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
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: IAD
Programs: All of them to one degree or another
Posts: 447
Same thing here
Go buy a money order. That's the easiest way to resolve the issue. Some others reported that instead of swiping down they swiped up (reverse) and that resolved the issue at Target. For whatever reason there is a magnetic swipe error with the target terminal with that specific card. You could also try putting it in a plastic bag and then swipe. Buying a MO is the easiest plus you test a non-TG terminal.
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 27
Simon Visas Working fine at Target in Central FL
The customer service reps have been really helpful as well. I heard one tell the other, "Oh sure gift cards with pins are fine." They zip through. I dumped XXXX amount using 2 Redbirds at 2 different Targets.
I'll keep going until the party is over.
I'll keep going until the party is over.
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: Marriott/SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 887
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: Former UA 1K, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, IC AMB
Posts: 403
Odd that my faulty OV worked at other places: pet store, and it even defaulted to debit at Best Buy. Tried it TGT 2X, and got the same error. Did not try the upwards swipe method. Will keep that in mind.
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: DL, Marriott
Posts: 728
Question about activation and activation loads..so I understand that there may be issues when I try to get a temp. RB card and activate, but I'll try it out tonight anyway.
My question is this: what's my limit for loading with the temp card? I have 2x500...can I load them on the temp card, or do I need to wait for permanent card?
My question is this: what's my limit for loading with the temp card? I have 2x500...can I load them on the temp card, or do I need to wait for permanent card?
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Heaven
Posts: 552
I never believed the upward swipe method until recently when 2 of my cards didn't work. Tried that method next day and it went through without a hitch. ^^
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Madison, WI, USA
Posts: 14,162
I have an Ink card that only works at the two Office Depots here if I swipe from right to left, the opposite of what I normally do. It's quite odd.
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: Hyatt Glb, MR Plat
Posts: 2,577
Go buy a money order. That's the easiest way to resolve the issue. Some others reported that instead of swiping down they swiped up (reverse) and that resolved the issue at Target. For whatever reason there is a magnetic swipe error with the target terminal with that specific card. You could also try putting it in a plastic bag and then swipe. Buying a MO is the easiest plus you test a non-TG terminal.
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 286
What does Bancorp have to gain?
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: ATL
Programs: DL, Marriott
Posts: 728
Some data points; everything below is in Maryland (coming from Arlington)
1) Tried to purchase a prepaid red card at location 1. They took them all off of the racks because they were freezing systems, and told me that's why they cleared the prepaid racks.
2) Went to another Target. They had prepaid RB on the racks. Grabbed one to activate + load a single $500 Vanill VGC. We went to register 1 - trying to swipe froze it up. Didn't use this register, it was late and only one open so manager took me to another one.
3) Second register; it was asking me for a PIN and amount and stuff, but got stuck on 'please wait'. We assumed it also froze up.
4) We went to a third register. She said it had the old software. This time, it acted like it was registering me; asked for my address, social, mobile number, etc. THEN it got to the screen with amounts/PIN/etc. It went through, and my OneVanilla also loaded. I should have done my second one, but didnt since I was working with the manager and I think she whispered to the initial employee from (2) to make sure it was a regular debit card (although she didn't inspect it when she personally ran mine up on two different registers).
5) Went to another Target, tried to load my second $500 OneVanilla...it did not work, felt like it was frozen. He said to try again once I get my permanent card, which I plan to do.
Various data points for various activities.
1) Tried to purchase a prepaid red card at location 1. They took them all off of the racks because they were freezing systems, and told me that's why they cleared the prepaid racks.
2) Went to another Target. They had prepaid RB on the racks. Grabbed one to activate + load a single $500 Vanill VGC. We went to register 1 - trying to swipe froze it up. Didn't use this register, it was late and only one open so manager took me to another one.
3) Second register; it was asking me for a PIN and amount and stuff, but got stuck on 'please wait'. We assumed it also froze up.
4) We went to a third register. She said it had the old software. This time, it acted like it was registering me; asked for my address, social, mobile number, etc. THEN it got to the screen with amounts/PIN/etc. It went through, and my OneVanilla also loaded. I should have done my second one, but didnt since I was working with the manager and I think she whispered to the initial employee from (2) to make sure it was a regular debit card (although she didn't inspect it when she personally ran mine up on two different registers).
5) Went to another Target, tried to load my second $500 OneVanilla...it did not work, felt like it was frozen. He said to try again once I get my permanent card, which I plan to do.
Various data points for various activities.
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,727
Some data points; everything below is in Maryland (coming from Arlington)
4) We went to a third register. She said it had the old software. This time, it acted like it was registering me; asked for my address, social, mobile number, etc. THEN it got to the screen with amounts/PIN/etc. It went through, and my OneVanilla also loaded. I should have done my second one, but didnt since I was working with the manager and I think she whispered to the initial employee from (2) to make sure it was a regular debit card (although she didn't inspect it when she personally ran mine up on two different registers).
5) Went to another Target, tried to load my second $500 OneVanilla...it did not work, felt like it was frozen. He said to try again once I get my permanent card, which I plan to do.
Various data points for various activities.
4) We went to a third register. She said it had the old software. This time, it acted like it was registering me; asked for my address, social, mobile number, etc. THEN it got to the screen with amounts/PIN/etc. It went through, and my OneVanilla also loaded. I should have done my second one, but didnt since I was working with the manager and I think she whispered to the initial employee from (2) to make sure it was a regular debit card (although she didn't inspect it when she personally ran mine up on two different registers).
5) Went to another Target, tried to load my second $500 OneVanilla...it did not work, felt like it was frozen. He said to try again once I get my permanent card, which I plan to do.
Various data points for various activities.
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: NYC
Programs: AA BA DL JB US
Posts: 41
$1000/day load limits in NYC Metro?
My apologies if this is commonly known - searched the thread and only saw one reference to it. I haven't loaded RB in a few months while I've been doing other things for MS, but thinking about getting back into the RB game. The last time I loaded, which I believe was in May, the CSR said there was now a $1000/day load limit. This was at the friendliest Target in the NYC Metro area I'd been to. I was able to sweet talk my way into a "one time exception," but I'd hate to try to do this every time. Does anyone here know if this limit has become universal in the area? Thanks.
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,837
My apologies if this is commonly known - searched the thread and only saw one reference to it. I haven't loaded RB in a few months while I've been doing other things for MS, but thinking about getting back into the RB game. The last time I loaded, which I believe was in May, the CSR said there was now a $1000/day load limit. This was at the friendliest Target in the NYC Metro area I'd been to. I was able to sweet talk my way into a "one time exception," but I'd hate to try to do this every time. Does anyone here know if this limit has become universal in the area? Thanks.