Oct 5, 2014, 1:54 pm
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:
===============================================
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
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.◦ 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)
===============================================
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
Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2014
Nov 22, 2014, 11:05 am
#1156
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 70
+1
OK Mr Airline CEO who makes $500,000 a year suit yourself. having a gmail account has NOTHING to do with wealth. Infact, most corporate email accounts are running through gmail.. But, Its ok if you didn't know this since you are an arrogant rich guy who is far removed from everyday life
OK Mr Airline CEO who makes $500,000 a year suit yourself. having a gmail account has NOTHING to do with wealth. Infact, most corporate email accounts are running through gmail.. But, Its ok if you didn't know this since you are an arrogant rich guy who is far removed from everyday life
Nov 22, 2014, 11:24 am
#1157
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
OK Mr Airline CEO who makes $500,000 a year suit yourself. having a gmail account has NOTHING to do with wealth. Infact, most corporate email accounts are running through gmail.. But, Its ok if you didn't know this since you are an arrogant rich guy who is far removed from everyday life
Nov 22, 2014, 11:28 am
#1158
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,658
Correct - it is just that many don't want a gmail account since google reads your email and then floods you with ads based on the content of the emails.
I am not sure what criteria Target chose to select stores, but based on the list of stores within 200 miles of where I live - it is pretty obvious to me what criteria they used.
And Boulder may be an exception (I am guessing Douglas County CO was not included). Could be there are more limited shopping options and there is a wide gap between high and low. Clearly Target just did not randomly choose which stores get the card.
Sorry if you took this the wrong way - wasn't not intended.
I am not sure what criteria Target chose to select stores, but based on the list of stores within 200 miles of where I live - it is pretty obvious to me what criteria they used.
And Boulder may be an exception (I am guessing Douglas County CO was not included). Could be there are more limited shopping options and there is a wide gap between high and low. Clearly Target just did not randomly choose which stores get the card.
Sorry if you took this the wrong way - wasn't not intended.
Last edited by cova; Nov 22, 2014 at 11:46 am
Nov 22, 2014, 11:49 am
#1159
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: CT
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 429
Correct - it is just that many don't want a gmail account since google reads your email and then floods you with ads based on the content of the emails.
I am not sure what criteria Target chose to select stores, but based on the list of stores within 200 miles of where I live - it is pretty obvious to me what criteria they used.
And Boulder may be an exception (I am guessing Douglas County CO was not). Could be there more limited shopping options and there is a wide gap between high and low. Clearly Target just did not randomly choose which stores get the card.
Sorry if you took this the wrong way - wasn't not intended.
I am not sure what criteria Target chose to select stores, but based on the list of stores within 200 miles of where I live - it is pretty obvious to me what criteria they used.
And Boulder may be an exception (I am guessing Douglas County CO was not). Could be there more limited shopping options and there is a wide gap between high and low. Clearly Target just did not randomly choose which stores get the card.
Sorry if you took this the wrong way - wasn't not intended.
I'm sure you didn't mean it but when you make a statement like that how do you expect people to take it? I have 5 different email providers and I never realized which one I used portrayed how well off I am.
Nov 22, 2014, 11:49 am
#1160
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW,OVB (Russia)
Programs: AA HH Gold SPG Gold BA
Posts: 1,823
Nov 22, 2014, 11:51 am
#1161
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW,OVB (Russia)
Programs: AA HH Gold SPG Gold BA
Posts: 1,823
Wow, if there are that many bad area's within 200 miles of you maybe your area is not as nice as think I'm sure you didn't mean it but when you make a statement like that how do you expect people to take it? I have 5 different email providers and I never realized which one I used portrayed how well off I am.
I'm sure you didn't mean it but when you make a statement like that how do you expect people to take it? I have 5 different email providers and I never realized which one I used portrayed how well off I am.
Nov 22, 2014, 11:57 am
#1162
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: DCA
Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
Posts: 9,658
Wow, if there are that many bad area's within 200 miles of you maybe your area is not as nice as think I'm sure you didn't mean it but when you make a statement like that how do you expect people to take it? I have 5 different email providers and I never realized which one I used portrayed how well off I am.
I'm sure you didn't mean it but when you make a statement like that how do you expect people to take it? I have 5 different email providers and I never realized which one I used portrayed how well off I am.Of the top 25 counties by median household income - Six of the counties are located in the state of Maryland, five are in Virginia, four in New Jersey, three in New York, two in California, and one each in: Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._United_States
The DC area counties in the list were not included in the red card trial - even though they have Target stores. I had to go to a county not in the list to get a red card. Not trying to make any class statement - just stating a fact from the demographics.
Higher income areas are likely not the target for pre-paid cards, where there are a higher percentage of standard credit cards.
And I bet that American Express is going to find a high percentage of their Red Card customers also have other American Express products and that they live in areas outside of the targeted areas - for obvious reasons here.
Last edited by cova; Nov 22, 2014 at 12:16 pm
Nov 22, 2014, 12:02 pm
#1163
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: CT
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 429
I'm not sure there is anyway to convince them, i've been lucky enough to have my folks and some but not all of my siblings agree to it-- in your dad's case if he is old enough that he won't really be applying for credit you can offer to pay to put a security freeze on his SSN w/ all 3 credit bureau's. And the ones that do help you out make sure you reward them, they have all gotten flights and rooms in return.
Nov 22, 2014, 12:28 pm
#1164
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: CT
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 429
Most big cities have wide ranges. Take NY, DC, SFO. Very high and very low.
Of the top 25 counties by median household income - Six of the counties are located in the state of Maryland, five are in Virginia, four in New Jersey, three in New York, two in California, and one each in: Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._United_States
The DC area counties in the list were not included in the red card trial - even though they have Target stores. I had to go to a county not in the list to get a red card. Not trying to make any class statement - just stating a fact from the demographics.
Higher income areas are likely not the target for pre-paid cards, where there are a higher percentage of standard credit cards.
And I bet that American Express is going to find a high percentage of their Red Card customers also have other American Express products and that they live in areas outside of the targeted areas - for obvious reasons here.
Of the top 25 counties by median household income - Six of the counties are located in the state of Maryland, five are in Virginia, four in New Jersey, three in New York, two in California, and one each in: Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._United_States
The DC area counties in the list were not included in the red card trial - even though they have Target stores. I had to go to a county not in the list to get a red card. Not trying to make any class statement - just stating a fact from the demographics.
Higher income areas are likely not the target for pre-paid cards, where there are a higher percentage of standard credit cards.
And I bet that American Express is going to find a high percentage of their Red Card customers also have other American Express products and that they live in areas outside of the targeted areas - for obvious reasons here.
Nov 22, 2014, 1:08 pm
#1165
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
I don't however see the problem with having a junk Yahoo email account. I have one I use whenever I have to submit an email address where I don't ever want to hear from the company again. They spam my junk account. I go in every few months and just delete everything. Works great...
Nov 22, 2014, 1:45 pm
#1166
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: SoCal
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Lifetime Platinum, MR Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 249
Break out the tin foil hats.........
Nov 22, 2014, 1:54 pm
#1167
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UES/MWC
Programs: Braniff, TWA, Eastern, Midwest, AA Exec, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 270
*shrug*
Nov 22, 2014, 1:56 pm
#1168
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 118
It strikes me that the locations chosen for the rollout of the Redbird are in smaller and medium size metro areas. Milwaukee, for example, and Indianapolis. Areas diverse enough in urban and suburban populations, but not enough people that the system can be overwhelmed. Chicago, LA, NY, Houston, etc.
I don't think that just income or wealth are the determining factors.
I don't think that just income or wealth are the determining factors.
Nov 22, 2014, 2:18 pm
#1169
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 19
Most big cities have wide ranges. Take NY, DC, SFO. Very high and very low.
Of the top 25 counties by median household income - Six of the counties are located in the state of Maryland, five are in Virginia, four in New Jersey, three in New York, two in California, and one each in: Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._United_States
The DC area counties in the list were not included in the red card trial - even though they have Target stores. I had to go to a county not in the list to get a red card. Not trying to make any class statement - just stating a fact from the demographics.
Higher income areas are likely not the target for pre-paid cards, where there are a higher percentage of standard credit cards.
And I bet that American Express is going to find a high percentage of their Red Card customers also have other American Express products and that they live in areas outside of the targeted areas - for obvious reasons here.
Of the top 25 counties by median household income - Six of the counties are located in the state of Maryland, five are in Virginia, four in New Jersey, three in New York, two in California, and one each in: Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of..._United_States
The DC area counties in the list were not included in the red card trial - even though they have Target stores. I had to go to a county not in the list to get a red card. Not trying to make any class statement - just stating a fact from the demographics.
Higher income areas are likely not the target for pre-paid cards, where there are a higher percentage of standard credit cards.
And I bet that American Express is going to find a high percentage of their Red Card customers also have other American Express products and that they live in areas outside of the targeted areas - for obvious reasons here.
Nov 22, 2014, 3:13 pm
#1170
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
Posts: 5,963
I'm not sure there is anyway to convince them, i've been lucky enough to have my folks and some but not all of my siblings agree to it-- in your dad's case if he is old enough that he won't really be applying for credit you can offer to pay to put a security freeze on his SSN w/ all 3 credit bureau's. And the ones that do help you out make sure you reward them, they have all gotten flights and rooms in return.
There is no credit check involved in a Redcard, right? His credit is great, but I don't want him to get dinged on his credit report for a hard pull.