Last edit by: ericdabbs
The previous megathread is here.
Read the wiki before posting a question.
It's a literacy test that's easy to pass.
As of April 16, 2015 regular Serve cards will only accept American Express network cards for online credit card loads.
Softcard Serve accounts are apparently grandfathered in the old system and continue to work as before, being able to load Mastercard, Visa, and Discover (see below).
Serve loads count towards minimum spend on AmEx-issued cards, including SPG.
This is the Serve thread. Post questions or information concerning other topics in the appropriate threads elsewhere in this forum.
For additional information on using prepaid debit cards, see PIN available now for Visa/MC prepaid debit cards.
You cannot make an ACH pull from Serve. The direct deposit account and routing numbers are for deposits only.
https://www.serve.com/#/add-cash
If your card doesn't say "debit" on the front, it isn't a debit card.
Loads at 7-11 and CVS are cash only. Debit cards are NOT allowed.
Loads at Walmart have been confirmed with debit cards. Self checkout does not work for loading Serve. Many Walmart stores are enforcing a rule against the use of prepaid debit cards when loading, even though the register and the MCE do not enforce. Do not make your prepaid debit cards visible. Show them a bank debit card if asked, then discreetly use your prepaid card when asked to swipe. Otherwise, you may be asked by management to never visit the MC (Walmart Money Center) again to load.
Debit loading at Family Dollar appears to be limited to $500 per day per store total (not per person or per account). Whoever gets there first gets the load for the day. Troubleshooting loading problems at FD
Regular Serve
You can combine the three methods above and load a total of $7k/month to a single Serve account for miles/points earning purposes, but beware that you're also subject to a $10,000/month add money limit which also includes check deposits, ACH transfers, and Serve transfers.
Softcard Serve
Softcard has shutdown and there is no longer any way to apply for this version.
You can combine the three methods above and load a total of $8k/month to a single Serve account for miles/points earning purposes, but beware that you're also subject to a $10,000/month add money limit which also includes check deposits, ACH transfers, and Serve transfers.
Temp Serve
You can only load a maximum of $500/day, $1000/month on a temporary card. Once you get your permanent card, then you can load more. The initial $500 when you purchase the temp card doesn't count against the $5,000/month load limit.
OneVip Card: (Mucho gracias, AndrewTheMan)
This card is essentially just like the regular, fee-free, "old" serve. You may reload this card up to $2,500/day; $1,000/transaction at Walmart (not impacted by Blue Bird daily limit change). Have not tested FD or anywhere else. KATE takes this no problems..
You can use this to load the FIDO AMEX up to 1k a month.
Limits for online debit card and credit card loads reset at 9 PM PST/12 AM EST
Online Credit Card Loads
Only one card can be linked at a time.
For online CC/DC loads, the name on the Serve account is supposed to match the name of the primary or joint cardholder. So using someone else's CC/DB card to load a Serve account is not allowed.
A few report no problems loading with an AU card in the Serve account holder's name. Increase your chances by making sure the AUs social security number is on file with the Credit Card.
When adding a new card you will usually need to call Serve Account security (1-800-555-4318) for verification of the new card on the second load try. This verification usually requires uploading of a photo of your ID and the credit card. You may pre-emptively avoid the error by going to the above website, logging in, and uploading a scan of a photo ID and the card you are trying to add. You may call back to expedite approval. One person with a Serve/Softcard account reported being sent to the main Serve number for this process.
https://www.serve.com/help/#add-money-5
Regular Serve Credit Card Loading
Regular Serve can only load from American Express network cards. In addition to those issued directly by American Express, this includes the following:
Softcard Serve Credit Card Loading
If you are fortunate enough to be grandfathered into a Softcard Serve Account, you can also load other credit cards beside American Express cards. Softcard Serve is not available to new applicants anymore so you'll need to get one of the other Serve options if you don't already have one. In general, Mastercard and American Express cards post as purchases. Visa cards transact as a cash advance and, therefore, require available CA limit; although most cards post as a purchase.
Treated as purchase, earns cashback/points/miles:
Treated as purchase, but doesn't earn points/miles:
Posts as a cash advance:
The Chase Ink Bold is a charge card and has no cash advance ability.
A few report being unable to add the Chase IHG MC.
Online Debit Card Loads
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. While initial transactions may work, your account will eventually be flagged.
Switching to Serve
Helpful instruction post, latest. Thanks raeneye.
Also see this thread: Switching from Serve to BlueBird - 31 day wait???
Switching from BB to Serve
Switching from Redbird is presumably similar. See the RedCard thread for more information.
The number to call to approve your registration after closing Bluebird: Serve Account security 1-800-555-4318
Loading with debit card at Walmart register
Loads at register over $500 will sometimes trigger ID requirement. There is a limit of four swipes per transaction; this means your card plus three payments.
Training a WM cashier:
Error Messages:
DEBIT NOT AVAILABLE
Received when I used a card I thought I had activated but hadn't.
DEBIT NOT APPROVED
Received when the card's monthly load limit had been reached.
TENDER NOT ALLOWED
Card was incorrectly read, or wrong PIN entered.
HOST TIMEOUT
Connection problems. The GC may be drained but the transaction should reverse itself, and funds will become available again. Try again later.
Using Serve
For online bill pay
For bank transfers
Under Settings --> Funding & Transfers --> Bank & Cards --> U.S. Bank Account, you can add your bank info and transfer funds from your Serve card directly to your bank. The bank account must be verified, either by the standard "deposit 2 small sums into your account, such as $0.23 & $0.42" method, or doing an "instant verification" by actually logging into your bank account while still logged into Serve.
===
People with an apartment address can find helpful information quoted in post #7
Read the wiki before posting a question.
It's a literacy test that's easy to pass.
As of April 16, 2015 regular Serve cards will only accept American Express network cards for online credit card loads.
Softcard Serve accounts are apparently grandfathered in the old system and continue to work as before, being able to load Mastercard, Visa, and Discover (see below).
Serve loads count towards minimum spend on AmEx-issued cards, including SPG.
This is the Serve thread. Post questions or information concerning other topics in the appropriate threads elsewhere in this forum.
For additional information on using prepaid debit cards, see PIN available now for Visa/MC prepaid debit cards.
You cannot make an ACH pull from Serve. The direct deposit account and routing numbers are for deposits only.
https://www.serve.com/#/add-cash
If your card doesn't say "debit" on the front, it isn't a debit card.
Loads at 7-11 and CVS are cash only. Debit cards are NOT allowed.
Loads at Walmart have been confirmed with debit cards. Self checkout does not work for loading Serve. Many Walmart stores are enforcing a rule against the use of prepaid debit cards when loading, even though the register and the MCE do not enforce. Do not make your prepaid debit cards visible. Show them a bank debit card if asked, then discreetly use your prepaid card when asked to swipe. Otherwise, you may be asked by management to never visit the MC (Walmart Money Center) again to load.
Debit loading at Family Dollar appears to be limited to $500 per day per store total (not per person or per account). Whoever gets there first gets the load for the day. Troubleshooting loading problems at FD
Regular Serve
- Serve loading via VR/MP or WM/FD load: $2,500/day and $5,000 total per calendar month
- Online Debit Card Load - $200/day and $1,000/month [B]
- Online Credit Card Load (AmEx only) - $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
You can combine the three methods above and load a total of $7k/month to a single Serve account for miles/points earning purposes, but beware that you're also subject to a $10,000/month add money limit which also includes check deposits, ACH transfers, and Serve transfers.
Softcard Serve
Softcard has shutdown and there is no longer any way to apply for this version.
- Serve loading via VR/MP or WM/FD load: $2,500/day and $5,000 total per calendar month
- Online Debit Card Load - $500/day and $1,500/month
- Online Credit Card Load - $500/day and $1,500/month
- Checking/Savings Account - $2,000/month
- Checks - $2,000/day and $10,000/month
- ATM Withdrawals - $750/day and $2,000/month
You can combine the three methods above and load a total of $8k/month to a single Serve account for miles/points earning purposes, but beware that you're also subject to a $10,000/month add money limit which also includes check deposits, ACH transfers, and Serve transfers.
Temp Serve
You can only load a maximum of $500/day, $1000/month on a temporary card. Once you get your permanent card, then you can load more. The initial $500 when you purchase the temp card doesn't count against the $5,000/month load limit.
OneVip Card: (Mucho gracias, AndrewTheMan)
This card is essentially just like the regular, fee-free, "old" serve. You may reload this card up to $2,500/day; $1,000/transaction at Walmart (not impacted by Blue Bird daily limit change). Have not tested FD or anywhere else. KATE takes this no problems..
You can use this to load the FIDO AMEX up to 1k a month.
Limits for online debit card and credit card loads reset at 9 PM PST/12 AM EST
Online Credit Card Loads
Only one card can be linked at a time.
For online CC/DC loads, the name on the Serve account is supposed to match the name of the primary or joint cardholder. So using someone else's CC/DB card to load a Serve account is not allowed.
A few report no problems loading with an AU card in the Serve account holder's name. Increase your chances by making sure the AUs social security number is on file with the Credit Card.
When adding a new card you will usually need to call Serve Account security (1-800-555-4318) for verification of the new card on the second load try. This verification usually requires uploading of a photo of your ID and the credit card. You may pre-emptively avoid the error by going to the above website, logging in, and uploading a scan of a photo ID and the card you are trying to add. You may call back to expedite approval. One person with a Serve/Softcard account reported being sent to the main Serve number for this process.
https://www.serve.com/help/#add-money-5
Regular Serve Credit Card Loading
Regular Serve can only load from American Express network cards. In addition to those issued directly by American Express, this includes the following:
- AAA Rewards AmEx
- Alitalia AmEx
- Bank of America Accelerated Rewards AmEx
- Bank of America Asiana Airlines AmEx
- Bank of Hawaii AmEx Card with MyBankoh Rewards
- Bloomingdale's AmEx
- Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select AmEx
- Citi Dividend AmEx (not obtainable unless specifically requested)
- Citi Thank You Preferred AmEx (not obtainable unless specifically requested)
- Dillard's AmEx
- FNBO AmEx
- FNBO Graphite AmEx
- FNBO Platinum AmEx
- Macy's AmEx
- Penfed Premium Travel Rewards AmEx
- SavingStar AmEx
- Travelocity AmEx
- US Bank Flexperks AmEx
- USAA Cash Rewards/Rewards Plus AmEx
- Wells Fargo Propel World/365 AmEx
Softcard Serve Credit Card Loading
If you are fortunate enough to be grandfathered into a Softcard Serve Account, you can also load other credit cards beside American Express cards. Softcard Serve is not available to new applicants anymore so you'll need to get one of the other Serve options if you don't already have one. In general, Mastercard and American Express cards post as purchases. Visa cards transact as a cash advance and, therefore, require available CA limit; although most cards post as a purchase.
Treated as purchase, earns cashback/points/miles:
- Bank of America (FIA) (MasterCard, American Express)
- Barclaycard (Mastercard, Visa)
- Capital One (Mastercard, Visa)
- Chase (MasterCard, Visa)
- Citi (MasterCard, American Express)
- Discover
- Wells Fargo (American Express)
Treated as purchase, but doesn't earn points/miles:
- American Express issued (Counts toward minimum spend -- see post #434) but does not earn points. Example: For the Delta Amex card, Serve counts towards min spend DL miles sign-up bonus, but that spend and subsequent trials of spend on Serve will not earn points. Don't do it, man!
Posts as a cash advance:
The Chase Ink Bold is a charge card and has no cash advance ability.
A few report being unable to add the Chase IHG MC.
Online Debit Card Loads
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. While initial transactions may work, your account will eventually be flagged.
Switching to Serve
Helpful instruction post, latest. Thanks raeneye.
Also see this thread: Switching from Serve to BlueBird - 31 day wait???
Switching from BB to Serve
- Login to BB account, bring account balance to Zero, (By Bill Pay, Send money, etc..)
- Call BB, tell them that you want to open a serve account and close your current BB account. after they check everything they will say something like: "Your account will be permanently closed after 31 days, you can reopen it within 31 day if you change your mind, and you can apply for your new Serve account now, just make sure use the exact same register info from BB."
- at this point BB is closed. next morning, goto CVS and get a temporary Serve card (only with cash), load $500, ($2.95 waived, Yeah!!)
- get back home, register temporary Serve online, First error: "phone number already registered, please try a different number" could be the my BB's ghost account still showing up on their system, could be my info is not match my BB's registration? i'm not really sure at this point. What I did is keep the same number but change from Cell phone to home phone. and registration went through
- after the register and login, second error: "We're still processing your application. Please check your email for an update"
- I have see people on the thread reported waiting for weeks for the same message, So, I pickup the phone and called them, ask them to speed up the process.
- CSR, told me that my account went to "account security protection department" transfer me to them.
- at account security protection department, they told me need to call back on my phone number which I registered to verify.
- after the call back of verification, CSR told me that my new Serve account is active now, email address verification will be send with in 5 minutes, permanent card will be received within 7-10 days.
- CSR also told me the I can load and spend on the temporary card, but not bill pay.
Switching from Redbird is presumably similar. See the RedCard thread for more information.
The number to call to approve your registration after closing Bluebird: Serve Account security 1-800-555-4318
Loading with debit card at Walmart register
Loads at register over $500 will sometimes trigger ID requirement. There is a limit of four swipes per transaction; this means your card plus three payments.
Training a WM cashier:
- If the WM cashier doesn't know how to load the card, advise them to enter "70" then press "action code".
- If you are using a temp card that doesn't have your name on it, you can swipe the card from your side of the terminal. The WM rep never has to touch any of your cards. The screen will say "enter account." That is your prompt to slide the card.
- The terminal will ask the WM employee if you are loading in multiples of $2000. Advise them to enter "no."
- Avoid saying gift card. Always refer to your card as a debit card.
Error Messages:
DEBIT NOT AVAILABLE
Received when I used a card I thought I had activated but hadn't.
DEBIT NOT APPROVED
Received when the card's monthly load limit had been reached.
TENDER NOT ALLOWED
Card was incorrectly read, or wrong PIN entered.
HOST TIMEOUT
Connection problems. The GC may be drained but the transaction should reverse itself, and funds will become available again. Try again later.
Using Serve
For online bill pay
- You can pay the credit card that you used to buy VRs/GCs
- Error 1302 means that you have 1 pending payment the same amount as the one you just submitted. For example, 1000 bill pay to sapphire preferred from Friday and then on Saturday you submit another bill pay for 1000 to sapphire preferred, you will get this error.
- Tip: if using online bill pay to the same place multiple times, vary your amounts by $0.01 to make it easier to track since your confirmation number does not match the tracking number on your credit card statement
For bank transfers
Under Settings --> Funding & Transfers --> Bank & Cards --> U.S. Bank Account, you can add your bank info and transfer funds from your Serve card directly to your bank. The bank account must be verified, either by the standard "deposit 2 small sums into your account, such as $0.23 & $0.42" method, or doing an "instant verification" by actually logging into your bank account while still logged into Serve.
===
People with an apartment address can find helpful information quoted in post #7
Serve - Another Paypal/Amazon payments (2015)
#1666
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 1,153
Not that I heard anything about shutdown...bank withdraw seems more riskier assuming that there are no cash reloads but online credit card loads & withdraw to a checking account.
#1667
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: SAN
Programs: Delta Gold. Hilton Diamond. Hyatt Explorist.
Posts: 1,675
Of course, I typically buy $5000 of visa/mc gift cards per month with credit cards, then use the gift cards to load Serve at Walmart. Then sometimes I use Serve to pay off those credit cards.
#1668
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,688
if you're not earning interest from your bank, you can add money to your PP account and spend from there via the business debit to get the 1% CB.
#1669
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: MDT
Programs: DL, AA
Posts: 390
On an unrelated note, I need to rant a little.
I got a relative to signup for a Serve account to let me use, but he apparently got angry at me for how many emails he was getting so he freaking banned me from the account. He may have changed the password, email, or something else, but in the message he sent me, he threatened to cancel the account. This is after I've literally used the account three times (albeit to load and unload multiple $200 Staples cards, but still). The ABSOLUTE SHITIEST part is that I had just bill paid one of my cards for $800, and I have no idea if it'll go through since the account might be CANCELLED. Freaking damn it.
#1670
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: MDT
Programs: DL, AA
Posts: 390
I believe it was at FTU advanced in San Diego where I heard about it. You are correct that it could not have been Bluebird. Directly paying off the loading card is explicitly against the T&C, so I won't risk it (although your experience is a good data point). I have other bills to pay off anyway.
Of course, I typically buy $5000 of visa/mc gift cards per month with credit cards, then use the gift cards to load Serve at Walmart. Then sometimes I use Serve to pay off those credit cards.
Of course, I typically buy $5000 of visa/mc gift cards per month with credit cards, then use the gift cards to load Serve at Walmart. Then sometimes I use Serve to pay off those credit cards.
#1671
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,112
Sorry but that's on you. Shoulda told him about all the emails. Or asked him to set up a rule so that every email he got from serve was forwarded to you and then deleted. My wife hate's getting Serve emails so that's what we do with her account. It does seem like a bit of an overreaction though.
#1672
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Programs: AA is all for now.
Posts: 77
I have a non MS related serve question, was wondering if anyone might know the answer. I know that you can transfer money instantly from one serve card to another. Lets say someone in one state goes to walmart and buys a new serve account loaded with $500, and goes in the next day to load another $500, then goes online and registers the card, and now has to wait 7-10 business days to recieve the permanent card. Can they go online right after they register but before they recieve their permanent card and transfer $1000 to a serve account belonging to somebody else? Or do they have to wait until they recieve and activate their permanent card before they can do that?
Someone in NJ needs to send money to someone in florida and they can't really afford western union fees so we are looking for a workaround.
Someone in NJ needs to send money to someone in florida and they can't really afford western union fees so we are looking for a workaround.
#1673
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,763
I believe it was at FTU advanced in San Diego where I heard about it. You are correct that it could not have been Bluebird. Directly paying off the loading card is explicitly against the T&C, so I won't risk it (although your experience is a good data point). I have other bills to pay off anyway.
Of course, I typically buy $5000 of visa/mc gift cards per month with credit cards, then use the gift cards to load Serve at Walmart. Then sometimes I use Serve to pay off those credit cards.
Of course, I typically buy $5000 of visa/mc gift cards per month with credit cards, then use the gift cards to load Serve at Walmart. Then sometimes I use Serve to pay off those credit cards.
If you direct load credit card are also used for all kind of other stuff, then you pay it from Serve, that should not present any problem.
#1674
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,112
I dont know anyone is stupid enough to load $200 x 5 then pay off the card immediately in $1K. If they get shut down because of such, they deserve it.
If you direct load credit card are also used for all kind of other stuff, then you pay it from Serve, that should not present any problem.
If you direct load credit card are also used for all kind of other stuff, then you pay it from Serve, that should not present any problem.
#1675
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 3,509
On an unrelated note, I need to rant a little.
I got a relative to signup for a Serve account to let me use, but he apparently got angry at me for how many emails he was getting so he freaking banned me from the account. He may have changed the password, email, or something else, but in the message he sent me, he threatened to cancel the account. This is after I've literally used the account three times (albeit to load and unload multiple $200 Staples cards, but still). The ABSOLUTE SHITIEST part is that I had just bill paid one of my cards for $800, and I have no idea if it'll go through since the account might be CANCELLED. Freaking damn it.
I got a relative to signup for a Serve account to let me use, but he apparently got angry at me for how many emails he was getting so he freaking banned me from the account. He may have changed the password, email, or something else, but in the message he sent me, he threatened to cancel the account. This is after I've literally used the account three times (albeit to load and unload multiple $200 Staples cards, but still). The ABSOLUTE SHITIEST part is that I had just bill paid one of my cards for $800, and I have no idea if it'll go through since the account might be CANCELLED. Freaking damn it.
Last edited by ericdabbs; Jun 29, 2015 at 4:42 pm
#1676
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: HH Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Silver
Posts: 252
#1677
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 115
With giftcardmall.com no longer selling $500 gift cards, I'm looking for another place online to buy VGCs that I can load to my Serve at Walmart.
I saw concerns from Doctor of Credit that the VGCs from giftcards.com may not work for loads at Walmart http://www.doctorofcredit.com/option...ave-you-money/.
In the comments section of this post, the Frequent Miler thinks they will work. http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...rd-gift-cards/
Does anybody know for sure?
I saw concerns from Doctor of Credit that the VGCs from giftcards.com may not work for loads at Walmart http://www.doctorofcredit.com/option...ave-you-money/.
In the comments section of this post, the Frequent Miler thinks they will work. http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...rd-gift-cards/
Does anybody know for sure?
#1678
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,112
With giftcardmall.com no longer selling $500 gift cards, I'm looking for another place online to buy VGCs that I can load to my Serve at Walmart.
I saw concerns from Doctor of Credit that the VGCs from giftcards.com may not work for loads at Walmart http://www.doctorofcredit.com/option...ave-you-money/.
In the comments section of this post, the Frequent Miler thinks they will work. http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...rd-gift-cards/
Does anybody know for sure?
I saw concerns from Doctor of Credit that the VGCs from giftcards.com may not work for loads at Walmart http://www.doctorofcredit.com/option...ave-you-money/.
In the comments section of this post, the Frequent Miler thinks they will work. http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...rd-gift-cards/
Does anybody know for sure?
#1679
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 583
Will this GCM backdoor link earn 3x on the Citi AT&T More card?
Cheers
#1680
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: MDT
Programs: DL, AA
Posts: 390
I have a non MS related serve question, was wondering if anyone might know the answer. I know that you can transfer money instantly from one serve card to another. Lets say someone in one state goes to walmart and buys a new serve account loaded with $500, and goes in the next day to load another $500, then goes online and registers the card, and now has to wait 7-10 business days to recieve the permanent card. Can they go online right after they register but before they recieve their permanent card and transfer $1000 to a serve account belonging to somebody else? Or do they have to wait until they recieve and activate their permanent card before they can do that?
Someone in NJ needs to send money to someone in florida and they can't really afford western union fees so we are looking for a workaround.
Someone in NJ needs to send money to someone in florida and they can't really afford western union fees so we are looking for a workaround.