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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 Nov 5, 2014, 11:40 am
      #751  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2011
    Location: US
    Programs: SPG Gold
    Posts: 105
    Originally Posted by JRV62
    You can't do 7, 5 is the most due to the 1k limit-- just do 5 swipes, they will ask for the last 4 digits, READ it to them, if you hand it to them they may balk at the use of GC.
    Thanks. This will help a lot. In Walmart this is very tough to do.
    ramkashyap is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 11:41 am
      #752  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2011
    Posts: 800
    Is there any statistic on Bill Pay from RedBird Account A to Cardholder B?

    I've been loading multiple RedBirds from one card and would like to use BillPay (not all at once), but is there any negative connotation to paying that single card with multiple RB accounts?
    macrophage is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 11:46 am
      #753  
     
    Join Date: May 2014
    Location: RIC
    Posts: 71
    Originally Posted by travellingpinoy
    Are there any strategies you can share so I can successfully load these? I never had this trouble at WM.
    Yes, know the last four digits before you get to the register, don't show them the card, and don't tell them it's a GC. Discretion is your friend. While their registers will balk at using a target GC, any "DEBIT" MC or Visa GC will work like any debit card and AGCs will work like a credit card transaction.
    nandemo1 is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 11:50 am
      #754  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2013
    Posts: 18
    Originally Posted by southpaw2421
    I was able to use serve on mint.com by searching for serve and adding it, no such luck with the target card.
    I don't have a redcard yet. Even tho Mint does not have a preset option for either, I was able to add both the AFT and Bluebird cards using the Amex giftcard option. You may get a failed signin message, but it nonetheless the accounts get added and I see the transactions for each card.
    DWinger is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 12:32 pm
      #755  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2014
    Location: DEN
    Posts: 93
    Originally Posted by nandemo1
    Yes, know the last four digits before you get to the register, don't show them the card, and don't tell them it's a GC. Discretion is your friend. While their registers will balk at using a target GC, any "DEBIT" MC or Visa GC will work like any debit card and AGCs will work like a credit card transaction.
    At the Target I went to I was actually asked to hand over the card - how do I avoid that? It's kinda why I needed to ask if anybody knew the official policy on VGCs and the status of RedBird whether it is or is not a gift card. To me, RedBird is not a gift card. It is a prepaid card that is registered to me. But those kinds of arguments do not go over so well with Target --- it's kind of a fruitless endeavor to argue this nuance, I think.
    travellingpinoy is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 1:12 pm
      #756  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Posts: 1,207
    Originally Posted by travellingpinoy
    At the Target I went to I was actually asked to hand over the card - how do I avoid that? It's kinda why I needed to ask if anybody knew the official policy on VGCs and the status of RedBird whether it is or is not a gift card. To me, RedBird is not a gift card. It is a prepaid card that is registered to me. But those kinds of arguments do not go over so well with Target --- it's kind of a fruitless endeavor to argue this nuance, I think.
    You dont, you hand it over and when they say you cant use that, you thank them, apologize, and walk away and go try somewhere else. No point in acting suspicious, much better to act like you know what you are doing and surprised/stupid when they decline or it doesnt work. In this game you are at the mercy of the people assisting you, and only so much can be done without interaction. Just as you find one person that is not willing to play, you will find another that will. Just remember who you have dealt with and it gets easier.
    hamokmonky is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 2:36 pm
      #757  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2005
    Programs: Northwest, United
    Posts: 3,256
    Originally Posted by hamokmonky
    You dont, you hand it over and when they say you cant use that, you thank them, apologize, and walk away and go try somewhere else. No point in acting suspicious, much better to act like you know what you are doing and surprised/stupid when they decline or it doesnt work. In this game you are at the mercy of the people assisting you, and only so much can be done without interaction. Just as you find one person that is not willing to play, you will find another that will. Just remember who you have dealt with and it gets easier.
    Thank you for speaking such common sense, and articulating it well.

    To the OP: stop looking for "official" rules so you can argue with the cashier. The official rules are whatever they say they are. Don't tell someone how to do their job, don't argue, don't make a stink.

    MSers should never forget the following two truths:
    1. You are attempting to "get away with something"…so behave accordingly. What you are doing is in fact a violation of the terms of service that you agreed to. You have no constitutional right to finagle a free trip to Bora Bora for your family, despite what bloggers have told you.
    2. Don't make a stink. If an employee doesn't cooperate with your plan, be courteous, accept what they tell you, shrug, thank them, and move along discreetly. Try again later with someone else. Trying to push your case, arguing, escalating, and other attention-grabbing behaviors is always counterproductive and will only lead to bad things for you and for everyone else.
    nwflyboy is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 2:46 pm
      #758  
     
    Join Date: May 2014
    Location: RIC
    Posts: 71
    Originally Posted by travellingpinoy
    At the Target I went to I was actually asked to hand over the card - how do I avoid that? It's kinda why I needed to ask if anybody knew the official policy on VGCs and the status of RedBird whether it is or is not a gift card. To me, RedBird is not a gift card. It is a prepaid card that is registered to me. But those kinds of arguments do not go over so well with Target --- it's kind of a fruitless endeavor to argue this nuance, I think.
    Officially, GCs cannot be used to load a prepaid card, it says so right on their screen. In reality, the clerk's own policy is usually just to do what the register tells them to do and no more. They always ask to see the card (same as at the drug stores) but by the time the register prompts them for the last 4, the card should already be in the wallet and back in the pocket/purse/man bag. Rattle off the numbers, they'll shrug, and then punch it in. If that's not good enough for them, show them the card, plead ignorance, take your licks, and move on to a different cashier on the next visit or to a different store if its a trend. Simple.
    nandemo1 is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 2:49 pm
      #759  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
    Posts: 90
    I went my local Target today try to get me a new red card, ready to switch one of my family member's serve account, Greensboro NC and Highpoint, are the only target listed on serve's website that carry RedCard for North Carolina, took me awhile to find a redcard (only one left), I went to register/service line, cashier said that Target have "problem" with the redcard, and they can't check it out, they have been directed by manager to pulled all the redcard off the shielf, so I went to other target, samething, all redcard are off the shielf, does anyone here at NC able to get one from greensboro or highpoint, and able to reload it at store?
    ZeroMile is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 2:49 pm
      #760  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2014
    Location: DEN
    Posts: 93
    Originally Posted by nwflyboy
    To the OP: stop looking for "official" rules so you can argue with the cashier. The official rules are whatever they say they are. Don't tell someone how to do their job, don't argue, don't make a stink.

    MSers should never forget the following two truths:
    1. You are attempting to "get away with something"…so behave accordingly. What you are doing is in fact a violation of the terms of service that you agreed to. You have no constitutional right to finagle a free trip to Bora Bora for your family, despite what bloggers have told you.
    2. Don't make a stink. If an employee doesn't cooperate with your plan, be courteous, accept what they tell you, shrug, thank them, and move along discreetly. Try again later with someone else. Trying to push your case, arguing, escalating, and other attention-grabbing behaviors is always counterproductive and will only lead to bad things for you and for everyone else.
    Nwflyboy: Why would I stop looking for official rules? You cannot assume that all MS activity is against the terms and conditions of the programs we work with. Establishing facts helps us know where our bounds are. As for your "truths", those are only applicable to situations where you are indeed violating the T&Cs of whatever program you are trying to MS with. And as I said in my earlier reply, I agree that arguing is fruitless. I am in the same camp when it comes to that... but I at least want to know what I am working with.
    travellingpinoy is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 2:51 pm
      #761  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2014
    Location: DEN
    Posts: 93
    Originally Posted by nandemo1
    Officially, GCs cannot be used to load a prepaid card, it says so right on their screen. In reality, the clerk's own policy is usually just to do what the register tells them to do and no more. They always ask to see the card (same as at the drug stores) but by the time the register prompts them for the last 4, the card should already be in the wallet and back in the pocket/purse/man bag. Rattle off the numbers, they'll shrug, and then punch it in. If that's not good enough for them, show them the card, plead ignorance, take your licks, and move on to a different cashier on the next visit or to a different store if its a trend. Simple.
    Thanks for the helpful reply! ^
    travellingpinoy is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 4:14 pm
      #762  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2011
    Posts: 4,166
    Originally Posted by smoothmunkey
    I haven't tried with REDbird, but Serve does not work with Mint. The two products are very similar, so I wouldn't be shocked if the same were true
    When I had Bluebird it worked fine with Mint.


    Originally Posted by nandemo1
    Officially, GCs cannot be used to load a prepaid card, it says so right on their screen.
    Have you seen the screen? It says that "Target Gift Cards" are not allowed to load to prepaid cards. Target GC != Visa/MC/Amex Gift Cards.

    With that said, people are stupid, and no matter how many times you try to explain it to them they will never see the distinction.
    Superorb is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 7:07 pm
      #763  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Location: EWR
    Posts: 24
    Are there any data points for how long Bill Pay takes to post to your account?

    I transfered $25 as a test from my RedCard to my Ink card Monday around 7:00pm - It has yet to show as pending transaction in Chase.
    Dan0788 is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 8:36 pm
      #764  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2014
    Posts: 21
    Originally Posted by Dan0788
    Are there any data points for how long Bill Pay takes to post to your account?

    I transfered $25 as a test from my RedCard to my Ink card Monday around 7:00pm - It has yet to show as pending transaction in Chase.
    Industry standard (ACH) for most external accounts is ~2 days if you schedule before their cutoff, usu 6-8pm ET. You may have missed it for Monday but just check it Thursday.

    Last edited by Wandersmann; Nov 5, 2014 at 8:41 pm
    Wandersmann is offline  
    Old Nov 5, 2014, 8:43 pm
      #765  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2014
    Posts: 30
    Originally Posted by Dan0788
    Are there any data points for how long Bill Pay takes to post to your account?

    I transfered $25 as a test from my RedCard to my Ink card Monday around 7:00pm - It has yet to show as pending transaction in Chase.
    Made payment late night 10/31 to Discover. Posted on 11/4.
    quick23 is offline  


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