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
    Print Wikipost

    Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015-2016

    Old Apr 22, 2015, 3:16 pm
      #5491  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2015
    Posts: 119
    Does Target code as grocery for anyone using a Amex BCP? I noticed that my Arrival+ is coding the loads as grocery at this particular Target.
    David_ is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 3:19 pm
      #5492  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2013
    Location: Michigan
    Programs: AA, UA, DL, UR, IHG platnium, AirAsia
    Posts: 323
    Just went and loaded $1,600 from 2 cc's (Citi AA worked this time). The customer service gal was like "Wow, I've never seen that card before". I was like "yeah, it's a new product they just came out with". Not sure what I should make of that.....good or bad....
    JamieDee78 is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 3:19 pm
      #5493  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2015
    Posts: 910
    Originally Posted by mastermind85
    No, subaccounts are non-loadable.
    I know that is supposed to be so in theory, but has anyone actually tested this? If not, it would be nice for someone who actually has a sub-acct card to test it out and let us know.
    NoonRadar is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 4:16 pm
      #5494  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by David_
    Does Target code as grocery for anyone using a Amex BCP? I noticed that my Arrival+ is coding the loads as grocery at this particular Target.
    No AMEX card codes Target as grocery. Chase Freedom doesn't either. Many Targets do code as grocery for most Visa and MCs. But never for AMEX.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 5:41 pm
      #5495  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2015
    Posts: 11
    Originally Posted by opmal7
    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 advertised 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.
    Success! I filled out the survey giving a 1/10 for overall satisfaction. In the comment box, I said pretty much exactly what is quoted above. I specified that I'd like a manager to contact me to follow up on the issue.

    I received an email today from the store's manager. He apologized for the inconvenience, stated that there was no such policy in place, and that he personally followed up with the cashier to explain the policy to her. He also stated that he would ensure that the rest of the team is properly trained so that there aren't any issues in the future with myself or other customers. He offered to meet me at the customer service counter and assist with the transaction personally.

    I emailed him back saying that I understood it is a fairly new product, not available in all stores yet. I clarified that the cashier was not rude or disrespectful in any way (didn't want to get her in trouble), and she probably just wasn't familiar with the product/policies. I also stated that I would happily withdraw or modify my review once I could successfully load the redcard.

    I went back to the Target in question, walked up to the customer service counter, said I would like to reload my redcard. The CSR asked how much. I said $900. He swiped my redcard, I swiped my Chase Sapphire Plus credit card, he asked the last 4 digits, entered them, receipt printed out, and I said thank you very much and have a nice day.

    The transaction rang up for exactly $900, and the balance is available on my redcard. I hope this information can help anyone having issues in the future. Basically, I used the survey as a tool to reach the store manager, and he was very helpful. I think this was effective because it brought the issue to the store manager's attention, and he was able to ensure that his staff is properly trained to handle these transactions in the future.
    opmal7 is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 6:17 pm
      #5496  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Location: SJC
    Programs: AA, AS, Marriott
    Posts: 6,056
    Originally Posted by opmal7
    The transaction rang up for exactly $900, and the balance is available on my redcard. I hope this information can help anyone having issues in the future. Basically, I used the survey as a tool to reach the store manager, and he was very helpful. I think this was effective because it brought the issue to the store manager's attention, and he was able to ensure that his staff is properly trained to handle these transactions in the future.
    That's great service! Much better than filling out store experience surveys at WM for broken kiosks. ^
    Majuki is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 6:56 pm
      #5497  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2013
    Posts: 1,815
    Paramus

    You can load there if you have cash or debit card.
    YoungBubbie is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 7:07 pm
      #5498  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by opmal7
    Success! I filled out the survey giving a 1/10 for overall satisfaction. In the comment box, I said pretty much exactly what is quoted above. I specified that I'd like a manager to contact me to follow up on the issue.

    I received an email today from the store's manager. He apologized for the inconvenience, stated that there was no such policy in place, and that he personally followed up with the cashier to explain the policy to her. He also stated that he would ensure that the rest of the team is properly trained so that there aren't any issues in the future with myself or other customers. He offered to meet me at the customer service counter and assist with the transaction personally.

    I emailed him back saying that I understood it is a fairly new product, not available in all stores yet. I clarified that the cashier was not rude or disrespectful in any way (didn't want to get her in trouble), and she probably just wasn't familiar with the product/policies. I also stated that I would happily withdraw or modify my review once I could successfully load the redcard.

    I went back to the Target in question, walked up to the customer service counter, said I would like to reload my redcard. The CSR asked how much. I said $900. He swiped my redcard, I swiped my Chase Sapphire Plus credit card, he asked the last 4 digits, entered them, receipt printed out, and I said thank you very much and have a nice day.

    The transaction rang up for exactly $900, and the balance is available on my redcard. I hope this information can help anyone having issues in the future. Basically, I used the survey as a tool to reach the store manager, and he was very helpful. I think this was effective because it brought the issue to the store manager's attention, and he was able to ensure that his staff is properly trained to handle these transactions in the future.
    But, but, but...we all know if they won't load our RBs, the proper thing to do is slink away with our heads held down, not making eye contact with anyone, trying not to cry...lest we "ruin RB for everyone"
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 7:18 pm
      #5499  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Location: NY
    Posts: 45
    Originally Posted by YoungBubbie
    You can load there if you have cash or debit card.
    Do you know if they are at least allowing vgc/mgc?

    Last edited by hipp0; Apr 22, 2015 at 7:18 pm Reason: typo
    hipp0 is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 7:54 pm
      #5500  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2015
    Location: Champaign, IL
    Programs: Total Rewards Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, Marriott Gold, AA Gold
    Posts: 564
    Originally Posted by hipp0
    Do you know if they are at least allowing vgc/mgc?
    I loaded Vanilla VGC with no issue for $500. They didn't even ask for the last 4 numbers of the card.
    pwd847 is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 7:58 pm
      #5501  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2013
    Posts: 1,815
    Originally Posted by hipp0
    Do you know if they are at least allowing vgc/mgc?
    Not sure. But probably. I got to point where I swiped my CC. A manager just happened to walk by and asked the cashier if it was debit. She said yes. Manager said I didn't see her input her pin. Manager said to me cash or debit.

    I left.
    YoungBubbie is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 8:35 pm
      #5502  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2014
    Location: Austin, TX
    Posts: 1,012
    Can anyone suggest the most painless way to load with an amex? Today I called amex prior to and told them to expect an approximate 2k retail charge. They said great. Didn't matter. First charge declined, generated a fraud alert email, which required me to call, which required me to view and confirm a text message. Ran the charge again, which went through. Second charge declined again. I gave up at that point.

    Any way to (1) clear the charge beforehand to avoid a fraud alert, or absent that (2) get an immediate verification text message like chase sends? Although I have text alerts activated, I still had to get an email, then call, then view a text link, then try again. Too much.
    trouble747 is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 8:38 pm
      #5503  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2014
    Posts: 176
    Just confirming - the initial load of $500 when I bought the temporary card does NOT count towards the $5000 limit?
    khochurn is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 8:43 pm
      #5504  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2001
    Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
    Posts: 5,536
    Originally Posted by trouble747
    Can anyone suggest the most painless way to load with an amex? Today I called amex prior to and told them to expect an approximate 2k retail charge.
    Try odd numbers. $947.63, etc.
    I don't do more than one load/day with my SPG AmEx but I've never gotten a FA using odd numbers. But I've got 3 Targets within 5 miles of me so it's not a big deal to stop by 6 or 7 days a month.
    iflyjetz is offline  
    Old Apr 22, 2015, 8:55 pm
      #5505  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2011
    Location: DCA
    Posts: 121
    Originally Posted by khochurn
    Just confirming - the initial load of $500 when I bought the temporary card does NOT count towards the $5000 limit?
    Correct. And after you register the account online you can reload it with 1000 before you get the permanent one.
    Ralf83 is offline  

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