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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 24, 2014, 1:47 pm
      #391  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Posts: 17
    Perm Card

    Originally Posted by italdesign
    Has anyone received the permanent card yet? If so, how many days did it take?
    i got mine the first day it was released 10/5/2014....received Perm Card in mail on Sat 10/11/2014.... been rocking these things out ever since

    Getting this card = #best move ever!!#

    :woot:
    chrashduff is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 2:33 pm
      #392  
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Posts: 137
    Originally Posted by italdesign
    Has anyone received the permanent card yet? If so, how many days did it take?
    14 calendar days from purchase of temp RB card (got the permanent one today ). I ran into issues with the temp card not being activated though and had to deal with the Prepaid Resolution Team, so it would likely be faster if you have no issues.
    0limits is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 2:58 pm
      #393  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Posts: 16
    can all of your card register on-line successfully?
    I used one card bought by my friends, I cannot get it to be registered under my name.

    Originally Posted by LedVedder10
    Some data points... I headed out to Denver for a PJ show and decided to get cards for friends and family back in Portland. I visited the Boulder, Superior and Longmont stores. All had plenty of cards and at each store the workers seemed to be pretty confused about how the cards worked, but figured it out. I was able to get 5 each no problem at Longmont and Boulder. Just had to give the cashier my drivers license and then on the CC reader I entered different SSN numbers and birth dates each time. I rung up each card individually, added $1 and they all activated properly. At the the Superior store, the cashier did not know how to ring them up so she called the manager who did not like that I was trying to buy 5 even though I said they were for family. In the end they would only allow me to buy one card even after quite a bit of haggling. Hope that's helpful.
    cashbacker is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 3:13 pm
      #394  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Posts: 8
    Originally Posted by cashbacker
    can all of your card register on-line successfully?
    I used one card bought by my friends, I cannot get it to be registered under my name.
    Each time I used my own drivers license, but I used different dates of birth and SSNs. After I got home, I checked the balances of each of the 11 cards and they all showed they had been activated successfully. I have distributed the cards to 5 family members so far and they have all registered online successfully. I don't think it matters that he used his information and you are trying to register it with your information.
    LedVedder10 is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 3:16 pm
      #395  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2012
    Location: IND
    Programs: Hilton Dia, Hyatt Glbl, Marriott Lftm Plat, National EE
    Posts: 316
    Originally Posted by italdesign
    Has anyone received the permanent card yet? If so, how many days did it take?
    SO Bought the temp card on Saturday night, registered it on Sunday morning. Permanent card arrived on Wednesday.

    I bought mine same time (Saturday), but had to wait 2 days for the purchase I used to empty my Bluebird to post as 'final'. Closed my BB and registered my RedBird on Tuesday. The permanent card arrived today (Friday).
    gloobnib is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 5:42 pm
      #396  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2008
    Posts: 151
    Tried to purchase one in Greensboro NC again today with the same result...cashier still cannot get them to ring up on the register.
    zink88 is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 7:03 pm
      #397  
     
    Join Date: Mar 2008
    Location: NYC, PHL, WAS
    Programs: UA, AA, BA, DL
    Posts: 431
    Originally Posted by FWFFan
    for those people who had trouble registering the temp card, can you report back when the issue is resolved? customer service keeps saying it will be fixed "in 24 hours" and its been 2 weeks.
    resolved for me finally.
    2stepsbehind is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 7:26 pm
      #398  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2013
    Posts: 120
    why can't I edit the wiki? Do you have to be a senior member to edit the wiki? Just wanted to add that a person cannot have more than 1 RedCard per SSN.
    Yeshu JP is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 7:29 pm
      #399  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2013
    Posts: 120
    Originally Posted by chrashduff
    i got mine the first day it was released 10/5/2014....received Perm Card in mail on Sat 10/11/2014.... been rocking these things out ever since

    Getting this card = #best move ever!!#

    :woot:
    how do you get around the $1000 per transaction/reload limit? Do you go to multiple cashiers?
    Yeshu JP is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 7:47 pm
      #400  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Posts: 8
    first post here...
    I used my card for the first time today, and everything went smoothly for the most part.

    I live in FL so last Wednesday I had my sister - who lives in Western PA pick me up a temporary card, she used her own drivers license and ss #. She sent me the info and I tried to register it online... didn't work. I called Target and they said that at least $1 had to be loaded onto the card initially - she only loaded $.01. She went back on Thursday, got a new card and to be safe, loaded $2 on it. I registered the card online with my own name/ss/dob etc, and today my permanent card arrived.

    I then went to Target to load with CCs. I put $150 on my Cash+, and $150 on my AMEX BCP - neither posted as a cash advance.

    Initially, they did not know how to load the card because they had never seen one before, but the manager came over and had some idea that the prepaid Redcard was a brand new card and could be loaded even though my Target doesn't sell them.

    If you get dumb looks from the cashier, tell them it's like loading a Starbucks card - that's how the manager described it to the cashier. The cashier did not look at my ID, and I don't think she looked at the name on the Redcard. I scanned the CCs myself so she didn't see them either. YMMV, but this could be useful if you want to get a card for your significant other etc.

    I then transferred the funds from the Redcard website to my checking account that I linked to my Redcard account. I'm waiting for my Barclaycard Arrival to come before adding more funds.

    A few quick questions I had:
    1. Could I have my sister get a permanent card with her info, and use that to MS to increase my spending to $120,000 per year?
    2. Is there any point in adding odd amounts to your Redcard account. For example, add $894.84 instead of $900? Would this mask the manufactured spending in any way because there wouldn't be a bunch of even dollar transactions on your CC?
    midway27 is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 8:05 pm
      #401  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Posts: 17
    hope i understand your question correctly . . .

    Originally Posted by Yeshu JP
    how do you get around the $1000 per transaction/reload limit? Do you go to multiple cashiers?

    the $1000 limit of loading in store is in regards to PER TRANSACTION...I load $1000.....then another $1000.....then $500 per card back to back for a total of $2500 in a single shopping trip on the same day..same cashier.

    hth
    chrashduff is offline  
    Old Oct 24, 2014, 8:11 pm
      #402  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2013
    Posts: 120
    Originally Posted by chrashduff
    the $1000 limit of loading in store is in regards to PER TRANSACTION...I load $1000.....then another $1000.....then $500 per card back to back for a total of $2500 in a single shopping trip on the same day..same cashier.

    hth
    thanks, I hope to do the same at my local Target when I get my card (if the cashiers allow this).
    Yeshu JP is offline  
    Old Oct 25, 2014, 12:53 am
      #403  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2012
    Location: Colorado
    Posts: 6
    My second post...but I've been around a while as a reader.
    A data point that leaves me scratching my head:
    My wife and I each got a card in Colorado Springs last week while on a day trip. Then a few days later took our (registered) temp cards to our home Target (which does not sell prepaids) to load funds. Several cashiers worked together to figure out what in the world they were supposed to do. Finally one confident girl helped me out...
    BUT there was a $3 load fee. I assume she ran it as an AFT. I balked and she happily typed in a one-time $3 coupon code.
    The funds loaded immediately to the correct card...but I'm concerned about this load fee. How do I train my local cashiers to enter it differently next time? Are we SURE that every US target can load these cards? Might I have different results using the permanent card (which I activated mere moments ago)?
    Its been fun experimenting with you all
    DadOBoys is offline  
    Old Oct 25, 2014, 7:23 am
      #404  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Posts: 8
    Is it possible you got an American Express for Target card instead of the Target prepaid Redcard? Looks like the former requires a $3 load fee.

    https://www.americanexpress.com/us/c...rget-card.html
    midway27 is offline  
    Old Oct 25, 2014, 7:49 am
      #405  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2006
    Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum
    Posts: 3,720
    Originally Posted by Yeshu JP
    how do you get around the $1000 per transaction/reload limit? Do you go to multiple cashiers?
    Have the same cashier load multiple times if there's rapport. Else multiple cashiers/stores.
    italdesign is offline  


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