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, 7:52 pm
#5446
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 714
I was able to load my husband's RB yesterday using my two Citi cards. The clerks at GS's are so nonchalant about it. Right before I finished a guy came in to load his RB with a BCP but the machine wouldn't accept the last four digits of the card. I haven't tried to load with an Amex card yet but shouldn't it work the same as with Visa or MC?
Apr 21, 2015, 8:19 pm
#5447
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
I didn't even get a chance to specify if I was paying with cash or credit. They refused to even swipe the card. How would filling out the survey hurt?
I was thinking about writing something like:
"I have a prepaid Target redcard, and tried to reload the card as I was checking out. I was told this store does not reload prepaid cards anymore due to security issues. Yet, the prepaid redcard website (insert link) clearly states "Reload with cash for free at any U.S. Target store."
I suggest you ensure that all store policies are consistent with what is advertise on the website. I also suggest you notify prepaid cardholder's that they will be unable to reload their cards at certain locations until the security issues are resolved.
I am a longtime Target customer, and was excited to use my prepaid card to save 5%, and take advantage of the direct deposit and billpay features. But now I am left with a useless card, and I will be very skeptical of any Target advertisements in the future."
I haven't submitted the review yet. My goal is just to get my local Target to make it's policies consistent with what is advertised. If this is a terrible idea, let me know. I doubt one review will change their mind, but I won't let my sour grapes ruin the fun for everyone else.
I was thinking about writing something like:
"I have a prepaid Target redcard, and tried to reload the card as I was checking out. I was told this store does not reload prepaid cards anymore due to security issues. Yet, the prepaid redcard website (insert link) clearly states "Reload with cash for free at any U.S. Target store."
I suggest you ensure that all store policies are consistent with what is advertise on the website. I also suggest you notify prepaid cardholder's that they will be unable to reload their cards at certain locations until the security issues are resolved.
I am a longtime Target customer, and was excited to use my prepaid card to save 5%, and take advantage of the direct deposit and billpay features. But now I am left with a useless card, and I will be very skeptical of any Target advertisements in the future."
I haven't submitted the review yet. My goal is just to get my local Target to make it's policies consistent with what is advertised. If this is a terrible idea, let me know. I doubt one review will change their mind, but I won't let my sour grapes ruin the fun for everyone else.
Apr 21, 2015, 8:22 pm
#5448
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 11
You want some tips? Fine.
Re-frikking-lax. Chill out for a day or two, and try again. Go to a different Target, or go back to that one when a different shift is working, find a different cashier. Read this thread for a bit - you will find that 98% of difficulties are caused by 1) clueless cashiers who just make stuff up; 2) clueless MSers who have no common sense; 3) clueless local management who have no common sense and make stuff up.
Don't throw a hissyfit if your first attempt to get in on the redbird orgy is not 100% successful. Learn more, take your time, and your luck will improve.
Nothing good can possibly come from filling out an online survey....but bad things can.
Is it a terrible idea? Meh - probably not a disastrously terrible on, but it's certainly not going to help you or anyone else, it could hurt everyone, and it's completely unnecessary and useless.
You obviously are very, very new to all this. You need to learn a lot more and develop a bit of sense.
Re-frikking-lax. Chill out for a day or two, and try again. Go to a different Target, or go back to that one when a different shift is working, find a different cashier. Read this thread for a bit - you will find that 98% of difficulties are caused by 1) clueless cashiers who just make stuff up; 2) clueless MSers who have no common sense; 3) clueless local management who have no common sense and make stuff up.
Don't throw a hissyfit if your first attempt to get in on the redbird orgy is not 100% successful. Learn more, take your time, and your luck will improve.
Nothing good can possibly come from filling out an online survey....but bad things can.
Is it a terrible idea? Meh - probably not a disastrously terrible on, but it's certainly not going to help you or anyone else, it could hurt everyone, and it's completely unnecessary and useless.
You obviously are very, very new to all this. You need to learn a lot more and develop a bit of sense.
You are right. I am new to this. My thoughts on the survey is that it will reach a store manager, who might do a little research and write back to me saying "Sorry, we were misinformed. You can reload your card at our location." Worst case they just write back and say Yeah, we can't reload it. And I provide some information for others in my area.
Apr 21, 2015, 8:40 pm
#5449
Join Date: Mar 2015
Posts: 333
Second permanent card arrived (in Ms West's name) and loads just fine with cc in my name. CS rep even was surprised that I was only doing one swipe this visit. I hit card#1 hard on April 1 and 2 to meet spend for a sign up bonus--2.5 each day in 3 straight swipes--neither cashier batted an eye. I have a longer window on the current bonus so I'll take this one more slowly. I still have no good guess as to what Target is up to with this product, but that's just fine by me.
Apr 21, 2015, 8:51 pm
#5450
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 910
@opmal7 I don't think there's anything wrong with you writing to corp Target something like that, on the contrary, I think it's appropriate in your situation.
You've done the right thing (in your sample writing) to not specify that you were trying to load the prepaid REDcard with a credit card, but with cash instead, as per corp policy. I would even add something more convincing like "Lately I haven't been able to obtain a checking account due to some unfortunate mistakes in the past. I was excited to find out that I could register for a prepaid account at Target and pay my bills online with that account, all while I get a 5% discount for my regular Target shopping. I was unpleasantly surprised, however, to find out that the Target stores in my area have recently...".
Likely Redbird was targeted (pun intended) to underbanked people so by stating something like this you're more convincing to Target that you're actually one of the people they intended Redbird for, and you're unpleasantly surprised to find out that the Target stores in your area no longer allow you to load Redbird with cash.
It is important though to be accurate (i.e. if store at 123 street told you no credit cards, don't say they won't allow cash loads) and only include a store in this letter if you yourself have recently tried to load Redbird and before you even mentioned the tender of payment you were told no off the bat, especially if you tried twice in the same store or were explicitly told that it is not allowed per store/Target policy.
In the end though don't have too much hopes for it (but it doesn't hurt to try); several target stores in NYC have made store policies not to allow credit cards, or to curtail the daily cc limits to $1K, a couple even $500. My guess is due to the sheer large volume of people trying this in those densely populated areas, which likely has increased the fraud incidents also. It is also in the legal REDcard print that Target stores or Amex can decide to deny a method of payment (loading) if they see fit. I would still send the letter though, as such. If you mail it, make sure it is returned receipt.
Keep us posted if you send it. I'm curious to see if you get any response and whether it is something totally generic or something more specific.
You've done the right thing (in your sample writing) to not specify that you were trying to load the prepaid REDcard with a credit card, but with cash instead, as per corp policy. I would even add something more convincing like "Lately I haven't been able to obtain a checking account due to some unfortunate mistakes in the past. I was excited to find out that I could register for a prepaid account at Target and pay my bills online with that account, all while I get a 5% discount for my regular Target shopping. I was unpleasantly surprised, however, to find out that the Target stores in my area have recently...".
Likely Redbird was targeted (pun intended) to underbanked people so by stating something like this you're more convincing to Target that you're actually one of the people they intended Redbird for, and you're unpleasantly surprised to find out that the Target stores in your area no longer allow you to load Redbird with cash.
It is important though to be accurate (i.e. if store at 123 street told you no credit cards, don't say they won't allow cash loads) and only include a store in this letter if you yourself have recently tried to load Redbird and before you even mentioned the tender of payment you were told no off the bat, especially if you tried twice in the same store or were explicitly told that it is not allowed per store/Target policy.
In the end though don't have too much hopes for it (but it doesn't hurt to try); several target stores in NYC have made store policies not to allow credit cards, or to curtail the daily cc limits to $1K, a couple even $500. My guess is due to the sheer large volume of people trying this in those densely populated areas, which likely has increased the fraud incidents also. It is also in the legal REDcard print that Target stores or Amex can decide to deny a method of payment (loading) if they see fit. I would still send the letter though, as such. If you mail it, make sure it is returned receipt.
Keep us posted if you send it. I'm curious to see if you get any response and whether it is something totally generic or something more specific.
Apr 21, 2015, 8:58 pm
#5451
Join Date: Feb 2006
Programs: HH Gold (again), US/UA/DL non-elite, ZE Presidents Circle, WN reluctant no fee convert.
Posts: 1,449
Had a Target employee at the service desk in an upper west Tennessee store confess she and her husband drove to Memphis to obtain a Redbird. I googled and found she apparently travelled about 3.5 hours (210 miles). Anyone else done anything close?
I am taking an unexpected road trip in a few days and am contemplating driving 80 miles out of the way to obtain a Redbird. Can I buy more than one? (Update: Wiki says no). OK, so I can buy another and set it up for another? Is one sufficient since I will also retain and use my AFT, as well?
Will be cancelling my Bluebird, too. Thanks for reply.
I am taking an unexpected road trip in a few days and am contemplating driving 80 miles out of the way to obtain a Redbird. Can I buy more than one? (Update: Wiki says no). OK, so I can buy another and set it up for another? Is one sufficient since I will also retain and use my AFT, as well?
Will be cancelling my Bluebird, too. Thanks for reply.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:02 pm
#5452
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 11
@opmal7 I don't think there's anything wrong with you writing to corp Target something like that, on the contrary, I think it's appropriate in your situation.
You've done the right thing (in your sample writing) to not specify that you were trying to load the prepaid REDcard with a credit card, but with cash instead, as per corp policy. I would even add something more convincing like "Lately I haven't been able to obtain a checking account due to some unfortunate mistakes in the past. I was excited to find out that I could register for a prepaid account at Target and pay my bills online with that account, all while I get a 5% discount for my regular Target shopping. I was unpleasantly surprised, however, to find out that the Target stores in my area have recently...".
Likely Redbird was targeted (pun intended) to underbanked people so by stating something like this you're more convincing to Target that you're actually one of the people they intended Redbird for, and you're unpleasantly surprised to find out that the Target stores in your area no longer allow you to load Redbird with cash.
It is important though to be accurate (i.e. if store at 123 street told you no credit cards, don't say they won't allow cash loads) and only include a store in this letter if you yourself have recently tried to load Redbird and before you even mentioned the tender of payment you were told no off the bat, especially if you tried twice in the same store or were explicitly told that it is not allowed per store/Target policy.
In the end though don't have too much hopes for it (but it doesn't hurt to try); several target stores in NYC have made store policies not to allow credit cards, or to curtail the daily cc limits to $1K, a couple even $500. My guess is due to the sheer large volume of people trying this in those densely populated areas, which likely has increased the fraud incidents also. It is also in the legal REDcard print that Target stores or Amex can decide to deny a method of payment (loading) if they see fit. I would still send the letter though, as such. If you mail it, make sure it is returned receipt.
Keep us posted if you send it. I'm curious to see if you get any response and whether it is something totally generic or something more specific.
You've done the right thing (in your sample writing) to not specify that you were trying to load the prepaid REDcard with a credit card, but with cash instead, as per corp policy. I would even add something more convincing like "Lately I haven't been able to obtain a checking account due to some unfortunate mistakes in the past. I was excited to find out that I could register for a prepaid account at Target and pay my bills online with that account, all while I get a 5% discount for my regular Target shopping. I was unpleasantly surprised, however, to find out that the Target stores in my area have recently...".
Likely Redbird was targeted (pun intended) to underbanked people so by stating something like this you're more convincing to Target that you're actually one of the people they intended Redbird for, and you're unpleasantly surprised to find out that the Target stores in your area no longer allow you to load Redbird with cash.
It is important though to be accurate (i.e. if store at 123 street told you no credit cards, don't say they won't allow cash loads) and only include a store in this letter if you yourself have recently tried to load Redbird and before you even mentioned the tender of payment you were told no off the bat, especially if you tried twice in the same store or were explicitly told that it is not allowed per store/Target policy.
In the end though don't have too much hopes for it (but it doesn't hurt to try); several target stores in NYC have made store policies not to allow credit cards, or to curtail the daily cc limits to $1K, a couple even $500. My guess is due to the sheer large volume of people trying this in those densely populated areas, which likely has increased the fraud incidents also. It is also in the legal REDcard print that Target stores or Amex can decide to deny a method of payment (loading) if they see fit. I would still send the letter though, as such. If you mail it, make sure it is returned receipt.
Keep us posted if you send it. I'm curious to see if you get any response and whether it is something totally generic or something more specific.
I don't have much hope that 1 complaint will change the store policy, but I feel it's my only option at this point (aside from making a fuss at the store, which I don't think will be productive).
I will complete the survey online, and request a response from a store manager. I will come back and update with any new info.
Edit: Also, by providing my name, phone number, etc. they will know that I'm unlikely to be engaging in any fraudulent use.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:04 pm
#5453
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 910
You can buy as many temporary activated (but not used for registration) Redbird cards as you want, but you can only register them one per person (SSN). Further that person has to be over 18, has a valid US address (which if need be can be verified with ID + a bill showing that name and address) and not have an open Redbird, Serve or Bluebird at the time of the Redbird registration.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:11 pm
#5454
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 910
Or just not mention that all if you wish, it was just a detail that I thought might help in making them actually think that you (or yourss) are one of the intended users and not just someone being annoyed that they can't MS with Redbird.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:15 pm
#5455
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: UA 1/MM SPG gold, CEO: Grandmother of 4
Posts: 557
I was able to load my husband's RB yesterday using my two Citi cards. The clerks at GS's are so nonchalant about it. Right before I finished a guy came in to load his RB with a BCP but the machine wouldn't accept the last four digits of the card. I haven't tried to load with an Amex card yet but shouldn't it work the same as with Visa or MC?
Apr 21, 2015, 9:24 pm
#5456
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Michigan
Programs: AA, UA, DL, UR, IHG platnium, AirAsia
Posts: 323
Going back to Target tomorrow after work to attempt my 2nd load. Will it work this time or do you think I should call them? Don't want this to happen again.
Apr 21, 2015, 9:38 pm
#5458
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Sacramento
Programs: RR, QS, AS MP, SPG
Posts: 233
Apr 21, 2015, 9:41 pm
#5459
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
After I got home last night, I checked my email and Citi sent me a fraud alert about 1/2 hour after I attempted to load $9xx.xx at Target. I was given two options to click on: "Not Valid" and "Valid". Clicked on Valid. Now they say I can use the card.
Going back to Target tomorrow after work to attempt my 2nd load. Will it work this time or do you think I should call them? Don't want this to happen again.
Going back to Target tomorrow after work to attempt my 2nd load. Will it work this time or do you think I should call them? Don't want this to happen again.
Apr 22, 2015, 6:26 am
#5460
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 800
After I got home last night, I checked my email and Citi sent me a fraud alert about 1/2 hour after I attempted to load $9xx.xx at Target. I was given two options to click on: "Not Valid" and "Valid". Clicked on Valid. Now they say I can use the card.
Going back to Target tomorrow after work to attempt my 2nd load. Will it work this time or do you think I should call them? Don't want this to happen again.
Going back to Target tomorrow after work to attempt my 2nd load. Will it work this time or do you think I should call them? Don't want this to happen again.
Both should be quite instant notifications and should come within 1 minute. Hit Verify or reply "1" and you should be good to go!