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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, 1:58 pm
      #1501  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2013
    Posts: 250
    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.
    Glitch? ONLY when you load multiple times in one transaction like he did. You can't compare the loads to BB the way he's loading it because Walmart doesn't give you the option to load multiple times like Target. Only way you found out your wife reached the limit because she was doing individual loads, not multiple loads in one transaction.
    Easy way to avoid this problem? Simple math or individual loads.
    Gammachu is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 2:15 pm
      #1502  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by Gammachu
    Glitch? ONLY when you load multiple times in one transaction like he did. You can't compare the loads to BB the way he's loading it because Walmart doesn't give you the option to load multiple times like Target. Only way you found out your wife reached the limit because she was doing individual loads, not multiple loads in one transaction.
    Easy way to avoid this problem? Simple math or individual loads.
    You may be correct, we obviously didn't try it as one load, so I don't really know.

    Our simple math got messed up because we were traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday, and had just gotten our permanent cards in the mail the day before we left for the airport. We had just a few days to make our Nov quota, and no Targets where we were staying on the trip.

    So we stopped to and from the airport out of town, not having had the experience of doing this before. Not to mention the distraction of Fraud Alerts on my Carlson card. We won't make that mistake again.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 2:19 pm
      #1503  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by npr
    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.
    Well, we went out of town to get our temp cards, as none are available at home. And some of the people posting here are also having to travel quite a ways to get their cards. If you have them right at home, sure, do one a day. Not an option for those of us who have to go long distances to get them.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 2:20 pm
      #1504  
     
    Join Date: Mar 2012
    Posts: 407
    Such a good card, lots of "never saw this card before" and charged with happy delight, turned to kinda a sour face, but no comments made kinda charging...

    Unfortunately, I lost my physical card over the weekend. I'll have to put some effort in to find it so I can dump another round in!
    VizeL is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 2:26 pm
      #1505  
    Hilton Contributor Badge
     
    Join Date: Apr 2014
    Programs: Hilton - Diamond, IHG - Spire Amb
    Posts: 901
    The Chase card that gave me problems was a Chase Sapphire Preferred. I was authorized user with my card.

    And warning for the newbs,

    ***don't load more than a 1,000 unless you are prepared to deal with difficulties***.

    Have a plan of how to deal with it. I successfully had my failed load transaction canceled by a kind manager but I had PM from an individual who had same problem and the manager wouldn't do it.

    Watch their screen to make sure it shows loading fine.

    1. swipe
    2. amount
    3. "Can't be loaded with something something", they press K1
    4. screen shows the amount loaded as a item.
    5. repeat 1,2,3.
    6. Screen should now show two loads on their display. If it doesn't, cancel then!
    7. repeat 1,2,3,6

    Swipe card to pay.


    Also a warning, I was *unable* to put a soda pop on as a transaction at the same time.

    I tried, ring up pop, then swipe my card to load and it paid for it.

    Maybe if you try to load first, and then have them ring up a pop.

    Avoid even numbers if possible for the total CC charge. 1000, 1000, 327.18 yields a cc charge less likely to yield fraud dept.
    Carl Christensen is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 2:39 pm
      #1506  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2014
    Posts: 329
    Originally Posted by hamokmonky
    You misunderstood the question, they are asking when to swipe the second payment card, not swipe the RC for a second payment (ie they are paying $400 with 2 $200 gc, not paying RC for $1000 and then another $1000)

    Yes.
    That is what my question is
    Anyone??
    poisonsag is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 3:30 pm
      #1507  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Posts: 8
    Originally Posted by ZBigFam
    Are you saying they are now available in MN? on their website it still doesn't say that its carried in MN.
    Their website also says you can't get them in Florida, but that is not true.
    monroe37 is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 3:38 pm
      #1508  
     
    Join Date: May 2012
    Posts: 150
    Originally Posted by Carl Christensen
    The Chase card that gave me problems was a Chase Sapphire Preferred. I was authorized user with my card.

    And warning for the newbs,

    ***don't load more than a 1,000 unless you are prepared to deal with difficulties***.

    Have a plan of how to deal with it. I successfully had my failed load transaction canceled by a kind manager but I had PM from an individual who had same problem and the manager wouldn't do it.

    Watch their screen to make sure it shows loading fine.

    1. swipe
    2. amount
    3. "Can't be loaded with something something", they press K1
    4. screen shows the amount loaded as a item.
    5. repeat 1,2,3.
    6. Screen should now show two loads on their display. If it doesn't, cancel then!
    7. repeat 1,2,3,6

    Swipe card to pay.


    Also a warning, I was *unable* to put a soda pop on as a transaction at the same time.

    I tried, ring up pop, then swipe my card to load and it paid for it.

    Maybe if you try to load first, and then have them ring up a pop.

    Avoid even numbers if possible for the total CC charge. 1000, 1000, 327.18 yields a cc charge less likely to yield fraud dept.
    Wouldn't it just be easier to call the CC company before trip to target? "hey, just letting you know I'll be making several large purchases at target within the next 24-48 hours. Please note my account." This has worked every time for me for almost 18 months w/citi, capital one, PFCU, Chase and US Bank. And it's always been $500, $1000 or $1003 (AmexTarget).
    frogdog51 is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 4:02 pm
      #1509  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2014
    Posts: 276
    I have always done 3 transactions to load $2500. They never asked a single question or to see my ID. Its usually done in about 5 minutes. Target's POS is super fast. The minute or 2 you saved its not worth the hassle.
    benny08 is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 6:30 pm
      #1510  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
    Posts: 91
    Originally Posted by ZBigFam
    Are you saying they are now available in MN? on their website it still doesn't say that its carried in MN.
    That's what I'm saying. Good thing the lines were a little long for the lunch hour rush or I would have missed them. It's a beautiful day in the great state of Minnesota!
    PolarPlunge is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 8:20 pm
      #1511  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Location: Chicago
    Posts: 25
    Quick question, I apologize in advance if this is a silly question.

    I am aware that connecting a Discover card to a google wallet card allows all in store purchases using the google wallet card to be coded as "online purchases" through the Discover card, thus earning the current 5% cash back bonus. Following this logic, would loading the RedBird with a google wallet count as a 5% cash back "purchase"?
    8illy is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 8:21 pm
      #1512  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2012
    Programs: 25 million points to burn!
    Posts: 1,522
    Is 12/05 still the day these go National?
    Preacher7 is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 9:59 pm
      #1513  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Location: charleston sc
    Posts: 19
    Okay, just finished my MS spending for new cc that was recommended by Flyertalk. . Can anyone advise me which cc to use that will give more points- chase, spg,capital venture,amex rewards?

    Thanks!

    BTW-- We need to have a seminar in Charleston SC. I would definitely assist in making hotel and restaurant arrangements!
    elagreen is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 10:04 pm
      #1514  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
    Location: PHL
    Posts: 930
    Originally Posted by Preacher7
    Is 12/05 still the day these go National?
    Man, I hope so.
    commdiver is offline  
    Old Dec 3, 2014, 10:09 pm
      #1515  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2014
    Posts: 276
    Originally Posted by elagreen
    Okay, just finished my MS spending for new cc that was recommended by Flyertalk. . Can anyone advise me which cc to use that will give more points- chase, spg,capital venture,amex rewards?

    Thanks!

    BTW-- We need to have a seminar in Charleston SC. I would definitely assist in making hotel and restaurant arrangements!
    Seminar on MS? W T F?

    Everything you need to know is online.
    benny08 is offline  


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