Many folks are excited about the American Express Target Prepaid REDcard, which allows you to use a credit card to directly add funds to your account!
Especially because starting April 16, 2015, you’ll only be able to load AMEX Serve with AMEX credit cards.
However, the Target Prepaid REDcard is only available in certain states.
So Are You Out of Luck If the AMEX Prepaid REDcard Isn’t Available at Stores in Your State?
I’ll show you how you can still get your hands on the Target Prepaid REDcard!
What’s the Target Prepaid REDcard?
Link: Why the New Prepaid REDcard Beats Bluebird & Serve!
The Target REDcard is a prepaid card, similar to the AMEX Bluebird and Serve cards. You can load the REDcard by linking your bank account or debit card. And, for now at least, you can add funds with a credit card at the register at Target Stores!
But I don’t know how long this will last!
Plus You’ll Get 5% Off at Target and Free Shipping When You Order Online!
You can load up to $2,500 per day and a maximum of $5,000 per month at Target stores. Keep in mind, you can only have 1 AMEX prepaid card. So if you already have an AMEX Bluebird or Serve account, you will have to close this account
first.
Don’t Over Do It!
If you decide to get the Target Prepaid REDcard, take it slow!
Some folks have said they’ve received emails from Target which state their accounts will be shutdown for suspicious activity. This could be a hoax. But it’s also important to note overdoing it could upset your credit card issuer.
If the Bank Thinks You’re Abusing Their Rewards Program, You Could Be Blacklisted!
You can prevent this by:
Starting Out Slow – If you suddenly start charging $5,000 each month at Target, the bank is likely going to take notice!
Using Your Card in Other Ways – Make purchases at places other than Target.
Using More Than 1 Card – Spread out your purchases, instead of using 1 card to load the entire $5,000 month
How to Get a Target Prepaid REDcard, If It’s NOT Offered in Your Area
Link: Target Prepaid REDcard Locations
The Target Prepaid REDcard isn’t available everywhere! But even if you live in places like California, Illinois, or Texas where you can’t yet pick up a Target Prepaid REDcard at your local store, you can still get one! Here’s how!
1. Have a Friend Get a Target Prepaid REDcard for You!
Do you have a friend who lives in 1 of these states?
These States Are Seeing RED!
The list of locations within each state may not be up to date. So it’s a good idea to call the store first!
Your friend could grab a Target Prepaid REDcard a temporary card for you! Target has 3 different types of REDcards including a credit card, debit card, and the prepaid card.
Make Sure Your Friend Gets the Right Card!
When they pick up the card they’ll need to provide:
A driver’s license
Date of birth
Social Security number
Phone number
They can use their own information to get the temporary card because you’ll add your own details when you officially register online.
Your friend can send the card to you in the mail. But all you really need is the card number and security code to register. Once you register, your permanent card should arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
2. Get the Target Prepaid REDcard on Your Next Trip!
You don’t have to live in participating state to get the Target Prepaid REDcard. If you have plans to visit an area where Target Prepaid REDcard is available, stop by a store and pick 1 up!
3. Buy Your New Card Online
If all else fails, you can buy a Target Prepaid REDcard online for ~$30. You can find services that sell them online or check out ebay.
This Option Is a Bit Pricey Considering It Costs $0 to $5 for a Prepaid REDcard at the Store
But it may be worth it for some folks!
Load Your Card at Most Target Stores in the US
You can add funds by credit card to your Target Prepaid REDcard at (almost) any Target store, regardless if they carry REDcard or not.
However, according to Flyertalk, some folks have had issues with using the card in North Carolina. And others have reported being unable to load the prepaid REDcard with a credit card at the Target on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.
Bottom Line
The Target Prepaid REDcard is an excellent replacement for the AMEX Serve card, which will only accept online loads with AMEX credit cards starting April 16, 2015.
Currently, you can add funds to the prepaid REDcard directly with a credit card at most Target registers! But I don’t know how long this will last!
Target Prepaid REDcard is only available in 17 states. If you don’t live in these states, you can still get it! You can have a friend pick up a card for you or get 1 yourself if your travels bring you to a place that carries them.
Another option is to pay ~$30 for your prepaid REDcard through an online service or ebay.
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Comments
I have one RedCard that I picked up on a trip last Fall, and I ... by fivegirls
I am an experienced ebay purchaser (and occasional seller) and ... by Mariana
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