bluebird vs. serve
Mar 21, 2014, 2:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 31
bluebird vs. serve
does anyone have a good summary of the differences pros/cons betweens the two?
from what I can tell on a simplistic level they are basically the same besides for a few things
1) bluebird - can reload at walmart, while serve can now reload at 7/11 / CVS
2) bluebird - provides the ability to write checks (don't have to rely on billpay), while serve only provides billpay
3) serve provides access to some other ancillary amex benefits
but besides that, they seem to be relatively the same including in the amounts one can load onto them. wondering if I'm missing anything obvious.
I've found some old pro/con lists, but they don't seem to be that accurate anymore so hoping others can fill me in.
from what I can tell on a simplistic level they are basically the same besides for a few things
1) bluebird - can reload at walmart, while serve can now reload at 7/11 / CVS
2) bluebird - provides the ability to write checks (don't have to rely on billpay), while serve only provides billpay
3) serve provides access to some other ancillary amex benefits
but besides that, they seem to be relatively the same including in the amounts one can load onto them. wondering if I'm missing anything obvious.
I've found some old pro/con lists, but they don't seem to be that accurate anymore so hoping others can fill me in.
Mar 21, 2014, 3:00 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NC
Programs: CITI, Barclay, Fidelity Amex, CC
Posts: 128
I asked the same question today on this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...tart-here.html
You are right, except that BB max is 5k/month, while Serve is a little more(see the wiki)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...tart-here.html
You are right, except that BB max is 5k/month, while Serve is a little more(see the wiki)
Mar 21, 2014, 5:13 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,475
Excellent thread. I am also in the process of choosing one.
Which of these two is cheaper?
How accurate is this article?
http://boardingarea.com/frequentmile...bird-vs-serve/
Which of these two is cheaper?
How accurate is this article?
http://boardingarea.com/frequentmile...bird-vs-serve/
Mar 21, 2014, 5:31 pm
#6
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: PHL suburbs
Posts: 216
BB is good if you need/want checks or have a non-drugstore source of VRs.
Serve is good if you get category bonuses at drugstores or have a non-drugstore source of MPs.
If you use non-drugstore GCs, it really comes down to whether CVS or WM is closer.
Serve is good if you get category bonuses at drugstores or have a non-drugstore source of MPs.
If you use non-drugstore GCs, it really comes down to whether CVS or WM is closer.
Mar 21, 2014, 5:39 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 908
HHmm..how accurate is this:
Load via prepaid card BB: Vanilla Reload cards only. Up to $1000 per day, $5000 per month
SERVE: MoneyPak cards only. Up to $500 per day, $2500 per month.
If this is the case, why do Vanilla Reload card has SERVE printed on the front of the card? I haven't tried loading VR to my Serve account yet. But I assume you can.
Load via prepaid card BB: Vanilla Reload cards only. Up to $1000 per day, $5000 per month
SERVE: MoneyPak cards only. Up to $500 per day, $2500 per month.
If this is the case, why do Vanilla Reload card has SERVE printed on the front of the card? I haven't tried loading VR to my Serve account yet. But I assume you can.
Mar 21, 2014, 7:10 pm
#8
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 825
HHmm..how accurate is this:
Load via prepaid card BB: Vanilla Reload cards only. Up to $1000 per day, $5000 per month
SERVE: MoneyPak cards only. Up to $500 per day, $2500 per month.
If this is the case, why do Vanilla Reload card has SERVE printed on the front of the card? I haven't tried loading VR to my Serve account yet. But I assume you can.
Load via prepaid card BB: Vanilla Reload cards only. Up to $1000 per day, $5000 per month
SERVE: MoneyPak cards only. Up to $500 per day, $2500 per month.
If this is the case, why do Vanilla Reload card has SERVE printed on the front of the card? I haven't tried loading VR to my Serve account yet. But I assume you can.
Mar 21, 2014, 7:42 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 60
I love that I can load VGC's to BB via walmart without any questions or being asked to show my "debit cards". But I find trying to load Serve at CVS with anything other than your credit card is difficult because they often ask to see the card. It get's a little awkward when you hand them an AMEX GC or VCG even if it has your name on it… usually results you getting shot down.
If I need to unload a bunch of VCG's I prefer BB since I try to stay away from MOs. Serve is a nice tool for just doing credit card swipes. Sadly, I'm starting to find that CVS who don't let you buy VR's with CC are also not letting you load Serve with CC. It's nice to have access to both BB and serve.
If I need to unload a bunch of VCG's I prefer BB since I try to stay away from MOs. Serve is a nice tool for just doing credit card swipes. Sadly, I'm starting to find that CVS who don't let you buy VR's with CC are also not letting you load Serve with CC. It's nice to have access to both BB and serve.
Mar 21, 2014, 10:41 pm
#12
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: Hilton-Diamond Lifetime Platinum AA UA, WN-CP, SPG Gold.
Posts: 7,377
You can have Serve send a payment to anyone, and they will write and mail the check.
You can use a CC to load at CVS,
You do not have to look for Bean Cards.
You do not have to walk into or try to find a parking space at WM,
I will take CVS over WM any day, and you can load 500 on one card and load 500 on another CC to your Serve Account tell the cashier the last 4 numbers and walk...
In my area WM's are depressing to walk into.
You can use a CC to load at CVS,
You do not have to look for Bean Cards.
You do not have to walk into or try to find a parking space at WM,
I will take CVS over WM any day, and you can load 500 on one card and load 500 on another CC to your Serve Account tell the cashier the last 4 numbers and walk...
In my area WM's are depressing to walk into.
Mar 22, 2014, 4:30 pm
#14
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 613
My wife and I both had BBs. We recently switched to SERVE to avoid the $3.95 fees for VRs. The free loading with CC at CVS is awesome and we didn't need the checks that came with BB.
I had rather have a root canal than go to WalMart.
I had rather have a root canal than go to WalMart.