Multiple reports on Flyertalk and Reddit indicate that most/all people trying to load REDbird at Target with a debit card are not working. The issue has nothing to do with prepaid gift card loads; all debit card loads are not working. (1, 2)
Cash loads are working (1) which is bad news since that means that there may actually be a new limitation that does not allow us to load REDbird cards with a debit card at all.
Further, it’s been noted that the language on the screen now comes up slightly differently than it used to. Previously, the system popped up with a notice for the cashier, “no Target gift cards or 3rd party credit cards“. Now it says, “no Target gift cards or third party cards“. The word “credit” has been removed from the message. (1)
It’s really surprising that Target would go so fast from cracking down on accepting credit cards to cracking down on debit cards. Furthermore, with regards to the credit card demise, the Target employees were largely very aware of the new change whereas this alleged change seems to have slipped under the rug. Honestly, I wouldn’t have given it much thought if not for the above-mentioned screen change which would indicate a new policy.
In any case, keep in mind that currently you’re likely to have issues trying to load Redbird. (Unclear if this issue is affecting Amex for Target loads as well.) Let us know your own experiences from 10/12/15 and onward in the comments. We’ll try to update this as new information becomes available.
Developing…
Update: REDbird is dead
HT: milestomemoriesÂ
