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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 Dec 3, 2014, 11:35 am
      #1486  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
    Posts: 91
    Originally Posted by ccohen322
    Anyone have any speculation about a nationwide rollout? The state next to me has it, wondering if it's worth a trip over the border...
    Now available in Target's home state. ^
    PolarPlunge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 11:36 am
      #1487  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2014
    Location: ANC
    Programs: AS, UA, IHG, HH,
    Posts: 171
    Originally Posted by phatjoe
    Data point: don't load more than $1k. Even if you've done it before. Don't do it.
    Could you please elaborate on this data point?
    BoeingOrNotGoing is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 12:00 pm
      #1488  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by BoeingOrNotGoing
    Could you please elaborate on this data point?
    It's not a data point at all. It's an unsupported command. When people want to order us all to do what they tell us to do, they could at least add a reason for it.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 12:04 pm
      #1489  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by hamokmonky
    When I bought mine, the cashier manually entered all the information. I told her to try scanning my drivers license but she didnt listen. Either way, you dont need a DL because she did absolutely nothing with mine except use it as reference to enter all of the information it asked for.
    Yeah, except "the information it asked for" includes your drivers license number.

    Whether she scanned it or entered it manually, it requires a drivers license number to issue the card. Or probably a state issued non-drivers license would also work. But from all I've been told, you need a state issued ID card to apply for this.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 12:05 pm
      #1490  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2014
    Posts: 57
    Smile

    This morning finally loaded my remaining AGCs that I didn't get a chance to unload before the death of AP. Thank you, Target!

    I will avoid the 3 stores that stopped me from using them but I will happily frequent the ones that did let me w/o a problem when I do my regular CC loads.
    chuuch is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 12:16 pm
      #1491  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    How to make a payment to Chase

    I've read this thread daily for months before I even got my temporary card. I just checked the wiki to make sure this was not covered. I don't remember this being mentioned anywhere.

    I want to make a payment to one of my Chase ccs. When I try to add Chase as a payee, whether I use Chase Bank, Chase Bank Credit Cards, or as my bank BP site has it, Chase Card Services, Redbird says:

    "We couldn't find a business called Chase Card Services. Would you like to add this payee?"

    Surely someone has paid a Chase cc by now, so it should already be in the Redbird system. Am I using the wrong name, or do we all need to add every business by hand every time we BP a business for the first time?
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 12:19 pm
      #1492  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2014
    Posts: 64
    Originally Posted by Brugge

    Surely someone has paid a Chase cc by now, so it should already be in the Redbird system. Am I using the wrong name, or do we all need to add every business by hand every time we BP a business for the first time?
    It is listed on my account as: CHASE CREDIT CARDS

    I found it by just typing in chase.
    angiez628 is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 12:20 pm
      #1493  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2009
    Location: SFO
    Posts: 515
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    I've read this thread daily for months before I even got my temporary card. I just checked the wiki to make sure this was not covered. I don't remember this being mentioned anywhere.

    I want to make a payment to one of my Chase ccs. When I try to add Chase as a payee, whether I use Chase Bank, Chase Bank Credit Cards, or as my bank BP site has it, Chase Card Services, Redbird says:

    "We couldn't find a business called Chase Card Services. Would you like to add this payee?"

    Surely someone has paid a Chase cc by now, so it should already be in the Redbird system. Am I using the wrong name, or do we all need to add every business by hand every time we BP a business for the first time?

    Hmm, when I enter simply "Chase" it populates with a lot of choices including "Chase Credit Cards". I have used it successfully.
    adlibitum is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 1:06 pm
      #1494  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Posts: 1,207
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    Yeah, except "the information it asked for" includes your drivers license number.

    Whether she scanned it or entered it manually, it requires a drivers license number to issue the card. Or probably a state issued non-drivers license would also work. But from all I've been told, you need a state issued ID card to apply for this.
    Ah, I never saw her enter that but its been a month, so my memory being what it is. Oh well Sorry!
    hamokmonky is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 1:25 pm
      #1495  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2013
    Posts: 250
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    It's not a data point at all. It's an unsupported command. When people want to order us all to do what they tell us to do, they could at least add a reason for it.
    Not a data point, but I'm guessing it's to prevent noobies from quote below and possible chargeback that might occur from their mistakes.

    Originally Posted by kenshin251
    Data Point:

    Made a $2000 load ($1000 x 2) in the same transaction.

    When I checked online only $1000 had been deposited.

    Only received one email confirming the $1000 load, credit card statement shows $2000 debit.

    Going to target tomorrow to clarify.
    Gammachu is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 1:30 pm
      #1496  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by adlibitum
    Hmm, when I enter simply "Chase" it populates with a lot of choices including "Chase Credit Cards". I have used it successfully.
    Originally Posted by angiez628
    It is listed on my account as: CHASE CREDIT CARDS

    I found it by just typing in chase.
    Over thought it.

    Chase itself calls it Chase Card Services, which is also what my WF BP uses. That didn't work, nor did Chase Credit Cards. But when I just put in Chase, one of the options it gave me was, of course, Chase Credit Cards.

    Why you can't use the exact name you are searching for is beyond me. But it worked, so that's all that matters. Thanks to both of you my first Redbird payment is already flying on it's way. ^
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 1:37 pm
      #1497  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by Gammachu
    Not a data point, but I'm guessing it's to prevent noobies from quote below and possible chargeback that might occur from their mistakes.
    That it went thru was obviously a glitch in the system. My wife and I just recently got our permanent cards. She did a $1K load on Sunday, then tried to do another one. The second one was rejected, saying something about "not available at this time". Got home and checked the website, and yes, she had already done her whole $5K for the month. That's how it always worked with BB too. When you hit the limit, it should reject the charge, not send half of it into orbit in virtual space.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 1:43 pm
      #1498  
    npr
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Posts: 5
    why must you make up ss #?

    Originally Posted by Zgirl
    How is making up a social security number not a shady/illegal activity?
    I bought more than 1 card at Target, and presented my license and accurate info including my correct SS# each time, and had no problem.

    When you register the card, that is when you cannot have same social security number. But different family members can each have their own obviously and register different cards. And each does not have to go in himself or herself and purchase the temp card. One person can buy more than 1 card- although you may not be allowed to do 2 on same day. I could of course be wrong, but I believe there is nothing wrong or against their rules for 1 person to buy more than 1 temp card.

    So unless I am missing something, no need to be any thing but fully honest.
    npr is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 1:45 pm
      #1499  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2012
    Location: DCA
    Programs: UA AA SPG HILTON AMTRAK
    Posts: 42
    Did she do another one in the same or different transaction. It seems there is only problem or system glitch if you try to do the over limit part in the same transaction with the under limit part.

    Originally Posted by Brugge
    That it went thru was obviously a glitch in the system. My wife and I just recently got our permanent cards. She did a $1K load on Sunday, then tried to do another one. The second one was rejected, saying something about "not available at this time". Got home and checked the website, and yes, she had already done her whole $5K for the month. That's how it always worked with BB too. When you hit the limit, it should reject the charge, not send half of it into orbit in virtual space.
    mxhjustin is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 1:52 pm
      #1500  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2013
    Posts: 2,363
    Originally Posted by PolarPlunge
    Now available in Target's home state. ^
    Are you saying they are now available in MN? on their website it still doesn't say that its carried in MN.
    ZBigFam is offline  


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