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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 6, 2014, 7:53 pm
      #61  
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    Originally Posted by commdiver
    How is this possible, though? You can only use debit cards from banks. Trust me, I hope that I am dead wrong, but to me, this card looks worthless because of that.
    I meant loading with debit in store.
    payeco is offline  
    Old Oct 6, 2014, 7:57 pm
      #62  
     
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    Originally Posted by commdiver
    How is this possible, though? You can only use debit cards from banks. Trust me, I hope that I am dead wrong, but to me, this card looks worthless because of that.
    You are dead wrong. They are talking about in-store debit card load...not online debit card load.
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 6, 2014, 8:44 pm
      #63  
     
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    Really dont see how this is useful for MS.
    If we cant load via CC why bother cancelling BB/Serve for this card?
    kaiotes is online now  
    Old Oct 6, 2014, 8:56 pm
      #64  
     
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    Is there any way to cash out the prepaid redbirds u pick up in stores from the atms without registering for the permanent 1? If yes than I can do as many as I want with credit card?
    Kingofhertz is offline  
    Old Oct 6, 2014, 9:10 pm
      #65  
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    Originally Posted by Kingofhertz
    Is there any way to cash out the prepaid redbirds u pick up in stores from the atms without registering for the permanent 1? If yes than I can do as many as I want with credit card?
    Do you have a CC that gets bonus points/miles/CB at Target? If not then why would that be any better than just buying AGCs? These are not debit cards.
    payeco is offline  
    Old Oct 6, 2014, 11:18 pm
      #66  
     
    Join Date: May 2014
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    Originally Posted by payeco
    Simple: 4% CB on an OV after the fee with OBC and 5% off at purchase when you pay with this card at Target for an effective 9% off everything at Target. If you do regular shopping at Target that is a big money saver. We spend a few hundred bucks a month on average at Target. So to me it's worth more than the $1000 or $1500 in online CC loads I'm missing on out on. The rest of my accounts I'm going to keep as a Softcard Serve accounts but I'm definitely converting one to a RC (or Redbird or TPR or whatever we end up calling it).
    Not to discourage you from getting Redbird, but there is another way to save your 9%: Get the Target Redcard CC store card (not visa). Get 5% off when making purchase with redcard. Then make additional 4% with OV when paying Redcard bill, either in store or with evolve.
    JohnnyCash is offline  
    Old Oct 6, 2014, 11:23 pm
      #67  
     
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    I have a question I'm surprised wasn't asked already: With AFT, you can load at any Target, even if they don't carry AFT. Can Redbird be loaded at Targets in states that don't (yet) carry it? I live in a state that doesn't carry it (NJ) but am close enough to one that does (PA) that I would make the one time trip to buy it as long as I can load it at my local Target.
    Another question: Do you have to swipe your license when purchasing temporary card, like you do with AFT?
    JohnnyCash is offline  
    Old Oct 7, 2014, 12:03 am
      #68  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
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    Originally Posted by JohnnyCash
    I have a question I'm surprised wasn't asked already: With AFT, you can load at any Target, even if they don't carry AFT. Can Redbird be loaded at Targets in states that don't (yet) carry it? I live in a state that doesn't carry it (NJ) but am close enough to one that does (PA) that I would make the one time trip to buy it as long as I can load it at my local Target.
    Another question: Do you have to swipe your license when purchasing temporary card, like you do with AFT?
    Try it out and let us know. You said you live close enough to one so why not give it a shot. My guess would be that any Target store should be able to load the Redbird card because the POS system should be the same nationwide. Now obviously the Targets that do not sell the Redbird card currently would be more confused about what to do to reload Redbird. Its going take some patience and guidance for the first few tries as try to educate cashiers at different Target stores but eventually it will get better. The Redbird is just too new of a card and nobody out there has a permanent card yet to know the ins and outs of this card. I hope that OVs will be defaulted to debit or at least have a method to change payment method to debit.

    Last edited by ericdabbs; Oct 7, 2014 at 12:16 am
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 7, 2014, 12:06 am
      #69  
     
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    Originally Posted by Kingofhertz
    Is there any way to cash out the prepaid redbirds u pick up in stores from the atms without registering for the permanent 1? If yes than I can do as many as I want with credit card?
    And how would you get a PIN number with a temp RB card? I don't even think you get a PIN number on a temp BB or Serve card for ATM withdrawals.
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 7, 2014, 12:10 am
      #70  
     
    Join Date: May 2014
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    Originally Posted by ericdabbs
    Try it out and let us know. You said you live close enough to one so why not give it a shot.
    I said I live close enough if it would work, not close enough to just try it out.
    JohnnyCash is offline  
    Old Oct 7, 2014, 1:29 am
      #71  
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    Originally Posted by JohnnyCash
    Not to discourage you from getting Redbird, but there is another way to save your 9%: Get the Target Redcard CC store card (not visa). Get 5% off when making purchase with redcard. Then make additional 4% with OV when paying Redcard bill, either in store or with evolve.
    Didn't know you could pay a Redcard CC with Evolve. Always assumed you couldn't since it's technically a CC. Interesting.
    payeco is offline  
    Old Oct 7, 2014, 3:47 am
      #72  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2014
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    Originally Posted by JohnnyCash
    I have a question I'm surprised wasn't asked already: With AFT, you can load at any Target, even if they don't carry AFT. Can Redbird be loaded at Targets in states that don't (yet) carry it? I live in a state that doesn't carry it (NJ) but am close enough to one that does (PA) that I would make the one time trip to buy it as long as I can load it at my local Target.
    Another question: Do you have to swipe your license when purchasing temporary card, like you do with AFT?
    The REDbird temp card purchase process is identical to when you purchase AFT.
    bushe is offline  
    Old Oct 7, 2014, 8:54 am
      #73  
     
    Join Date: May 2014
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    Originally Posted by payeco
    Didn't know you could pay a Redcard CC with Evolve. Always assumed you couldn't since it's technically a CC. Interesting.
    As long as it's a 'store card' and not visa (which evolve warns against when trying to add Target as biller).
    JohnnyCash is offline  
    Old Oct 7, 2014, 12:44 pm
      #74  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
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    Originally Posted by ericdabbs
    You are dead wrong. They are talking about in-store debit card load...not online debit card load.
    My bad. I relied on your incomplete wiki instead of looking at the terms and conditions.

    EDIT: From https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcard/faqs/:

    "How do I add money to my Prepaid REDcard Account?
    .....
    Debit Cards — add money from your debit card at the register or by linking it to your Prepaid REDcard account online. Please note: Gift cards cannot be used to add money."
    commdiver is offline  
    Old Oct 7, 2014, 12:50 pm
      #75  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
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    Originally Posted by commdiver
    My bad. I relied on your incomplete wiki instead of looking at the terms and conditions.

    EDIT: From https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcard/faqs/:

    "How do I add money to my Prepaid REDcard Account?
    .....
    Debit Cards — add money from your debit card at the register or by linking it to your Prepaid REDcard account online. Please note: Gift cards cannot be used to add money."
    Yes because the quote you just presented above is ONLY for the online debit card load which is correct in that gift cards are not allowed. Thank you for reconfirming that. You must have forgotten that BB/Serve loads at WM fall under the "Cash" section which on the website says for in this case for Redbird cash reloads at Target is

    "Cash — a convenient way to immediately add cash to your Account.
    Free Cash Reloads at the Target register: Add cash for FREE at any Target location in the U.S. You can add as much as $1,000 or as little as $0.01 for FREE to your personalized card. Just give your Prepaid REDcard and cash to the cashier and your money is immediately added to your Card. It's that easy!"


    Oh and if you think your little quote above applies to just the Redbird card, here is the reference for the Serve card under Adding money section
    "How do I add money to my American Express Serve® Account?
    Debit/Credit Card — add money from your debit or credit card (cash advance fees may apply for credit card loads; check with your credit card issuer for details). Please note: Gift cards cannot be used to add money."

    https://www.serve.com/help/?intlink=...response1-help

    And to your point about the wiki, I never claimed this is a end all be all completed wiki. The card just was released over the weekend and there is no one who has the permanent Redbird card yet and it is a work in progress so sit tight. I am just documenting what we currently know. As we get more data points as we do with any new MS avenue the wiki will be updated as such and hopefully confirm that we can use VGCs for loading at Target.

    Last edited by ericdabbs; Oct 8, 2014 at 9:47 am
    ericdabbs is offline  


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