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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 19, 2014, 6:12 pm
      #1951  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2006
    Location: SoCal
    Posts: 174
    I received my permanent card in the mail a few days ago and loaded $2500 one day and $2000 the next with no issues at all with the Citi Hilton Reserve card and both transactions were coded as "Grocery Store, Supermarket" purchases. One more load and I'll earn another free night's stay. Today I found that my small test of the bill pay functionality worked like a breeze, so I made a larger payment of my current statement balance on another card. This is even better than BB and VRs. Never again do I have to make 5 trips to CVS to load up for the month or, worse, drive from store to store finding empty rack after empty rack. Happy Holidays indeed!
    strummerjones is offline  
    Old Dec 19, 2014, 6:47 pm
      #1952  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Location: Orange County, CA
    Programs: AA, BA, SPG Gold
    Posts: 665
    I made it to Target today, but not without incident. Tried to load $1000 at the register. The checker had never done it but tried when I said it's just like loading a gift card. When she went to put in the last for digit of the card... it said card denied. I totally forgot about the fraud alert and didn't hear the text on my phone buried deep in my purse. I walked over to Customer Service. The girl there was awesome. When the fraud alerts wouldn't clear, she even helped me with the phone call!! Bottom line... it went through and I have the fraud cleared on my Citi cards. At least if it happens again... i'll be more aware!! Thanks for everyone's help!

    BTW... I couldn't find any cards in the store (didn't look very hard) but they had signs at each register advertising Redbirds. Perhaps that means coming soon to California!!
    slhansen219 is offline  
    Old Dec 19, 2014, 8:09 pm
      #1953  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2005
    Location: Washington, DC
    Posts: 1,727
    So the last several times I've been to my local store I've been told by numerous different cashiers that I need to load at guest services. I'm at a store that doesn't sell them yet. Anyone else experiencing this? I prefer to not load multiple times on multiple cards with the same cashier.
    terpfan101 is offline  
    Old Dec 19, 2014, 8:16 pm
      #1954  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Location: PIT-SCE-AOO-PHL-NYC-WAS
    Programs: free agent
    Posts: 1,033
    Originally Posted by terpfan101
    So the last several times I've been to my local store I've been told by numerous different cashiers that I need to load at guest services. I'm at a store that doesn't sell them yet. Anyone else experiencing this? I prefer to not load multiple times on multiple cards with the same cashier.
    Guest service is place where you should feed your little red birds if stores dont sell redbird. however, ymmv situation with amount / # of loads. for me, i'm okay with 1-2 large load then come back again.. others do their own ways.
    washeelers747 is offline  
    Old Dec 19, 2014, 9:40 pm
      #1955  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2013
    Posts: 213
    Originally Posted by terpfan101
    So the last several times I've been to my local store I've been told by numerous different cashiers that I need to load at guest services. I'm at a store that doesn't sell them yet. Anyone else experiencing this? I prefer to not load multiple times on multiple cards with the same cashier.
    Just have the cashier who told you that swipe the card and follow the prompts. It is pretty straightforward. You just have to get past the hesitation of the first swipe.
    kilbornr is offline  
    Old Dec 19, 2014, 10:37 pm
      #1956  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2005
    Programs: Northwest, United
    Posts: 3,256
    Originally Posted by slhansen219
    BTW... I couldn't find any cards in the store (didn't look very hard) but they had signs at each register advertising Redbirds. Perhaps that means coming soon to California!!
    Well, that's interesting.

    But it's already at one location in CA. Where exactly (what city) did you see this signage?
    nwflyboy is offline  
    Old Dec 19, 2014, 10:50 pm
      #1957  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Location: SJC
    Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
    Posts: 6,056
    That was too easy! My wife and I went to our closest Target, and the customer service desk was able to load the card after I mentioned the loading procedure was like a gift card. My wife followed my $2500 load on the same credit card. They barely wanted to see ID or flinched at the amount. This is just a refreshing departure from BB at WM. I hope this lasts for awhile!
    Majuki is offline  
    Old Dec 19, 2014, 11:43 pm
      #1958  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2012
    Programs: Marriott/SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
    Posts: 887
    Originally Posted by laopai
    May I suggest Dublin Target? I was just there this evening, and there were at least 30+ of them.
    Phew, I have been waiting for a NorCal post like this. Took a drive from over here in farm country through the rain for it. Glad I did, cashier was knowledgeable and polite, so much different than WM.

    Got my temporary, loaded with first $500 from Barclay Arrivals+ card.

    Now I'm off to cancel BB and work on registering Redbird.

    Thank you, thank you, thank you!
    ElPresidente is offline  
    Old Dec 20, 2014, 6:10 am
      #1959  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2011
    Programs: DL DM Hub Captive, Marriott Plat, Hilton Diamond, PC Plat, and other stuff.
    Posts: 904
    Originally Posted by klmrph
    I just activated my permanent card yesterday and my bill pay isn't working, something about technical difficulties. Anyone else having this problem?
    Originally Posted by kazelin
    You need to make sure that your contact information is correct. In many people's cases, it was because their phone numbers were saved incorrectly. It probably has something to do with some internal verification to ensure you have all the info that is needed to transmit a a payment. Should work once this is done.
    Originally Posted by klmrph
    Thanks, I called and they fixed it.
    What specifically did they have to fix?

    I use google voice phone numbers rather than a home phone number, and I'm wondering if that might cause an issue with billpay.
    thegasguru is offline  
    Old Dec 20, 2014, 6:28 am
      #1960  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2014
    Posts: 1,837
    Originally Posted by thegasguru
    What specifically did they have to fix?

    I use google voice phone numbers rather than a home phone number, and I'm wondering if that might cause an issue with billpay.
    My home phone is GV.


    Did you check your phone number in your profile? Make sure the area code is not missing
    lumangoy is offline  
    Old Dec 20, 2014, 8:24 am
      #1961  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by Majuki
    That was too easy! My wife and I went to our closest Target, and the customer service desk was able to load the card after I mentioned the loading procedure was like a gift card. My wife followed my $2500 load on the same credit card. They barely wanted to see ID or flinched at the amount. This is just a refreshing departure from BB at WM. I hope this lasts for awhile!
    My wife and I got our cards out of state, and did initial load there, and then loaded Dec at home as well. The only time we have been asked for ID was scanning our DL when getting the cards. Haven never been asked for ID when loading them, even when it's been $2500 in one load. It takes less than one minute to do the whole process.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Dec 20, 2014, 8:32 am
      #1962  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Location: Orange County, CA
    Programs: AA, BA, SPG Gold
    Posts: 665
    Originally Posted by nwflyboy
    Well, that's interesting.

    But it's already at one location in CA. Where exactly (what city) did you see this signage?
    San Clemente. And not only did they have signs at each register, they had a display with booklets which outlined the advantages of the card. One of the guys at customer service even tried to find one and could only find a gift card.
    slhansen219 is offline  
    Old Dec 20, 2014, 9:04 am
      #1963  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2012
    Programs: Marriott/SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
    Posts: 887
    Prepaid REDcard (Target)

    I am just realizing no Redbird app! I will miss this, hopefully they port bluebird app soon.
    ElPresidente is offline  
    Old Dec 20, 2014, 10:04 am
      #1964  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2012
    Posts: 657
    Originally Posted by monkeywrencher
    Only activated cards may be registered online. To those purchasing on eBay I'm one of the sellers there. Feel free to send me a PM if you are looking for one, I'll sell them cheaper outside of eBay to avoid fees for those who are interested.
    Can you activate a non-activated card in a target store in a state that does not currently stock the redcard?
    drdrew450 is offline  
    Old Dec 20, 2014, 10:06 am
      #1965  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
    Posts: 215
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    My wife and I got our cards out of state, and did initial load there, and then loaded Dec at home as well. The only time we have been asked for ID was scanning our DL when getting the cards. Haven never been asked for ID when loading them, even when it's been $2500 in one load. It takes less than one minute to do the whole process.
    It depends on the store. One of my stores always asks for a DL when making a large purchase/load, but they are matching it up to the CC and not the Redbird. I generally just give them the last four of the CC, but this store wanted to see the actual CC.
    rabatt is offline  


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