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
#8566
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,438
#8567
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
#8568
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Cincinnati
Programs: AA, Hyatt
Posts: 371
For me its weird because every method seems to work as intended, and I have never had any problems with any of it.
I even did a transaction of 4k in VGC from a Kroger when the limit is supposedly hardcoded into the register to be 2k.
Now I just need to get my father in law to get a redcard in his name and let me use it :rubshandstogether:
#8569
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,727
http://www.bing.com/fd/ls/GLinkPing.aspx?IG=a11e578ac1284693bcdbebea3a1698c8 &&ID=SERP,5154.1&SUIH=jbkXMACTDFck3PBUUTQxUQ&redir =aHR0cDovL3d3dy5pbnN0cnVjdGFibGVzLmNvbS9pZC9Ta2luL VlvdXItQ3JlZGl0LUNhcmQtV2l0aC1TV0VFVC1EZXNpZ25zLw
#8570
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 23
An update on the login issue - turns out I know someone working on the problem (small world). I'm told that they're working on the theory that this is happening to those who have the same email address on multiple accounts. In my case that would be the Serve account I shut down and the Redcard account that's active but I can't log into.
Can others who are also locked out tell me if this theory for root cause holds true for you as well?
Can others who are also locked out tell me if this theory for root cause holds true for you as well?
#8571
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 100
This type of problem has been going on ever since Amex started servicing RB. I once had this happen to me and Amex's IT department couldn't figure it out. The IT even told me that he needed my ID and password to troubleshoot things. I told him "No, thank you" and waited several days for the problem to magically resolve itself.
#8572
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
Yep. Had this problem with my first load. Wouldn't take it because there was no name on it (I didn't volunteer to show the card, rep asked for it). Second Target I visited, no problem. Today had an issue purchasing MC GC at Safeway. CSR called supervisor to see if I could use CC for $500 purchase. He said yes, but my card swipe triggered a fraud alert, and even after I resolved it via quick text, they refused to allow me to swipe again.
#8573
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
Yep. Had this problem with my first load. Wouldn't take it because there was no name on it (I didn't volunteer to show the card, rep asked for it). Second Target I visited, no problem. Today had an issue purchasing MC GC at Safeway. CSR called supervisor to see if I could use CC for $500 purchase. He said yes, but my card swipe triggered a fraud alert, and even after I resolved it via quick text, they refused to allow me to swipe again.
#8574
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 337
BINGO!
Works for me too!
Regarding the earlier note that mentioned possible issue was the same address for two accounts. That was something I can say was the case here. But guess does not matter, seems fixed.
Works for me too!
Regarding the earlier note that mentioned possible issue was the same address for two accounts. That was something I can say was the case here. But guess does not matter, seems fixed.
#8575
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,295
I've had mixed encounters at Safeway as well; cashiers never seem to know that VGC/MGC purchases are OK with CC's. Fortunately, the manager on duty always (eventually) clears up the matter. Note: A SW employee once told me that the policy is subject to change around the Holidays, due to increased fraud activity during that time; so you may want to keep this in mind towards the end of the year.
#8576
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,767
Wow, I am one of your biggest fans here on FT. Can't tell you how much I've learned from you. Usually if I see a post from Happy, I can't wait to read it. Then comes this...
The only time I have ever spent more than 2 minutes loading anywhere from $1500 to $2500 at Target has been when I got a FA. The CSRs just keep the transaction open while I clear it. They actually tell me "you probably just got a Fraud Alert, I'll keep this open while you take care of it".
Otherwise, it's swipe, print, swipe, print etc. "Would you like to load some more?".
Whereas I've had to argue with WM "supervisors" who told me they can't input a cc number themselves, they have to swipe the card itself. They swear they have been trained to never punch in a cc number for a BP.
Glad I don't live in Florida.....
The only time I have ever spent more than 2 minutes loading anywhere from $1500 to $2500 at Target has been when I got a FA. The CSRs just keep the transaction open while I clear it. They actually tell me "you probably just got a Fraud Alert, I'll keep this open while you take care of it".
Otherwise, it's swipe, print, swipe, print etc. "Would you like to load some more?".
Whereas I've had to argue with WM "supervisors" who told me they can't input a cc number themselves, they have to swipe the card itself. They swear they have been trained to never punch in a cc number for a BP.
Glad I don't live in Florida.....
The only advantage Target over WalMart in my environment is that Target seldom has lines, not even with the regular register.
Very close to home there is this SuperTarget opened 7 or 8 years ago with a long row of registers like 30 of them but I NEVER see more than 5 open outside the holiday seasons. Very often they only open 2 or 3 registers during the slow day time. With such customer base, (read very small), you can understand why the employees are incompetent. Heck, one time we were looking for wall clocks and asked the employees who were restocking something which aisle we could find such. We were told they did not carry this type of merchandises. Well, we did not believe it and continued our search. 2 or 3 aisles from where we asked the employees (including a supervisor), there were a full half aisle of wall clocks! They had no clue what they carried.
Well, while we dont have competent Target employees down here, we also dont have harsh Winter. Plus we have cruise ports between 20 to 60 min drive, the international airport to Europe, Middle East and South America and 2 more airports for domestic, Canada and Caribbeans. Travel is good from here. That is far more important.
#8577
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Los Angles
Posts: 2,101
All cashiers know about FA - CVS, Simon's, OD/OM/Staples, Target, WalMart .... These days even ordinary folks would get FA for no particular reasons. Cashiers are very much used to it. After a long trip when we first start using our cards for large amount purchases from a 5 to 6 weeks hiatus, or when we use new cards, we always pre-empt the cashier that we may get a FA due to this and that. They all nod their heads in agreement. We all act being surprised when transaction sails thru.
The only advantage Target over WalMart in my environment is that Target seldom has lines, not even with the regular register.
Very close to home there is this SuperTarget opened 7 or 8 years ago with a long row of registers like 30 of them but I NEVER see more than 5 open outside the holiday seasons. Very often they only open 2 or 3 registers during the slow day time. With such customer base, (read very small), you can understand why the employees are incompetent. Heck, one time we were looking for wall clocks and asked the employees who were restocking something which aisle we could find such. We were told they did not carry this type of merchandises. Well, we did not believe it and continued our search. 2 or 3 aisles from where we asked the employees (including a supervisor), there were a full half aisle of wall clocks! They had no clue what they carried.
Well, while we dont have competent Target employees down here, we also dont have harsh Winter. Plus we have cruise ports between 20 to 60 min drive, the international airport to Europe, Middle East and South America and 2 more airports for domestic, Canada and Caribbeans. Travel is good from here. That is far more important.
The only advantage Target over WalMart in my environment is that Target seldom has lines, not even with the regular register.
Very close to home there is this SuperTarget opened 7 or 8 years ago with a long row of registers like 30 of them but I NEVER see more than 5 open outside the holiday seasons. Very often they only open 2 or 3 registers during the slow day time. With such customer base, (read very small), you can understand why the employees are incompetent. Heck, one time we were looking for wall clocks and asked the employees who were restocking something which aisle we could find such. We were told they did not carry this type of merchandises. Well, we did not believe it and continued our search. 2 or 3 aisles from where we asked the employees (including a supervisor), there were a full half aisle of wall clocks! They had no clue what they carried.
Well, while we dont have competent Target employees down here, we also dont have harsh Winter. Plus we have cruise ports between 20 to 60 min drive, the international airport to Europe, Middle East and South America and 2 more airports for domestic, Canada and Caribbeans. Travel is good from here. That is far more important.
Target and Wmt employees are the same breed but the culture may vary from store to store.
#8578
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Sacramento
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum, Amtrak Select
Posts: 1,341
another Safeway and another Target later, I have successfully completed a 500 load. Still had to call over a supervisor for an override at Safeway for the 500 purchase, makes me think I'll need to scout different stores for GC purchases so as not to end up scrutinized.
#8579
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
another Safeway and another Target later, I have successfully completed a 500 load. Still had to call over a supervisor for an override at Safeway for the 500 purchase, makes me think I'll need to scout different stores for GC purchases so as not to end up scrutinized.
I always purchase $495.00, plus the fee. I must not be the only one doing that, as the cashiers don't blink an eye at what would otherwise seem a strange amount to buy.
In fact, I even had one cashier ask "why does everyone buy $495.00?" I told her about the override, and said "I don't want to hold up the line, and bother the supervisor" and she said that is very thoughtful of me.
#8580
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
AFAIK, it's a national Safeway policy to require a supervisor override for a GC purchase of $500 or more.
I always purchase $495.00, plus the fee. I must not be the only one doing that, as the cashiers don't blink an eye at what would otherwise seem a strange amount to buy.
In fact, I even had one cashier ask "why does everyone buy $495.00?" I told her about the override, and said "I don't want to hold up the line, and bother the supervisor" and she said that is very thoughtful of me.
I always purchase $495.00, plus the fee. I must not be the only one doing that, as the cashiers don't blink an eye at what would otherwise seem a strange amount to buy.
In fact, I even had one cashier ask "why does everyone buy $495.00?" I told her about the override, and said "I don't want to hold up the line, and bother the supervisor" and she said that is very thoughtful of me.