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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, 9:56 pm
      #151  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,507
    Originally Posted by Parkerthon
    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?
    Why would they need to know how to reload when the POS machines guide them in the process as soon as you slide? The process should look similar to AFT loading. Its not like WM which the cashiers need to know to type action code 70 and cant just slide.

    Also its been confirmed that u can load at any target. Its in the wiki FAQ.
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2014, 10:39 pm
      #152  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2012
    Posts: 8
    i didn't go through all posts, but I hope my date point is worthy of posting
    (I bought my first AmexForTarget on 10/10) and today, I got the AMEX redcard with my SSN no problem. Then I tried to buy a second Redcard, plugged in all my info, identical to the first Redcard had, and I got error msg that is popularly posted in this thread.

    The error msg popped right after I finished all my info, and before I could swipe my card. so, i simply can't buy a second redcard.

    thinking of the rules for buying AFT (only 1 card in 24 hours), I figured to try whether this is an AMEX issue or Target issue, I tried to buy my SECOND AFT with initial load. Surprising yet not so surprising, the activation/registration failed, with the same error msg you guys reported, before I could swipe to pay.

    So, my speculation is that, the AMEX Redcard is similar to AFT, in terms of buying is limited to 1 card per 24 hours. The reason is maybe they both are AMEX reloadable prepaid products, that requires an SSN for signup.

    So, pretty sure you cannot get 2 initial AMEX redcards in 24 hours (or on same business day). But worth trying getting a second card after that 24 hours. I'm going to get my 2nd AFT in 2 days, I hope it wouldn't reject again. That would mean, whatever AMEX reloadable card you have with Target, you can only have at most two.
    HokiE36 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 5:30 am
      #153  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2011
    Posts: 404
    Originally Posted by Parkerthon
    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?
    deleted
    bar19900 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 7:47 am
      #154  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Posts: 142
    Originally Posted by ericdabbs
    ...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.
    ...I think Amex will resolve you issue after you sent in the documents so your money is not lost)...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.
    That is all well and good but Amex never requested any documentation, can no longer see that I loaded $500, and don't really seem to have any notion of what the problem is or when it will be fixed. Is there any proof of $500 credits?
    binnycode is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 9:19 am
      #155  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2014
    Posts: 39
    Would it be worth canceling Serve to get this? I have a Target close by (Virginia). Loading serve with GCs at FD is a pain as it is out of the way and you can only do $500 a day. WM is out of the way, always has long lines/cranky employees. I like being able to load Serve online but it's limited to $1000 so to pay mortgage, etc that means a few trips to get/unload GCs.

    Has anyone been able to confirm whether Redcard CC loads with a Chase card cause temporary CA decreases as reported with Serve online loads in the Serve thread here? Can you easily get to the $2500 load/mo cap?

    Thanks!

    Last edited by Panache; Oct 13, 2014 at 9:51 am
    Panache is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 9:41 am
      #156  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2011
    Posts: 404
    anyone know if mastercard codes grocery Targets as a grocery purchase? I know visa does, and amex doesn't.
    bar19900 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 9:43 am
      #157  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Location: KWI
    Programs: AA EXP
    Posts: 806
    Originally Posted by bar19900
    anyone know if mastercard codes grocery Targets as a grocery purchase? I know visa does, and amex doesn't.
    It's different based on location.
    LoneTree is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 9:48 am
      #158  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2011
    Posts: 404
    Originally Posted by LoneTree
    It's different based on location.
    I guess I'll find out tonight. It definitely shows up on Visa's locator as a grocery, so we'll see.
    bar19900 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 10:50 am
      #159  
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Posts: 137
    Originally Posted by HokiE36
    so, i simply can't buy a second redcard.

    So, my speculation is that, the AMEX Redcard is similar to AFT, in terms of buying is limited to 1 card per 24 hours. The reason is maybe they both are AMEX reloadable prepaid products, that requires an SSN for signup.

    So, pretty sure you cannot get 2 initial AMEX redcards in 24 hours (or on same business day). But worth trying getting a second card after that 24 hours. I'm going to get my 2nd AFT in 2 days, I hope it wouldn't reject again. That would mean, whatever AMEX reloadable card you have with Target, you can only have at most two.
    Hey, take just a few minutes to read the product insert instead of just speculating. Your answer is in it.

    Sorry, no I'm not just going to give you the answer. You should put a little tiny effort into this yourself.
    0limits is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 12:00 pm
      #160  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,507
    Originally Posted by binnycode
    That is all well and good but Amex never requested any documentation, can no longer see that I loaded $500, and don't really seem to have any notion of what the problem is or when it will be fixed. Is there any proof of $500 credits?
    So wait until confirmation that people are able to once again buy the temp Redbird card as a sign that the Amex/Target issues have been fixed and then call Amex and tell them to credit you the $500 after you upload documentation. At that point you send in your documentation as proof that a $500 load was done and hopefully that should be resolved. I am sure Amex will get bombarded with these type of request calls once the system is fixed. You called right at the peak of when the issue was going on so of course they don't have a notion of what was going. You would think by now they would have a better idea of what is going on.
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 1:57 pm
      #161  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2008
    Posts: 783
    AGC?

    I am still waiting to get my Redbird (out of state). So I see reports that CCs are working to load, has anyone tried AGCs? Any success?

    Cheers,

    PedroNY
    PedroNY is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 3:13 pm
      #162  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by ericdabbs
    So wait until confirmation that people are able to once again buy the temp Redbird card as a sign that the Amex/Target issues have been fixed and then call Amex and tell them to credit you the $500 after you upload documentation. At that point you send in your documentation as proof that a $500 load was done and hopefully that should be resolved. I am sure Amex will get bombarded with these type of request calls once the system is fixed. You called right at the peak of when the issue was going on so of course they don't have a notion of what was going. You would think by now they would have a better idea of what is going on.
    So the decision to roll this out in only a few states, and none of the really populous ones, was obviously a good one. This is not quite ready for Prime Time, and imagine if all the MSers in Calif and Texas were part of this too. For those of us who live somewhere that this isn't available yet, AMEX is just saving us the aggravation.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 3:16 pm
      #163  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Posts: 35
    Originally Posted by ericdabbs
    Why would they need to know how to reload when the POS machines guide them in the process as soon as you slide? The process should look similar to AFT loading. Its not like WM which the cashiers need to know to type action code 70 and cant just slide.

    Also its been confirmed that u can load at any target. Its in the wiki FAQ.
    Fair enough. I missed that was added to wiki since last I read it. I've seen a few posters on here talking about the cashiers fumbling through process at stores that sell them so I assume it will be even more so attempting to reload at one that doesn't. Guess I'll find out here soon enough.
    Parkerthon is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 3:54 pm
      #164  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2010
    Location: Washington, DC
    Posts: 393
    Originally Posted by gm9928
    Might be different for each state. Bought temp card this morning in Maryland. $0 purchase fee, was able to load $500 with credit card when purchasing card. Tried to load another $500 with different credit card, was rejected at register - not 100% sure of the reason (but didn't want to try again and hold up the line).

    From "Temporary Card Agreement" in the package: "Maximum load of $500 to the Temporary Card." "Once loaded, the Temporary Card is not reloadable"

    Will wait for the permanent card and see what happens!
    Update: Temporary Card
    Sunday morning: Loaded $500 on it when buying it
    Monday afternoon: Loaded $1000 on it with Cap1 credit card, at a store that does not sell the REDCard. Transaction took about 40 seconds.

    Again, will wait for the permanent card and see what happens!
    gm9928 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2014, 4:16 pm
      #165  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Location: KWI
    Programs: AA EXP
    Posts: 806
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    So the decision to roll this out in only a few states, and none of the really populous ones, was obviously a good one. This is not quite ready for Prime Time, and imagine if all the MSers in Calif and Texas were part of this too. For those of us who live somewhere that this isn't available yet, AMEX is just saving us the aggravation.
    Seems Target is doing some other testing as well. Some markets are $0 purchase fees, some have $5 fees.
    LoneTree is offline  


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