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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 13, 2015, 6:22 pm
      #10861  
     
    Join Date: May 2015
    Posts: 508
    Great thank you .

    Is there a guide somewhere on how to load at Walmart? I'm assuming it's the same as target was, you can load at customer service or at register or money center? But just don't try vanilla cards, correct?

    I can do bill pay from my bluebird, correct?

    Thanks

    Originally Posted by air360
    You can get another 5k in - so I guess that's the silver lining
    ManFactSpendLA is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 6:33 pm
      #10862  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2012
    Posts: 4
    I just tried loading using a VGC and the cashier tells me that its an invalid payment type on her screen.
    kofucious is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 6:40 pm
      #10863  
     
    Join Date: May 2015
    Posts: 16
    Over/under on percentage of RB cards canceled within the next two weeks or so?
    ktm19 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 6:41 pm
      #10864  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2013
    Posts: 531
    Originally Posted by sungchiahao
    So many different serve versions now. Is Serve > BB for VGC loading? Which Serve is the right version?
    http://www.doctorofcredit.com/six-di...main-fee-free/
    aradisc is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 6:55 pm
      #10865  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2001
    Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
    Posts: 5,536
    Originally Posted by ktm19
    Over/under on percentage of RB cards canceled within the next two weeks or so?
    95%. The entire program will probably be cancelled before next spring.
    iflyjetz is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 6:57 pm
      #10866  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2015
    Posts: 348
    It appears that the mass exodus to Serve/BB is on.
    Flyby01 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:06 pm
      #10867  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2001
    Location: South Florida, USA
    Posts: 184
    Originally Posted by ManFactSpendLA
    Great thank you .

    Is there a guide somewhere on how to load at Walmart? I'm assuming it's the same as target was, you can load at customer service or at register or money center? But just don't try vanilla cards, correct?

    I can do bill pay from my bluebird, correct?

    Thanks
    Yes, you can pay bills using your BB account. I do it all the time. You can load at KATE (the automated fancy ATM at some WalMarts), or at the registers (or at customer service), or at the money center (if there is one in the store). Vanilla up to $49.99 only.
    markr33 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:10 pm
      #10868  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2001
    Location: South Florida, USA
    Posts: 184
    Originally Posted by iflyjetz
    95%. The entire program will probably be cancelled before next spring.
    I tend to agree. Target only rolled the prepaid out to a few states, and it seems as if they don't think it's much of a success. They have stats on everything, so they can tell what percentage of loads were spent at Target and what percentage was spent elsewhere. Finally, nobody in their right mind at Target would think that too many people would actually load CASH to the card. People who have cash in their hands can use it for anything anywhere, so why bother loading it? Finally, for loyalty purposes, Target already has two other cards, the debit one and the credit one that plenty of people use and get the 5% discount in return for their data and their loyalty.
    markr33 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:14 pm
      #10869  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Location: NY
    Programs: Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond, CC Gold, SPG Gold, AA Exec Platinum
    Posts: 99
    Tried to load in bronx, ny and had error like everyone else. Guess I'm switching back to serve.
    Justtony is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:30 pm
      #10870  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2013
    Posts: 531
    Originally Posted by markr33
    People who have cash in their hands can use it for anything anywhere, so why bother loading it?
    Amex prepaid products were always aimed at the unbanked and underbanked, who may not have the usual access to plastic. Many things require a credit/debit/prepaid card nowadays.
    aradisc is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:36 pm
      #10871  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2015
    Posts: 32
    Here's the memo:

    http://feeds.feedblitz.com/~/1173985...uests-can-use/
    skreemer6 is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:41 pm
      #10872  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2013
    Posts: 3,509
    Now thank all the <redacted> that screamed at cashiers for not taking their "debit cards" and try to quote policy and caused a ruckus for the shutdowns. I hope yall think that your incessant complaining was worth it.

    Last edited by tcook052; Oct 13, 2015 at 11:19 pm Reason: profanity
    ericdabbs is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:42 pm
      #10873  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Programs: All of them
    Posts: 1,664
    Originally Posted by aradisc
    Amex prepaid products were always aimed at the unbanked and underbanked, who may not have the usual access to plastic. Many things require a credit/debit/prepaid card nowadays.
    How is it possible to be unbanked? I don't get it if you have money to put in an account why not just go to a credit union. These prepaid cards are pretty much like banks anyway.
    littlewinglet is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:46 pm
      #10874  
     
    Join Date: May 2015
    Posts: 508
    This market of people might have questionable credit, might be fee prone (over drafting) this offers a way to not get fees, also this doesn't put a hold on your account you can use the cash immediately and let's face it, target and Walmart is the perfect demographic of people they want to attract.

    Originally Posted by littlewinglet
    How is it possible to be unbanked? I don't get it if you have money to put in an account why not just go to a credit union. These prepaid cards are pretty much like banks anyway.
    ManFactSpendLA is offline  
    Old Oct 13, 2015, 7:58 pm
      #10875  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2001
    Programs: Marriott LT Tit; Hyatt Explorist; Hilton CC Gold; IHG CC Plt; Hertz (MR) 5 star
    Posts: 5,536
    Originally Posted by ericdabbs
    Now thank all the A-holes that screamed at cashiers for not taking their "debit cards" and try to quote policy and caused a ruckus for the shutdowns. I hope yall think that your incessant complaining was worth it.
    Blame them if it makes you feel better (I've always walked away without complaining because there's always another Target down the road), but this was likely a financial decision by Target.

    Target looked at the numbers and saw that the vast majority of money loaded onto RBs was not spent inside their stores. And as markr33 pointed out, RB was only rolled out in a limited number of states.

    We should have seen this coming when they started removing RBs from store shelves, but I know I wasn't bright enough to declare the program dead.

    Most of Target's customers aren't the target audience of un/underbanked. That's Walmart/Family Dollar/Dollar Tree's customer base.
    iflyjetz is offline  


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