the CSR has no idea what she is talking about. First she says I can't use RI to load serve, I prove her wrong. Then she says I've reached my monthly limit ($3500 RIs + $1500 CC) and told her no, that's not how serve works unless they've changed the limits.
so now I'm loading to different accounts, but this is really pissing me off.
The only thing I did differently was buy the $950 RIs vs the standard $500 RIs for $496.05
however, I had successfully loaded the $950 RIs at full value 3 times earlier this month
any clues?
EDIT #1: so after 30 minutes of running around and teaching them about their own damn product, I asked her to issue me a new card. that's when I lost my temper. She said I had to call back tomorrow during business hours because I changed my address manually from:
Line 1: 123 XYZ dr
Line 2: apt 333
To
Line 1: 123 XYZ dr apt 333
and I had to undergo address verification. WHAT?! it's the SAME DAMN ADDRESS!
"yes sir, i understand sir, but we need to make sure you will receive the card, we are a financial institution"
"why do YOU think I won't get the card if it is going to the SAME FREAKIN ADDRESS?"
"because we need to verify it sir"
i almost blew an aneurysm
I had 3 loads on 3 serves on 10/24, 10/25, and 10/26 go no problem at all
I tried to load today and 2 out of 3 cards got shut down. I called the RI # and was told that they haven't put a block on my serve cards, that they can't put a block, and that my RIs are fine
I called Serve and the CSR has no idea what she is talking about. First she says I can't use RI to load serve, I prove her wrong. Then she says I've reached my monthly limit ($3500 RIs + $1500 CC) and told her no, that's not how serve works unless they've changed the limits.
so now I'm loading to different accounts, but this is really pissing me off.
The only thing I did differently was buy the $950 RIs vs the standard $500 RIs for $496.05
however, I had successfully loaded the $950 RIs at full value 3 times earlier this month
any clues?
EDIT #1: so after 30 minutes of running around and teaching them about their own damn product, I asked her to issue me a new card. that's when I lost my temper. She said I had to call back tomorrow during business hours because I changed my address manually from:
Line 1: 123 XYZ dr
Line 2: apt 333
To
Line 1: 123 XYZ dr apt 333
and I had to undergo address verification. WHAT?! it's the SAME DAMN ADDRESS!
"yes sir, i understand sir, but we need to make sure you will receive the card, we are a financial institution"
"why do YOU think I won't get the card if it is going to the SAME FREAKIN ADDRESS?"
"because we need to verify it sir"
i almost blew an aneurysm
Last edited by stupidzbu; Oct 29, 2014 at 12:42 am
Oct 29, 2014, 1:58 am
#7644
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 639
When confronted by situations like this I try to remember it is the lack of training that you are angry at, not the poor sap on the other end of the phone.
There is only one way to even the playing field when confronted by gross incompetence, and that is to drain said company of any profits they have garnered.
There is only one way to even the playing field when confronted by gross incompetence, and that is to drain said company of any profits they have garnered.
so... has anyone hit some weird road block loading ReloadIts today?
I had 3 loads on 3 serves on 10/24, 10/25, and 10/26 go no problem at all
I tried to load today and 2 out of 3 cards got shut down. I called the RI # and was told that they haven't put a block on my serve cards, that they can't put a block, and that my RIs are fine
I called Serve and the CSR has no idea what she is talking about. First she says I can't use RI to load serve, I prove her wrong. Then she says I've reached my monthly limit ($3500 RIs + $1500 CC) and told her no, that's not how serve works unless they've changed the limits.
so now I'm loading to different accounts, but this is really pissing me off.
The only thing I did differently was buy the $950 RIs vs the standard $500 RIs for $496.05
however, I had successfully loaded the $950 RIs at full value 3 times earlier this month
any clues?
EDIT #1: so after 30 minutes of running around and teaching them about their own damn product, I asked her to issue me a new card. that's when I lost my temper. She said I had to call back tomorrow during business hours because I changed my address manually from:
Line 1: 123 XYZ dr
Line 2: apt 333
To
Line 1: 123 XYZ dr apt 333
and I had to undergo address verification. WHAT?! it's the SAME DAMN ADDRESS!
"yes sir, i understand sir, but we need to make sure you will receive the card, we are a financial institution"
"why do YOU think I won't get the card if it is going to the SAME FREAKIN ADDRESS?"
"because we need to verify it sir"
i almost blew an aneurysm
I had 3 loads on 3 serves on 10/24, 10/25, and 10/26 go no problem at all
I tried to load today and 2 out of 3 cards got shut down. I called the RI # and was told that they haven't put a block on my serve cards, that they can't put a block, and that my RIs are fine
I called Serve and the CSR has no idea what she is talking about. First she says I can't use RI to load serve, I prove her wrong. Then she says I've reached my monthly limit ($3500 RIs + $1500 CC) and told her no, that's not how serve works unless they've changed the limits.
so now I'm loading to different accounts, but this is really pissing me off.
The only thing I did differently was buy the $950 RIs vs the standard $500 RIs for $496.05
however, I had successfully loaded the $950 RIs at full value 3 times earlier this month
any clues?
EDIT #1: so after 30 minutes of running around and teaching them about their own damn product, I asked her to issue me a new card. that's when I lost my temper. She said I had to call back tomorrow during business hours because I changed my address manually from:
Line 1: 123 XYZ dr
Line 2: apt 333
To
Line 1: 123 XYZ dr apt 333
and I had to undergo address verification. WHAT?! it's the SAME DAMN ADDRESS!
"yes sir, i understand sir, but we need to make sure you will receive the card, we are a financial institution"
"why do YOU think I won't get the card if it is going to the SAME FREAKIN ADDRESS?"
"because we need to verify it sir"
i almost blew an aneurysm
Oct 29, 2014, 7:11 am
#7645
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: US Airways Gold, Marriott Platinum, SW A List
Posts: 1,575
Reloadits still don't list Serve as an official partner, so use at your own risk.
Oct 29, 2014, 7:24 am
#7646
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: MDT
Programs: DL, AA
Posts: 390
For those wondering if the wiki is current, you can check the edit history yourself and see when it was last edited, and what the changes were. Scroll to the bottom of the wiki, click on edit, and then next to save changes, preview changes, and cancel, you can click on view history.
Oct 29, 2014, 7:28 am
#7647
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,263
Has anyone had any transaction errors when trying to link a new CC lately? Yes, I know all about the verification some new cards need, but this morning I couldn't even add a card to my account as it kept saying transaction declined.
Oct 29, 2014, 7:38 am
#7649
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Atlanta
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold, Marriott Silver, Starwood Platinum
Posts: 3,656
Had a transaction declined last night when I tried to load $200 with a card that was already verified. Worked the day before. We will see what today holds.
Oct 29, 2014, 8:06 am
#7650
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2,363
yes been experiencing it for the last 2 weeks on one of my accounts. havent been able to do any cc loads. long run around with serve customer service and chase customer service. chase says the account is fine and its all on the serve side. serve says they have IT looking into it but nothing has been resolved yet...