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
May 15, 2014, 1:01 pm
#1651
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,427
I think it is definitely related to the Target data breach. Check out the fat wallet post. Someone stated the cards they had loaded during the breach were the ones compromised. Same with the card I had used during that time. Also, the fraudulant charges were made at the same locations. Fortunately I only had a few hundred dollars on my card but still waiting for the funds to be restored.
I just received my replacement card and I think I will give it another shot - but will keep the balance low for awhile.
I just received my replacement card and I think I will give it another shot - but will keep the balance low for awhile.
I would urge everyone who used one of these prepaid cards at Target last Xmas to get their cards reissued. I'm on the phone right now doing that.
Can anyone tell me how long it will likely be for me to get my money back from AMEX?
EDIT: It seems obvious that there is a criminal ring operating in the Tampa area that is using these stolen Target debit card numbers. Check out this fatwallet thread:
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/finance/1355489/
I actually called the Tampa Police Dept to see if they were interesting in investigating. They weren't -- "file a claim with your local police department." A shame.
Last edited by iahphx; May 15, 2014 at 2:26 pm
May 16, 2014, 5:41 am
#1652
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: New York
Programs: AA, WN, BA, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Club Carlson Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 313
AmEx for Target: $400/week credit card ATM withdrawals for 1.3%+ in certain cities
You will get your funds back from Amex. I posted on this previously. It takes about 30 days for Amex to review and post the funds to your card.
May 16, 2014, 7:00 am
#1653
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,427
Thanks. BTW, do "real" debit cards have fraud detection? There was obviously none here as the thieves engaged in a classic pattern of money draining (they seem to have tested the card in a coke machine, and then rang up big purchases at gas stations). I just got a Suntrust Delta account, and this experience makes me a bit afraid to use the card. I mean, if I could get my number stolen at Target -- where I swiped the card myself -- I can only imagine what could happen at Walmart. Credit cards seem a lot safer.
May 16, 2014, 2:08 pm
#1654
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Flipadelphia
Posts: 15
There's an option in the online account of these cards to setup alerts for all transactions on the card. You can get an email, text or both. And they work almost instantly in most cases when you make an ATM withdrawal. You won't be able to stop the first fraudulent charge but at least you can limit the damage to just one transaction.
After reading what happened to some of you I setup alerts and I make sure to drain the card as quickly as possible.
Still an easy way to meet the minimum spend, just have to be careful.
After reading what happened to some of you I setup alerts and I make sure to drain the card as quickly as possible.
Still an easy way to meet the minimum spend, just have to be careful.
May 16, 2014, 3:35 pm
#1655
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,427
There's an option in the online account of these cards to setup alerts for all transactions on the card. You can get an email, text or both. And they work almost instantly in most cases when you make an ATM withdrawal. You won't be able to stop the first fraudulent charge but at least you can limit the damage to just one transaction.
After reading what happened to some of you I setup alerts and I make sure to drain the card as quickly as possible.
Still an easy way to meet the minimum spend, just have to be careful.
After reading what happened to some of you I setup alerts and I make sure to drain the card as quickly as possible.
Still an easy way to meet the minimum spend, just have to be careful.
May 17, 2014, 9:33 pm
#1656
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 28
If you did it in the same day, you may not be able to do it the 2nd time since they only allow you to open one per day. I had it happened to me before when cashier accidentally cancelled it when I was at the last step of initial loading of money onto the card. Then, when I tried to do it again, I can not do it any more until I visit Target a few days later.
It was kind of embarrassing being denied after having my dl scanned and entering all that personal info. Calling the Amex for Target customer service was of no use. Two different reps couldn't see the issue and wanted to connect me to Target customer service. I'm giving up on this for a few weeks since my favorite mall and office supply are occupying my time quite well, but I will try again.
May 18, 2014, 11:33 am
#1657
Suspended
Join Date: May 2014
Location: ILG/PHL
Programs: Amex Plat, AA Gold, SPG Gold, Hyatt Gold, HHonors Gold, Carlson Gold
Posts: 1,075
This is still true. Finally found one, cashier cancelled, tried again with same cashier and same card, and got the slip of paper denial. Tried at a different Target nearby with a different card from that store, and got the same message.
It was kind of embarrassing being denied after having my dl scanned and entering all that personal info. Calling the Amex for Target customer service was of no use. Two different reps couldn't see the issue and wanted to connect me to Target customer service. I'm giving up on this for a few weeks since my favorite mall and office supply are occupying my time quite well, but I will try again.
It was kind of embarrassing being denied after having my dl scanned and entering all that personal info. Calling the Amex for Target customer service was of no use. Two different reps couldn't see the issue and wanted to connect me to Target customer service. I'm giving up on this for a few weeks since my favorite mall and office supply are occupying my time quite well, but I will try again.
The reason we canceled it the first time is because I was going to load them with AGCs I got from the current Giant gas rewards deal and she wouldn't let me pay with it.
May 19, 2014, 8:06 am
#1658
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UES/MWC
Programs: Braniff, TWA, Eastern, Midwest, AA Exec, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 270
Have any of you been able to register an AFT card in the last week or so? I'm not able to do so - I get a 404 error after entering my account information (username, password, etc - the second screen). I've tried this with three browsers on three different computers in two different states, and that's all that I get.
My secondary question is - what are the implications of not being able to register this? Obviously no web access, but what, if anything, else?
My secondary question is - what are the implications of not being able to register this? Obviously no web access, but what, if anything, else?
May 19, 2014, 8:45 am
#1659
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: New York
Programs: AA, WN, BA, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold, Club Carlson Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 313
Have any of you been able to register an AFT card in the last week or so? I'm not able to do so - I get a 404 error after entering my account information (username, password, etc - the second screen). I've tried this with three browsers on three different computers in two different states, and that's all that I get.
My secondary question is - what are the implications of not being able to register this? Obviously no web access, but what, if anything, else?
My secondary question is - what are the implications of not being able to register this? Obviously no web access, but what, if anything, else?
May 19, 2014, 9:29 am
#1660
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Flipadelphia
Posts: 15
Have any of you been able to register an AFT card in the last week or so? I'm not able to do so - I get a 404 error after entering my account information (username, password, etc - the second screen). I've tried this with three browsers on three different computers in two different states, and that's all that I get.
My secondary question is - what are the implications of not being able to register this? Obviously no web access, but what, if anything, else?
My secondary question is - what are the implications of not being able to register this? Obviously no web access, but what, if anything, else?
Also the website can't handle complex passwords so that was also giving me trouble. Once I figured out both of those problems it worked flawlessly.
I'd setup an online account for transaction alerts to alert you of any fraudulent activity.
May 19, 2014, 10:52 am
#1661
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 51
Going to try loading my card for the first time today with VGCs. Do I tell them I want to load $497 and the register will just deduct $500 from the VGC?
May 19, 2014, 1:42 pm
#1662
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 3
I just received the AFT cards that you sent me after I PM you for help. Wow that was quick.
I can believe we are going to finally be able to activate them. We thank you so much for being so kind and helping us, and I want to post this comment to let everyone know you are a great member of this forum. Willing to go out of your way to help other members.
Thank you again. We are in your debt.
Sincerely,
al456456
May 19, 2014, 2:47 pm
#1663
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UES/MWC
Programs: Braniff, TWA, Eastern, Midwest, AA Exec, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 270
Anyway, I've got it and it works now - thanks!
May 20, 2014, 8:54 am
#1664
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 51
What is the maximum amount MO can you purchase with this card?