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
May 29, 2015, 11:02 am
#7891
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 825
well, something disturbing happened to me yesterday - doing my regular load runs with MCGC (i now have to do these at the front desk, registers are not allowed) all of a sudden the red card wouldn't load.
they kept telling me to swipe my redcard first at the terminal, instead of at their register like always. apparently yesterday they got upgraded SW technology to account for Chip&Pin rollout and it broke all their machines. they did "keep" one machine in old configuration and the lady that remembered me from before processed my transaction on there, but she couldn't tell me whether it was a temporary glitch with new machines.
my fear is that target is slowly killing off the redcard through these unsupported SW upgrades. considering most stores don't even sell the redcard i can see it just quietly fizzling away like it never happened.
they kept telling me to swipe my redcard first at the terminal, instead of at their register like always. apparently yesterday they got upgraded SW technology to account for Chip&Pin rollout and it broke all their machines. they did "keep" one machine in old configuration and the lady that remembered me from before processed my transaction on there, but she couldn't tell me whether it was a temporary glitch with new machines.
my fear is that target is slowly killing off the redcard through these unsupported SW upgrades. considering most stores don't even sell the redcard i can see it just quietly fizzling away like it never happened.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/24863441-post7749.html
May 29, 2015, 12:12 pm
#7892
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DC Metro Area
Posts: 62
Same thing happened to me today. First $1500 ($500 x 3) worked fine. Did some shopping, went to the register, receipt printed as normal but got the extra slip saying transaction could not be completed.
$500 is off the VGC but not showing on Redbird. Going to call in a bit, but I'm not too worried. It may take a bit to resolve, but I can float the $.
$500 is off the VGC but not showing on Redbird. Going to call in a bit, but I'm not too worried. It may take a bit to resolve, but I can float the $.
Called 11 May - told it would take 3-5 business days
Called 16 May - told it would take 3-5 business days
Called 29 May - told it would take 5-10 business days
I know the issue will be resolved eventually, but it's rather funny how inept American Express seems to be.
May 29, 2015, 12:14 pm
#7893
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DC Metro Area
Posts: 62
well, something disturbing happened to me yesterday - doing my regular load runs with MCGC (i now have to do these at the front desk, registers are not allowed) all of a sudden the red card wouldn't load.
they kept telling me to swipe my redcard first at the terminal, instead of at their register like always. apparently yesterday they got upgraded SW technology to account for Chip&Pin rollout and it broke all their machines. they did "keep" one machine in old configuration and the lady that remembered me from before processed my transaction on there, but she couldn't tell me whether it was a temporary glitch with new machines.
my fear is that target is slowly killing off the redcard through these unsupported SW upgrades. considering most stores don't even sell the redcard i can see it just quietly fizzling away like it never happened.
they kept telling me to swipe my redcard first at the terminal, instead of at their register like always. apparently yesterday they got upgraded SW technology to account for Chip&Pin rollout and it broke all their machines. they did "keep" one machine in old configuration and the lady that remembered me from before processed my transaction on there, but she couldn't tell me whether it was a temporary glitch with new machines.
my fear is that target is slowly killing off the redcard through these unsupported SW upgrades. considering most stores don't even sell the redcard i can see it just quietly fizzling away like it never happened.
May 29, 2015, 12:43 pm
#7895
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
This could be of value for others who experience the same.
May 29, 2015, 1:34 pm
#7896
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, AA Plat
Posts: 128
Quote:
Originally Posted by ryejay98
Target in Nova also upgraded and "broke" the POS. Fortunately, they were more than happy to do the swipes for me and it worked with no issues.
What exactly do you mean when you say "do the swipes for me"? Are you saying that if the customers POS terminal doesn't accept the RB swipe, the cashiers terminal does?
This could be of value for others who experience the same.
Originally Posted by ryejay98
Target in Nova also upgraded and "broke" the POS. Fortunately, they were more than happy to do the swipes for me and it worked with no issues.
What exactly do you mean when you say "do the swipes for me"? Are you saying that if the customers POS terminal doesn't accept the RB swipe, the cashiers terminal does?
This could be of value for others who experience the same.
May 29, 2015, 8:32 pm
#7900
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: STL
Posts: 1,547
No issue loading $500 OVGC to RB in St. Louis tonight.
Cashier at Walgreens almost didn't let me buy the GC because my license says Firstname Middlename Lastname but my credit card just has Firstname Lastname, but I think that may have been more temporary confusion than anything.
Then weirdly enough, after I went to Target, I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Not with the intent of buying a GC, but to actually buy an item from the bed, bath or beyond department. Their gift card rack had a sign that said "Please see customer service to buy Visa gift cards". A couple weeks ago, they had them all on the shelf, so I'm not sure if they're trying to crack down or what. I didn't try buying one, I think I'm actually going to be pretty close to maxing out my Freedom 5x anyways. If I haven't quite made it at the end of June, there are other BBBs for me to go to, or go to customer service as a last resort and see if I get questioned about anything.
Cashier at Walgreens almost didn't let me buy the GC because my license says Firstname Middlename Lastname but my credit card just has Firstname Lastname, but I think that may have been more temporary confusion than anything.
Then weirdly enough, after I went to Target, I went to Bed, Bath and Beyond. Not with the intent of buying a GC, but to actually buy an item from the bed, bath or beyond department. Their gift card rack had a sign that said "Please see customer service to buy Visa gift cards". A couple weeks ago, they had them all on the shelf, so I'm not sure if they're trying to crack down or what. I didn't try buying one, I think I'm actually going to be pretty close to maxing out my Freedom 5x anyways. If I haven't quite made it at the end of June, there are other BBBs for me to go to, or go to customer service as a last resort and see if I get questioned about anything.
May 29, 2015, 10:18 pm
#7901
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: LAX
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA EXP, Hilton Diamond, Wyndham Diamond, DL PM, Marriott Platinum, IHG Platinum
Posts: 1,305
Went to a new Target in downtown L.A. and did a load via a debit card. The clerk asked me if I wanted to do a second load, and I said no. She then said that a lot of people make multiple loads there. I think the Redbird is still popular. Even at a downtown Target where I assumed not a lot of people do MS, I guess they do !
May 29, 2015, 11:07 pm
#7902
Join Date: May 2015
Location: EWR
Programs: UA Gold, Marriott Gold, HH Gold, IHG Plat, AA peon
Posts: 15
Thank you all for your kind, savvy, and thoughtful advice! Between the time I ordered and received my REDcard, the CC angle died. I had heeded your advice and knew I'd be able to float the $8k spend for my new multi-CC sign-up spree one way or another, but it was very helpful to be able to follow your expert instructions for obtaining and using debit GCs, so I wouldn't have all that cash inconveniently tied up for a while.
My datapoints: I had success purchasing one VGC at CVS and multiple OV VGCs at multiple Walgreen's stores in North Jersey. It varied a lot whether they checked ID or would restrict me to one $500 card purchase at a time. My Citi Prestige card upset one cashier, who acted like it was some kind of fraudulent instrument, what with my name and the card number so deviously printed on the back, absent the usual upraised imprinting on the front. The manager he shunted me to was fine with it. I didn't try the supermarkets because I was too cheap to pay the extra dollar per card there. The only Walgreen's that wouldn't allow any GC purchases via CC was the one near the Target.
I loaded $2,500 onto my REDcard at a North Jersey Target one day last week (3 trips through different checkout lanes) and another $2,500 tonight (2 lane passes and 1 GS stop) with no trouble whatsoever. Sometimes they could manage a $1,000 split-tender; sometimes they just did $500 twice. All good. I made Target purchases I would have otherwise made elsewhere, so maybe the REDcard is doing what they want it to.
Thanks again!
My datapoints: I had success purchasing one VGC at CVS and multiple OV VGCs at multiple Walgreen's stores in North Jersey. It varied a lot whether they checked ID or would restrict me to one $500 card purchase at a time. My Citi Prestige card upset one cashier, who acted like it was some kind of fraudulent instrument, what with my name and the card number so deviously printed on the back, absent the usual upraised imprinting on the front. The manager he shunted me to was fine with it. I didn't try the supermarkets because I was too cheap to pay the extra dollar per card there. The only Walgreen's that wouldn't allow any GC purchases via CC was the one near the Target.
I loaded $2,500 onto my REDcard at a North Jersey Target one day last week (3 trips through different checkout lanes) and another $2,500 tonight (2 lane passes and 1 GS stop) with no trouble whatsoever. Sometimes they could manage a $1,000 split-tender; sometimes they just did $500 twice. All good. I made Target purchases I would have otherwise made elsewhere, so maybe the REDcard is doing what they want it to.
Thanks again!
May 30, 2015, 12:29 am
#7903
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
I learned long ago to be wary of Greeks bearing gifts. Those Greek bonds are worth less than Restaurant.com gift cards. http://www.giftcardgranny.com/store/restaurant-com/
May 30, 2015, 12:30 am
#7904
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
Posts: 5,536
For the record, it is now 29 May and the money was still not refunded or credited to the account.
Called 11 May - told it would take 3-5 business days
Called 16 May - told it would take 3-5 business days
Called 29 May - told it would take 5-10 business days
I know the issue will be resolved eventually, but it's rather funny how inept American Express seems to be.
Called 11 May - told it would take 3-5 business days
Called 16 May - told it would take 3-5 business days
Called 29 May - told it would take 5-10 business days
I know the issue will be resolved eventually, but it's rather funny how inept American Express seems to be.
May 30, 2015, 10:53 am
#7905
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DC Metro Area
Posts: 62