Jan 10, 2015, 9:20 pm
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)
◦ 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
Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015-2016
Apr 21, 2015, 7:58 am
#5401
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: UA 1/MM SPG gold, CEO: Grandmother of 4
Posts: 557
What?! I can use Redcard at Costco? I always thought you had to use the specific Costco-branded AmEx, but any AmEx will work? I had been buying the Costco cash cards but if I can use Redcard that makes it even easier.
So when Costco switches to Citi - will I be able to use any card issued by Citi, also?
Thanks!
So when Costco switches to Citi - will I be able to use any card issued by Citi, also?
Thanks!
Apr 21, 2015, 8:06 am
#5402
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 183
Well, in my defense, the Redcard is the first AmEx branded card I've had, so I haven't been missing the points for too long.
What I *do* regret is not realizing you could buy the Costco cash cards with a credit card online until just recently. I don't want to admit what we spent at Costco last year on debit cards. Lesson learned.
What I *do* regret is not realizing you could buy the Costco cash cards with a credit card online until just recently. I don't want to admit what we spent at Costco last year on debit cards. Lesson learned.
Apr 21, 2015, 8:45 am
#5403
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: UA 1/MM SPG gold, CEO: Grandmother of 4
Posts: 557
Well, in my defense, the Redcard is the first AmEx branded card I've had, so I haven't been missing the points for too long.
What I *do* regret is not realizing you could buy the Costco cash cards with a credit card online until just recently. I don't want to admit what we spent at Costco last year on debit cards. Lesson learned.
What I *do* regret is not realizing you could buy the Costco cash cards with a credit card online until just recently. I don't want to admit what we spent at Costco last year on debit cards. Lesson learned.
Don't forget that after Am.Ex leaves Costco...........any Visa will do, not just Citi. I love my Chase Sapphire Visa card.
Apr 21, 2015, 8:54 am
#5404
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
Apr 21, 2015, 9:05 am
#5405
Join Date: May 2002
Location: St Louis, MO
Programs: AA L.T. PLT
Posts: 3,298
Well, in my defense, the Redcard is the first AmEx branded card I've had, so I haven't been missing the points for too long.
What I *do* regret is not realizing you could buy the Costco cash cards with a credit card online until just recently. I don't want to admit what we spent at Costco last year on debit cards. Lesson learned.
What I *do* regret is not realizing you could buy the Costco cash cards with a credit card online until just recently. I don't want to admit what we spent at Costco last year on debit cards. Lesson learned.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:15 am
#5406
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 595
Citi paid for the rights to issue the co-branded card and process the payments, not be the exclusive credit card that can be used. Any VISA card will work, just like any AMEX works now, not just the Costco AMEX.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:17 am
#5407
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,815
It's Costco's gift card. You can buy online at Costco.com using ANY type credit card if you are a member. This has helped me meet minimum spends over the years.
In turn you don't have to be a member of Costco to use those giftcards in store.
This is how my parents shop there without me.
In turn you don't have to be a member of Costco to use those giftcards in store.
This is how my parents shop there without me.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:18 am
#5408
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Northern Virginia
Posts: 89
I haven't tried this particular method, but all my store returns on Redbird, including Costco, are classified as Store Return and show up in my statement under Transfer In and Credits, not Money Added. So I'd say it won't count against the load limit.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:19 am
#5409
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 183
If you are a Costco member, you can buy Costco gift cards on their website using a credit card. If you don't have an AmEx, it's a way to get credit card points while shopping at Costco, albeit a bit of a clunky one. It takes about a week for them to ship you the card and then you have to call to activate the $ amount you purchased.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:23 am
#5410
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 183
AmEx seems equivalent to Visa or MasterCard.
So AmEx had an exclusive deal with Costco. Now Citi worked out some deal. If what you're saying is correct that ANY Visa will work (even non-Citi) it seems like Citi did all the hard work but Chase or any other Visa will benefit.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:32 am
#5411
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt
Posts: 2,889
However, there are a couple of whole threads about this...so, let's keep the discussion of Costco/Citibank there and keep discussion in this thread to Redbird.
See here:
Costco replacing Amex with Citi co-branded VISA, March 2016
Costco and Amex terminate U.S.A. agreement eff March, 2016
Apr 21, 2015, 9:55 am
#5412
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: NYC
Posts: 158
But I still don't get it (or maybe I just don't fully grasp how credit cards/banks all work).
AmEx seems equivalent to Visa or MasterCard.
So AmEx had an exclusive deal with Costco. Now Citi worked out some deal. If what you're saying is correct that ANY Visa will work (even non-Citi) it seems like Citi did all the hard work but Chase or any other Visa will benefit.
AmEx seems equivalent to Visa or MasterCard.
So AmEx had an exclusive deal with Costco. Now Citi worked out some deal. If what you're saying is correct that ANY Visa will work (even non-Citi) it seems like Citi did all the hard work but Chase or any other Visa will benefit.
Credit card networks include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. They basically take care of the technology that allows your credit card to work. Typically one of these logos is on your credit card, and that is the network that the card will process on. Also when you walk into a store they'll usually have the logos in their window telling you which cards they accept.
But when you use your card, you are borrowing money from a bank aka credit card issuer. These include Citi, Chase, Bank of America, etc. Discover and American Express are both banks as well as networks.
The deal Citi worked out with Costco is that the new Costco credit card will be a Citi card. Costco also worked out a deal with Visa so that Visa cards can be processed at Costco. This was necessary to do, otherwise the Costco Citi card would have been useless if it didn't work.
Before, the issuing bank of the Costco credit card was American Express. The credit card network used by Costco was also American Express, and all American Express cards worked at Costco. Next year, the issuing bank of the card will be Citi and the network will be Visa. All Visa cards will work at Costco.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:55 am
#5413
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
However, there are a couple of whole threads about this...so, let's keep the discussion of Costco/Citibank there and keep discussion in this thread to Redbird.
See here:
Costco replacing Amex with Citi co-branded VISA, March 2016
Costco and Amex terminate U.S.A. agreement eff March, 2016
See here:
Costco replacing Amex with Citi co-branded VISA, March 2016
Costco and Amex terminate U.S.A. agreement eff March, 2016
When a simple OT question comes up on a thread, I don't get why it can't be answered there, taking up perhaps 3 or 4 short posts in between endless versions of "is RB working in NC yet?", and "Will Citi charge a CA fee for loading RB?", not to mention "My Target doesn't have RB yet, can I still load there?". And best of all, "this is the type of behavior that will bring RB to an end sometime in the next few hours". 
I don't find being told to go read 2 entire threads to answer a simple question very efficient.
Apr 21, 2015, 10:29 am
#5414
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Buffalo, NY
Posts: 66
I went to the Target closest to me today, where almost every employee is trained to never load anything. The other day, the general store manager agreed to to look into the Prepaid Redcard to see if they are allowed to load it. Today, I saw him at the store, and he confirmed that they are allowed to load it and even offered to meet me at Guest Services to load it for me. He said it would take some time for the employees to be trained to allow loading, but at least things are looking promising, since I pass by that store almost every day.
Apr 21, 2015, 10:40 am
#5415
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: DFW
Programs: AA 1M
Posts: 31,475
