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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
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    Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015-2016

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    Old Oct 12, 2015, 5:59 pm
      #10666  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Location: AZ
    Posts: 250
    Originally Posted by Happy
    Actually what it said was, Cash Allowed to pay 0.00. The clueless CSR actually wanted me to try to run the card as credit card despite I said it most likely would not work. lol.

    Though I agree with you on at least one point - it is not a glitch.
    You and RobertHanson are referring to two different things. In the past, the POS has shown a message to the CSR saying something like "no Target gift cards or 3rd party credit cards." (I saw this awhile back when a friendly CSR turned the screen towards me to show me.) According to RobertHanson, this message has been changed to exclude all 3rd party cards, not just credit cards.
    devnull is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 5:59 pm
      #10667  
     
    Join Date: May 2013
    Posts: 33
    Originally Posted by IWOL
    If in fact debit cards will no longer be allowed for Redbird, wont everyone just switch back to Serve?

    If Amex is doing this with Redbird you would think they would follow suit with Serve as well.
    I think this is a Target decision, not an Amex one. At least that's my hope.
    Enuratique is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:02 pm
      #10668  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2015
    Posts: 2
    Originally Posted by IWOL
    If in fact debit cards will no longer be allowed for Redbird, wont everyone just switch back to Serve?

    If Amex is doing this with Redbird you would think they would follow suit with Serve as well.
    Just to be sure, Walmart is still accepting VGCs to load Serve at $2500 daily and $5000 monthly, right?
    MikeTheMan is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:07 pm
      #10669  
    FlyerTalk Evangelist
     
    Join Date: Jul 2003
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 29,755
    Originally Posted by DeaconY
    You should have tried it as credit. Nothing to lose at that point.
    I did, as a good sport. Of course it did not go thru.

    Originally Posted by OnTheRocks
    I'm pretty sure it not on Amex's side. Target either blocked the prepaid card BIN's or they just disabled any type of payment other than cash for reloads. I'm going with the second one.
    Agree. The fact that Target has never put it on a national roll out after so many months have gone by, goes to tell us that Target has changed its mind on this "joint venture".
    Happy is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:08 pm
      #10670  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2015
    Posts: 43
    Originally Posted by Happy
    I did, as a good sport. Of course it did not go thru.
    Just loaded with success
    gauravpgupta is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:14 pm
      #10671  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2014
    Posts: 1,837
    Originally Posted by gauravpgupta
    Just loaded with success
    Using what?
    lumangoy is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:18 pm
      #10672  
    FlyerTalk Evangelist
     
    Join Date: Jul 2003
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 29,755
    Originally Posted by gauravpgupta
    Just loaded with success
    Originally Posted by lumangoy
    Using what?
    And where?

    without any pertinent info, it is useless data.
    Happy is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:18 pm
      #10673  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2004
    Programs: UA-1K, MM, Hilton-Diamond, Marriott-Titanium
    Posts: 4,431
    Originally Posted by gauravpgupta
    Just loaded with success
    Where are you located?
    cruisr is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:18 pm
      #10674  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2001
    Location: South Florida, USA
    Posts: 184
    Originally Posted by MikeTheMan
    Just to be sure, Walmart is still accepting VGCs to load Serve at $2500 daily and $5000 monthly, right?
    I loaded a Serve with VGC this afternoon at Walmart with no problems.
    markr33 is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:22 pm
      #10675  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2012
    Location: Phoenix, AZ
    Programs: Starwood Gold, Hilton Gold, Mariott Gold, AMEX Plat, US CP
    Posts: 273
    OMG 100 posts on how gift cards aren't working. I'm in Texas tried 30 different cards didn't work. Now I'm in Arizona tried 10 cards didn't work... people that game the system get screwed ... omg cry me a river... so sad... hope u can use ur cards for some meth.... so am I supposed to feel sad????
    william142 is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:26 pm
      #10676  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2015
    Posts: 1
    I called the Redbird customer service number and asked what was going on. The CSR stated that effective immediately, debit reloads will not be allowed in store (cash only). They will allow debit cards to be linked to the online account (but as noted previously, these can’t be VGCs). He stated that they’ve gotten a lot of problems with fraud. This is apparently the end.
    sdjerabek is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:28 pm
      #10677  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2015
    Posts: 2
    Originally Posted by markr33
    I loaded a Serve with VGC this afternoon at Walmart with no problems.
    Which Serve card did you use? The blue one? And did you do it at the kiosk or at the register with a cashier? Thanks!
    MikeTheMan is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:35 pm
      #10678  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2014
    Posts: 1,837
    Originally Posted by sdjerabek
    I called the Redbird customer service number and asked what was going on. The CSR stated that effective immediately, debit reloads will not be allowed in store (cash only). They will allow debit cards to be linked to the online account (but as noted previously, these can’t be VGCs). He stated that they’ve gotten a lot of problems with fraud. This is apparently the end.

    This is what I was told regarding my missing load, but everyone questioned the csr and there were no reports yet of failed loads.

    So it must be true....
    lumangoy is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:42 pm
      #10679  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2011
    Location: ATL
    Programs: DL PM, SPG Plat
    Posts: 885
    Ouch. This leaves me with just one remaining cost-effective way to liquidate OVs. Definitely not ideal for me.
    FederalFlyer is offline  
    Old Oct 12, 2015, 6:52 pm
      #10680  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2014
    Location: AZ
    Posts: 250
    Originally Posted by william142
    OMG 100 posts on how gift cards aren't working. I'm in Texas tried 30 different cards didn't work. Now I'm in Arizona tried 10 cards didn't work... people that game the system get screwed ... omg cry me a river... so sad... hope u can use ur cards for some meth.... so am I supposed to feel sad????
    Agreed. We're gaming the system. This means nothing is guaranteed and methods can be shut down or rendered useless at any time. MSing is not by any means a risk-free venture, and an MSer should ALWAYS have a backup plan for liquidating any GCs on hand, hopefully several. I always find it silly when people complain about a loophole being closed.

    I think easy MS, which RB qualified as (in many areas, at least), makes people complacent. Diversification is the name of the game. RB has been a great method for me, but even so, I have continually evaluated and used other MS methods. If RB is in fact dead now (and this isn't certain yet, though the evidence is mounting), sure, that sucks, but life will go on and I'll just increase the volume with my other methods.
    devnull is offline  


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