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 dont think thats 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 cards 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 dont yet have absolute proof of this, Im confident in saying no. The charges Ive 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 drivers license, SSN, etc. But, when I got home, I registered the card to my wife. I cant 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 didnt work. So, the answer for now is NO. It wont 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
    Print Wikipost

    Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2014

    Old Oct 5, 2014, 10:41 am
      #1  
    Original Poster
     
    Join Date: May 2012
    Location: NYC
    Programs: UA-1K
    Posts: 242
    Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2014

    https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcar...prepaidredcard

    Anyone been to Target yet and know if it's possible to load using a cc?
    According to website, card is currently available in e.g. AZ and OH but not in NJ, NY, or CA.

    (this card is NOT the same as AMEX for Target, hence a new thread)

    Last edited by DeErEtYn; Oct 6, 2014 at 5:21 pm
    DeErEtYn is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 11:00 am
      #2  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2014
    Posts: 13
    says here:

    https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcard/faqs/#cash-1

    How do I add cash to my Account?

    Free Cash Reloads at the Target Register: Add cash FREE at all Target store locations in the US. You can add as much as $1,000 or as little as $0.01 for FREE. Just give your Prepaid REDcard and cash to the cashier and your money is immediately added to your Card. It's that easy!




    ... whereas the FAQ for AFT is "loading funds" not "cash"
    FWFFan is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 11:05 am
      #3  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
    Posts: 215
    "Registered users of either Serve or Bluebird are not currently eligible to open an Account."

    https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcar...User_Agreement
    rabatt is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 11:10 am
      #4  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,493
    I think the $3 loading fee for the AFT card helps offset the usage of CC load. Since there won't be a loading fee for the Target prepaid Redcard, I doubt it will allow CC load. I think as long as the Target prepaid redcard can allow debit cards for the cash load, this might have a chance. Otherwise this prepaid redcard is crap.

    What I don't like about the prepaid Redcard is that you can only have 1 product (BB, Serve or Target prepaid redcard). So those of us that have a BB/Serve account currently would have to close that account in order to sign up for this one. This is an instant deal breaker for me and even more so for those that have Serve Softcard.
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 11:20 am
      #5  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2012
    Programs: Marriott/SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
    Posts: 887
    If their ATM will easily allow loads of $500 debit GC, then winner! Could be another easy way to unload GC and cash some out. TGT is closer to me than WM, and I could finally end my on-off relationship with Kate.

    Offering no checkbook, does make it inferior to BB for me though.

    Is this a product that is in anyone's hands yet?
    ElPresidente is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 11:45 am
      #6  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2014
    Posts: 3,688
    this is what it said about fees:

    Add Money
    $0 with Direct Deposit
    $0 Cash Reload at Target stores in the US
    $0 from a Checking or Savings Account
    $0 using a Debit Card

    if this will accept any PPGC debit, this is a great alternative to BB/Serve. Downside is we have to give up BB/Serve since it's another amex product.
    Mamibear is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 12:12 pm
      #7  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2005
    Programs: Northwest, United
    Posts: 3,256
    if the website is to be believed, it's currently only available in:

    Alabama
    Arizona
    Colorado
    Indiana
    Maryland
    Massachusetts
    Michigan
    Mississippi
    New Mexico
    North Carolina
    Ohio
    Oklahoma
    Pennsylvania
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Virginia
    Wisconsin
    nwflyboy is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 12:58 pm
      #8  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,493
    As long as this card doesn't interfere with the AFT card usability I don't care much for this product.
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 1:33 pm
      #9  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2012
    Programs: 25 million points to burn!
    Posts: 1,522
    Originally Posted by ElPresidente
    If their ATM will easily allow loads of $500 debit GC, then winner! Could be another easy way to unload GC and cash some out. TGT is closer to me than WM, and I could finally end my on-off relationship with Kate yet?
    Right! That will be the deal breaker on this one. No other advantage to BB/Serve other than this, since CC loads aren't allowed.
    Preacher7 is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 1:35 pm
      #10  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2000
    Location: Fort Myers, FL
    Programs: Hilton Gold, SPG & IHG Plat, & every airline program that I can join
    Posts: 2,279
    What is AFT? Automatic Funds transfer? I need a new glossary
    JudyJFLA is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 1:36 pm
      #11  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,493
    Originally Posted by JudyJFLA
    What is AFT? Automatic Funds transfer? I need a new glossary
    Yes!
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 1:52 pm
      #12  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2010
    Location: SFO
    Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
    Posts: 1,644
    Originally Posted by ElPresidente
    If their ATM will easily allow loads of $500 debit GC, then winner! Could be another easy way to unload GC and cash some out. TGT is closer to me than WM, and I could finally end my on-off relationship with Kate.

    Offering no checkbook, does make it inferior to BB for me though.

    Is this a product that is in anyone's hands yet?
    Originally Posted by Preacher7
    Right! That will be the deal breaker on this one. No other advantage to BB/Serve other than this, since CC loads aren't allowed.
    Target does not have Kate, does it?
    geclub1 is online now  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 1:56 pm
      #13  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,493
    Originally Posted by geclub1
    Target does not have Kate, does it?
    No it doesn't. You would have to reload at cashier registers or Guest Services desk.
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 2:09 pm
      #14  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2010
    Location: SFO
    Programs: OZ *G; HH Diamond;
    Posts: 1,644
    Originally Posted by ericdabbs
    No it doesn't. You would have to reload at cashier registers or Guest Services desk.
    last time i used OV at Target, its POS treated OV as credit by default.
    geclub1 is online now  
    Old Oct 5, 2014, 2:13 pm
      #15  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,493
    Originally Posted by geclub1
    last time i used OV at Target, its POS treated OV as credit by default.
    I haven't loaded AFTs with OVs before. There has got to be some way to do a Change Payment method to switch to Debit. What I don't understand is why most places treat OVs as debit by default and only WM treats OVs as credit by default.
    ericdabbs is offline  

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