I thought that FD has some sort of daily load limit per store and if that limit is exceeded, then no further loading is permitted that day. Perhaps you hit a store where that occurred?

This is a known issue and is already in the Wiki for a long time. There is some limit at FD. It is a mystery how this happens. We do not have enough DPs.

a friend, who never had BB & Serve, was able to get 5 BB cards earlier in June but continually got denied for a Serve card as of today... anyone happens to know why? Thx

I had my Bluebird account shutdown in 2016 for "suspicious activity". Now I've tried to open a new BB and Serve and it says we are unable to approve you at this time. Is there a workaround? Does the SS# matter or can I use an employer ID as a workaround?

Or can I get one for my wife or son and still use it at WMT?

The basic answer for you is "no". No work around or anything else.

I would recommend your trying to sign up on-line about once a quarter, but don't expect anything positive. Even if you did, there are numerous DPs out there that if you abuse the card, they shut you down fast.

You have to supply a SS#. I do not recommend fudging that either and I believe that they monitor you by SS#.as well as by email and address.

I imagine that if you did not have a shut down with the other family members, that they should be good to go, although I have heard that some who have a different SS# but the same address as you may be affected. However, I think that most DPs indicate your being able to use a FM for sign up.

OK - I was able to get a BB card for my wife approved just now. I tried for my son but he doesn't turn 18 for another 10 days so it refused him for now.

Question - can I load the BB at Walmart for my wife? All I have to do is swipe the card then swipe the VGCs, right? Also are there still any BB ATMs where you can load or does it have to be at the CSR counter or checkout line?

There are no longer BB ATM's where you can load. You'll have to go to CSR counter. YMMV if they will let you load your wife's card.

If not then I can always buy a MO, I guess.

I have been able to swipe a single $200 VGC without incident at the cashier checkout. They did not ask for any sort of ID although they have to handle the BB card and saw my male appearing name. So if your wife has a unisex name on the card, I cannot see a problem with very low level loading.
However, if her name is more traditional, you may be asked questions.:o

Well, I've seen ladies whose first name is Bobby, Jamie, Jimmy, Andy and a lot more....

Yup!
But i haven't seen too many boys named Sue, no matter how much you liked Johnny Cash :D

Only time I have ever had them handle my BB was the midnight crew, she wanted to make sure my ID and BB matches for a 500 VGCs.
when I go after work they never ask to see BB, Id or debit for the same 500 vgc swipe