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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 cards 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 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/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
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    Prepaid REDcard (Target) 2015-2016

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    Old Feb 2, 2015 | 11:16 pm
      #1621  
     
    Join Date: Jul 2013
    Posts: 1,872
    I have done it before so this time I made the mistake cos I had to use few CC to load and it went over the $2500 max daily limit. The customer service agent has been a good guy always to me. I felt something strange as when I checked the receipts, it went over by $2500 but thought it worked cos it shows on the receipts. I got back home, checked my redbird account and saw the problem. Past midnight.
    I called the back of the Redbird & spoke to a supervisor in India. Explained the situation & he told me he would contact their dispute dept to look in to this and they would contact me.
    Blueskyheaven is offline  
    Old Feb 2, 2015 | 11:25 pm
      #1622  
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    I still don't understand all of the games people play with loading uneven amounts by thinking it will attract less scrutiny from the card issuers. You just open yourself up to making mistakes with the math, especially if you plan down to the last cent. I've loaded 2 RBs with $2500 daily using the swipe, $1000, swipe, $1000, swipe $500, pay method without issue for three months.

    There are still no issues with direct credit card loading in San Jose. I wish I could say the same about WM with BB.
    Majuki is offline  
    Old Feb 2, 2015 | 11:43 pm
      #1623  
     
    Join Date: Oct 2014
    Posts: 62
    Originally Posted by GamecockFan
    I just reloaded with CC today in NC of all places, so it's not prohibited by the register yet. Hopefully just a manager on a power trip, I've ran into one of them myself.
    The same person who posted issues wrote a follow up reply:

    I may try another Target in the area. My husband tried 2 different tellers and the service desk. All said that it was a mistake to accept CC in the first place due to CC fraud and such. He did not ask if this was a corporate policy or just that store. We will try another.
    I asked for a follow-up response to see if they're successful with other stores. Hopefully it's just a manager with a power trip like you mentioned.
    LiarsDice is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 4:48 am
      #1624  
     
    Join Date: Sep 2011
    Location: UK
    Posts: 223
    I loaded my own and my wife's redbird yesterday with AGC, no problems at all. sounds like a rogue manager. if they're that worried about fraud, they should check ID to card name, then allow cc imho.
    rymetymeuk is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 5:39 am
      #1625  
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    Originally Posted by Brugge
    Just because they didn't send you a FA, doesn't mean that's not why your charge was denied. Call the number on the back of the card, and ask them what's going on. They will either clear it for you, or transfer you to the Fraud dept, who will ask you a bunch of questions to establish who you are, and then they will clear it for you. Check with the CSR to make sure they have your cell phone number, and that you have authorized them to contact you thru your cell. Then hopefully any future FAs will happen right when you are in the store, and you can clear them and finish the load.

    Then go to Target and load $500. Go back a few days later and load another $500. After you load $1500 do a $1500 BP to your Chase card and wait for it to post to your account before loading again. But do not charge more than your total CL on that card in any one billing period.

    As mentioned earlier in this thread, you have to get the computer used to the idea that you charge significant amounts at Target. After a couple of months you can raise the amount you load to $1K per day. By the Summer you will be able to load $1k + $1K + $500 in a single charge.
    @Brugge - why not more than your credit limit? Normally I get limits like 15k -25k, but my citi business AA card with 50k miles with 3k spend in 3 months they only gave me a 1k credit line. So I did 1k one month, then did 900, bp, 900, bp and the remaining amount to meet 3k spend so I got the sign up bonus. This just posted and no adverse action.
    Carl Christensen is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 5:46 am
      #1626  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2012
    Posts: 78
    Originally Posted by michael21
    Ah....So I'd like to load My redacted

    Agent- How much:
    Me: $1000

    Swipe first $200, click cancel and then credit-tell her last 4
    Swipe second $200, click cancel-press credit-tell her last 4
    Repeat
    Repeat
    Repeat

    Finished?
    Is this the process to load multiple 200 GCs?
    michael21 is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 6:47 am
      #1627  
     
    Join Date: Aug 2013
    Posts: 1,207
    Originally Posted by Brugge
    Do you mean spending 30K in a billing period with a $30K CL?

    Or do you mean you charge 30K, pay it off, spend 30K, pay it off, spend 30K.... All in a single billing period on a single card.

    Because that second example is what I meant not to do. Many data points that's a definite faux pas with AMEX. But if you've been routinely doing that with Chase I'd like to know about it. It could be I'm being overly cautious with Chase.
    Everything is fine and good.... until it isnt. Do what you are comfortable with and ignore others who say "Ive been doing this and Im still alive". We dont care about the alive data points, we care about the shut down data points. It is pretty clear that banks dont like cycling credit limits. How much of it they will tolerate is YMMV, and whether or not you want to risk that is your choice, and no one elses. Have I cycled on my credit cards? Yes. Do I try and do it on a normal basis, definitely not.
    hamokmonky is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 7:56 am
      #1628  
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    This morning, I couldn't do a single $2,500 payment on a $1k + $1k + $500 load. When trying to add a second $1,000, the register gave an error with something like "no more can be loaded to this prepaid product during this transaction."

    I had no difficulties with 3 separate loads of $1k, $1k, and $500.

    This was with a cashier with whom I've done dozens of AFT & RB loads (we engaged in small talk about her family while figuring it out); so, it was definitely not cashier error.

    This may affect AFTs too.
    FindAWay is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 8:04 am
      #1629  
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    Originally Posted by FindAWay
    This morning, I couldn't do a single $2,500 payment on a $1k + $1k + $500 load. When trying to add a second $1,000, the register gave an error with something like "no more can be loaded to this prepaid product during this transaction."

    I had no difficulties with 3 separate loads of $1k, $1k, and $500.

    This was with a cashier with whom I've done dozens of AFT & RB loads (we engaged in small talk about her family while figuring it out); so, it was definitely not cashier error.

    This may affect AFTs too.
    Same issue for me in Detroit. Others I know have had experienced it as well. My cashier was surprised, as she was experienced with RB. However, some reports are that this is a corporate change and a memo was sent to Targets this week.
    FlyerTalker55 is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 8:17 am
      #1630  
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    I loaded $900 this morning with an AMEX in Detroit area with no problems.
    rubesl is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 8:19 am
      #1631  
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    Purchase Amex Gift cards with 2.25% Cash Back TODAY ONLY!

    Did anyone else see this? I'm not sure if it's worth the hassle for the extra $112. Although it's a decent return, I've already topped off my redbird this month, and I worry about having that much tied up in gift cards for a month.

    Via: http://dealswelike.boardingarea.com/...-back-today-2/
    donotblink is online now  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 8:24 am
      #1632  
     
    Join Date: Jan 2015
    Posts: 29
    Originally Posted by MotownMan
    Same issue for me in Detroit. Others I know have had experienced it as well. My cashier was surprised, as she was experienced with RB. However, some reports are that this is a corporate change and a memo was sent to Targets this week.
    Who has reported this, please?
    kissthesky is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 8:35 am
      #1633  
     
    Join Date: Dec 2014
    Location: Redbird Wasteland of NC
    Posts: 62
    Originally Posted by MotownMan
    Same issue for me in Detroit. Others I know have had experienced it as well. My cashier was surprised, as she was experienced with RB. However, some reports are that this is a corporate change and a memo was sent to Targets this week.
    I would be happy if this is true. Most of the screw ups losing money are doing multiple swipe transactions and not adding correctly, so it helps fix that.

    It also means Target is actively watching and changing the Redbird program, but seems to think multiple transactions is more important than locking out massive CC loads.
    doldrim is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 8:36 am
      #1634  
     
    Join Date: May 2013
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    Wish we could get a look at that 'memo' that has been referenced.
    nrdk is offline  
    Old Feb 3, 2015 | 8:40 am
      #1635  
     
    Join Date: Jun 2014
    Posts: 106
    Has anyone had any issues with BillPay this morning? I get a message about technical difficulties.
    dshelbyjr is offline  


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