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
Jan 20, 2015, 7:30 am
#961
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: UES/MWC
Programs: Braniff, TWA, Eastern, Midwest, AA Exec, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 270
Tried to load at the register today at the Boulder Target but was told "the system can't load here" and was sent to the CS desk.
Pretty sure this wasn't a real change, just a cashier who didn't know how to load RB. She seemed unhappy so I didn't fight it. I just paid for my items and loaded at CS no problem.
Pretty sure this wasn't a real change, just a cashier who didn't know how to load RB. She seemed unhappy so I didn't fight it. I just paid for my items and loaded at CS no problem.
Jan 20, 2015, 7:45 am
#962
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 16
As far as liquidating RC...
I know the general opinion is that paying off a CC is better than transfering to your checking or doing a cash withdraw... I just don't understand why this is less of a red flag for Target than the other options? Shouldn't it be just as big of a red flag for the RC to pay off the same CC that it's being loaded with? If you're paying off a different CC that has its own RC, that should still be easily flaggable because now their system can connect the two RB accounts, right? Am I over thinking this, or is the only safe option (of the 3 listed above) to pay off a CC that is not connected to a RB account?
I have a couple days to figure out my liquidation strategy for 3 RCs, loaded by 2 CCs each...
I know the general opinion is that paying off a CC is better than transfering to your checking or doing a cash withdraw... I just don't understand why this is less of a red flag for Target than the other options? Shouldn't it be just as big of a red flag for the RC to pay off the same CC that it's being loaded with? If you're paying off a different CC that has its own RC, that should still be easily flaggable because now their system can connect the two RB accounts, right? Am I over thinking this, or is the only safe option (of the 3 listed above) to pay off a CC that is not connected to a RB account?
I have a couple days to figure out my liquidation strategy for 3 RCs, loaded by 2 CCs each...
Jan 20, 2015, 7:53 am
#963
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,207
As far as liquidating RC...
I know the general opinion is that paying off a CC is better than transfering to your checking or doing a cash withdraw... I just don't understand why this is less of a red flag for Target than the other options? Shouldn't it be just as big of a red flag for the RC to pay off the same CC that it's being loaded with? If you're paying off a different CC that has its own RC, that should still be easily flaggable because now their system can connect the two RB accounts, right? Am I over thinking this, or is the only safe option (of the 3 listed above) to pay off a CC that is not connected to a RB account?
I have a couple days to figure out my liquidation strategy for 3 RCs, loaded by 2 CCs each...
I know the general opinion is that paying off a CC is better than transfering to your checking or doing a cash withdraw... I just don't understand why this is less of a red flag for Target than the other options? Shouldn't it be just as big of a red flag for the RC to pay off the same CC that it's being loaded with? If you're paying off a different CC that has its own RC, that should still be easily flaggable because now their system can connect the two RB accounts, right? Am I over thinking this, or is the only safe option (of the 3 listed above) to pay off a CC that is not connected to a RB account?
I have a couple days to figure out my liquidation strategy for 3 RCs, loaded by 2 CCs each...
Jan 20, 2015, 8:20 am
#965
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 16
Paying off a cc looks less like money laundering/fraud.... which prepaid cards get a lot of flack for. Plus its an extra unnecessary step that is more likely to cause issues with your bank too. No sense in involving another party.
The credit card you are paying doesnt see the account which it is coming from, so theres no correlation for them to follow.
Jan 20, 2015, 8:25 am
#966
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 118
Please try to make an effort to keep this thread clean, on topic, and pertinent. That this thread has nearly 1000 posts in under 3 weeks makes it abundantly clear that it is being used more like a chatroom than a discussion thread. It does a service to both the newer members and the method itself to keep discussion limited and on-topic. It can be frustrating to have members new to the topic post every day about the same questions, but we certainly are not helping by adding 3-5 pages of banter every day with one or two value-added posts in between. Let us ask ourselves this, going forward: If it is not asking a question, answering a question, or providing a relevant data point, does it need to be posted?
Thank you all for the consideration in getting this thread back on track.
Thank you all for the consideration in getting this thread back on track.
Thanks for the lecture.
BTW, how many posts have you made asking/wondering/complaining about when your permanent card will arrive?
Jan 20, 2015, 8:38 am
#967
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Boulder
Programs: AA Plat, CX Silver
Posts: 2,361
I loaded $2k on Saturday, which is why I'm comfortable chalking that experience up to a frazzled cashier. Unfortunately I'm at my monthly limit and won't be able to test that location again till March to confirm.
Jan 20, 2015, 8:45 am
#968
Moderator: Travel Buzz
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 3,099
So I am either unlucky or the easy activation situation is changing. At this point, there is not enough data to draw a conclusion.
Jan 20, 2015, 8:51 am
#969
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
Of course that's all it was.
The last 2 times I tried to load at the CS desk, I was told it wasn't possible. The first time, she said she couldn't load from a cc. The next time, he said his store wasn't authorized to load them yet.
In both cases, I politely but confidently told them (truthfully) that I had already done that same thing in that same store the month before. I assured them it would work, and asked them to try it. They agreed to try, and of course it worked. Next person who comes in will have them just process it for them with no questions.
The last 2 times I tried to load at the CS desk, I was told it wasn't possible. The first time, she said she couldn't load from a cc. The next time, he said his store wasn't authorized to load them yet.
In both cases, I politely but confidently told them (truthfully) that I had already done that same thing in that same store the month before. I assured them it would work, and asked them to try it. They agreed to try, and of course it worked. Next person who comes in will have them just process it for them with no questions.
Jan 20, 2015, 8:53 am
#970
Join Date: Sep 2013
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 3,677
Unfortunately, this is not the case with my situation. It appears that I am perhaps the first one running into this snag. The temp card is activated. I cannot register the temp into a permanent card, either online or over the phone, because the information does not match. (Sadly, the purchaser and I do not share the same birthday, address or name)
So I am either unlucky or the easy activation situation is changing. At this point, there is not enough data to draw a conclusion.
So I am either unlucky or the easy activation situation is changing. At this point, there is not enough data to draw a conclusion.
Jan 20, 2015, 9:19 am
#972
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,837
Unfortunately, this is not the case with my situation. It appears that I am perhaps the first one running into this snag. The temp card is activated. I cannot register the temp into a permanent card, either online or over the phone, because the information does not match. (Sadly, the purchaser and I do not share the same birthday, address or name)
So I am either unlucky or the easy activation situation is changing. At this point, there is not enough data to draw a conclusion.
So I am either unlucky or the easy activation situation is changing. At this point, there is not enough data to draw a conclusion.
I sent some 'friends' activated temp cards under my name, I will report as soon as I hear from them.
1 temp card, I cannot register anymore which means that it's 'registered', not sure if it's all the way.
Last edited by lumangoy; Jan 20, 2015 at 10:35 am
Jan 20, 2015, 10:45 am
#973
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Chicago
Programs: United MileagePlus, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 148
Target's Investor Calls
It may be useful to follow Target's investor calls to gain insight into the future of this card and how it will fit in with the others they have. The next earnings call is not until Feb 25. But from this excerpt from the last call, I would infer that Target is trying to get all REDcard apps up, including the debit........So keep those apps up in 2015 so they can tell their investors how great they are doing!!
U.S. REDcard penetration was 21% in the third quarter, up about 110 basis points from last year, driven by growth in both credit and debit penetration. As we described last quarter, applications for new REDcard debit cards are running below last year, causing penetration growth to decelerate from last year's pace. We believe this trend will continue in the fourth quarter, when we expect U.S. REDcard penetration will be flat or up slightly compared with last year.
With the success of recent initiatives designed to increase REDcard applications, we expect the fourth quarter will mark the low point in year-over-year penetration growth, after which, we should see a reacceleration in 2015.
U.S. REDcard penetration was 21% in the third quarter, up about 110 basis points from last year, driven by growth in both credit and debit penetration. As we described last quarter, applications for new REDcard debit cards are running below last year, causing penetration growth to decelerate from last year's pace. We believe this trend will continue in the fourth quarter, when we expect U.S. REDcard penetration will be flat or up slightly compared with last year.
With the success of recent initiatives designed to increase REDcard applications, we expect the fourth quarter will mark the low point in year-over-year penetration growth, after which, we should see a reacceleration in 2015.
Last edited by Travel4Points; Jan 20, 2015 at 10:54 am