Jan 25, 2015, 12:41 am
Last edit by: ChrisFlyer66
American Express® is discontinuing the American Express for Target Prepaid Card program on March 21, 2016.
***Attention*** If you are new to the forum and thinking about AFT loads to accomodate your bonus or rewards spend, please be advised this method has taken a major hit effective first week of May, 2015, as mentioned in latter posts on this thread.****
This thread is a continuation of http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...ities-208.html
please be aware the Target breach cards are currently on the black market, as always be aware of activity on all accounts
Purchase in store. Each store seems to have just one lane that has them on display (unlike the AMEX GC which are at most lanes). Package is larger than other gift cards, silver and red.
Not available in all states. Search here for possible locations
Note: Unlike AMEX's restriction on BB/Serve/Redbird where one person can only hold one of those, you can have an AFT (2, actually) while holding a BB, Serve, or Redbird
Need DL to purchase.
Max 1 purchase per ss# per day--this means one person can actually have 2 AFT cards, which is why there is a $5000 total limit for 2 cards (see below).
Max initial load $500 + $3 load fee.
May reload temp card as soon as verification of identity is complete, may take 48 hours. You can use an ATM with a temp card as soon as you're able to view your temp card PIN online. If you're unable to view your PIN online, you won't be able to use an ATM until you have the permanent card, which takes about two weeks.
Many stores now limit reloading to the service desk, and no longer at cashiers. The card must be swiped at a cash terminal to reload, not scanned! Ask cashiers to try if they don't seem to recognize the card. Ask if loading at service desk is a policy, it might just be a knee-jerk response from cashiers that don't know about the card. I have been told that a few times, "You need to go to the Service Desk," it has never been true. Say please and thank you.
Limits & Fees
Loading
Codes as purchase on all cards.
Load fee $3
Max $1000 per card in 24 hour period.
Max $5000 total for both cards per 28 day rolling period.
May load any card *until* balance is $2500 for 28 day period (not *up to*)
System will allow a $1000 load on a card with a $2000 balance so long as you are under $5000 for all cards over 28 day period. See below for optimal load sequence, $15/$5k a month after 1st month and $15k in 65 days for new cards.
Unload via ATM
Max $400/card/day (resets 12am PST)
First ATM w/d per month per card is free, based on 1st of the month (not rolling)+ any ATM owner fee.
Additional ATM w/d fee $3 + ATM fee
Note that unlike Amex RB/BB, AFT is NOT in AllPoint network, thus NO surcharge-free ATM generally.
When asked 'from account' choose 'checking.'
Possibly helpful link (Surcharge Free ATMs):
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...-fee-atms.html
Unload by purchases
No fee. No cash back.
Additional information
Optimal load pattern for least number of $3 fees after first $500 load is $3k/$2k.
New accounts can load $15k in 65 days. 4 trips in a week for new cards, 3 in a week once a month after that.
Load always means load $1000. 28 day load total in parenthesis. 'Dropped' means that load is past the 28 day mark.
Day 1: Purchase card #1, load $500
Day 3: Purchase card #2, load $500; Load card #1 ($1500)
Day 5: load card #1 ($2500); load card #2 ($1500)
Day 7: load card #2 ($2500)
*********************************wait************
Day 29: ($2000)($2500) day 1 dropped
Day 31: ($1000)($2000) day 3 dropped
Day 32: load card #1 ($2000) ; load card #2 ($3000)
Day 33: ($1000)($2000) day 5 dropped
Day 34: load card #1 ($2000); load card #2 ($3000)
Day 35: ($2000) ($2000) day 7 dropped
Day 36: load card #1 ($3000), ($2000)
*********************************wait************
Day 61: load both cards, day 32 dropped
Day 63: load both cards
Day 65: load one card.
Repeat Loads waiting 29 days between loads, if you loaded both cards 29 days ago load both now, if you loaded one card, load one now. So next load date is 61+29= Day 90
FAQ
Q: Can I load with Visa/MC/Amex Gift Cards?
A: Visa and MC Gift cards with a PIN can be used. Amex gift cards no longer work.
Q: How about Target gift cards?
A: The register prompts not to allow Target gift cards. They may not be hard coded, though.
Q: Will I get 5% off if I load with a Target Red card?
A: No. Sorry, I wish.
Q: Can I load multiple cards in one transaction?
A: No. This died February 4, 2015 or shortly before.
Q:Is there a max number of payment swipes?
A: Yes. Maximum swipes for split payments is 7, though other users have reported being able to swipe at least 10 gift cards for payment without problems.
Q: What are the lowest possible fees with a fee-free ATM available?
A: For 2 cards, each loaded with $2.5K each over 2 months ($10K in total), you would pay $30 in loading fees (10 load fees of $3 each) and $63 in ATM fees (25 total withdrawals, with 1 free withdrawal per card each month, resulting in 21 ATM fees of $3 each).
Q: Where is my permanent card? I did not receive my permanent card. How do I receive my permanent card?
A: You do not need to register the temporary card online after purchase or create the online account to receive your permanent card. You should have received your permanent card within 7 days. Your temporary card will stop working after 30 days.
If you have not received your card, your application may have been declined. The personal information you registered may be incorrect, or Amex could not verify your identity.
---
Official fund loading from T&C
You may load funds to your Cards using your Funding Source until the Available Funds on any Card purchased by you equals $2,500 and on all card purchased by you equals $5,000... Not more than $1,000 may be loaded to any Card purchased by you in a 24 hour period using your Funding Source, not more than $5,000 may be loaded to all Cards purchased by you in any 28-day period using your Funding Source.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE IF YOU LOADED YOUR PREPAID CARD AT TARGET DURING THE CHRISTMAS SECURITY BREACH: It is important to have AMEX reissue your cards (just phone the number on the card and ask for a new card). Thieves have the numbers and pins and can drain your account at any time. AMEX does not appear to be using software to block suspicious activity, so they can drain it all. If you loaded your prepaid card at Target between November 27 and December 15, 2013, you are at significant risk of having your money stolen (several reported cases in April and May).
***Attention*** If you are new to the forum and thinking about AFT loads to accomodate your bonus or rewards spend, please be advised this method has taken a major hit effective first week of May, 2015, as mentioned in latter posts on this thread.****
This thread is a continuation of http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...ities-208.htmlplease be aware the Target breach cards are currently on the black market, as always be aware of activity on all accounts
Purchase in store. Each store seems to have just one lane that has them on display (unlike the AMEX GC which are at most lanes). Package is larger than other gift cards, silver and red.
Not available in all states. Search here for possible locations
Note: Unlike AMEX's restriction on BB/Serve/Redbird where one person can only hold one of those, you can have an AFT (2, actually) while holding a BB, Serve, or Redbird
Need DL to purchase.
Max 1 purchase per ss# per day--this means one person can actually have 2 AFT cards, which is why there is a $5000 total limit for 2 cards (see below).
Max initial load $500 + $3 load fee.
May reload temp card as soon as verification of identity is complete, may take 48 hours. You can use an ATM with a temp card as soon as you're able to view your temp card PIN online. If you're unable to view your PIN online, you won't be able to use an ATM until you have the permanent card, which takes about two weeks.
Many stores now limit reloading to the service desk, and no longer at cashiers. The card must be swiped at a cash terminal to reload, not scanned! Ask cashiers to try if they don't seem to recognize the card. Ask if loading at service desk is a policy, it might just be a knee-jerk response from cashiers that don't know about the card. I have been told that a few times, "You need to go to the Service Desk," it has never been true. Say please and thank you.
Limits & Fees
Loading
Codes as purchase on all cards.
Load fee $3
Max $1000 per card in 24 hour period.
Max $5000 total for both cards per 28 day rolling period.
May load any card *until* balance is $2500 for 28 day period (not *up to*)
System will allow a $1000 load on a card with a $2000 balance so long as you are under $5000 for all cards over 28 day period. See below for optimal load sequence, $15/$5k a month after 1st month and $15k in 65 days for new cards.
Unload via ATM
Max $400/card/day (resets 12am PST)
First ATM w/d per month per card is free, based on 1st of the month (not rolling)+ any ATM owner fee.
Additional ATM w/d fee $3 + ATM fee
Note that unlike Amex RB/BB, AFT is NOT in AllPoint network, thus NO surcharge-free ATM generally.
When asked 'from account' choose 'checking.'
Possibly helpful link (Surcharge Free ATMs):
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...-fee-atms.html
Unload by purchases
No fee. No cash back.
Additional information
Optimal load pattern for least number of $3 fees after first $500 load is $3k/$2k.
New accounts can load $15k in 65 days. 4 trips in a week for new cards, 3 in a week once a month after that.
Load always means load $1000. 28 day load total in parenthesis. 'Dropped' means that load is past the 28 day mark.
Day 1: Purchase card #1, load $500
Day 3: Purchase card #2, load $500; Load card #1 ($1500)
Day 5: load card #1 ($2500); load card #2 ($1500)
Day 7: load card #2 ($2500)
*********************************wait************
Day 29: ($2000)($2500) day 1 dropped
Day 31: ($1000)($2000) day 3 dropped
Day 32: load card #1 ($2000) ; load card #2 ($3000)
Day 33: ($1000)($2000) day 5 dropped
Day 34: load card #1 ($2000); load card #2 ($3000)
Day 35: ($2000) ($2000) day 7 dropped
Day 36: load card #1 ($3000), ($2000)
*********************************wait************
Day 61: load both cards, day 32 dropped
Day 63: load both cards
Day 65: load one card.
Repeat Loads waiting 29 days between loads, if you loaded both cards 29 days ago load both now, if you loaded one card, load one now. So next load date is 61+29= Day 90
FAQ
Q: Can I load with Visa/MC/Amex Gift Cards?
A: Visa and MC Gift cards with a PIN can be used. Amex gift cards no longer work.
Q: How about Target gift cards?
A: The register prompts not to allow Target gift cards. They may not be hard coded, though.
Q: Will I get 5% off if I load with a Target Red card?
A: No. Sorry, I wish.
Q: Can I load multiple cards in one transaction?
A: No. This died February 4, 2015 or shortly before.
Q:Is there a max number of payment swipes?
A: Yes. Maximum swipes for split payments is 7, though other users have reported being able to swipe at least 10 gift cards for payment without problems.
Q: What are the lowest possible fees with a fee-free ATM available?
A: For 2 cards, each loaded with $2.5K each over 2 months ($10K in total), you would pay $30 in loading fees (10 load fees of $3 each) and $63 in ATM fees (25 total withdrawals, with 1 free withdrawal per card each month, resulting in 21 ATM fees of $3 each).
Q: Where is my permanent card? I did not receive my permanent card. How do I receive my permanent card?
A: You do not need to register the temporary card online after purchase or create the online account to receive your permanent card. You should have received your permanent card within 7 days. Your temporary card will stop working after 30 days.
If you have not received your card, your application may have been declined. The personal information you registered may be incorrect, or Amex could not verify your identity.
---
Official fund loading from T&C
You may load funds to your Cards using your Funding Source until the Available Funds on any Card purchased by you equals $2,500 and on all card purchased by you equals $5,000... Not more than $1,000 may be loaded to any Card purchased by you in a 24 hour period using your Funding Source, not more than $5,000 may be loaded to all Cards purchased by you in any 28-day period using your Funding Source.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE IF YOU LOADED YOUR PREPAID CARD AT TARGET DURING THE CHRISTMAS SECURITY BREACH: It is important to have AMEX reissue your cards (just phone the number on the card and ask for a new card). Thieves have the numbers and pins and can drain your account at any time. AMEX does not appear to be using software to block suspicious activity, so they can drain it all. If you loaded your prepaid card at Target between November 27 and December 15, 2013, you are at significant risk of having your money stolen (several reported cases in April and May).
AmEx for Target (2015)
May 25, 2015, 1:11 pm
#602
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt
Posts: 2,889
May 27, 2015, 8:03 am
#604
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,375
You didn't mention if your wife has one or two cards, it makes a big difference.
If you only have one card, you can only load $2,500 in 28 days.
If you have two cards, according to t&c, you would have to lower the balance on this card to $1,500 or under, by spending or ATM withdrawals before doing a third load.
As stated in wiki, people have done a third 1K load With a 2K balance even though this is against the t&c.
Assuming you load the first card with 3K, the second card can be loaded with 2K, bringing the total load to 5K for the two cards. The balance for each card is kept as separate sub-accounts.
So there are limits to how much you can load and also limits how much you can have as a balance. So you have to lower the balances to be ready for the next month's loads.
If you only have one card, you can only load $2,500 in 28 days.
If you have two cards, according to t&c, you would have to lower the balance on this card to $1,500 or under, by spending or ATM withdrawals before doing a third load.
As stated in wiki, people have done a third 1K load With a 2K balance even though this is against the t&c.
Assuming you load the first card with 3K, the second card can be loaded with 2K, bringing the total load to 5K for the two cards. The balance for each card is kept as separate sub-accounts.
So there are limits to how much you can load and also limits how much you can have as a balance. So you have to lower the balances to be ready for the next month's loads.
May 27, 2015, 5:35 pm
#606
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Metro ATL
Posts: 359
Thanks
May 28, 2015, 8:16 am
#607
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 394
Went to load my AFT yesterday and initially had a scare, I kept getting denied with my OV as debit, had to use Buxx and PPBDC. Then realized after the fact, I had only loaded 495 on the OV, bought by an AGC, and thus the issues.
The funny thing is the cashier asked if this gets 5% off at Target, told her that was the Redbird card. She said she wanted one but they didn't offer them in Texas yet. I almost offered her the information for my unused card I had bought a few days before May 6 and hadn't registerd. Probably one of the few intended clients of the card.
The funny thing is the cashier asked if this gets 5% off at Target, told her that was the Redbird card. She said she wanted one but they didn't offer them in Texas yet. I almost offered her the information for my unused card I had bought a few days before May 6 and hadn't registerd. Probably one of the few intended clients of the card.
May 29, 2015, 8:53 am
#608
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 219
I have two cards and I think it is more efficient and less expensive with two cards, fewer trips to the ATM and possible to load the max in a shorter period.
Although it has become more expensive, AFT can still be a tool to do minimum spending when you are maxed on Redcard and don't want to do MOs.
With two cards, you can take advantage of the free ATM once a month for each card and do $800 a month MS for 1.3% cost (assuming 1% cost of gift cards.) That is cheaper than paying taxes for MS.
May 29, 2015, 9:05 am
#609
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 415
I see one post in this thread who claimed to load 4K on one card in 28 days. One or two other posts that agree with the 5K limit, but do not actually claim that they have done this. i reviewed closely the terms and conditions, and there is nothing that would prevent loading 5K on one card if the 2.5K balance limit is respected. So, I would agree that it is not against the rules. Have you loaded 5K on one card?
I have two cards and I think it is more efficient and less expensive with two cards, fewer trips to the ATM and possible to load the max in a shorter period.
Although it has become more expensive, AFT can still be a tool to do minimum spending when you are maxed on Redcard and don't want to do MOs.
With two cards, you can take advantage of the free ATM once a month for each card and do $800 a month MS for 1.3% cost (assuming 1% cost of gift cards.) That is cheaper than paying taxes for MS.
I have two cards and I think it is more efficient and less expensive with two cards, fewer trips to the ATM and possible to load the max in a shorter period.
Although it has become more expensive, AFT can still be a tool to do minimum spending when you are maxed on Redcard and don't want to do MOs.
With two cards, you can take advantage of the free ATM once a month for each card and do $800 a month MS for 1.3% cost (assuming 1% cost of gift cards.) That is cheaper than paying taxes for MS.
May 29, 2015, 9:21 am
#610
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: Hyatt Globalist No More..., Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 4,375
I see one post in this thread who claimed to load 4K on one card in 28 days. One or two other posts that agree with the 5K limit, but do not actually claim that they have done this. i reviewed closely the terms and conditions, and there is nothing that would prevent loading 5K on one card if the 2.5K balance limit is respected. So, I would agree that it is not against the rules. Have you loaded 5K on one card?
I have two cards and I think it is more efficient and less expensive with two cards, fewer trips to the ATM and possible to load the max in a shorter period.
Although it has become more expensive, AFT can still be a tool to do minimum spending when you are maxed on Redcard and don't want to do MOs.
With two cards, you can take advantage of the free ATM once a month for each card and do $800 a month MS for 1.3% cost (assuming 1% cost of gift cards.) That is cheaper than paying taxes for MS.
I have two cards and I think it is more efficient and less expensive with two cards, fewer trips to the ATM and possible to load the max in a shorter period.
Although it has become more expensive, AFT can still be a tool to do minimum spending when you are maxed on Redcard and don't want to do MOs.
With two cards, you can take advantage of the free ATM once a month for each card and do $800 a month MS for 1.3% cost (assuming 1% cost of gift cards.) That is cheaper than paying taxes for MS.
May 29, 2015, 11:43 am
#611
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 3
Yes, it's easy to load $4-5K onto one card in a 28-day period. However, you must keep the balance below $2500.
I usually do one trip a week, for $1K. My usual Target is next to a low-cost ATM, so I load $1K and immediately cash out $400. I try to cash out at least one other time between visits, and usually have a <$1K balance when I load.
I usually do one trip a week, for $1K. My usual Target is next to a low-cost ATM, so I load $1K and immediately cash out $400. I try to cash out at least one other time between visits, and usually have a <$1K balance when I load.
May 30, 2015, 4:42 pm
#612
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: ORD/MDW
Programs: AA EXP, DL-Plat, WN-CP | Hotels: Choice-Gld, IHG-Plt, Rad-Gld, HH-Dia, Hyatt-Glob, Marriott-LtPlt
Posts: 2,889
I'm definitely hanging on to my AFTs for this method as a good filler when needed.
Jun 2, 2015, 12:11 pm
#613
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 415
Just started out with a couple new cards. Question: I know they claim they will deactivate the temp cards after a month but is this enforced? I much prefer using cards with no name over cards with a name that's not mine, especially with my local Targets.
TIA
TIA
Jun 2, 2015, 1:17 pm
#614
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Houston, TX
Programs: UA Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 149
Yes. It happened to me this February. Some delay in shipping the permanent card and the temp card died at 30 days exactly.