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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 21, 2014, 2:22 pm
      #1141  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2012
    Location: Beverly Hills
    Posts: 713
    Originally Posted by ScubaAddict
    I am just getting ready to tackle the 75 pages of this thread, but in the meantime, does anyone have a wiki running or something that has cards that are being charged as a cash advance? Or is there a known list somewhere?

    Specifically, I would be interested in Citi AAdvantage, Barclay US Air and World Elite, and Chase ink bold/plus.

    Thank you!

    what would lead you to believe that ANY cards are being charged as a cash advance?
    tigerhunt2011 is offline  
    Old Nov 21, 2014, 2:34 pm
      #1142  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Posts: 265
    Originally Posted by tigerhunt2011
    what would lead you to believe that ANY cards are being charged as a cash advance?
    Funny you should ask, I am now trying to find the blog post that suggested someone had a cash advance charge. I may have misread the blog post thinking it was talking of RedCard, but it was of Serve, but I could have sworn it was RedCard.

    Reading back a few pages in this thread, it appears there is no card currently being charged as cash advance that anyone is aware of - so now I assume that is the latest info known.

    I will post back here if I find the blog post.
    ScubaAddict is offline  
    Old Nov 21, 2014, 2:45 pm
      #1143  
     
    Join Date: May 2009
    Posts: 39
    Is the initial 1500 load irrespective of the remaining 5000 limit? Meaning can I load 6500 the first month?
    Starlord is offline  
    Old Nov 21, 2014, 2:56 pm
      #1144  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2014
    Posts: 276
    Originally Posted by Gammachu
    I believe he/she was being sarcastic
    never was good at understanding sarcasm

    Originally Posted by ScubaAddict
    Funny you should ask, I am now trying to find the blog post that suggested someone had a cash advance charge. I may have misread the blog post thinking it was talking of RedCard, but it was of Serve, but I could have sworn it was RedCard.

    Reading back a few pages in this thread, it appears there is no card currently being charged as cash advance that anyone is aware of - so now I assume that is the latest info known.

    I will post back here if I find the blog post.
    Just stop cuz you wont.

    Originally Posted by mhahnster
    Is the initial 1500 load irrespective of the remaining 5000 limit? Meaning can I load 6500 the first month?
    Google it or just read a few pages back.
    benny08 is offline  
    Old Nov 21, 2014, 3:12 pm
      #1145  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2013
    Location: VA
    Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold, Marriott Silver, Choice Privileges Gold, National Exec
    Posts: 192
    Originally Posted by Panache
    After faxing in my information, I was now able to activate the temp card after waiting 2 days.

    Thanks for the clarification! May be good to put in the wiki somehow.
    Good idea. Wiki has been updated.
    Nevafazeme is offline  
    Old Nov 21, 2014, 6:43 pm
      #1146  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2012
    Posts: 51
    I closed my BB account online then tried to register my RedBird and got this message:

    “We’re sorry, but we cannot approve you for a Target Prepaid REDcard® Account right now because you already have an existing Bluebird Account. If you’d like to open a Target Prepaid REDcard Account, please call us at 855-306-7395

    Thank you for your interest in Target Prepaid REDcard® by American Express."

    I called BlueBird to make sure the account was completely closed down, and was told I might need to wait 24 hours. Waited and tried again after the 24 hour mark. I've tried different browsers, cleared cookies, cleared cache. I used a different email address than I did with my Bluebird. I've search and had no luck finding an answer.

    I even tried a different RedBird card (I picked mine up about 100 miles away from home, but got an extra packet using an alternate SS, just in case). Still no luck.
    GertieGo is offline  
    Old Nov 21, 2014, 9:24 pm
      #1147  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2012
    Posts: 51
    Originally Posted by GertieGo
    I closed my BB account online then tried to register my RedBird and got this message:

    “We’re sorry, but we cannot approve you for a Target Prepaid REDcard® Account right now because you already have an existing Bluebird Account. If you’d like to open a Target Prepaid REDcard Account, please call us at 855-306-7395

    Thank you for your interest in Target Prepaid REDcard® by American Express."

    I called BlueBird to make sure the account was completely closed down, and was told I might need to wait 24 hours. Waited and tried again after the 24 hour mark. I've tried different browsers, cleared cookies, cleared cache. I used a different email address than I did with my Bluebird. I've search and had no luck finding an answer.

    I even tried a different RedBird card (I picked mine up about 100 miles away from home, but got an extra packet using an alternate SS, just in case). Still no luck.
    Update: Called the number on the back of the card and they said it will take an additional 30 days because the Socials are different. Has anyone else had a problem using a different social?
    GertieGo is offline  
    Old Nov 22, 2014, 12:00 am
      #1148  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2014
    Location: ANC
    Programs: AS, UA, IHG, HH,
    Posts: 171
    Originally Posted by mhahnster
    Is the initial 1500 load irrespective of the remaining 5000 limit? Meaning can I load 6500 the first month?
    You only get 5k but some people are posting the opposite a few pages back so YMMV. I put 1.5k on the temp then another 3.5k on the perm and wasnt able to load anything after that.
    BoeingOrNotGoing is offline  
    Old Nov 22, 2014, 5:00 am
      #1149  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2012
    Posts: 64
    Originally Posted by BoeingOrNotGoing
    You only get 5k but some people are posting the opposite a few pages back so YMMV. I put 1.5k on the temp then another 3.5k on the perm and wasnt able to load anything after that.
    Same here...just tried yesterday.
    Larry Ordway is offline  
    Old Nov 22, 2014, 7:11 am
      #1150  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2011
    Location: CT
    Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
    Posts: 429
    Originally Posted by BoeingOrNotGoing
    You only get 5k but some people are posting the opposite a few pages back so YMMV. I put 1.5k on the temp then another 3.5k on the perm and wasnt able to load anything after that.
    Agreed, tried it with 2 cards yesterday and got shot down on both of them-- one of them had 500 put on the temp card and then 1k on the permanent card and the other 1.5k on the temp card so it doesn't appear to make a difference if was loaded before or after registration based on my sample.
    JRV62 is offline  
    Old Nov 22, 2014, 8:52 am
      #1151  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2013
    Programs: Hyatt Globalist, MLife Gold, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Caesars Diamond, Amex Plat
    Posts: 5,940
    Originally Posted by FindAWay
    Yes, for 4 different cards i manage.
    I've got two BB (spouse and myself). I want a REdcard now. How did you convince friends or family to let you manage their card. I'm sure my father or sister would be hesitant to let me use their SSN. They trust me but SSN and credit seems to make folks nervous.
    Stgermainparis is offline  
    Old Nov 22, 2014, 9:32 am
      #1152  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2003
    Location: DCA
    Programs: UA LT 1K, AA EXP, Bonvoy LT Titan, Avis PC, Hilton Gold
    Posts: 9,658
    Can't get any of my emails to receive the red card confirmation email. On the phone now for over an hour with red card rep and now a supervisor. (and not being filtered by spam)

    I now have second thoughts on getting this junk card. It may only work with junk email accounts like gmail. And now I am worried that I gave Target my SS# and other personal information.

    In the end - I used a friend's yahoo account to verify the email. The net here is the email must be blocked by any professional email accounts. Doesn't even get to the spam folder.

    The email address that sends the verification email is: [email protected]

    I guess that is why Target only sells the Redcard in low income areas, where only emails like gmail and yahoo are used.

    Last edited by cova; Nov 22, 2014 at 10:12 am
    cova is offline  
    Old Nov 22, 2014, 10:02 am
      #1153  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
    They trust me but SSN and credit seems to make folks nervous.
    I understand their concern, but make sure you let them know you are not messing with their credit in any way. You are loading with YOUR cc, and then paying that off. You are not using their ccs in any way. As far as I can see, you are not doing anything to affect their credit rating at all. Even if doing lots of MS, it's not their Redbird account that will cause suspicion, it's the cc accounts you are loading and paying off.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Nov 22, 2014, 10:19 am
      #1154  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by cova
    I guess that is why Target only sells the Redcard in low income areas, where only emails like gmail and yahoo are used.
    You mean poverty stricken places like Boulder Colorado?

    If having to use Yahoo to get a registration email is too much trouble for you, maybe you aren't cut out for the miles and points hobby. After all, that is a lot of trouble for only getting $60K of absolutely free MS a year. And I haven't even mentioned that it will require at least 2 trips to Target each month.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Nov 22, 2014, 10:32 am
      #1155  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2013
    Location: DFW,OVB (Russia)
    Programs: AA HH Gold SPG Gold BA
    Posts: 1,823
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    You mean poverty stricken places like Boulder Colorado?

    If having to use Yahoo to get a registration email is too much trouble for you, maybe you aren't cut out for the miles and points hobby. After all, that is a lot of trouble for only getting $60K of absolutely free MS a year. And I haven't even mentioned that it will require at least 2 trips to Target each month.
    +1

    Originally Posted by cova
    Can't get any of my emails to receive the red card confirmation email. On the phone now for over an hour with red card rep and now a supervisor. (and not being filtered by spam)

    I now have second thoughts on getting this junk card. It may only work with junk email accounts like gmail. And now I am worried that I gave Target my SS# and other personal information.

    In the end - I used a friend's yahoo account to verify the email. The net here is the email must be blocked by any professional email accounts. Doesn't even get to the spam folder.

    The email address that sends the verification email is: [email protected]

    I guess that is why Target only sells the Redcard in low income areas, where only emails like gmail and yahoo are used.


    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
    rgAAFT is offline  


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