Feb 8, 2014, 2:22 pm
Last edit by: weezl
please be aware the Target breach cards are currently on the black market, as always be aware of activity on all accounts
Purchase in store. Each store seems to have just one lane that has them on display (unlike the AMEX GC which are at most lanes). Package is larger than other gift cards, silver and red.
Not available in all states. Search here for possible locations
Note: Unlike AMEX's restriction on BB/Serve/Redbird where one person can only hold one of those, you can have an AFT (2, actually) while holding a BB, Serve, or Redbird
Need DL to purchase.
Max 1 purchase per ss# per day--this means one person can actually have 2 AFT cards, which is why there is a $5000 total limit for 2 cards (see below).
Max initial load $500 + $3 load fee.
May reload temp card as soon as verification of identity is complete, may take 48 hours. You can use an ATM with a temp card as soon as you're able to view your temp card PIN online. If you're unable to view your PIN online, you won't be able to use an ATM until you have the permanent card, which takes about two weeks.
Many stores now limit reloading to the service desk, and no longer at cashiers. The card must be swiped at a cash terminal to reload, not scanned! Ask cashiers to try if they don't seem to recognize the card. Ask if loading at service desk is a policy, it might just be a knee-jerk response from cashiers that don't know about the card. I have been told that a few times, "You need to go to the Service Desk," it has never been true. Say please and thank you.
Limits & Fees
Loading
Codes as purchase on all cards.
Load fee $3
Max $1000 per card in 24 hour period.
Max $5000 total for both cards per 28 day rolling period.
May load any card *until* balance is $2500 for 28 day period (not *up to*)
System will allow a $1000 load on a card with a $2000 balance so long as you are under $5000 for all cards over 28 day period. See below for optimal load sequence, $15/$5k a month after 1st month and $15k in 65 days for new cards.
Unload via ATM
Max $400/card/day (resets sometime in the wee hours of the morning)
First ATM w/d per month per card is free, based on 1st of the month (not rolling)+ any ATM owner fee.
Additional ATM w/d fee $3 + ATM fee.
When asked 'from account' choose 'checking.'
Possibly helpful link:
Free and Low-Cost ATMs
Unload by purchases
No fee. No cash back.
Additional information
Optimal load pattern for least number of $3 fees after first $500 load is $3k/$2k.
New accounts can load $15k in 65 days. 4 trips in a week for new cards, 3 in a week once a month after that.
Load always means load $1000. 28 day load total in parenthesis. 'Dropped' means that load is past the 28 day mark.
Day 1: Purchase card #1, load $500
Day 3: Purchase card #2, load $500; Load card #1 ($1500)
Day 5: load card #1 ($2500); load card #2 ($1500)
Day 7: load card #2 ($2500)
*********************************wait************
Day 29: ($2000)($2500) day 1 dropped
Day 31: ($1000)($2000) day 3 dropped
Day 32: load card #1 ($2000) ; load card #2 ($3000)
Day 33: ($1000)($2000) day 5 dropped
Day 34: load card #1 ($2000); load card #2 ($3000)
Day 35: ($2000) ($2000) day 7 dropped
Day 36: load card #1 ($3000), ($2000)
*********************************wait************
Day 61: load both cards, day 32 dropped
Day 63: load both cards
Day 65: load one card.
Repeat Loads waiting 29 days between loads, if you loaded both cards 29 days ago load both now, if you loaded one card, load one now. So next load date is 61+29= Day 90
FAQ
Q: Will this show up as a CA?
A: No, Target is not a financial institution.
Q: Even with xxxx cards?
A: Yes, no cards will be charged a CA.
Q: Can I load with Visa/MC/Amex Gift Cards?
A: Yes. Also the balance can be detected and drained if you ask to load more than the value on a prepaid it will just prompt you to give a second payment form. Great for draining random balances.
Q: How about Target gift cards?
A: The register prompts not to allow Target gift cards. They may not be hard coded, though.
Q: Will I get 5% off if I load with a Target Red card?
A: No. Sorry, I wish.
Q: Can I load multiple cards in one transaction?
A: Yes. Up to 3 cards can be loaded in one transaction, but each card will be charged $3.
Q: Why load multiple accounts in one transaction?
A: to avoid multiple $1003 transactions on same CC in minutes. This may trigger a fraud alert.
Q:Is there a max number of payment swipes?
A: Yes. Maximum swipes for split payments is 7, though other users have reported being able to swipe at least 10 gift cards for payment without problems.
Q: Any reason not to load multiple cards in one transaction?
A: Yes, when you have multiple small value gift cards to unload because of 7 swipe limit.
Q: The title says withdrawals are 1.3%, is that true?
A: No. Do the math. I'm not very good at math. Under 1.3% includes Costco ATM fees. It is not possible to edit a thread title, the fees are lower due to the ATM limit now being $400.
Q: What are the lowest possible fees with a fee-free ATM available?
A: For 2 cards, each loaded with $2.5K each over 2 months ($10K in total), you would pay $30 in loading fees (10 load fees of $3 each) and $63 in ATM fees (25 total withdrawals, with 1 free withdrawal per card each month, resulting in 21 ATM fees of $3 each).
Official fund loading from T&C
You may load funds to your Cards using your Funding Source until the Available Funds on any Card purchased by you equals $2,500 and on all card purchased by you equals $5,000... Not more than $1,000 may be loaded to any Card purchased by you in a 24 hour period using your Funding Source, not more than $5,000 may be loaded to all Cards purchased by you in any 28-day period using your Funding Source.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE IF YOU LOADED YOUR PREPAID CARD AT TARGET DURING THE CHRISTMAS SECURITY BREACH: It is important to have AMEX reissue your cards (just phone the number on the card and ask for a new card). Thieves have the numbers and pins and can drain your account at any time. AMEX does not appear to be using software to block suspicious activity, so they can drain it all. If you loaded your prepaid card at Target between November 27 and December 15, 2013, you are at significant risk of having your money stolen (several reported cases in April and May).
Purchase in store. Each store seems to have just one lane that has them on display (unlike the AMEX GC which are at most lanes). Package is larger than other gift cards, silver and red.
Not available in all states. Search here for possible locations
Note: Unlike AMEX's restriction on BB/Serve/Redbird where one person can only hold one of those, you can have an AFT (2, actually) while holding a BB, Serve, or Redbird
Need DL to purchase.
Max 1 purchase per ss# per day--this means one person can actually have 2 AFT cards, which is why there is a $5000 total limit for 2 cards (see below).
Max initial load $500 + $3 load fee.
May reload temp card as soon as verification of identity is complete, may take 48 hours. You can use an ATM with a temp card as soon as you're able to view your temp card PIN online. If you're unable to view your PIN online, you won't be able to use an ATM until you have the permanent card, which takes about two weeks.
Many stores now limit reloading to the service desk, and no longer at cashiers. The card must be swiped at a cash terminal to reload, not scanned! Ask cashiers to try if they don't seem to recognize the card. Ask if loading at service desk is a policy, it might just be a knee-jerk response from cashiers that don't know about the card. I have been told that a few times, "You need to go to the Service Desk," it has never been true. Say please and thank you.
Limits & Fees
Loading
Codes as purchase on all cards.
Load fee $3
Max $1000 per card in 24 hour period.
Max $5000 total for both cards per 28 day rolling period.
May load any card *until* balance is $2500 for 28 day period (not *up to*)
System will allow a $1000 load on a card with a $2000 balance so long as you are under $5000 for all cards over 28 day period. See below for optimal load sequence, $15/$5k a month after 1st month and $15k in 65 days for new cards.
Unload via ATM
Max $400/card/day (resets sometime in the wee hours of the morning)
First ATM w/d per month per card is free, based on 1st of the month (not rolling)+ any ATM owner fee.
Additional ATM w/d fee $3 + ATM fee.
When asked 'from account' choose 'checking.'
Possibly helpful link:
Free and Low-Cost ATMs
Unload by purchases
No fee. No cash back.
Additional information
Optimal load pattern for least number of $3 fees after first $500 load is $3k/$2k.
New accounts can load $15k in 65 days. 4 trips in a week for new cards, 3 in a week once a month after that.
Load always means load $1000. 28 day load total in parenthesis. 'Dropped' means that load is past the 28 day mark.
Day 1: Purchase card #1, load $500
Day 3: Purchase card #2, load $500; Load card #1 ($1500)
Day 5: load card #1 ($2500); load card #2 ($1500)
Day 7: load card #2 ($2500)
*********************************wait************
Day 29: ($2000)($2500) day 1 dropped
Day 31: ($1000)($2000) day 3 dropped
Day 32: load card #1 ($2000) ; load card #2 ($3000)
Day 33: ($1000)($2000) day 5 dropped
Day 34: load card #1 ($2000); load card #2 ($3000)
Day 35: ($2000) ($2000) day 7 dropped
Day 36: load card #1 ($3000), ($2000)
*********************************wait************
Day 61: load both cards, day 32 dropped
Day 63: load both cards
Day 65: load one card.
Repeat Loads waiting 29 days between loads, if you loaded both cards 29 days ago load both now, if you loaded one card, load one now. So next load date is 61+29= Day 90
FAQ
Q: Will this show up as a CA?
A: No, Target is not a financial institution.
Q: Even with xxxx cards?
A: Yes, no cards will be charged a CA.
Q: Can I load with Visa/MC/Amex Gift Cards?
A: Yes. Also the balance can be detected and drained if you ask to load more than the value on a prepaid it will just prompt you to give a second payment form. Great for draining random balances.
Q: How about Target gift cards?
A: The register prompts not to allow Target gift cards. They may not be hard coded, though.
Q: Will I get 5% off if I load with a Target Red card?
A: No. Sorry, I wish.
Q: Can I load multiple cards in one transaction?
A: Yes. Up to 3 cards can be loaded in one transaction, but each card will be charged $3.
Q: Why load multiple accounts in one transaction?
A: to avoid multiple $1003 transactions on same CC in minutes. This may trigger a fraud alert.
Q:Is there a max number of payment swipes?
A: Yes. Maximum swipes for split payments is 7, though other users have reported being able to swipe at least 10 gift cards for payment without problems.
Q: Any reason not to load multiple cards in one transaction?
A: Yes, when you have multiple small value gift cards to unload because of 7 swipe limit.
Q: The title says withdrawals are 1.3%, is that true?
A: No. Do the math. I'm not very good at math. Under 1.3% includes Costco ATM fees. It is not possible to edit a thread title, the fees are lower due to the ATM limit now being $400.
Q: What are the lowest possible fees with a fee-free ATM available?
A: For 2 cards, each loaded with $2.5K each over 2 months ($10K in total), you would pay $30 in loading fees (10 load fees of $3 each) and $63 in ATM fees (25 total withdrawals, with 1 free withdrawal per card each month, resulting in 21 ATM fees of $3 each).
Official fund loading from T&C
You may load funds to your Cards using your Funding Source until the Available Funds on any Card purchased by you equals $2,500 and on all card purchased by you equals $5,000... Not more than $1,000 may be loaded to any Card purchased by you in a 24 hour period using your Funding Source, not more than $5,000 may be loaded to all Cards purchased by you in any 28-day period using your Funding Source.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE IF YOU LOADED YOUR PREPAID CARD AT TARGET DURING THE CHRISTMAS SECURITY BREACH: It is important to have AMEX reissue your cards (just phone the number on the card and ask for a new card). Thieves have the numbers and pins and can drain your account at any time. AMEX does not appear to be using software to block suspicious activity, so they can drain it all. If you loaded your prepaid card at Target between November 27 and December 15, 2013, you are at significant risk of having your money stolen (several reported cases in April and May).
AmEx for Target: $400/week credit card ATM withdrawals for 1.3%+ in certain cities
Apr 30, 2014, 8:35 pm
#1561
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
Posts: 3,710
Registering a new account worked. I first used my existing Amex CC account. It let me login but kept erroring out.
Apr 30, 2014, 10:44 pm
#1562
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: PDX & PHX
Programs: AA,AS,HH,HY,IB,LH,IHG,MAR,WN
Posts: 199
Today I was able to load from an Amex personal GC with no name on it. I had my Amex cover letter (with my name, address and card numbers) in my back pocket if needed, but she didn't ask. She only looked at the account number on the GC to compare to the screen. YMMV.
Next order I may get the customized business version, with my name but without company name, because my Barclay Arrival card is personal, not business.
Next order I may get the customized business version, with my name but without company name, because my Barclay Arrival card is personal, not business.
May 1, 2014, 1:17 pm
#1563
Suspended
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 117
When I tried to withdraw $400 at Costco, the machine only dispensed $300. I got hit with a $3 fee for this 1 withdrawal. This is my first withdrawal for the month and I was surprised with the fee. The withdrawal was somehow recorded in 2 transations: 1 debit for $301.25 and 1 credit for $301.25 (atm reversal). I don't know why the extra credit happened, but all I know is that I got hit with an extra $3 fee
. I don't want to call CS because I do a lot of MS on these cards.
. I don't want to call CS because I do a lot of MS on these cards.
May 2, 2014, 8:57 am
#1564
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PHL suburbs
Posts: 216
Finally found one! Back of card says "load at participating Target stores and at americanexpress.com/target".
Can we actually load online using a CC? Website doesn't let me register yet ("Error 404: Invalid path {0} was requested "), and I looked through the last ~50 posts and didn't see it discussed.
Also, I'm guessing you can load another person's AFT as long as cashier lets you (a la BB).
Can we actually load online using a CC? Website doesn't let me register yet ("Error 404: Invalid path {0} was requested "), and I looked through the last ~50 posts and didn't see it discussed.
Also, I'm guessing you can load another person's AFT as long as cashier lets you (a la BB).
May 2, 2014, 12:41 pm
#1565
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 33
Does anyone know which bank the ATM card is associated with? I ask because I found an ATM that does not charge me a fee when I use my AFT to withdraw cash, but does charge a fee when I use my Ally card to withdraw cash. I was pleasantly surprised.
May 2, 2014, 12:55 pm
#1566
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 466
At the very least, google, and see if you can figure out the network.
If it's at a chain store, see if you can google to see what network they use.
I have access to a no-fee ATM, but would like to be able to branch outside of that one gas station.
May 2, 2014, 1:13 pm
#1567
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 908
This is an excellent data point. Most ATMs have a sticker(s) with the "network" that they're a part of. What stickers/logos are on that ATM? Even if there's more than one logo, perhaps it can be narrowed down.
At the very least, google, and see if you can figure out the network.
If it's at a chain store, see if you can google to see what network they use.
I have access to a no-fee ATM, but would like to be able to branch outside of that one gas station.
At the very least, google, and see if you can figure out the network.
If it's at a chain store, see if you can google to see what network they use.
I have access to a no-fee ATM, but would like to be able to branch outside of that one gas station.
So for now, I go to Costco for $1.25.
May 2, 2014, 1:23 pm
#1568
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 27
Do you have to close your BB card? I had to close my Serve card to setup my BB card the last time I was looking into MS.
May 2, 2014, 1:40 pm
#1570
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 466
OV is $4.95 per $500.
I do not disagree that it's a bigger pain though.
May 2, 2014, 1:50 pm
#1571
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 908
1k load, $3
1k withdraw ($3 + $3 + $1.50 (for the additional $200 to make it 1k) + $1.25 + $1.25 + .75 (for the additional $200 to make it 1k).
That's $13.75 per 1K MS.
1k for OV is 9.90.
Here is the PIA reasons:
1. withdrawing a wad of cash from the ATM.
2. depositing a wad of cash to a bank account.
3. with the ATM fees, etc, you will always have change or odd numbers in your account. Like 1394.25 or like 275.25, etc. There will always be some amount of money in the account that is not being used for paying bills etc.
May 2, 2014, 1:53 pm
#1572
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 466
From my calculation (not including the 1 free atm withdraw a month):
1k load, $3
1k withdraw ($3 + $3 + $1.50 (for the additional $200 to make it 1k) + $1.25 + $1.25 + .75 (for the additional $200 to make it 1k).
That's $13.75 per 1K MS.
1k for OV is 9.90.
Here is the PIA reasons:
1. withdrawing a wad of cash from the ATM.
2. depositing a wad of cash to a bank account.
3. with the ATM fees, etc, you will always have change or odd numbers in your account. Like 1394.25 or like 275.25, etc. There will always be some amount of money in the account that is not being used for paying bills etc.
1k load, $3
1k withdraw ($3 + $3 + $1.50 (for the additional $200 to make it 1k) + $1.25 + $1.25 + .75 (for the additional $200 to make it 1k).
That's $13.75 per 1K MS.
1k for OV is 9.90.
Here is the PIA reasons:
1. withdrawing a wad of cash from the ATM.
2. depositing a wad of cash to a bank account.
3. with the ATM fees, etc, you will always have change or odd numbers in your account. Like 1394.25 or like 275.25, etc. There will always be some amount of money in the account that is not being used for paying bills etc.
-I never w/d less than $400 at the ATM, and if that means there's a little left in the account until next month, no big deal. I can float a couple hundred for 30 days.
And I totally agree with the PIA reasons. I was disagreeing with the costs.
May 2, 2014, 2:01 pm
#1573
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 908
-You absolutely need to include the 1 free ATM w/d per month in your calc. Otherwise, it's incorrect.
-I never w/d less than $400 at the ATM, and if that means there's a little left in the account until next month, no big deal. I can float a couple hundred for 30 days.
And I totally agree with the PIA reasons. I was disagreeing with the costs.
-I never w/d less than $400 at the ATM, and if that means there's a little left in the account until next month, no big deal. I can float a couple hundred for 30 days.
And I totally agree with the PIA reasons. I was disagreeing with the costs.
May 2, 2014, 2:10 pm
#1574
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Down South, The Desert
Programs: Marriot Rewards, Southwest Rapid rewards, Emerald Club, Avis Preferred
Posts: 1,871
I have access to a fee free atm.
$3 to load 1K. I can drain for free over two months. I can swipe for purchases in month #1 if I want to. I make a profit on the loads based on the card/cards that I use.
Sometimes I deposit the cash. Sometimes, I keep it in a safe. Low cost vehicle for MS. Low stress also.
$3 to load 1K. I can drain for free over two months. I can swipe for purchases in month #1 if I want to. I make a profit on the loads based on the card/cards that I use.
Sometimes I deposit the cash. Sometimes, I keep it in a safe. Low cost vehicle for MS. Low stress also.
May 2, 2014, 2:42 pm
#1575
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 27
I thought OV wasn't viable anymore because of all the changes with CVS? I was just looking around again.....I have to spend $2500 for a Hilton card.