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 $1K.
- Can I use the BP Feature? It works well for some people. Many have reported getting shutdown after using it. A few have reported having the payments lost. Like all MS activity, use at your own risk.
- Should I mix in some regular spending to make it look like this is my primary card? If it makes you feel better, go for it. However people who do this still get shutdown.
- I can't log in. Did I get shutdown? Possibly. But more likely the website is having technical issues. Call in, o try to make a swipe purchase and test it out.
- If I pay my taxes with this card, will I get shutdown? Large purchase raise red flags. Taxes are no different and there are reports of people being shut down for doing this.
- What is a T-Mobile wireless customer? A qualifying T-Mobile wireless customer can be either a postpaid or prepaid customer. Source: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24790705-post3703.html
T-Mobile Visa Prepaid - Bluebird Competitor for MS! (May not load w/CC)
Jan 22, 2014, 4:00 pm
#107
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: JFK
Programs: *$ Gold :)
Posts: 1,061
Again. This card is version of PayPower card. Administered by the same Blackhawk Network.
I'd assume, same shut down practices as for plain PayPower card are applicable. Refer to that thread. Be warned.
This one can tolerate even less as T-mo is about to cover one's MS. I bet they estimated no more than couple of reloads to cover + monthly fee.
I'd assume, same shut down practices as for plain PayPower card are applicable. Refer to that thread. Be warned.
This one can tolerate even less as T-mo is about to cover one's MS. I bet they estimated no more than couple of reloads to cover + monthly fee.
Jan 22, 2014, 4:03 pm
#108
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: SNA/LAX
Posts: 1,407
Care to share the name or is it not a large chain/only done by that one in the chain??
Jan 22, 2014, 4:15 pm
#109
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: MR,UR, UA, BA, AA, Hotels
Posts: 581
But don't you see? You've done exactly what makes community on FT. You gave before you asked. You'd clearly read the posts.
That's what makes this community. There are plenty of posts by noobs that have taken time and made an investment and they get a warm welcome and help.
I think you'll find very few here who want FT MS forum to be Wikipedia of MS, where no one does their homework and just copies and pastes from Wikipedia searches.
That's what makes this community. There are plenty of posts by noobs that have taken time and made an investment and they get a warm welcome and help.
I think you'll find very few here who want FT MS forum to be Wikipedia of MS, where no one does their homework and just copies and pastes from Wikipedia searches.
So answer this for me...
Should I of not posted that I went to the store and found out cash registers will not let you load with plastic?
Or... something I found through the activation process?
There is nothing good for the community if we can't share in a basic manner stuff that is not hurtful.
It is one thing we got into this thread at page 1, but it is already page 7. If this works the way I envision, and this is now 200 pages, should a new person to this method, not necessarily to the game, be told to go read 200 pages?
If so, screw this than, and I will not share anything.
Look at my post above and in the example. Tell me how that information is somehow bad to add to a summary?
Should I of not posted that I went to the store and found out cash registers will not let you load with plastic?
Or... something I found through the activation process?
There is nothing good for the community if we can't share in a basic manner stuff that is not hurtful.
It is one thing we got into this thread at page 1, but it is already page 7. If this works the way I envision, and this is now 200 pages, should a new person to this method, not necessarily to the game, be told to go read 200 pages?
If so, screw this than, and I will not share anything.
Look at my post above and in the example. Tell me how that information is somehow bad to add to a summary?
Jan 22, 2014, 4:27 pm
#111
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 293
I've had success with debit cards at some Pavillions, Vons and Stater Bros. I've been turned away at many Pavillions and Vons. I've had success with one shift/manager, only to be turned down by the next one. This is a true YMMV.
Jan 22, 2014, 4:43 pm
#112
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: United States
Posts: 526
Also tried to purchase a reload pack at tmo with credit card, rep told me it would be fine - went to pay and it wasn't possible. Tried another store that wasn't too far, same deal. Looks like it's hardcoded across all stores.
I tried the whole "I only have my card and no cash, isn't there anyway you can override it?" and that was no dice as well.
I tried the whole "I only have my card and no cash, isn't there anyway you can override it?" and that was no dice as well.
Jan 22, 2014, 5:23 pm
#114
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Fort Myers, FL
Programs: Hilton Gold, SPG & IHG Plat, & every airline program that I can join
Posts: 2,279
And from their FAQ's on that link:
Can I pay for a REloadit Pack with a credit or debit card?
No, a REloadit Pack can only be purchased with Cash.
JudyJFLA
Can I pay for a REloadit Pack with a credit or debit card?
No, a REloadit Pack can only be purchased with Cash.
JudyJFLA
The following are compatible reload cards -
https://www.reloadit.com/card_partners.aspx
Can you load any of these with CC fee free? I think Paypal can...
https://www.reloadit.com/card_partners.aspx
Can you load any of these with CC fee free? I think Paypal can...
Jan 22, 2014, 5:34 pm
#115
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Delta P, SPG G, Marriott S, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,007
Went to a grocery store that listed reloadit cards.... They were out of stock... However I was able to buy a MasterCard gift card with amex.... So semi win. I think the registers will allow reloadit card too.... If they only had it.
Will try others. If you are in north east, grocery store is stop and.... Fill in blank.
The reloads are only picked up by tmobile at their stores. Even if you are a customer, and buy the packs, I don't think they will be coded to reimburse the fee.
My business banking accounts are at Bancorp, I may reach out to my rep. They usually take good care of me.
So... I have a $500 MasterCard gift card, that I can either load to bb or can see about having loaded to tmo via monogram or visa link at cvs... Granted second fee... But if you already maxed out bluebird, and don't want to deal with money orders... May be good.
Also went to Walgreens, and they have a balance, prepaid card also by Bancorp, for only $2.95 fee free at, at any Walgreens or Duane reed.
Cashier said debit or cash only... Off topic I know.
Unless I can buy reload cards at grocery store with cc, I feel this is going to be just a free checking account... But not really useful in it of itself.
Will try others. If you are in north east, grocery store is stop and.... Fill in blank.
The reloads are only picked up by tmobile at their stores. Even if you are a customer, and buy the packs, I don't think they will be coded to reimburse the fee.
My business banking accounts are at Bancorp, I may reach out to my rep. They usually take good care of me.
So... I have a $500 MasterCard gift card, that I can either load to bb or can see about having loaded to tmo via monogram or visa link at cvs... Granted second fee... But if you already maxed out bluebird, and don't want to deal with money orders... May be good.
Also went to Walgreens, and they have a balance, prepaid card also by Bancorp, for only $2.95 fee free at, at any Walgreens or Duane reed.
Cashier said debit or cash only... Off topic I know.
Unless I can buy reload cards at grocery store with cc, I feel this is going to be just a free checking account... But not really useful in it of itself.
Jan 22, 2014, 6:41 pm
#117
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 829
Jan 22, 2014, 6:43 pm
#118
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Delta P, SPG G, Marriott S, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,007
Jan 22, 2014, 7:14 pm
#119
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 148
I agree with the whole Fat Wallet, Slick Deals effect.
I will say though, I do also think there is a difference between using the system and abusing the system.
For the most part, I hope folks here are the ones who are using it.
I do also know that the FW and SD guys are ONLY out to make a buck, for themselves and will ruin any deal and abuse the system.
I will say though, I do also think there is a difference between using the system and abusing the system.
For the most part, I hope folks here are the ones who are using it.
I do also know that the FW and SD guys are ONLY out to make a buck, for themselves and will ruin any deal and abuse the system.
Jan 22, 2014, 8:12 pm
#120
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Delta P, SPG G, Marriott S, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,007
There is probably a good deal of cross membership between all these sites. If you are going to paint people with a broad brush, might as well include FT MS forums. Greed is greed in any color/form. I read postings in the MS forums here that come across as greedy or point out circumventing systems all the time. A lot of humans are greedy, fact.
However, would it not be fair to say on average the typical reader of FT Ms forums is of different socioeconomic standing than a typical person on FW or SD?
I would say for me... I am not doing this to get rich, hell I am probably losing money on this if I think of my professional hourly rate, nor would I go out of my way unless there was a CVS walking distance from my house, from my office, and 3 others on the way between office and home. I am doing most of this primarily for the min spends on two cards, will see more in future.
I am sure for many here it is part game and exciting.
For FW, SD, it is equivalent of what an error air fare is to us. =) Not that I need it, but why the hell not?
But you are right though, I am a small business partner with Us Airways, I had an offer with them, and 3/4 people that contacted me through the site, were mainly in it for the free miles, they did not have interest in what I do.
In any case, back to Tmobile...
Dropped of my MC to dump onto BB. Will go to another Stop & ***** to see about Reloadit cards there.
Also, for some reason, had issues trying to access billpay on tmobile online services. Will investigate further.