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T-Mobile Visa Prepaid - Bluebird Competitor for MS! (May not load w/CC)

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Old Jan 22, 2014, 3:27 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: XP1
Warning: The T-M website contains an apparent Bill Pay function. Attempting to use it to pay credit card bills, or probably any significant $ amount bills of any sort, will get your account frozen. Ditto large scale ATM or MO withdrawals. The one method of unloading likely to keep you under the radar is small scale WM BP. Also likely to get you shut down, according to consensus reports, is running much more than $5K a month thru your account. You ignore this advice at your own risk.

SUMMARY

1. FAQ's
2. Free to use for TMo customers.
3. Issued by Bancorp
4. Load at T-mobile store (Registers are HARD CODED not to accept anything other than cash.)
5. or Reloadit, (find a grocery store that sold reloadit cards with a cc)

List Stores hard coded for cash or Credit Card accepted
T-Mobile (cash only)
Home Depot (cash only, hard coded)
Harris Teeter - Bought with CC on 2/16/14, hard coded denied CC on 5 APR 2014
Winn-Dixie - Hard coded for cash (debit may work, untested) as of Oct-2015
Meijer (Cash/Debit including VGC)
Giant Eagle/GetGo (Cash, Debit including VGC )
Safeways/Vons/Pavilions in California - most only Cash
Food Lion - Manager override now required. Many stores cash or bank debit only, but registers are not hard coded.
Save-A-Lot: Hard coded cash only
BigY: At least some stores have gone cash only as of 1/8
Acme in PA: Hard-coded cash only (Source)

Note on ReloadIt Cards
These come in two main flavors, up to $500, and up to $950 (there are ones that go up to $50, too). Both are $3.95 load fee. The older grey cards, have CASH ONLY on them. Even if the cash register is coded to accept it, many cashiers will be hesitant to even try, or get shut down by manager.
The maximum value reload will be $2,500.00. There is no maximum number of times you may value reload your Card Account per day; however, the maximum dollar amount of value reloads you may make to your Card Account in one day is $2,500.00. We will accept direct deposits larger than $2,500.00, but any direct deposit value reloaded to your Card Account will count against the $2,500.00 daily limit.
Value Reload Fee: Each time you value reload $300.00 or more to your Card Account in a single transaction, you will receive a credit for any fee you paid. If you are a T-Mobile Wireless Customer and value reload your Card Account at a participating T-Mobile Wireless location, you will receive a refund at the register (and will pay no fee for your value reload). If you value reload your Card Account for $300.00 or more via another method, we will issue a credit to your Card Account in the amount of the fee you paid.

In practice, a ReloadIt >= $300 loaded via the safe will receive credit for the fee. However, the terms formally state "Please note: Value reloads made from Reloadit Packs that have been placed in the Program Manager’s Reloadit `Safe' are not eligible for any fee credit." so this is not guaranteed.

The Limits:
Daily limit: $2500 during a rolling 24 hour period
Monthly limit: ?
Annual Limit: ?
Max Bill Pay (per transaction): = $5000 (tested March 6th, can do 'at least' a second for the same amount to the same payee momment later).
Daily ATM limit: $500 (rolling 24 hr rather than calendar day)

Total monthly bill pay limit: ?
The maximum value of your Card Account is restricted to $10,000.00

T-Mobile Prepaid Customer Service Email: [email protected]

If you need to escalate to the FDIC, Bancorp's registered FDIC# is 35444.
If you want to try to open an FDIC complaint or investigation you can send one in electronically at
http://www2.fdic.gov/IDASP/DIRSInfoRequest.asp

Alternative FDIC link to file complaint
https://www2.fdic.gov/starsmail/index.asp

FAQ
  • My fee did not get refunded. Has there been a policy change? ReloadIt Fees are processed overnight and could take 24 hours after you reload the card. As of 9/2015, ReloadIt cards added to the safe prior to loading on T-Mobile will still get the $3.95 refunded.
  • What is a safe transaction amount? There is no definite safe or unsafe amount. However, starting the last week of Jul 2015, people have been reporting the account frozen after transactions larger than $1K.
  • Can I use the BP Feature? It works well for some people. Many have reported getting shutdown after using it. A few have reported having the payments lost. Like all MS activity, use at your own risk.
  • Should I mix in some regular spending to make it look like this is my primary card? If it makes you feel better, go for it. However people who do this still get shutdown.
  • I can't log in. Did I get shutdown? Possibly. But more likely the website is having technical issues. Call in, o try to make a swipe purchase and test it out.
  • If I pay my taxes with this card, will I get shutdown? Large purchase raise red flags. Taxes are no different and there are reports of people being shut down for doing this.
  • What is a T-Mobile wireless customer? A qualifying T-Mobile wireless customer can be either a postpaid or prepaid customer. Source: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24790705-post3703.html
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T-Mobile Visa Prepaid - Bluebird Competitor for MS! (May not load w/CC)

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Old Aug 5, 2014, 11:42 am
  #2416  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
Originally Posted by msnewbie
I want to add my Amex card as a payee
I wouldn't try to pay AMEX thru T Mobile if I were you. Pay it thru BlueBird instead. Much less likely to get shut down that way.
Brugge is offline  
Old Aug 5, 2014, 11:43 am
  #2417  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
Originally Posted by CBDTREE
I typically tend to avg $50-$60K/mo, mostly BB....
You have access to 10 BB accounts?
Brugge is offline  
Old Aug 5, 2014, 11:54 am
  #2418  
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Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,427
The wiki isn't too helpful. Do you need to have access to a supermarket that enables you to buy reloadit cards with a credit card to make this Tmobile prepaid card useful? Thanks.
iahphx is offline  
Old Aug 5, 2014, 12:05 pm
  #2419  
 
Join Date: May 2011
Programs: US Airways Gold, Marriott Platinum, SW A List
Posts: 1,575
Originally Posted by iahphx
The wiki isn't too helpful. Do you need to have access to a supermarket that enables you to buy reloadit cards with a credit card to make this Tmobile prepaid card useful? Thanks.
Yes, you need a reloadit source.
heyeaglefn is offline  
Old Aug 5, 2014, 12:33 pm
  #2420  
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Originally Posted by iahphx
The wiki isn't too helpful. Do you need to have access to a supermarket that enables you to buy reloadit cards with a credit card to make this Tmobile prepaid card useful? Thanks.
Even if they only allow debit, you could by OVs elsewhere about but them with those. Since the RL fee is refunded it's still useful. Obviously not as useful or lucrative as a direct CC purchase but it's better than nothing.
payeco is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2014, 12:25 am
  #2421  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 159
Got charged $2 atm fee for the atm I normally use, which is still showing to be in the network, for the first time ever. Any one having the same problem? Just wondering if it's a glitch, like the monthly fee they charge by mistake sometimes. Or are they changing atm affiliates without updating them on the web. Or worst scenario, no more free atm withdraws.
tuscanyx is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2014, 3:37 am
  #2422  
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 88
Bought a reloadit at VONS for $950. It needed manager approval and she told the cashier I couldn't buy with a credit card. I told them I've done it before and she said just try to push the transaction through amd it went. She then said there was an email that said to take cash only and was going to show it to the cashier. I just walked out. That sucks.
tracerit is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2014, 4:10 am
  #2423  
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 47
Originally Posted by Brugge
I wouldn't try to pay AMEX thru T Mobile if I were you. Pay it thru BlueBird instead. Much less likely to get shut down that way.
I've done almost 100% of my BP to AMEX (mixing in CB purchases). Going since Jan.
CBDTREE is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2014, 4:12 am
  #2424  
 
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 47
Originally Posted by Brugge
You have access to 10 BB accounts?
4 BB, GB, JH, H&R, etc, etc, etc...
CBDTREE is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2014, 10:45 am
  #2425  
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Join Date: May 2014
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Originally Posted by tracerit
Bought a reloadit at VONS for $950. It needed manager approval and she told the cashier I couldn't buy with a credit card. I told them I've done it before and she said just try to push the transaction through amd it went. She then said there was an email that said to take cash only and was going to show it to the cashier. I just walked out. That sucks.
I guess you haven't done your required reading... Keep it under $500 so the manager doesn't need to be involved.
payeco is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2014, 1:14 pm
  #2426  
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: SAN
Programs: DL PM
Posts: 428
Originally Posted by tuscanyx
Got charged $2 atm fee for the atm I normally use, which is still showing to be in the network, for the first time ever. Any one having the same problem? Just wondering if it's a glitch, like the monthly fee they charge by mistake sometimes. Or are they changing atm affiliates without updating them on the web. Or worst scenario, no more free atm withdraws.
This happened to me about a month ago at the CVS ATM I'd always used before. I thought the first time was a glitch since I misentered my PIN, but when it happened a second time I just went to a 7-11 ATM down the block. The CVS ATM still shows as in network for me as well. Since I keep getting the $3.95 covered, I opted not to call in to push it and have someone look at my account over $4, this card has been good to me so far. No need to add a human for less than a single VR fee.
BHArt is offline  
Old Aug 6, 2014, 10:13 pm
  #2427  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Originally Posted by payeco
I guess you haven't done your required reading... Keep it under $500 so the manager doesn't need to be involved.
Often this 'wisdom' is repeated, again and again... and again... and again........ and again.................

Yeah... works great if all you care about is getting less than $500 per visit/transaction and you don't value your time all that much (nor care about the cost of gas).

If your goal is just to fly under the radar and a few miles/points/cb here or there, fine, cool, so be it. However, sometimes it 'pays' to just announce your 'flight plan', show your 'flight clearance and credentials', allow your self to be found on the 'radar', and, 'be cleared for landing'... 'repeatedly'... day after day....(after day, after day, after day...)
thehawk75 is offline  
Old Aug 7, 2014, 8:12 am
  #2428  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 201
Originally Posted by thehawk75
Often this 'wisdom' is repeated, again and again... and again... and again........ and again.................

Yeah... works great if all you care about is getting less than $500 per visit/transaction and you don't value your time all that much (nor care about the cost of gas).

If your goal is just to fly under the radar and a few miles/points/cb here or there, fine, cool, so be it. However, sometimes it 'pays' to just announce your 'flight plan', show your 'flight clearance and credentials', allow your self to be found on the 'radar', and, 'be cleared for landing'... 'repeatedly'... day after day....(after day, after day, after day...)
Note you can often buy more than one of these without mgr intervention by buying them separately. I.e. bring two cards up to the register and ask to buy them as separate purchases. Now you've doubled your effectiveness.
unkinected is offline  
Old Aug 7, 2014, 8:39 am
  #2429  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 293
Originally Posted by unkinected
Note you can often buy more than one of these without mgr intervention by buying them separately. I.e. bring two cards up to the register and ask to buy them as separate purchases. Now you've doubled your effectiveness.
You can even do three! Some Vons permit up to $2,999.99 in "gift card" purchases. And it is a "myth" that anything over $500 requires manager intervention. It only requires the override key, which many managers will leave with one of the cashiers, especially late at night. YMMV
BigDawgFT is offline  
Old Aug 7, 2014, 9:50 am
  #2430  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: AA PLT 2MM
Posts: 2,026
Originally Posted by unkinected
Note you can often buy more than one of these without mgr intervention by buying them separately. I.e. bring two cards up to the register and ask to buy them as separate purchases. Now you've doubled your effectiveness.
That fact was neither lost nor omitted in my OP.

Originally Posted by BigDawgFT
You can even do three! Some Vons permit up to $2,999.99 in "gift card" purchases. And it is a "myth" that anything over $500 requires manager intervention. It only requires the override key, which many managers will leave with one of the cashiers, especially late at night. YMMV
You can do a lot more than $2999.99...all up to the cashier (and he/she who holds the override key).
thehawk75 is offline  


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