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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 Jan 30, 2015, 5:02 am
      #1441  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2014
    Location: VA
    Posts: 147
    Originally Posted by Churrro
    Word of advice for the newbies and or the impatient: rather than going full throttle, take it slow and build up a history over a month or so with gradually increased amounts and frequencies. Even if it's not a new credit card, if you've never spent over a few hundred bucks (let alone $1k) at target before expect fraud alerts. Especially if you're doing back to back charges. Walking before you run will more often than not be of greater benefit to you.
    Couldn't agree more. I'm a relative newbie myself, but I've been doing this with 2 of my cards. Even buying VGC's for my BB account, I started with smaller amounts and worked up. Yes, the fee percentage is higher at first, but I've never once had a fraud alert.

    With RB, I'll be doing the same. It may take more visits the first month or two, but that will gradually decline and no fraud alerts to worry about.
    MG49 is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 5:58 am
      #1442  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2014
    Posts: 36
    Originally Posted by alert21
    Thanks, So I am not the only one. Looks painful and helpless situation. I will try going to my credit union bank and lets see if they can help me. I wonder in case of future fraud alert when would it be possible for them to just resolve it over phone.
    I've loaded a couple of times since then with no problems.
    Johnm2 is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 6:03 am
      #1443  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2014
    Posts: 36
    Originally Posted by Churrro
    Word of advice for the newbies and or the impatient: rather than going full throttle, take it slow and build up a history over a month or so with gradually increased amounts and frequencies. Even if it's not a new credit card, if you've never spent over a few hundred bucks (let alone $1k) at target before expect fraud alerts. Especially if you're doing back to back charges. Walking before you run will more often than not be of greater benefit to you.
    This is not necessarily a newbie problem its a new cc problem, but you're correct that it would help to get a new cc "used to" the higher spending. Problem is, we don't know how much longer this will last.
    Johnm2 is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 6:25 am
      #1444  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2011
    Posts: 800
    Originally Posted by Johnm2
    This is not necessarily a newbie problem its a new cc problem, but you're correct that it would help to get a new cc "used to" the higher spending. Problem is, we don't know how much longer this will last.
    I think he means to spread out the $5k over the course of a month and not try to hammer out $2.5k daily for 2 days. You are still capped at max loads of 5k per month.
    macrophage is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 6:30 am
      #1445  
    Suspended
     
    Join Date: Dec 2014
    Posts: 8,460
    Originally Posted by macrophage
    I think he means to spread out the $5k over the course of a month and not try to hammer out $2.5k daily for 2 days. You are still capped at max loads of 5k per month.
    True but if you've got 3/4 RBs to manage, it becomes more difficult to pace.
    TMM1982 is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 6:38 am
      #1446  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2011
    Posts: 800
    Originally Posted by TMM1982
    True but if you've got 3/4 RBs to manage, it becomes more difficult to pace.
    True, I'll be getting my 3rd and 4th RB in Feb.

    Are you guys trying to max all RB spending on ONE card? I tend to try to diversify through airlines and hotels. Gotta save up on places to stay when you go to said places...
    macrophage is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 7:49 am
      #1447  
     
    Join Date: May 2014
    Location: SoCal
    Posts: 2,164
    Originally Posted by SANTraveler
    Data Point: I had gone to the Garden Grove Target in SoCal for 2 weeks straight. Last week there were no RedCards. I went today and was able to get one. I might have gotten the last one for today. So for those of us in SoCal, the GG Target does have some.

    The transaction was easy. The cashier asked how much I wanted to load up with and I said $5. The transaction took about 5 minutes.

    I had a Serve account open and closed that. Within five minutes, I was able to register my RedCard.

    I'm looking forward to loading up my card.
    There are 2 targets in garden grove? which one did you go to?
    ninim2200 is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 8:05 am
      #1448  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2013
    Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
    Posts: 3,677
    Originally Posted by Churrro
    Word of advice for the newbies and or the impatient: rather than going full throttle, take it slow and build up a history over a month or so with gradually increased amounts and frequencies. Even if it's not a new credit card, if you've never spent over a few hundred bucks (let alone $1k) at target before expect fraud alerts. Especially if you're doing back to back charges. Walking before you run will more often than not be of greater benefit to you.
    ^

    I'd just add if you really feel you need to load more than $1K on a new cc, don't even think about doing multiple loads. You need to tell the CSR 3 swipes, $1K, then $1K, then $500, and only then put the charge thru. I know it sounds counterintuitive, but one charge of $2500 is much more likely to go thru than multiple charges less than a minute apart.
    Brugge is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 9:57 am
      #1449  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2014
    Posts: 201
    Originally Posted by ttlmmky
    No, my friend and I did not have the same address. The address on her license was different.
    Wow! you are lucky one!
    Btw, if I just sit it out and not responding to Amex’s email asking for the ID , the application for permanent card will get cancelled automatically, right? then if I wait few weeks or a month before using another new temp Redcard to register for permanent one again, would Amex automatically recognize it as previously cancelled app and then automatically decline or pending review again?
    joykid is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 10:20 am
      #1450  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Posts: 1,207
    Originally Posted by joykid
    Wow! you are lucky one!
    Btw, if I just sit it out and not responding to Amex’s email asking for the ID , the application for permanent card will get cancelled automatically, right? then if I wait few weeks or a month before using another new temp Redcard to register for permanent one again, would Amex automatically recognize it as previously cancelled app and then automatically decline or pending review again?
    I dont understand the point, if he is ok with u getting one in his name, why doesnt he just upload his ID?
    hamokmonky is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 10:31 am
      #1451  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2014
    Posts: 34
    Originally Posted by alert21
    I thought I will share my today's experience and if see anyone has also gone through it.
    I got my Barclays Arrival + last week and went today to target to use it to load RB. First transaction of 1000$ load went fine. I went ahead with second transaction of 900$ (didn't want the system to suspect a duplicate charge of 1000$), it got declined due to fraud alert. I called up Barclays and answered 10-15 security questions (since the card is new that's why they had to ask so many questions), after everything was over she told, she can't remove the hold now. She told that I have to go to any bank and go to the teller and ask for cash advance through my cc, that way my identity will be checked by the teller and then only they remove the hold from my account.
    I am quite certain that I answered all the security questions correctly.
    Has anyone also had go through this kind of procedure before for any kind of cc.
    So, I got the fraud alert removed by going to the bank which is their on my university campus. It took like 15 minutes, lady at the bank was very helpful and patient.
    Thank you people for your advice.
    alert21 is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 11:24 am
      #1452  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2015
    Location: DC
    Posts: 189
    are bank withdrawals limited to the $2.5k a month too?

    In that case, how are you supposed to actually put real spending on a card in addition to the MS if you should not post payments from two separate sources?

    If i wanted to MS $2.5k on 2 credit cards each every month and put additional spending, the bill will be hypothetically:

    2.7k and 2.8k I can withdraw 2.5k and pay for one CC completely from the bank but as for the other credit card, I still have 2.5k left in my redcard and it's advisable to bill pay to the CC then pay the remainder with my bank?
    jayoxd is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 11:27 am
      #1453  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2014
    Posts: 201
    Originally Posted by hamokmonky
    I dont understand the point, if he is ok with u getting one in his name, why doesnt he just upload his ID?
    because the address on his id is different than the address that we entered in registration page for permanent card (my address), and if amex see his ID has different address then they will be suspicious and flag the application. Also Amex wants 2 docs: ID AND current utility or phone bills that shows it match the shipping address that we put in the registration.

    Last edited by joykid; Jan 30, 2015 at 11:53 am
    joykid is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 11:28 am
      #1454  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2012
    Location: LAX
    Programs: AA, TY, UR, UA, US, WN, MR, SPG
    Posts: 1,453
    Originally Posted by jayoxd
    are bank withdrawals limited to the $2.5k a month too?

    In that case, how are you supposed to actually put real spending on a card in addition to the MS if you should not post payments from two separate sources?

    If i wanted to MS $2.5k on 2 credit cards each every month and put additional spending, the bill will be hypothetically:

    2.7k and 2.8k I can withdraw 2.5k and pay for one CC completely from the bank but as for the other credit card, I still have 2.5k left in my redcard and it's advisable to bill pay to the CC then pay the remainder with my bank?
    You can post payments from whatever sources you want to. It's really simple.

    Load $2500, then immediately BP the CC from RB. Repeat once. Time it so it happens mid-statement.
    roki is offline  
    Old Jan 30, 2015, 1:44 pm
      #1455  
     
    Join Date: Mar 2013
    Posts: 506
    Originally Posted by Johnm2
    This is not necessarily a newbie problem its a new cc problem, but you're correct that it would help to get a new cc "used to" the higher spending. Problem is, we don't know how much longer this will last.
    Exactly. I hadn't touched my Citi cards before trying VRs back in 2014. I got a fraud message immediately. Rectified it, and then went to do a $1k purchase. Did the full $5k within the month.

    Newbies should just be aware of the CC issue, but I find that Redbird is a pretty low risk MS method. IF you're doing MOs or Walmart Bluebird, maybe take it slow.
    Wise-Broccoli8301 is offline  


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