Jan 10, 2015, 9:20 pm
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)
◦ 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
Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015-2016
Oct 13, 2015, 9:42 am
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 4
I think the reason why AMEX CSR said "CASH ONLY" is because in AMEX's eyes, the reload process is indeed "CASH RELOAD". Log in your RB account, you will see how AMEX categorize the "DEBIT RELOAD". It always show "CASH RELOAD", even when the "CREDIT CARD RELOAD" was available.
So, I think, it's IT system of Target to blame.
So, I think, it's IT system of Target to blame.
Oct 13, 2015, 9:46 am
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 910
(Profanities on this clip also)
Oct 13, 2015, 10:06 am
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Midwest U.S.A
Programs: Too many to list. Since the early 90's.
Posts: 1,407
Which person looks more suspicious?
A. Man comes into store everyday with $1000 in paper currency (cash) to load his/family's prepaids.
B. Man comes into store to load his/family's prepaids using debit accounts which funds (cash) are traceable.
ML arguments against debit accounts are hilarious. Cash is the ultimate ml vehicle, not debits. I think people get mixed up between what is a ml risk and what is a fraud risk. Because TGt has the proper PINpads which accept chip cards they're not on the hook anyhow.
Hopefully this TGT change is a temporary glitch. If not, Trgt is about to lose a lot of customers they had once gained when they introduced this product. It really did bring in people like myself who'd never shopped there. My family shifted some of our regular shopping to them because we shop where we can also load our prepaids. It's a time factor. I'll have no reason to walk through their doors if Redcard is not usable like it was using debit with name on it. I'll shift spending back to WMT, FD and others where I can still load Serve.
A. Man comes into store everyday with $1000 in paper currency (cash) to load his/family's prepaids.
B. Man comes into store to load his/family's prepaids using debit accounts which funds (cash) are traceable.
ML arguments against debit accounts are hilarious. Cash is the ultimate ml vehicle, not debits. I think people get mixed up between what is a ml risk and what is a fraud risk. Because TGt has the proper PINpads which accept chip cards they're not on the hook anyhow.
Hopefully this TGT change is a temporary glitch. If not, Trgt is about to lose a lot of customers they had once gained when they introduced this product. It really did bring in people like myself who'd never shopped there. My family shifted some of our regular shopping to them because we shop where we can also load our prepaids. It's a time factor. I'll have no reason to walk through their doors if Redcard is not usable like it was using debit with name on it. I'll shift spending back to WMT, FD and others where I can still load Serve.
Oct 13, 2015, 10:10 am
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: 718
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Diamond
Posts: 967
Which person looks more suspicious?
A. Man comes into store everyday with $1000 in cash to load his/family's prepaids.
B. Man comes into store to load his/family's prepaids using debit accounts which funds are traceable.
ML arguments against debit accounts are hilarious. Cash is the ultimate ml vehicle, not debits.
Hopefully this TGT change is a temporary glitch. If not, Trgt is about to lose a lot of customers they had once gained when they introduced this product. It really did bring in people like myself who'd never shopped there. My family shifted some of our regular shopping to them because we shop where we can also load our prepaids. It's a time factor. I'll have no reason to walk through their doors if Redcard is not usable like it was using debit with name on it. I'll shift spending back to WMT, FD and others where I can still load Serve.
A. Man comes into store everyday with $1000 in cash to load his/family's prepaids.
B. Man comes into store to load his/family's prepaids using debit accounts which funds are traceable.
ML arguments against debit accounts are hilarious. Cash is the ultimate ml vehicle, not debits.
Hopefully this TGT change is a temporary glitch. If not, Trgt is about to lose a lot of customers they had once gained when they introduced this product. It really did bring in people like myself who'd never shopped there. My family shifted some of our regular shopping to them because we shop where we can also load our prepaids. It's a time factor. I'll have no reason to walk through their doors if Redcard is not usable like it was using debit with name on it. I'll shift spending back to WMT, FD and others where I can still load Serve.
Only a small cost (would be the GC fee), but would be untraceable.
Oct 13, 2015, 10:16 am
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: Marriott/SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 887
This is what the manager at one TGT told me as to why she trained all her staff to check the debit cards for names. Because she saw people using gift cards, then immediately going to the ATM and standing there doing multiple transactions to pull the same cash right back out.
Oct 13, 2015, 10:22 am
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 28
Agreed, Radster. I am sorry I came across as rude. Thanks also for not responding in the same register! I was kind just wishing with you that somehow all the news is just SNAFU but my dry delivery doesn't work online. Keep posting, I'll read!
Oct 13, 2015, 10:40 am
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Posts: 1,929
Oct 13, 2015, 10:51 am
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 910
As to the argument that people would more easily commit fraud by showing up with cash to do money laundering...not only is money laundering not the only kind of fraud, but also, that's be one dumb fraudster walking into a Target store with cameras everywhere and loading thousands in cash to a prepaid account... it would be a highly unusual activity for a Target customer (therefore drawing huge attention), or for a US customer at a retail store for that matter (most people in the States don't circulate that kind of amount in cash anywhere).
But yeah, these are all educated guesses on our part, as such speculation until proven to be an indefinite/permanent new state. So here's hoping we would heed the advise above to focus more on reporting data points and less on trying to look into the Redbird crystal ball (though it is definitely tempting, the Force is strong with this one).
Oct 13, 2015, 10:52 am
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Posts: 1,929
Hmm, since the CSR brought up and mentioned a specific date on their own, it could mean something. Maybe some kind of memo or email was recently distributed.
Oct 13, 2015, 10:58 am
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 284
I've asked it before, Ill ask it again... didn't you watch Breaking Bad?
Oct 13, 2015, 10:59 am
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 910
The parts about my convo with the Redbird supervisor last night which I gave more weight was that he was giving me the same consistent and certain verbiage that others had heard. Also, before the 1st level rep transf me to a supervisor she wanted to know why, so to give myself better chances of the supervisor having looked this up as opposed to him having made an educated guess, I spelled it out a couple of times to her and made sure she repeated it back correctly, that I wanted to know if this was a temporary or a permanent policy change and whether it was due to Amex or Target, and that it wasn't related to any technical issues. I was on hold waiting for the supervisor well over half an hour, but I'm sure most of it was due to them being bombarded with phone calls.
Having said all that, of all the things I listed last night as possible reason for Redbird being dead, this is not the strongest point in my mind, despite it being less speculative overall....it gets devalued by my overall idea/judgment of the Redbird cust service level of accurate knowledge about Redbird during the past year. Target cashiers are about just as clueless, so are most Target local management, more so on nuances. For instance not one Target local manager had a clue about why their registers freeze recently when activating temporary Redbirds.
Last edited by NoonRadar; Aug 31, 2017 at 3:29 pm