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 Sep 18, 2015, 5:54 pm
      #10156  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2013
    Location: Seattle
    Posts: 126
    So how long it takes amex to ship the actual physical card ? I registered on the website 3 days back and was hoping to know when to expect.
    JustAnotherGuy001 is offline  
    Old Sep 18, 2015, 5:55 pm
      #10157  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2014
    Posts: 74
    My store is super friendly with me. Around the time of the no CC transition they asked to match card to ID and I said it was a prepaid debit so it doesn't have my name. She called over the manager who told her it was fine because it was a debit card. Ever since then I load 5x$500 on 2 cards so long as there is no line.
    jimbo18 is offline  
    Old Sep 18, 2015, 6:58 pm
      #10158  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2009
    Programs: Hyatt Diamond, A3*G, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold, Lufthansa Frequent Traveller
    Posts: 118
    Couple of weeks ago, I did my usual and loaded some $500 MB VGC at customer service. The first two loaded with no problem, but the third card didn't go through and instead printed up a receipt that stated that the transaction didn't go through.
    I was caught off guard and let the customer service rep throw away that receipt. (rookie mistake)
    Little did I know that the money was actually taken from my account.
    Contacted red bird and was told to wait and see if funds are returned and that they would launch an investigation. MB told me to contact Target and if no resolution, to file a dispute and that it could take 90 days.

    Anyone else had this happen and was it resolved? $500 is a LOT of money for me.
    qmiles321 is offline  
    Old Sep 18, 2015, 7:21 pm
      #10159  
     
    Join Date: Apr 2015
    Posts: 178
    Originally Posted by qmiles321
    Couple of weeks ago, I did my usual and loaded some $500 MB VGC at customer service. The first two loaded with no problem, but the third card didn't go through and instead printed up a receipt that stated that the transaction didn't go through.
    I was caught off guard and let the customer service rep throw away that receipt. (rookie mistake)
    Little did I know that the money was actually taken from my account.
    Contacted red bird and was told to wait and see if funds are returned and that they would launch an investigation. MB told me to contact Target and if no resolution, to file a dispute and that it could take 90 days.

    Anyone else had this happen and was it resolved? $500 is a LOT of money for me.
    Check my post here. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/25241611-post9470.html

    In short, wait a few days (in my case it take 9 days after the transaction) and check the balance on the VGC and the funds should be there. If the transaction didn't go through on Target's end, I'm sure the funds will be bounced back to the VGC.
    alphakenny1 is offline  
    Old Sep 18, 2015, 7:48 pm
      #10160  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2015
    Posts: 1,727
    .....

    Last edited by Chelski; Jan 9, 2016 at 7:39 am
    Chelski is offline  
    Old Sep 18, 2015, 7:58 pm
      #10161  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2009
    Location: Los Angeles
    Programs: Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott // WN, AA, BA, UA, AS // Avis
    Posts: 1,314
    Trained another cashier today at an LA target on the magical K8 button.

    Probably the 10th or 11th one... I wonder if I could become a local area trainer for Target and get paid for my services?
    rajuabju is offline  
    Old Sep 18, 2015, 9:02 pm
      #10162  
     
    Join Date: Feb 2015
    Posts: 910
    Originally Posted by JustAnotherGuy001
    So how long it takes amex to ship the actual physical card ? I registered on the website 3 days back and was hoping to know when to expect.
    5-10 days, once in a while sooner or later.
    NoonRadar is offline  
    Old Sep 18, 2015, 11:20 pm
      #10163  
    FlyerTalk Evangelist
     
    Join Date: Apr 2002
    Location: Madison, WI, USA
    Posts: 14,162
    I do $1000-$2000 at a time on two Redcards. Most of the time the service desk employee does $1000 transactions, but occasionally one will do $500 at a time because they don't know how to do split payments. There's usually not a service desk line at the Targets I go to. I don't use the checkouts.

    I try to reserve Target for OVs, so my loading mostly depends on whether there's stock at the two 7-Elevens I frequent.
    PaulMSN is offline  
    Old Sep 19, 2015, 1:50 am
      #10164  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Location: LAC
    Programs: Regal Crown Club
    Posts: 488
    Originally Posted by jiffyjiff
    This ain't wallyworld. These folks seem to care.
    Wallyworld is becoming way worse for me every month. First they closed the registers for BB loads to CSD only (in the Supercenter. NHM never loaded in the first place). Now they stopped doing more than 1x $500 load per day. Next month they'll probably ask for name on debit and matching ID *knockonwood*
    Julian Brennan is offline  
    Old Sep 19, 2015, 11:29 am
      #10165  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2012
    Location: NE
    Programs: UA PLAT, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
    Posts: 211
    Originally Posted by qmiles321
    Anyone else had this happen and was it resolved? $500 is a LOT of money for me.
    If that is a lot of $ then be careful. Never do more than you are comfortable with and consider another hobby if this scares you.
    ThereYaGo is offline  
    Old Sep 19, 2015, 11:33 am
      #10166  
     
    Join Date: Nov 2012
    Location: NE
    Programs: UA PLAT, HH Gold, Marriott Gold
    Posts: 211
    Originally Posted by Chelski
    If it's slow at CS I will do 2 cards (10x500).
    This seems like a sure way to draw attention to yourself. I guess I am just more conservative, with 2 Targets one mile from my house and both on the way home from work, I spread it out more. My drive home from work involves these stops: CVS/HyV/2 Targets, done.
    ThereYaGo is offline  
    Old Sep 19, 2015, 3:31 pm
      #10167  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2013
    Location: DFW,OVB (Russia)
    Programs: AA HH Gold SPG Gold BA
    Posts: 1,823
    Yes indeed my case was an isolated incident last week
    Went to another target and everything indeed still works
    rgAAFT is offline  
    Old Sep 19, 2015, 3:32 pm
      #10168  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2013
    Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
    Posts: 4,375
    Originally Posted by TMM1982
    Using SPG Amex to buy $500 VGC's at my local grocery store. $5.95 activation fee. So basically I'm paying $120.00 for every 10,000 SPG points I get. Not as good as when I was able to load directly via CC but still a steal!
    Do you not have access to pharmacies that sell VGCs and/or have a different card that you are maximizing there?
    cdancer20 is offline  
    Old Sep 19, 2015, 3:34 pm
      #10169  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2015
    Posts: 132
    Originally Posted by rajuabju
    Trained another cashier today at an LA target on the magical K8 button.

    Probably the 10th or 11th one... I wonder if I could become a local area trainer for Target and get paid for my services?
    LOL...just did the same thing today. Went to CS counter, and told CSR I wanted to load my RB. She said "go ahead, even though the mini terminal still showed Welcome screen. I told her there is usually a screen prompt telling me to swipe. She said go ahead, and naturally my swipe was met with no response. I told her she needs to hit K8. She hit the button, and voila, the swipe screen appeared. She told me I know more about it than her. (Doh...you think?) The scary part of this is that this is the CUSTOMER SERVICE counter, where you would think they'd put their knowledgable people.

    Then, I go shopping. When checking out, I tell CSR I want to load RB. She looks at me like a cow looking at a new gate.
    I walk her through the steps, and now, hopefully I have a new friend.

    The good news takeaway from this is that it's obvious not much MS goes on there.

    BTW...the two cards I used were purchased at WG using Apple pay.
    Jesusdyd4u is offline  
    Old Sep 19, 2015, 3:43 pm
      #10170  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2013
    Location: DFW,OVB (Russia)
    Programs: AA HH Gold SPG Gold BA
    Posts: 1,823
    Originally Posted by Jesusdyd4u
    LOL...just did the same thing today. Went to CS counter, and told CSR I wanted to load my RB. She said "go ahead, even though the mini terminal still showed Welcome screen. I told her there is usually a screen prompt telling me to swipe. She said go ahead, and naturally my swipe was met with no response. I told her she needs to hit K8. She hit the button, and voila, the swipe screen appeared. She told me I know more about it than her. (Doh...you think?) The scary part of this is that this is the CUSTOMER SERVICE counter, where you would think they'd put their knowledgable people.

    Then, I go shopping. When checking out, I tell CSR I want to load RB. She looks at me like a cow looking at a new gate.
    I walk her through the steps, and now, hopefully I have a new friend.

    The good news takeaway from this is that it's obvious not much MS goes on there.

    BTW...the two cards I used were purchased at WG using Apple pay.

    Are the loading steps detailed in wiki? I know most of it and luckily I live in a pretty affluent area so the cashiers here at local stores know what to do, but just in case...?
    rgAAFT is offline  

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