Redbird (AMEX REDcard) has recently been one of the go-to cards for manufactured spending (MS) (manufactured spending). But as of today (10/12), all Target stores nationwide suddenly can no longer use debit cards to load Redbird.
See the threads on Reddit and Flyertalk.
Current status of Redbird
[10/13] After surviving on life support for just one day, Redbird has officially been declared dead. See the internal Target memo below. Fans of manufactured spending should move to Bluebird, Serve (OneVIP), or Money Order instead.
[10/12] One store manager said Target’s system is preparing to hard-code a ban on loading Redbird with prepaid cards. The first step is to block all debit transactions, and then the system will be updated to allow regular debit card transactions again (FT link).
[10/12] All debit cards (including Visa gift cards and regular bank debit cards) can no longer be used to load REDcard. The error message shown is “Can load maximum of $0. 00 on this card”. Cash loads still work fine. Target store managers do not seem to have received any notice about this.
What should I do?
We will keep updating this post with the latest developments. If Target bans all debit cards from loading Redbird, another major MS avenue will be shut down. Redbird MS is now officially dead. The commonly used MS methods still alive are Bluebird and Serve. Or you can buy Money Order at Walmart. Believe that there is always another MS method out there. Come share your Redbird DP or other alternative products with everyone.