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Old Oct 5, 2014, 1:54 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: ANC RED-EYE
This thread is closed and contains historic discussion up to 12/31/14. The current thread is here: Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015

Read the wiki and especially the FAQ before posting a question.
It's a literacy test that's easy to pass.


https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcar...prepaidredcard


    Redbird (Target Prepaid REDcard)
    Cash loading at Target: ** - $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.

    *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.

    **As of 12/18/14, "Cash" load at target also includes in-store loads by any Credit/Debit card normally accepted at Target

    ATM Withdrawals:
    $0 ATM usage at US Target stores* and over
    43,000 US Allpoint network ATMs (ATM usage not available at any other ATMs) Find an Allpoint ATM at: $0 from a Checking or Savings Account
    www.allpointnetwork.com

    Redbird is currently only available in the following states:
    Alabama
    Arizona
    California (YMMV)
    Colorado
    Indiana
    Maryland
    Massachusetts
    Michigan
    Minnesota (Minneapolis YMMV)
    Mississippi
    New Mexico
    North Carolina
    Ohio (Cleveland area only)
    Oklahoma
    Pennsylvania (note for fellow Pennsylvanians: west PA only)
    South Carolina
    Tennessee
    Virginia
    Wisconsin

    You can check which participating Target locations carry the temp Redbird card for purchase
    https://amex.serve.com/prepaidredcar...#store-locator

    FAQ
    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?
    Some users report issues with RB in NC however already activated RBs from other states have been successfully loaded via CC at Targets around Raleigh

    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 uncomfortable doing so. If asked to go to the CS desk, smile and say "thank you" and do the load at the CS desk. Target CS desk employees are infinitely more friendly than the Walmart MC employees. It is painless and pleasant!

    Q: What is the most efficient way to drain a Redbird?
    There are differing opinions but the general consensus is that your best option is to simply use the RB Billpay feature to pay off the credit card you used to load with. Some people frown on this, thinking it creates a suspicious 'closed loop'. If you are uncomfortable with this, consider paying off a second, unrelated CC using the BB Billpay feature. The general consensus is that Billpay is less of a red flag than doing ATM withdrawals.

    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: Can we load Redbird with VGCs/debit cards at Target?
    YES

    Q: Can we load Redbird with credit cards at Target?
    YES
    It is possible that Target has plans to change the register to not allow credit cards, but I dont think thats the case.


    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 cards load limits per transaction at Target?
    When reloading the card at Target a $1000 maximum reload per Redbird swipe, $2500 per transaction per day is in place. This is inclusive of all payment types (Ex: if you load $25 from a VGC in one transaction, you can only load $2475 from any other payment source)
    The Target systems have not been stopping anyone from charging above the daily limits but the money just "disappears" (see below)

    update: Many have been able to load more than $1000 in a single credit card transaction. For example, cashier will swipe to load $1000 to RedBird, then cashier swipes to load another $1000 to Redbird, then the cashier will do a final swipe of Redbird to load $500. The purchaser can then swipe their CC on the customer terminal to pay for all three loads in one $2500 credit card transaction. This works up to the limit of $2500 per day. More details available here: Post#1904

    Update: As of 12/26, some people have reported issues with not receiving full credit for multiple RB reloads in a single CC transaction as specified in the previous update. Always check your receipt to verify that it accurately shows your RedBird "New Balance" increasing with each successive load. This seems to be associated with loading above the daily limit of a temp or perm card (there is no error indicating this or any message at all) Correcting the problem *may* be possible if caught immediately. Otherwise, your only option may be to dispute the transaction with your CC issuer.

    Q: Do the CC loads count as cash advances?
    While we dont yet have absolute proof of this, Im confident in saying no. The charges Ive done so far fully appear to be purchases. And, previous experience with the similar Amex for Target card has shown that credit cards are safe to use for register reloads at Target.
    As of 12/31/2014: Loading with Citi credit cards post as purchases

    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 drivers license, SSN, etc. But, when I got home, I registered the card to my wife. I cant promise this will work for everyone, but it worked for me.

    Q: Can you reload Serve at Target?
    NO.
    Since Serve and Redbird are on the same technology platform, and since you can reload Serve at Walmart (like Bluebird), it seems reasonable to assume that it would work at Target as well. I tried a Serve card, but it didnt work. So, the answer for now is NO. It wont surprise me, though, if that changes in the future.


    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)
    Original FAQ by FrequentMiler. Significant subsequent clarifications and enhancements by FT community.
    ===============================================
    Q: How to swipe $2500 at a time and add a small purchase

    A:Originally Posted by Carl Christensen http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...l#post23944354
    Originally Posted by Carl Christensen
    Carl's updated guide to achieve non even numbers:

    Go through express/regular check out. Why? Their screen faces you. I have an excel spread sheet printed off showing the number I want to load. Somehow, having a print off and pointing at the numbers causes more confidence and less questions.

    1. hand card and tell them to swipe bar up and that you plan on having them swipe three times for three loads
    2. tell them 1000
    3. Warning that Target Gift Cards may not be used - they press K1 (after I train them they keep their hand hovering over K1 for more loads)
    4. Glance at their screen to check that it shows the load (it will show a line item with 1000 etc)
    5. Tell them to swipe again
    6. Repeat 2,3,4,5
    7. repeat 2 (500 this time), 3,4
    8. Hand them a pack of gum or pop and ask them to scan it (important this is done last and not first. If done first it will just pay)
    9. They might have to hit a final key I'm not sure, but I tell them I'm ready to pay
    10. I swipe my credit card
    11. show last 4 of card to them to type in
    12. After a pause (sometimes longer than others) it prints off a receipt.
    13. If your card is denied the screen will change from light blue to red. At this point I will tell them to cancel and I go sit down on the bench in front of them to call card company.
    14. Check your receipt immediately to make sure you see successful 3 loads.
    15. Step out of line and complete record keeping and then go back through line again for next red card.

    This process yields one cc charge that is a non even number.

    I sometimes do non even numbers (937.23 ie) if that is how much is left to meet minimum spend on my cc before I go to the next CC.

    If your total load is small enough (13x.xx did not require), it does not require them typing in the last 4 digits.

    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) 2014

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    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 4:20 pm
      #2161  
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    Originally Posted by gloobnib
    This is actually reassuring. I'd be much more concerned if it was just randomly not posting transactions!
    just got off the phone with Redcard Amex...

    it was a very interesting conversation. she said that at the moment, credit card loads are NOT ALLOWED - - only cash and debit cards. however, she completely understood that somehow credit cards are being used by people, and that apparently i'm not the only one with these "disappearing funds" issues.

    she then told me that they're "working on making it so that credit cards CAN be used to load the redcard"

    so from what i could gather...she was saying that people SHOULDN'T be able to use credit cards to load them, but that they can, and that sometimes issues like disappearing funds crop up, which MIGHT be because the system isn't *technically* set up for such a thing, but that they're working quickly to make it so that you CAN use a credit card to load.


    which, of course, is mind-boggling, considering the fact that you can use credit cards without issue. perhaps she was referring to the bugs in the system here and there, like mine.

    i asked her about three times to clarify what she was saying, just so i could be sure i was hearing her correctly.

    she said, "we are aware from customer feedback that people want to use their credit cards to load the prepaid redcard, and we are working to make this possible".




    bottom line for my case: i now have to drive back to the target at which i did the load, and request a credit slip, and send it to my CC company to help move this along. then they'll work with Amex to figure out just where those missing funds have gone. after that, they'll either credit my redcard account or pay back the CC.


    what's annoying is that in the statement my CC provided me, they have the verbiage as "i, ____ did not authorize the purchase of $2500...." - - i DID authorize the purchase, i just wasn't given the product i paid for.
    bencahn1 is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 4:22 pm
      #2162  
     
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    Originally Posted by gloobnib
    Lol, you read my mind! I've added the following to the wiki
    Thanks. Now I can refer folks to the wiki!

    Last edited by lumangoy; Dec 26, 2014 at 4:28 pm
    lumangoy is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 4:26 pm
      #2163  
     
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    Originally Posted by gloobnib
    Lol, you read my mind! I've added the following to the wiki (not exact phrasing):
    "Can someone else buy a RB for me and send it to me?"
    "What is the best way to unload a RB?"
    "I cant use Billpay (because I only have a 7-digit phone number"
    "It says you can do $1500 in one CC transaction, can you do $2500?"

    and now that I think about it, I'm going to add
    "Can I reload a RB bought out of state at a store that doesn't sell them?".

    Also just added:
    Can I Buy or Reload a RB in North Carolina? (no)
    Can I reload the RB at any Register or just at the CS desk? (Depends. Explanation given).
    gloobnib is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 4:31 pm
      #2164  
     
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    On pg 127 there are instruction on how to load at cashier instead os GS.... does that need to go on wiki?
    lumangoy is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 4:54 pm
      #2165  
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    Originally Posted by Carl Christensen
    If someone would add to the wiki, I wouldn't have to bump, but, for newer readers here is my guide for multiple loads on one swipe.
    Originally Posted by gloobnib
    Also just added:
    Can I Buy or Reload a RB in North Carolina? (no)
    Can I reload the RB at any Register or just at the CS desk? (Depends. Explanation given).
    Thank you for making the updates to the wiki.
    Carl Christensen is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 4:58 pm
      #2166  
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    Originally Posted by bencahn1
    just got off the phone with Redcard Amex...

    it was a very interesting conversation. she said that at the moment, credit card loads are NOT ALLOWED - - only cash and debit cards. however, she completely understood that somehow credit cards are being used by people, and that apparently i'm not the only one with these "disappearing funds" issues.

    she then told me that they're "working on making it so that credit cards CAN be used to load the redcard"

    so from what i could gather...she was saying that people SHOULDN'T be able to use credit cards to load them, but that they can, and that sometimes issues like disappearing funds crop up, which MIGHT be because the system isn't *technically* set up for such a thing, but that they're working quickly to make it so that you CAN use a credit card to load.


    which, of course, is mind-boggling, considering the fact that you can use credit cards without issue. perhaps she was referring to the bugs in the system here and there, like mine.

    i asked her about three times to clarify what she was saying, just so i could be sure i was hearing her correctly.

    she said, "we are aware from customer feedback that people want to use their credit cards to load the prepaid redcard, and we are working to make this possible".




    bottom line for my case: i now have to drive back to the target at which i did the load, and request a credit slip, and send it to my CC company to help move this along. then they'll work with Amex to figure out just where those missing funds have gone. after that, they'll either credit my redcard account or pay back the CC.


    what's annoying is that in the statement my CC provided me, they have the verbiage as "i, ____ did not authorize the purchase of $2500...." - - i DID authorize the purchase, i just wasn't given the product i paid for.
    Thank you for the update, however, YMMV as phone agents aren't always the bastion of truth in dispensing this info. I do remain hopeful and optimistic that this is a long term plan. Witness the CC loads to serve.

    Additionally, your clarifying info of what happened is helpful. I can't be too critical of you since I was one that experienced the same thing

    The lesson continue to be to inspect your receipt.

    I want to further stress my belief that the right place to load is the checkout land/express lane. Their screens are turned towards you and you can actually watch the successful load happen and display on screen. This could allow you to see the failed load and not even pay.
    Carl Christensen is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 5:16 pm
      #2167  
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    Originally Posted by Carl Christensen
    Thank you for the update, however, YMMV as phone agents aren't always the bastion of truth in dispensing this info. I do remain hopeful and optimistic that this is a long term plan. Witness the CC loads to serve.

    Additionally, your clarifying info of what happened is helpful. I can't be too critical of you since I was one that experienced the same thing

    The lesson continue to be to inspect your receipt.

    I want to further stress my belief that the right place to load is the checkout land/express lane. Their screens are turned towards you and you can actually watch the successful load happen and display on screen. This could allow you to see the failed load and not even pay.
    You're very welcome! So how was yours resolved? What was your exact situation?
    bencahn1 is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 5:19 pm
      #2168  
     
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    Originally Posted by Carl Christensen
    I want to further stress my belief that the right place to load is the checkout land/express lane. Their screens are turned towards you and you can actually watch the successful load happen and display on screen. This could allow you to see the failed load and not even pay.
    Interesting point.

    FWIW, I personally use the CS desk primarily because A) they don't freak out about the large $ amounts, B) they usually already know the drill on how to do a basic RB load, and C) most importantly the line for CS has always been very short vs waiting for a bunch of Christmas Shoppers to checkout at the main checkouts!

    I've loaded at the register a couple of times, but can't say that I've paid much attention to what the cashier's screen shows.
    gloobnib is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 5:23 pm
      #2169  
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    Anyone know if you can transfer funds from RB to BB? I've done BB to BB but haven't tried RB yet. This would help me liquidate.

    UPDATE: I just tried it, which I should have done before posting this question. Yes, it works. I started with a small test amount and it immediately appeared in BB account, on which I've got auto-receive enabled. Can send $2500/month from RB. I transferred from a RB I manage to a BB I manage.

    Last edited by Stgermainparis; Dec 26, 2014 at 5:33 pm
    Stgermainparis is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 5:32 pm
      #2170  
     
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    Originally Posted by Stgermainparis
    Anyone know if you can transfer funds from RB to BB? I've done BB to BB but haven't tried RB yet. This would help me liquidate.
    I'm curious what liquidation method you have available in BB that isn't available in RB? (It's been about a year since I was actively using BB, so I am genuinely curious).
    gloobnib is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 5:53 pm
      #2171  
     
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    Originally Posted by Carl Christensen
    Did you not follow my steps that I have posted repeatedly?

    And read my report of dealing with the same issue. You may have huge problems because you didn't read up on this ahead of time and deal with it on the day instead of several days later. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/manuf...l#post23856976
    Wait, does that mean there is an option to swipe the card only once to complete a load of up to $2500 (plus the price of the gum or whatever) even though the max load in one individual transaction is $1000? Whenever I ask them to load the cashiers don't know what the max limit is per transaction so I tell them that $1000 is the max. Whenever I try more than $1000 the system shows a weird error message that says "Amount too small" and the cashier has a confused look at that point. I will try your recommended technique the next time I load at Target but I suspect those system might be different. I am in the Northern VA area and at the stores here I don't see any screen showing any messages. I only have that credit card swipe machine with the numpad.
    nooobFlyer is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 5:58 pm
      #2172  
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    Originally Posted by gloobnib
    I'm curious what liquidation method you have available in BB that isn't available in RB? (It's been about a year since I was actively using BB, so I am genuinely curious).
    Physical checks to pay mortgage and kids' tuition.
    Stgermainparis is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 6:01 pm
      #2173  
     
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    Has anyone successfully loaded an AMEX gift card to RedBird?

    I have a $200 AMEX gift card I tried to load this afternoon. It looked like it was going to work, but after the cashier typed in the last for digits, the transaction failed.
    Travel4Points is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 6:09 pm
      #2174  
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    So I just went to the target where the transaction in question took place.

    A manager was called to look into it, and he went into the back office somewhere to look up a detailed transaction on the computer. He came back perplexed, said he'd never seen anything like this happen before.

    It clearly showed each line item: 1000, 1000, 500.

    It clearly showed that I paid with my AA Amex card.

    It clearly showed I was charged $2500.

    But then it displayed three consecutive failed authorizations. Whether these failed authorizations were my CC or the redbird, I do not know. Pretty sure it was the CC. It's all super strange. He said he would send the info to "HQ" to look into it further, and that hopefully they'll just go in and credit the redcard account with the appropriate amount -- because after all, it does show my card was charged, but the redcard didn't get the correct credit amount.

    Anyway, he said he'll call me monday with an answer. Keep you guys posted.
    bencahn1 is offline  
    Old Dec 26, 2014 | 6:40 pm
      #2175  
     
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    Originally Posted by Travel4Points
    Has anyone successfully loaded an AMEX gift card to RedBird?

    I have a $200 AMEX gift card I tried to load this afternoon. It looked like it was going to work, but after the cashier typed in the last for digits, the transaction failed.
    Yes I loaded successfully the following day. I think the AGCs have a 4hr activation wait.
    lumangoy is offline  


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