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 Oct 12, 2015, 10:59 am
      #10546  
     
    Join Date: May 2013
    Posts: 69
    Originally Posted by steveo345
    Just call it Redbird like everyone else
    TRC is less letters to type...
    Broncocsu05 is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 10:59 am
      #10547  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Location: AZ
    Posts: 250
    Originally Posted by Radster
    Seriously?... they are referring to GCs.
    Yes, seriously. I know what they're referring to. I'm correcting this misconception that VGCs are not bank-issued, when in fact they are.
    devnull is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:00 am
      #10548  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2013
    Posts: 1,784
    Originally Posted by steveo345
    Just call it Redbird like everyone else
    I think the new name will be DeadBird
    RobertHanson is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:03 am
      #10549  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2009
    Posts: 325
    http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.ph...717#msg1281717

    Just left target. - I initially tried multiple VGCs - kept saying "$0.00 load limit" or something similar. I tried a BofA debit card with same results. Probably some glitch in their systems....
    noturbizniss is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:03 am
      #10550  
     
    Join Date: May 2015
    Posts: 284
    Originally Posted by devnull
    Yes, seriously. I know what they're referring to. I'm correcting this misconception that VGCs are not bank-issued, when in fact they are.
    Seriously?... when TG staff say "bank-issued debit card" they are referring to a debit card linked to a checking account. There is no "misconception". Surely you know that to.
    Radster is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:04 am
      #10551  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2015
    Posts: 51
    Originally Posted by RobertHanson
    I think the new name will be DeadBird
    Or DRedBird... Just in case Blue Bird decides to die, too...
    Aleko is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:06 am
      #10552  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Posts: 158
    Originally Posted by steveo345
    Well it looks like Redbird is finally dead. Anybody know some good ways to liquidate 1.5K in visa gift cards?
    Use billpay services to like chargesmart and plastique to pay normal bulls like car payments, house payments/rent, student loans,
    Auerbach is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:07 am
      #10553  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Location: AZ
    Posts: 250
    Originally Posted by Radster
    Seriously?... when TG staff say "bank-issued debit card" they are referring to a debit card linked to a checking account. There is no "misconception". Surely you know that to.
    Of course we know what they really mean to say. The fact remains that the "bank-issued debit card" term includes GCs, so if they really mean checking account-linked debit card, they should say that.
    devnull is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:11 am
      #10554  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Location: LA/NYC
    Posts: 53
    Tried loading the RedCard today and the GCs would not work, not even visabuxx card. I was never prompted to select debit or credit. Once I swiped the card, it went straight to asking me if I wanted cash back. I hope this is just a glitch in their system but from reading prior posts, doesn't seem like it.
    Mystiqz is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:12 am
      #10555  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2013
    Posts: 1,784
    Originally Posted by Aleko
    Or DRedBird... Just in case Blue Bird decides to die, too...
    According to post #426 on this thread, there are the usual short term glitches happening with BB, and of course limited OV usage, but otherwise things are still humming along:

    http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...2015-a-29.html

    Anyone know of a thread or useful post on how to cancel RB and go back to BB?
    RobertHanson is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:13 am
      #10556  
     
    Join Date: May 2015
    Posts: 284
    Originally Posted by devnull
    Of course we know what they really mean to say. The fact remains that the "bank-issued debit card" term includes GCs, so if they really mean checking account-linked debit card, they should say that.
    If this is your biggest 'problem' right now, you'll probably be OK.
    Radster is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:13 am
      #10557  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2012
    Location: ATL
    Programs: DL, Marriott
    Posts: 728
    The fact that "checking account" debit cards aren't working at least give me some hope that this is a glitch and not a crack down on VGC.

    I'm wondering if it's even worth it for me to "try and see" tonight. I've been waiting on my permanent Redbird card with one more OVGC to load (did my other one on the temporary card) since it pretty much seems like everyone as of today can't load. Plus, I too am in NoVA (saw someone else say NoVA had this message).
    pritomd is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:14 am
      #10558  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2014
    Posts: 1,837
    Originally Posted by Broncocsu05
    F*%#k loading to Kate in that small of increments. Just go to a cashier/customerservice/money center at walmart. If ONE cashier tells you you can't use that card, just go to another. There's always like 4-5 options in any store any given day. Getting shot down 4 out of 5 times is still WAY quicker than wasting an hour for 10 loads on a Kate.
    if you've got OVs, you can only use it for 49.99 at a time at any WM, whether it's for BB/MO/BP.

    My backup plan is MO, at a grocery store.

    I hope you have a backup plan other than WM if you have OVGCs.
    lumangoy is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:15 am
      #10559  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2011
    Location: Colorado
    Programs: Alaska, Shell VC, Wyndham VC, Starwood, RCI, II--I bought it on eBay!
    Posts: 159
    I keep wondering if some folks are sounding an alarm to keep others from spoiling their MS scenario. It's been done before.

    I don't have the RB but do have the BB and have noticed no changes so far. Are the changes coming through Amex, or are they coming from Target because they believe it's money laundering or something like that. Wouldn't a large deposit of cash be more suspicious than gift cards? I guess I don't understand who is stopping RB with gift cards????

    Is anyone still having success, or is it just shut down everywhere?
    cheaptimesharetraveler is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 11:21 am
      #10560  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2012
    Location: ATL
    Programs: DL, Marriott
    Posts: 728
    Originally Posted by NoonRadar
    If Target were to hard code its registers to reject gift cards when being fed to Redbird, this thread would light up like a Christmas tree...
    Just wanted to pull this post back out from a while ago...is this happening now?
    pritomd is offline  

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