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Old Oct 5, 2014, 1:54 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: ANC RED-EYE
This thread is closed and contains historic discussion up to 12/31/14. The current thread is here: Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015

Read the wiki and especially the FAQ before posting a question.
It's a literacy test that's easy to pass.


https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcar...prepaidredcard


    Redbird (Target Prepaid REDcard)
    Cash loading at Target: ** - $2,500/day and $5,000/month
    Online Debit Card Load * - $200/day and $1,000/month
    Checking/Savings Account - $2,000/month
    Checks - $2,000/day and $10,000/month
    ATM Withdrawals - $750/day and $2,000/month




    All "Monthly" limits are per calendar month and reset on the 1st of each month.

    *For online debit load, only use of bank-issued cards is allowed. The use of pre-paid debit cards (Netspend, Paypower, Univision, Paypal, etc.) and VGC/MGC/AGCs is not allowed. Your account will be flagged upon first/second attempt.

    **As of 12/18/14, "Cash" load at target also includes in-store loads by any Credit/Debit card normally accepted at Target

    ATM Withdrawals:
    $0 ATM usage at US Target stores* and over
    43,000 US Allpoint network ATMs (ATM usage not available at any other ATMs) Find an Allpoint ATM at: $0 from a Checking or Savings Account
    www.allpointnetwork.com

    Redbird is currently only available in the following states:
    Alabama
    Arizona
    California (YMMV)
    Colorado
    Indiana
    Maryland
    Massachusetts
    Michigan
    Minnesota (Minneapolis YMMV)
    Mississippi
    New Mexico
    North Carolina
    Ohio (Cleveland area only)
    Oklahoma
    Pennsylvania (note for fellow Pennsylvanians: west PA only)
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Virginia
    Wisconsin

    You can check which participating Target locations carry the temp Redbird card for purchase
    https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcar...#store-locator

    FAQ
    Q: Can I reload a RB at a Target that doesn't sell RB?
    Yes. However, the cashier may not know how to do it. You may be able to coach them through it by saying "It's like reloading a Starbucks (or Gift) card". For step-by-step instructions on one method of 'coaching' new cashiers see Post#1904

    Q: Can I buy or reload a RB in North Carolina?
    Some users report issues with RB in NC however already activated RBs from other states have been successfully loaded via CC at Targets around Raleigh

    Q: Can I reload the RB at any register, or just at the Customer Service desk?
    It can be done at any register, however some cashiers are uncomfortable doing so. If asked to go to the CS desk, smile and say "thank you" and do the load at the CS desk. Target CS desk employees are infinitely more friendly than the Walmart MC employees. It is painless and pleasant!

    Q: What is the most efficient way to drain a Redbird?
    There are differing opinions but the general consensus is that your best option is to simply use the RB Billpay feature to pay off the credit card you used to load with. Some people frown on this, thinking it creates a suspicious 'closed loop'. If you are uncomfortable with this, consider paying off a second, unrelated CC using the BB Billpay feature. The general consensus is that Billpay is less of a red flag than doing ATM withdrawals.

    Q: I cant access the BillPay feature through the RB website!
    Verify that your account information correctly reflects a 10-digit phone number (including area code). Numerous people have reported that their account only had a 7-digit phone number (no area code) and that, after updating to a 10-digit phone number, BillPay miraculously started working.

    Q: Can we buy a temporary Redbird card while we still have a Bluebird or Serve account?
    YES

    Q: How many Redbird cards can you purchase at once?
    You can only purchase one Redbird card a day per SSN. If you plan to purchase more than one, be sure to use a different SSN for each purchase to avoid activation issues.

    Q: Can we register our temporary Redbird online while we still have a Bluebird or Serve account?
    NO.
    You will have to cancel your Bluebird or Serve account first before registering.


    Q: How do I cancel my BlueBird or Serve Account online? Do I need to call them?
    Frequent Miler posted a useful trick that will help you cancel online: How to cancel Bluebird online This works for both BlueBird and Serve.

    Q: Cancelled Bluebird, why does registering Redbird error out saying Bluebird is still active?
    If you have open transactions that have not been settled, like BillPay checks that have not yet been cashed, the account cannot settle and will not be truly closed. Thus Target will reject it until it's permanently closed.

    Q: Can we get Redbird online?
    NO.
    The only way to get Redbird is to find a participating Target store and buy a temporary card there.
    Some people have purchased RB on Ebay, Amazon, or through private deals. Be aware that doing so may violate the TOS of one or more of these services. Also be aware that buying an un-activated RB, you are potentially buying "stolen" merchandise; the seller *may* have simply taken the un-activated RB cards from a target store without permission. At best they got permission from a low-level employee; they certainly are not getting permission from someone authorized to allow sale of RB outside of the current Target-authorized roll out markets. It is highly recommended to only buy already activated Redbirds because many Targets which do not offer Redbirds also will not be able to activate them and you will spend a month with the Customer Service line trying to get a new one.

    Q: Can we load Redbird with VGCs/debit cards at Target?
    YES

    Q: Can we load Redbird with credit cards at Target?
    YES
    It is possible that Target has plans to change the register to not allow credit cards, but I don’t think that’s the case.


    Q: Can we load Redbird with Target gift cards at Target?
    NO.
    When loading, the register displays a large message saying that gift cards cannot be used to pay for this transaction.


    Q: What are the card’s load limits per transaction at Target?
    When reloading the card at Target a $1000 maximum reload per Redbird swipe, $2500 per transaction per day is in place. This is inclusive of all payment types (Ex: if you load $25 from a VGC in one transaction, you can only load $2475 from any other payment source)
    The Target systems have not been stopping anyone from charging above the daily limits but the money just "disappears" (see below)

    update: Many have been able to load more than $1000 in a single credit card transaction. For example, cashier will swipe to load $1000 to RedBird, then cashier swipes to load another $1000 to Redbird, then the cashier will do a final swipe of Redbird to load $500. The purchaser can then swipe their CC on the customer terminal to pay for all three loads in one $2500 credit card transaction. This works up to the limit of $2500 per day. More details available here: Post#1904

    Update: As of 12/26, some people have reported issues with not receiving full credit for multiple RB reloads in a single CC transaction as specified in the previous update. Always check your receipt to verify that it accurately shows your RedBird "New Balance" increasing with each successive load. This seems to be associated with loading above the daily limit of a temp or perm card (there is no error indicating this or any message at all) Correcting the problem *may* be possible if caught immediately. Otherwise, your only option may be to dispute the transaction with your CC issuer.

    Q: Do the CC loads count as cash advances?
    While we don’t yet have absolute proof of this, I’m confident in saying “no”. The charges I’ve done so far fully appear to be purchases. And, previous experience with the similar Amex for Target card has shown that credit cards are safe to use for register reloads at Target.
    As of 12/31/2014: Loading with Citi credit cards post as purchases

    Q: Can someone else buy a Redbird card for you?
    Yes. When you buy a temp Redbird card at Target, you have to give them your drivers license info, your SSN (can be any set of numbers, does not need to be real), birthdate, and more. Then, you have to register the card online in order to get a permanent card. In the process of registering online, they ask for the birthday of the original buyer on the first screen, but you can put your own and it will still work. Either way, you can still change the details on the following screens. I did this for my wife. I bought the card at Target and used my own driver’s license, SSN, etc. But, when I got home, I registered the card to my wife. I can’t promise this will work for everyone, but it worked for me.

    Q: Can you reload Serve at Target?
    NO.
    Since Serve and Redbird are on the same technology platform, and since you can reload Serve at Walmart (like Bluebird), it seems reasonable to assume that it would work at Target as well. I tried a Serve card, but it didn’t work. So, the answer for now is NO. It won’t surprise me, though, if that changes in the future.


    Q: How do I contact Target's support team to resolve an issue with my RedCard?
    Call Target's Prepaid Resolution Team, their direct telephone number is 800 438 6468 (open from 8AM to 430PM MST).

    Q: Can you have both Redbird and AFT cards?
    YES.
    You can have both Redbird and AFT since they are independent products.


    Q: I got a "Pending" notice that the registration is being reviewed, what now?
    Add [email protected] to your address book, and check your spam folder for an email about it. You can also call in. They will need images or faxes of:
    • Social Security Documentation (must clearly show full 9 digit Social Security Number). Choose 1 of the following options:
    ◦ Social Security Card, OR
    ◦ A Medicare insurance card
    Plus...
    • Picture ID
    ◦ A valid driver's license card OR
    ◦ A valid state issued ID OR
    ◦ A valid United States Government ID Card (e.g. Green Card) OR
    ◦ A valid United States Passport (photo page only)
    Original FAQ by FrequentMiler. Significant subsequent clarifications and enhancements by FT community.
    ===============================================
    Q: How to swipe $2500 at a time and add a small purchase

    A:Originally Posted by Carl Christensen http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...l#post23944354
    Originally Posted by Carl Christensen
    Carl's updated guide to achieve non even numbers:

    Go through express/regular check out. Why? Their screen faces you. I have an excel spread sheet printed off showing the number I want to load. Somehow, having a print off and pointing at the numbers causes more confidence and less questions.

    1. hand card and tell them to swipe bar up and that you plan on having them swipe three times for three loads
    2. tell them 1000
    3. Warning that Target Gift Cards may not be used - they press K1 (after I train them they keep their hand hovering over K1 for more loads)
    4. Glance at their screen to check that it shows the load (it will show a line item with 1000 etc)
    5. Tell them to swipe again
    6. Repeat 2,3,4,5
    7. repeat 2 (500 this time), 3,4
    8. Hand them a pack of gum or pop and ask them to scan it (important this is done last and not first. If done first it will just pay)
    9. They might have to hit a final key I'm not sure, but I tell them I'm ready to pay
    10. I swipe my credit card
    11. show last 4 of card to them to type in
    12. After a pause (sometimes longer than others) it prints off a receipt.
    13. If your card is denied the screen will change from light blue to red. At this point I will tell them to cancel and I go sit down on the bench in front of them to call card company.
    14. Check your receipt immediately to make sure you see successful 3 loads.
    15. Step out of line and complete record keeping and then go back through line again for next red card.

    This process yields one cc charge that is a non even number.

    I sometimes do non even numbers (937.23 ie) if that is how much is left to meet minimum spend on my cc before I go to the next CC.

    If your total load is small enough (13x.xx did not require), it does not require them typing in the last 4 digits.

    Secure Document Upload
    Here's the link to upload secure documents to REDcard:

    https://secure.prepaidredcard.com/User/SecureFileUpload
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    Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2014

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    Old Oct 12, 2014, 3:05 pm
      #136  
     
    Join Date: May 2012
    Posts: 150
    So much for the 70 minute wait. Called again after 2 hours and was told the card is not able to be registered online or on phone. Had to fax them a bunch copy of receipt, card and dl. He said they would get back with me in 7-10 days. So, in the short term, I have a useless card and I'm out $500.
    Fwiw, I cancelled Bluebird a couple days ago. I DO have the other Amex target card ($3 loads $1000). Not sure if that's the issue. At this time, I just want my $500 back and go back to BB or Serve.
    frogdog51 is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 4:51 pm
      #137  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2010
    Location: USA
    Programs: Any and All
    Posts: 198
    I'm going to hold off until a store closer to where I live has these. Not worth the potential hassle of driving over an hour
    MilesDavis11 is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 5:40 pm
      #138  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2013
    Location: 212
    Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold, UA Silver
    Posts: 502
    Was in New Mexico when Frequent Miler broke the news and picked up a few Redbirds for the Mrs and me. Just had to scan our ID which loaded our address into the system. Then entered in our social and dob and we swiped our cc. I used Barclay Arrival+ and she used Citi TY Premier. Then went to buy a few things to verify it was loaded and earned 5% at Target. Still not sure if im gonna register and lose our Serves but we have the option now since we fly back to NY tomorrow.
    Songer5 is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 5:48 pm
      #139  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2012
    Posts: 208
    Originally Posted by bar19900
    How can we find out if our target posts as a grocery store other than trying in person? On the visa merchant site it says discount/wholesaler but others targets say that and still postrying as grocery. are certain registers different?
    Just tell me the store, and which register numbers you want tested, and I will swing by and test each one for you. Should be easy...
    eltex is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 6:05 pm
      #140  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Posts: 142
    Originally Posted by frogdog51
    So much for the 70 minute wait. Called again after 2 hours and was told the card is not able to be registered online or on phone. Had to fax them a bunch copy of receipt, card and dl. He said they would get back with me in 7-10 days. So, in the short term, I have a useless card and I'm out $500.
    Fwiw, I cancelled Bluebird a couple days ago. I DO have the other Amex target card ($3 loads $1000). Not sure if that's the issue. At this time, I just want my $500 back and go back to BB or Serve.
    I bought 2 of these abortions today. One seemed to go just fine, the other failed to load "We're Sorry! We can't complete this request. Please call the number printed on the card." Is what printed on the receipt.

    I called the number right away and CSR said he could see that I loaded $500 but to wait 70 minutes for it to become active.
    Got home 2 hours later and tried to register online. Card number does not match security code!?
    Called CSR: He says they cannot see the $500 load but that it is a known issue and they are working on it. 3-5 business days to get it sorted out he says. Took down my name and # to call if they fix it YEAH RIGHT!

    Long story short, I also have a useless card and am out $500. Contemplating just doing a charge back and saying eff it. FWIW, I also had 1x AFT card that I loaded 0 times apart from initial purchase.
    binnycode is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 6:45 pm
      #141  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2001
    Location: North Carolina
    Posts: 145
    Two questions that I think are probably too early to get answers:

    1. If I buy one with my information, can I send it to a relative in TX to register in that person's name?

    2. Can I then get a second one for myself?
    Force is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 6:47 pm
      #142  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Posts: 142
    Originally Posted by Force
    Two questions that I think are probably too early to get answers:

    1. If I buy one with my information, can I send it to a relative in TX to register in that person's name?

    2. Can I then get a second one for myself?
    1. Yes, they need your DOB though and will be able to see your SSN, address, DOB, etc.
    2. Maybe - see post #142

    Last edited by binnycode; Oct 12, 2014 at 7:07 pm
    binnycode is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 6:54 pm
      #143  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
    Posts: 215
    Originally Posted by bar19900
    How can we find out if our target posts as a grocery store other than trying in person? On the visa merchant site it says discount/wholesaler but others targets say that and still postrying as grocery. are certain registers different?
    Maybe go through some of you statements and see how your Target purchases have posted.

    Also, what have you got to lose by trying it in person?
    rabatt is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 7:09 pm
      #144  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2014
    Posts: 427
    I definitely will be holding off on making a trip to Target until the system issues are worked out.
    bigugly is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 7:32 pm
      #145  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2013
    Posts: 250
    Originally Posted by binnycode
    I bought 2 of these abortions today. One seemed to go just fine, the other failed to load "We're Sorry! We can't complete this request. Please call the number printed on the card." Is what printed on the receipt.

    I called the number right away and CSR said he could see that I loaded $500 but to wait 70 minutes for it to become active.
    Got home 2 hours later and tried to register online. Card number does not match security code!?
    Called CSR: He says they cannot see the $500 load but that it is a known issue and they are working on it. 3-5 business days to get it sorted out he says. Took down my name and # to call if they fix it YEAH RIGHT!

    Long story short, I also have a useless card and am out $500. Contemplating just doing a charge back and saying eff it. FWIW, I also had 1x AFT card that I loaded 0 times apart from initial purchase.
    Good way for them to cancel accepting credit card loads.
    Gammachu is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 7:40 pm
      #146  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Location: KWI
    Programs: AA EXP
    Posts: 806
    No system problems today in Baltimore. I bought a new redbird (no purchase fee here), canceled my softserve, and registered the new redbird today.
    LoneTree is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 8:52 pm
      #147  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,506
    Originally Posted by binnycode
    I bought 2 of these abortions today. One seemed to go just fine, the other failed to load "We're Sorry! We can't complete this request. Please call the number printed on the card." Is what printed on the receipt.

    I called the number right away and CSR said he could see that I loaded $500 but to wait 70 minutes for it to become active.
    Got home 2 hours later and tried to register online. Card number does not match security code!?
    Called CSR: He says they cannot see the $500 load but that it is a known issue and they are working on it. 3-5 business days to get it sorted out he says. Took down my name and # to call if they fix it YEAH RIGHT!

    Long story short, I also have a useless card and am out $500. Contemplating just doing a charge back and saying eff it. FWIW, I also had 1x AFT card that I loaded 0 times apart from initial purchase.
    Just be patient and let things sort out the next few days before doing anything drastic. You have the receipt that shows a $500 load to a temp card so you should be able to show them the documents if needed. Also it boggles my mind why people think doing chargebacks are a good thing. That should be a last resort effort instead of a first resort effort because you really think doing a chargeback is an instant refund?? HA..they have to get information and documents from you just like you would have to submit to Amex. I bet Amex would be able to resolve your issue given the documents way faster than your bank would.

    Originally Posted by frogdog51
    So much for the 70 minute wait. Called again after 2 hours and was told the card is not able to be registered online or on phone. Had to fax them a bunch copy of receipt, card and dl. He said they would get back with me in 7-10 days. So, in the short term, I have a useless card and I'm out $500.
    Fwiw, I cancelled Bluebird a couple days ago. I DO have the other Amex target card ($3 loads $1000). Not sure if that's the issue. At this time, I just want my $500 back and go back to BB or Serve.
    BB/Serve have their own problems too on certain days. Don't think that they are immune to this. Also you just loaded $500 so what were you seriously going to do with the $500 until the perm card arrived? You can't do BP until you register the perm card so the $500 would have just been sitting on your card for another week anyways. As long as they resolve your $500 by the time you get your perm card all is good. Running back to BB/Serve and have to deal with WM is just silly especially if Targets are much more convenient. I think if you can't deal with being out $500 temporarily (because I think Amex will resolve you issue after you sent in the documents so your money is not lost) then you shouldn't be in this game. Amex is fully aware that their system is wonky so as long as you show proof of your purchase they will be able to credit you the $500.

    Last edited by ericdabbs; Oct 12, 2014 at 9:01 pm
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 9:07 pm
      #148  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2012
    Programs: DL, WoH
    Posts: 1,253
    Originally Posted by atc1
    Went to two different locations to purchase. Folks at the checkout do not have a clue how to process this purchase. Keep getting error messages.
    Got same error message.

    "This product must be purchase at the front register"

    I was at the front register....lol
    ricohitman is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 9:08 pm
      #149  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,506
    Originally Posted by Force
    Two questions that I think are probably too early to get answers:

    1. If I buy one with my information, can I send it to a relative in TX to register in that person's name?

    2. Can I then get a second one for myself?
    *sigh* Answer is in the wiki FAQ. I guess people aren't reading it. For question 1 the person that you want to register for the permanent card just needs your personal information initially to verify the temp card but then you can change the info to the desired person's info.

    For question 2 just repeat above except use your info when you register for your permanent card.

    From wiki FAQ
    Q: Can someone else buy a Redbird card for you?
    I’ll give this one a tentative “yes”. When you buy a temp Redbird card at Target, you have to give them your drivers license info, your SSN, birthdate, and more. Then, you have to register the card online in order to get a permanent card. In the process of registering online, you do need a bit of info about the original buyer (birthdate, for example), to get past the first screen, but then you can change the details on the following screens. I did this for my wife. I bought the card at Target and used my own driver’s license, SSN, etc. But, when I got home, I registered the card to my wife. I can’t promise this will work for everyone, but it worked for me.
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 9:18 pm
      #150  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Posts: 35
    Still waiting for confirmation these cards are able to be loaded at stores that don't sell them yet. Anyone got any DPs on this yet? I question how those stores would know how to reload when it's not even sold there?
    Parkerthon is offline  


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