Jan 22, 2014, 3:27 pm
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
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
T-Mobile Visa Prepaid - Bluebird Competitor for MS! (May not load w/CC)
Feb 29, 2016, 2:37 pm
#4232
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11
I have been using T-Mobil/Reloadit for little over a year. Spouse and I both have cards and buy Reloadit's at local Safeway. Bought $450 today (cash only printed on front) with CC and CSR asked to see last four digits of CC. Last two times I tried CSR's would not accept CC and said so very sternly. Point of post keep probing and trying politely. I also found out the days and times the "yes" person works.
Mar 6, 2016, 6:35 pm
#4237
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 166
Yes. Most Safeways/Vons are now hard coded. I saw a memo go about about new rules. They have 1K velocity limit per 15 minutes and ALL gift card purchases need manager approval now. This is all in place until they get chip readers in all stores.
Mar 6, 2016, 8:47 pm
#4238
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,509
Yes. Most Safeways/Vons are now hard coded. I saw a memo go about about new rules. They have 1K velocity limit per 15 minutes and ALL gift card purchases need manager approval now. This is all in place until they get chip readers in all stores.
Mar 10, 2016, 12:06 pm
#4239
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: ANC
Programs: AS, UA, IHG, HH,
Posts: 171
Mar 10, 2016, 3:26 pm
#4240
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 11
Mar 10, 2016, 3:37 pm
#4241
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 8
I just got an email from Bancorp:
Our records indicate you have a T-Mobile Visa® Prepaid Card issued by The Bancorp Bank; on behalf of Blackhawk Network, Inc. This letter contains an important, time-sensitive notification. You do NOT need to take any action.
Effective April 11, 2016, you will no longer be able to reload an existing T-Mobile Card at T-Mobile retail locations.
If you have a recurring direct deposit to the Card Account, those will remain active for now. You will be notified of any additional, upcoming changes.
Also, you can continue to reload your card by visiting other locations that sell Reloadit packs. Visit https://www.tmobilemoneyservices.com/StoreLocator to find a list of card reload locations.
New card purchases after March 11th and any reloads attempted after April 11th, at
T-Mobile retail locations, will not be accepted by the T-Mobile agent.
Please refer to the website at www.tmobilemoneyservices.com for more information, as there will be more updates in April.
Thank you very much for using your Card. We regret any inconvenience you may experience. If you have questions about this letter, please contact the phone number printed on the back of your card.
Sincerely,
Payment Solutions
The Bancorp Bank
Based on this it looks like the T-mobile card is going to be discontinued. It sounds like today is the last day to sign up for accounts. This was the best free method of MS if you can find reloadits with CC.
Our records indicate you have a T-Mobile Visa® Prepaid Card issued by The Bancorp Bank; on behalf of Blackhawk Network, Inc. This letter contains an important, time-sensitive notification. You do NOT need to take any action.
Effective April 11, 2016, you will no longer be able to reload an existing T-Mobile Card at T-Mobile retail locations.
If you have a recurring direct deposit to the Card Account, those will remain active for now. You will be notified of any additional, upcoming changes.
Also, you can continue to reload your card by visiting other locations that sell Reloadit packs. Visit https://www.tmobilemoneyservices.com/StoreLocator to find a list of card reload locations.
New card purchases after March 11th and any reloads attempted after April 11th, at
T-Mobile retail locations, will not be accepted by the T-Mobile agent.
Please refer to the website at www.tmobilemoneyservices.com for more information, as there will be more updates in April.
Thank you very much for using your Card. We regret any inconvenience you may experience. If you have questions about this letter, please contact the phone number printed on the back of your card.
Sincerely,
Payment Solutions
The Bancorp Bank
Based on this it looks like the T-mobile card is going to be discontinued. It sounds like today is the last day to sign up for accounts. This was the best free method of MS if you can find reloadits with CC.
Mar 10, 2016, 4:01 pm
#4242
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,509
I just got an email from Bancorp:
Our records indicate you have a T-Mobile Visa® Prepaid Card issued by The Bancorp Bank; on behalf of Blackhawk Network, Inc. This letter contains an important, time-sensitive notification. You do NOT need to take any action.
Effective April 11, 2016, you will no longer be able to reload an existing T-Mobile Card at T-Mobile retail locations.
If you have a recurring direct deposit to the Card Account, those will remain active for now. You will be notified of any additional, upcoming changes.
Also, you can continue to reload your card by visiting other locations that sell Reloadit packs. Visit https://www.tmobilemoneyservices.com/StoreLocator to find a list of card reload locations.
New card purchases after March 11th and any reloads attempted after April 11th, at
T-Mobile retail locations, will not be accepted by the T-Mobile agent.
Please refer to the website at www.tmobilemoneyservices.com for more information, as there will be more updates in April.
Thank you very much for using your Card. We regret any inconvenience you may experience. If you have questions about this letter, please contact the phone number printed on the back of your card.
Sincerely,
Payment Solutions
The Bancorp Bank
Based on this it looks like the T-mobile card is going to be discontinued. It sounds like today is the last day to sign up for accounts. This was the best free method of MS if you can find reloadits with CC.
Our records indicate you have a T-Mobile Visa® Prepaid Card issued by The Bancorp Bank; on behalf of Blackhawk Network, Inc. This letter contains an important, time-sensitive notification. You do NOT need to take any action.
Effective April 11, 2016, you will no longer be able to reload an existing T-Mobile Card at T-Mobile retail locations.
If you have a recurring direct deposit to the Card Account, those will remain active for now. You will be notified of any additional, upcoming changes.
Also, you can continue to reload your card by visiting other locations that sell Reloadit packs. Visit https://www.tmobilemoneyservices.com/StoreLocator to find a list of card reload locations.
New card purchases after March 11th and any reloads attempted after April 11th, at
T-Mobile retail locations, will not be accepted by the T-Mobile agent.
Please refer to the website at www.tmobilemoneyservices.com for more information, as there will be more updates in April.
Thank you very much for using your Card. We regret any inconvenience you may experience. If you have questions about this letter, please contact the phone number printed on the back of your card.
Sincerely,
Payment Solutions
The Bancorp Bank
Based on this it looks like the T-mobile card is going to be discontinued. It sounds like today is the last day to sign up for accounts. This was the best free method of MS if you can find reloadits with CC.
I guess that is good to know and I will give it a go and try 1 more time at the Vons store to see if it is hard coded (not too hopeful) since its my last source of Rlits but if that is a no go, then I am probably done with this card since it probably has implemented the hard coding of GC purchases based on the recent news of grocery stores limiting gift card purchases due to the new CC rules.
Mar 11, 2016, 12:30 am
#4243
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: Southwest, SPG, IHG
Posts: 82
Guys, I'm trying to get a T-mobile visa prepaid card before it closes new applications. I'd ordered one online a month back, but that hasn't arrived yet (despite t-mobile sending me an email that my card has shipped - maybe because I'm not a T-mobile customer?). Hence, I'm planning to get one from the store itself. My queries are two-fold:
1) Can I get the card itself from the store (and activate it) without being a t-mobile customer? I understand the 3.95 fee on reload load would not be waived if I'm not a customer when I'm buying the card - but would it be waived down the line if I later take a t-mobile connection?
2) If I NEED to have a T-moble connection, do you think t-mobile would grandfather me in the fee waiver if i later drop the connection? If so, what is the best/cheapest way to go about it - take the lowest prepaid sim and not even put it in a phone (would t-mobile need me to respond to a text etc on activation of the t-mobile visa card)?
I'm trying to get the answers from the past posts as well - but since I may not be able to digest it all by this weekend, when it all closes, I'd really appreciate a quick tip/pointer to my queries! Thanks
1) Can I get the card itself from the store (and activate it) without being a t-mobile customer? I understand the 3.95 fee on reload load would not be waived if I'm not a customer when I'm buying the card - but would it be waived down the line if I later take a t-mobile connection?
2) If I NEED to have a T-moble connection, do you think t-mobile would grandfather me in the fee waiver if i later drop the connection? If so, what is the best/cheapest way to go about it - take the lowest prepaid sim and not even put it in a phone (would t-mobile need me to respond to a text etc on activation of the t-mobile visa card)?
I'm trying to get the answers from the past posts as well - but since I may not be able to digest it all by this weekend, when it all closes, I'd really appreciate a quick tip/pointer to my queries! Thanks
Mar 11, 2016, 2:04 am
#4244
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,509
Guys, I'm trying to get a T-mobile visa prepaid card before it closes new applications. I'd ordered one online a month back, but that hasn't arrived yet (despite t-mobile sending me an email that my card has shipped - maybe because I'm not a T-mobile customer?). Hence, I'm planning to get one from the store itself. My queries are two-fold:
1) Can I get the card itself from the store (and activate it) without being a t-mobile customer? I understand the 3.95 fee on reload load would not be waived if I'm not a customer when I'm buying the card - but would it be waived down the line if I later take a t-mobile connection?
2) If I NEED to have a T-moble connection, do you think t-mobile would grandfather me in the fee waiver if i later drop the connection? If so, what is the best/cheapest way to go about it - take the lowest prepaid sim and not even put it in a phone (would t-mobile need me to respond to a text etc on activation of the t-mobile visa card)?
I'm trying to get the answers from the past posts as well - but since I may not be able to digest it all by this weekend, when it all closes, I'd really appreciate a quick tip/pointer to my queries! Thanks
1) Can I get the card itself from the store (and activate it) without being a t-mobile customer? I understand the 3.95 fee on reload load would not be waived if I'm not a customer when I'm buying the card - but would it be waived down the line if I later take a t-mobile connection?
2) If I NEED to have a T-moble connection, do you think t-mobile would grandfather me in the fee waiver if i later drop the connection? If so, what is the best/cheapest way to go about it - take the lowest prepaid sim and not even put it in a phone (would t-mobile need me to respond to a text etc on activation of the t-mobile visa card)?
I'm trying to get the answers from the past posts as well - but since I may not be able to digest it all by this weekend, when it all closes, I'd really appreciate a quick tip/pointer to my queries! Thanks
1) Can I get the card itself from the store (and activate it) without being a t-mobile customer? I understand the 3.95 fee on reload load would not be waived if I'm not a customer when I'm buying the card - but would it be waived down the line if I later take a t-mobile connection?
You don't have to be a Tmobile customer in order to get the card. Also why bother buying it from a Tmobile store when there are grocery stores like Vons/Safeway that sell the thing. Also the $3.95 being waived has nothing to do with you being a customer which you need to get that mindset out of your head that it has nothing to do with being a Tmobile customer. The $3.95 fee being waived is when you load at least $300 at 1 time onto your Tmobile card.
2) If I NEED to have a T-moble connection, do you think t-mobile would grandfather me in the fee waiver if i later drop the connection? If so, what is the best/cheapest way to go about it - take the lowest prepaid sim and not even put it in a phone (would t-mobile need me to respond to a text etc on activation of the t-mobile visa card)?
Like in the response above you do not have to be a Tmobile customer in order to get the card. Therefore you don't need to have any Tmobile lines setup on your account to get the card. However if you are a Tmobile customer you get the monthly fee waived even if you dont' load at least $500/month. I hate to be a debbie downer but I think you are pretty late into this game unless you have a nice source of Rlits that can be bought easily.
Mar 11, 2016, 8:05 am
#4245
Join Date: Sep 2015
Programs: Southwest, SPG, IHG
Posts: 82
You don't have to be a Tmobile customer in order to get the card. Also why bother buying it from a Tmobile store when there are grocery stores like Vons/Safeway that sell the thing. Also the $3.95 being waived has nothing to do with you being a customer which you need to get that mindset out of your head that it has nothing to do with being a Tmobile customer. The $3.95 fee being waived is when you load at least $300 at 1 time onto your Tmobile card.
Like in the response above you do not have to be a Tmobile customer in order to get the card. Therefore you don't need to have any Tmobile lines setup on your account to get the card. However if you are a Tmobile customer you get the monthly fee waived even if you dont' load at least $500/month. I hate to be a debbie downer but I think you are pretty late into this game unless you have a nice source of Rlits that can be bought easily.