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Old Jan 10, 2015, 9:20 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: NoonRadar

Nov 24, 2015

Dear XXXXXXXXX,

We want to let you know that we are making a change to your Target Prepaid REDcard® by American Express, and you will no longer be able to add money from your debit card at Target stores. As always, you can continue to add money to your Prepaid REDcard by using:

• Your debit card online through your Account
• Cash at a Target Store
• Direct Deposit (You can automatically add all or part of your paycheck, government benefits and federal tax refunds to your Prepaid REDcard)


DEAD FOR DEBIT CARD LOADS EFFECTIVE 10/12/2015 - MEMO: http://frequentmiler.boardingarea.co...uests-can-use/


DEAD FOR CREDIT CARD LOADS. (Amex GCs Included)

Effective May 6, 2015 registers are hard-coded to not allow credit card reload. PIN-based debit cards are working, however YMMV. PIN-based debit cards may be refused by cashiers.


WHAT IS TARGET PREPAID REDCARD?
Prepaid Redcard is a reloadable American Express card. It is only available to purchase at select Target stores.

    WEBSITE:
    This site may error when in Firefox, especially with adding payees / bill pay. Customer service says to use Chrome or Internet Explorer.
    https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcard

    PREPAID REDCARD LOAD LIMITS
    Cash (or debit card) loading at Target: ** - $1,000/transaction, $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.
    Daily limits reset at midnight Eastern time, 9 PM Pacific time.

    *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.

    ATM Withdrawals:
    No-fee ATM usage at US Target stores* and U.S. Allpoint network ATMs. (ATM usage not available at any other ATMs.) Find an Allpoint ATM at: www.allpointnetwork.com Note that some ATMs only allow $400/transaction. There is a $750/day and $2,000/month limit to ATM withdrawals.

    RedCard is only available in specific Target stores and is not available in all states. Go to this site to find a list of available locations:https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcard

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
    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?
    See post here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...a-63.html#2520
    There is currently a software issue preventing any reload of any kind in NC. It is a known issue but there is no ETA on a fix.

    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 not trained on how to do this and you may have to go to Customer Service.

    Q: What is the most efficient way to drain a RedCard?
    Use BillPay to pay bills. For example, pay the credit card you used to load RedCard with. You can also withdraw money at ATMs.

    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: Does the initial load you put in when purchasing the Redbird count against the monthly limit?
    No. After registering the Redbird online, any loads done will count against your monthly limit, even on your temp card.

    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?
    [B]As of 2/2/2015 there is a maximum $1,000 load per transaction. You can no longer load the same RB multiple times (multiple swipes) in 1 transaction. Likewise, you can no longer load multiple RBs (say your's and your spouse's) in 1 transaction. Maximum of 1 load, for $1,000 per debit card payment. End of story.

    Q: What credit cards can I use to reload RedCard in Target stores?
    NONE. As of May 6, 2015, credit cards cannot be used to reload.

    Q: Can I reload with a debit card?
    Yes, but only if the debit card can be authenticated with PIN-number. Signature-based debit that processes on the Visa/MasterCard/AmEx networks will NOT work.

    Q: Can I reload with a prepaid debit card or Vanilla Visa?
    Yes, but only if you have a PIN for that card.

    Q: How can I load 2 debit cards in one transaction? Example 2x$500.
    1. Swipe debit card on my terminal after total comes up $1000.
    2. PIN pad comes up. Enter 4 digit PIN.
    3. Do you want cash back? press NO
    4. Do you want full amount on this card? press NO <<<Note: I pressed YES and did not have a step 5. - PHLisa
    5. Cashier reads something on register, asks how much on this card. $500. They push something to continue.
    6. Swipe card #2. Enter PIN
    7. Repeat 3 to 5. Total: 0.00
    8. Receipt prints. Thank cashier. The end.
    (thanks to Mamibear)

    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/Bluebird at Target?
    No.

    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)


    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) 2015-2016

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    Old Apr 14, 2015, 12:59 pm
      #5176  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2014
    Posts: 565
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    To take that even further, why leave a >0 utilization on even one card?
    Because banks want to see you use your Credit cards, and the way they determine that is to see if there is a balance on the card at time of reporting (statement close).

    As an anecdote, opened 3 new CC accounts, but left 1 card's balance unpaid before statement close, utilization of about 10%. Credit score bumped up 10 points despite the new inquiries and new accounts.
    Lumpylump76 is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 1:02 pm
      #5177  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2011
    Location: sfo
    Posts: 53
    Originally Posted by CASACW2
    Yeah, thanks I checked that and one other site I found that had them on a map earlier before I posted my question... but I know that people have mentioned that there are stores that aren't on "the list" that actually have RB available/for sale... Like people have said Roseville, CA and Rancho Cordova CA have them (I haven't found them there myself) but people have said they do, so figured it might be the case at other Targets, too
    Here is the map for future reference:
    https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/vi...8.kyYIaq26n5m4

    Any way you can send me one? ;-) I'm in SF and I read that the city has not "allowed" them to sell here. I've read that reloads are possible though.
    iguanajm is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 1:07 pm
      #5178  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2015
    Location: Sacramento
    Programs: RR, QS, AS MP, SPG
    Posts: 233
    Originally Posted by iguanajm
    Here is the map for future reference:
    https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/vi...8.kyYIaq26n5m4

    Any way you can send me one? ;-) I'm in SF and I read that the city has not "allowed" them to sell here. I've read that reloads are possible though.
    That's the map I was referring to

    I'm in Sacramento area.. Have checked the Rancho Cordova target numerous times and nothing can be seen or found about RBs, even asking Guest Services and nada... Going to Roseville this weekend to see a friend, so if my wife and I can find Rb in Roseville, we'll pick up two and I'll send you one iguanajm, cool?
    CASACW2 is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 1:12 pm
      #5179  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2015
    Posts: 910
    Originally Posted by CASACW2
    Yeah, thanks I checked that and one other site I found that had them on a map earlier before I posted my question... but I know that people have mentioned that there are stores that aren't on "the list" that actually have RB available/for sale... Like people have said Roseville, CA and Rancho Cordova CA have them (I haven't found them there myself) but people have said they do, so figured it might be the case at other Targets, too
    Conflict of interest aside, if you wait even one month in hopes of traveling to a place that has Redbird at Target stores, you're loosing out significantly, compared to the cost of buying one online now and registering for it. It takes about 7-10 days to get the permanent card after registration, by the way, so keep that in mind if you buy one online intending to load it for April.

    If you're set on finding a store that has them, keep in mind that stores that are located in areas where the rest of the Target stores don't carry them, run out fast of Redbird inventory. This is the store locator link but you best to call the store a day before or even the day of travel, and ask specifically if they have the Target prepaid REDcard. There's also a debit and a credit REDcard which Target employees push because they get incentives to sign up people for them, make sure they know you're looking for the prepaid one, which has been available since Oct 2014 in select stores.

    Last edited by NoonRadar; Apr 14, 2015 at 1:30 pm
    NoonRadar is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 1:32 pm
      #5180  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2014
    Location: NYC
    Posts: 498
    Had my first load today, and the CSR was very nice and knew what to do, and actually asked me how I got the card since they don't sell them in the state(the CSR wanted one). I just said a friend sent me one. The CSR went on to say a guy keeps coming in and putting money on his venture card and bragging about how he uses it to pay off his mortgage. I just played dumb and said I want the 5% off. Anyway it's things like this that will make this short lived...
    Amex For Children Of Africa is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 1:46 pm
      #5181  
    Suspended
     
    Join Date: Dec 2014
    Posts: 8,460
    Originally Posted by Amex For Children Of Africa
    Anyway it's things like this that will make this short lived...
    People have been saying this since Jan and the product still lives.
    TMM1982 is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 1:47 pm
      #5182  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2014
    Location: ANC
    Programs: AS, UA, IHG, HH,
    Posts: 171
    Originally Posted by Amex For Children Of Africa
    Had my first load today, and the CSR was very nice and knew what to do, and actually asked me how I got the card since they don't sell them in the state(the CSR wanted one). I just said a friend sent me one. The CSR went on to say a guy keeps coming in and putting money on his venture card and bragging about how he uses it to pay off his mortgage. I just played dumb and said I want the 5% off. Anyway it's things like this that will make this short lived...
    Don't forget about the free shipping, Was this in NYC?
    BoeingOrNotGoing is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 2:03 pm
      #5183  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2014
    Location: NYC
    Posts: 498
    Originally Posted by BoeingOrNotGoing
    Don't forget about the free shipping, Was this in NYC?
    Not in NYC.
    Amex For Children Of Africa is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 2:06 pm
      #5184  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2011
    Posts: 800
    Originally Posted by TMM1982
    People have been saying this since Jan and the product still lives.
    I suspect a change will come once the "beta" stage is over and this is rolled out nationwide...

    For better or worse.
    macrophage is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 3:32 pm
      #5185  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2010
    Location: BOS
    Posts: 814
    Has anyone found an Allpoint ATM that allows over $400 in a transaction to be withdrawn? RedCard limit is $750/day and $2000/month, but I have tried 3 ATMs in different locations and each time had a $400 max withdrawal from the ATM.

    (I do know you can do back to back transactions and withdraw: ie $400 & $340 to total $740 that day.)
    xSTRIKEx6864 is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 3:49 pm
      #5186  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2011
    Posts: 800
    Originally Posted by xSTRIKEx6864
    Has anyone found an Allpoint ATM that allows over $400 in a transaction to be withdrawn? RedCard limit is $750/day and $2000/month, but I have tried 3 ATMs in different locations and each time had a $400 max withdrawal from the ATM.

    (I do know you can do back to back transactions and withdraw: ie $400 & $340 to total $740 that day.)
    With that velocity of withdrawals, that is how you get your account frozen.
    macrophage is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 4:11 pm
      #5187  
    FlyerTalk Evangelist
     
    Join Date: Jul 2003
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 29,772
    Originally Posted by Blueskyheaven
    but if you report, they sometimes do fine the stores and can even you give retention credit for the trouble
    Show us the real data please.
    Happy is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 4:46 pm
      #5188  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Posts: 721
    Originally Posted by Blueskyheaven
    but if you report, they sometimes do fine the stores and can even you give retention credit for the trouble
    When stores get fined, they try to figure out a plan to not get fined again.

    Plan A: call a meeting and pray that low-wage high-turnover employees care, every minute of every day, about your weird new instructions

    Plan B: one-time task of hard-coding the system to deny CC for large transactions
    zceuxbhjutf is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 5:38 pm
      #5189  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2011
    Posts: 100
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    ^ Correct, I forgot to mention to write "see ID" on the signature line.
    At the local post office today, a clerk lectured a customer about the fact that the back of his credit card was not signed for about five minutes while there was a long line of customers waiting to be served. Clerk said she would process payment one time as a favor for the customer, but said she would not process payments for customer in the future using unsigned card. Customer said that he hasn't signed his credit cards for the past 20 years, but clerk told him that things have changed and repeated that she will not accept payments using unsigned cards in the future.
    kharlamov is offline  
    Old Apr 14, 2015, 5:54 pm
      #5190  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Location: JFK / LGA
    Posts: 124
    Originally Posted by NoonRadar
    It's unfortunate for NYC-ers but even at one load per day, Redbird is the best in the game right now (monthly limit is still $5K), unless you have to go too much out of your way to get to a Target that lets you do that.

    For us who have 2-3 Targets on the way to work/gym, that limit if implemented means nothing, we'll just hit the breaks and park our cars a few more times a month to generate otherwise effortless benefits.

    Plus, NYC has started implementing restrictions store by store since beginning of Feb, nothing has changed since for the vast majority of the Target stores elsewhere, so this doesn't suggest an inevitable wave but instead individual store policies based on circumstances....in NYC I'm guessing the circumstance dictating the tore policy change is sheer volume of overall customers which also means a large volume of people who load Redbird not just for points but also (likely) for fraud.
    Yeah, having to do 1 load per day is not really the deal breaker. It's the fact that it takes 1.5 hrs out of my day (going out of my way) that is making it harder. I do have 2 Redbirds and I guess I will have to load them during my trips to Jersey. Hit a whole bunch of different Targets.
    onehitrenegade is offline  


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