Many people who frequently used AMEX Bluebird or AMEX Serve to load Visa gift cards at major grocery stores have received emails. There have been quite a few unlucky shutdowns reported by FrequentMiler, Running With Miles, TravelSummary, and users on FlyerBBS.
Details
Dear XXX,We are writing to let you know that we have observed unusual usage patterns on your American Express Serve Account. Because of this, effective immediately, you will no longer be able to add money to your Account.1 We have made this change in accordance with Section 15.d of our Consumer User Agreement, which you can view here.
Please be aware that you continue to have full access to the funds on your Account and can withdraw them at any time. Any applicable monthly fees continue to apply.
Once your balance reaches $0, please close your Account online via your Profile page accessible here. Scroll down to the Close Account section and click “Close Account.”
If you have any questions or would like to inquire further about this issue, you may write to us at the following address:
American Express
C/O Customer Relations 02-04-40
4315 S 2700 W
Salt Lake City, UT 84184-0440
Clearly, AMEX has started analyzing "unusual" funding patterns among heavy users of AMEX Bluebird and AMEX Serve, and has already begun blocking loads on a large number of accounts. If your Serve or Bluebird account is still alive and you still have minimum spending requirements to meet, I strongly suggest going to Walmart, Rite Aid, or Family Dollar right away to finish loading your remaining Visa gift cards. It is likely only a matter of time before more birds get killed. Fortunately, the balance in shut-down accounts is still accessible, so you do not have to wait for a mailed balance check like with NetSpend.