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Bluebird

The basics:

Sign up for a free account from Bluebird. Wait 7-10 business days to receive the card. If you have a Serve account, you will need to cancel it and then wait about 30 days before signing up. You need to wait for your physical BB card before you can proceed here.

Please note: As of the beginning of July 2014, you can load a maximum of $2500 a day at a WM register or ATM, up to $5,000 each calendar month into your Bluebird (hereafter: "BB") account. As of September 4, 2014, you can also load an additional $200/day with a debit card, up to $1000/month, though this might be risky, see below, II.4.

You can find answers to many questions here: https://www.bluebird.com/faqs?linknav=us-Prepaid-Bluebird-Home-Faqs#bluebird-checks And here: https://www.bluebird.com/ (just scroll down instead of clicking 'log in')

How to load it:

"Gift" cards (GCs)
Mastercard (MC) and Visa GCs have PIN codes that will make the cards function as debit cards. GCs may be used to load up your BB account in any Walmart, as will be explained below, or to get cash back when purchasing with them. Note that not all GCs work this way. Those from Metabank do, as do others. AMEX GCs are not capable of working with a PIN. They can only be used as gift cards. GCs for a specific business or store (iTunes or Home Depot or whatever) will never work in the ways described here. Note that 'Vanilla' brand GCs can no longer  be loaded to BB.

1. Buy Visa or MC GCs. The larger the denomination the better, since the fee-to-balance ratio will be better. Buy them anywhere, but you get the most out of this if you buy them with a CC that pays more than 1 point per dollar at that store at that time.

2. You will need a PIN for each GC. If you bought a MC GC, call the number on the back of the card or go online to set a PIN. If you bought a Visa, the last four digits of the card number will usually work, as long as you have not used the card yet. If you have used it, you had to set a PIN, so use that.
The # for US Bank MC Gift Cards is 1-866-952-5653. 1/2/<16 digit cc>#/<3 digits from back>#/3/PIN#/PIN#.

3. Go to Walmart (WM).

There are two suggested ways to load the GCs to BB at WM. Via a MoneyPass ATM (preferred) or via any cashier. Neither method charges an additional fee to what you paid when you bought the card. Please do not go to the service desk. Certainly do not refer to the GCs as gift cards, as they are, in fact, debit cards.

3a. MoneyPass ATMs

Not all WMs have MoneyPass ATMs, and MoneyPass ATMs at non-WM locations will not work to load BB. You can search for MoneyPass ATMs at WMs here: http://www.moneypass.com/atm-locator.aspx

Some report that MoneyPass ATMs in WMs near areas with high concentrations of DDFers seem to be permanently out of service. You may need to go farther afield or use the other method, mentioned below.

Follow the instructions on the machine to load your BB card. In some cases, the "WM Money Card" option will work for BB as well. Be patient and careful with your card swipes, as the machines are often slow or touchy. Each GC will be a separate transaction. Remember, the maximum of $2,500/day per BB account always applies.

If you are using high-denomination GCs, have found a very quick ATM, had a fellow BBer ahead of you, or are just experienced and able to complete each transaction very quickly, it is possible that you will complete $2,000 of transactions within about 10 minutes, which locks up the ATM for a while. Take a walk around the store and come back to let the machine unlock.

3b. Cashier

Please remember to be friendly, considerate and compassionate in all your interactions.

Ask a cashier to load your BB account from a debit card. If they don't know how, tell them to use 70 action code (they may need to type 70 first, followed by "action code") and follow the instructions on their screen. They are able to split a single transaction into up to four different cards, but it can be simpler to add one GC at a time, especially with people waiting behind you on line. You can then go back around to the same or another cashier to add other cards. Again, the $2,500/day per BB account applies.

This method should work at any WM - as intended by the BB product - but there are many stores in which some or all of the staff and management are suspicious of such transactions and will not do it. Your chances of convincing them to do something they think will risk their jobs is slim to none so if you encounter such resistance, please: Do take no for an answer and leave courteously to try another store or another day.
You want to stay under the radar as much as possible, so if things start getting complicated, tell them that you just remembered that you need to pick your kid up from school or whatever (have a good excuse ready beforehand) and that you need to leave, but you'll be back later. Th is way they forgot about their suspicions much faster.

4. It is apparently possible to load up to $200 per day to BB from debit cards on the BB web site for free, up to $1000 per month. Please note that people have had their BB accounts frozen or shut down for using GCs to load BB online, and that the BB site clearly says that any debit card used must be in the BB account holder's name. You have been warned.

Using A MC GC
Frequently a MC is declined at WM

When using the moneypass ATM, press the button ABOVE the BB button.  It may work without the following workaround.
The workaround is to:
1. Swipe MC
2.If you have the black and green screen press Cancel.If you have the white screen with colored touch icons, then right after you swipe a yellow 'change payment' button well pop up for a second, press that (you have to be fast).  You can also push the physical yellow button on the keypad. It does the same thing.
3. Select Debit
4. No Cash Back
5. Enter the PIN

Also seems to work if only $99 loaded.  or 99.99, too.

What to do with the money on your BB:

On the BB site, money can be sent to pay bills that don't normally accept CCs (think rent/mortgage, tuition, insurance, car payment, gas bill, even pay your cc bill) or to anyone in the U.S. for free. Use the 'pay and transfer tab'.  Checks sent online this way are delivered within 5 business days. (It may be prudent not to use BB to directly pay the CC on which you purchased the VRs/GCs that funded BB, but, once again, YMMV.)

Some people would rather use the free physical checks that you can order from BB. Please note that these checks need to be pre-authorized by you online, and a number written on them, before you give them to the person/institution you are paying. For checks of more than $2,000, authorization will require additional information and time. You need to provide the information and wait for confirmation before the check will be valid.

The money in your BB account can be withdrawn directly to a linked bank account, which, if done too much, may be seen as risky by BB, but in moderation should be fine. You can also send money to your bank account online by check, same as any other payee, but this might be risky from the perspective of the bank (not BB) if you bank and have CCs at the same institution.

Useful organizing techniques:

It can be unwieldy and confusing when standing in front of the WM ATM with a BB card or two and a bunch of GCs, some used, some not. The last thing anyone wants is to end up throwing away several hundred dollars on a perfectly good GC because you mistakenly thought it was drained. I'm sure there are contributors to this thread who have woken up in a cold sweat from just such a nightmare. Plus, being unorganized costs you time, and may make it more likely that some employee thinks you are up to something. Here are a few strategies for how to be organized.

1. Cargo pants, or other clothing/accessories with plenty of different pockets. Use different pockets for GCs yet to use and used GCs.

2. If you have more than one BB card, shuffle them into the stack of GCs at the appropriate spots for how many GCs you plan to load to each card. That way, you can just work through the stack and finish/begin each new BB card in turn.

3. A Sharpie marker works well for marking off GCs or BBs that you're done with. The marks even come off the cards with a little alcohol. Careful not to mark yourself or your clothes though.

4. Sort your GCs in ascending order of last 4 digits.  That makes it easier to keep track of which GCs are used.

To Close Your Bluebird:
While logged into your BB account, open this page: https://secure.bluebird.com/Profile/CloseAccount   

This no longer works and the only way to close your account is to call
For more details, including how to close family accounts, see (FM writeup)
« Last edited by justmeha on January 11, 2020, 11:55:46 PM »

Author Topic: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card  (Read 2263835 times)

Offline mb1

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2100 on: February 27, 2013, 02:20:52 PM »
mvd always gotta register

So do they keep on sending you a permanent card each time you register?
And do you always have to create a new online account? 

Online Lou Bob

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2101 on: February 27, 2013, 02:22:45 PM »
So do they keep on sending you a permanent card each time you register?
And do you always have to create a new online account? 
I call in every time, but yes, you do get a new permanent card every time. I have a small collection for sale with my name on all the cards :-)  I can autograph the back for you for a little extra
Oh, and I make sure to cancel every one (except my 1st one which I transfer the $ to)
Always use an Amex, you'll thank me one day.

Offline Thingywingy

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2102 on: February 27, 2013, 03:20:25 PM »
I think it was discussed at least somewhat earlier but cant seem to find it...Is buying VR's on Amex a triiger for FR? Is paying Amex with BB a trigger for FR?
I am sometimes accused of overthinking things. I am still mulling over whether that accusation has merit.

Offline mb1

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2103 on: February 27, 2013, 03:23:31 PM »
I call in every time, but yes, you do get a new permanent card every time. I have a small collection for sale with my name on all the cards :-)  I can autograph the back for you for a little extra
Oh, and I make sure to cancel every one (except my 1st one which I transfer the $ to)

So you activate the permanent cards and then cancel it?

Do you also create a new online account for each temp card or is there a way to skip that step?

Online Lou Bob

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2104 on: February 27, 2013, 03:29:15 PM »
So you activate the permanent cards and then cancel it?

Do you also create a new online account for each temp card or is there a way to skip that step?

I call, so I skip that step. I activate, transfer and cancel all in same call. (and,then I get a new permanent card in the mail a week later)
Always use an Amex, you'll thank me one day.

Offline mb1

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2105 on: February 27, 2013, 03:33:50 PM »
I call, so I skip that step. I activate, transfer and cancel all in same call. (and,then I get a new permanent card in the mail a week later)

Thanks.

So to be clear
Is there any advantage in transferring to permanent card if you have no problem cashing out the temp cards?

Online Lou Bob

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2106 on: February 27, 2013, 03:36:24 PM »
Thanks.

So to be clear
Is there any advantage in transferring to permanent card if you have no problem cashing out the temp cards?
no, but I've been asked for id, so my preference is just to transfer it
Always use an Amex, you'll thank me one day.

Offline mb1

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2107 on: February 27, 2013, 04:07:57 PM »
no, but I've been asked for id, so my preference is just to transfer it

Thanks for clarifying the matter to me.



Offline Elgnt

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2108 on: February 27, 2013, 06:32:24 PM »
started a new topic for this but maybe it belongs here.


Just got the cvs flyer in the mail in NY for next week and saw this.

"Buy an Amex prepaid card and get $5 credit when you register online"

Fine print- Not so clear
 To receive a $5 credit to your permanent card, purchase a card at CVS and register online for a permanent card between March 3-9 2013. The permanet card must be active when the credit is fulfilled. Allow 4 after registration for credit to be posted. Limit 3 credits per card purchaser.

Offline Thingywingy

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2109 on: February 27, 2013, 07:25:44 PM »
Do most Wawas have free ATM for BB?
I am sometimes accused of overthinking things. I am still mulling over whether that accusation has merit.

Offline Kn9ght

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2110 on: February 27, 2013, 10:39:33 PM »
hmm, I remembered someone said that I can only register 3 MVD to 1 SSN. But I have registered 5 MVD already with my SSN and so far so good, transferred funds from all of them to my per. card just fine.

Online Lou Bob

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2111 on: February 27, 2013, 10:50:30 PM »
hmm, I remembered someone said that I can only register 3 MVD to 1 SSN. But I have registered 5 MVD already with my SSN and so far so good, transferred funds from all of them to my per. card just fine.
do you close them or they're all active?
Always use an Amex, you'll thank me one day.

Offline jmansour

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2112 on: February 27, 2013, 11:15:34 PM »
Was just at my local cvs, no reloads but the nice employee was trying to help and filled me in on this..
Even though their system shows inventory she has seen people walk out with VR that arent scanned but technically it isnt stealing since the card has no value, so the alarm doest trigger. The customer then bringsbthem back in when they are ready to purchase. We all love doing what we can to beat the system but thats just crazy! Isnt there a limit??

Offline Kn9ght

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2113 on: February 27, 2013, 11:23:38 PM »
do you close them or they're all active?
I plan to close them but they were all active when i registered and transferred funds to my permanent card

Offline HelpMe

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2114 on: February 28, 2013, 01:24:53 AM »
Was just at my local cvs, no reloads but the nice employee was trying to help and filled me in on this..
The nice employee is a complete idiot!!!
"Elvis Has Left The Building"

Offline btab

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2115 on: February 28, 2013, 01:34:47 AM »
Was just at my local cvs, no reloads but the nice employee was trying to help and filled me in on this..
Even though their system shows inventory she has seen people walk out with VR that arent scanned but technically it isnt stealing since the card has no value, so the alarm doest trigger. The customer then bringsbthem back in when they are ready to purchase. We all love doing what we can to beat the system but thats just crazy! Isnt there a limit??

It is stealing. I asked numerous managers at different branches and they will never allow anyone to take it out without activating it.
learning about churning

Offline newdanfan

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2116 on: February 28, 2013, 01:47:33 AM »
I'm sure this has been talked about in depth, but I'd rather not read through 140 pages to find the answer if someone wouldn't mind answering it quickly.  What would be a possible location to buy a Vanilla Reload pack in NYC - Queens/Five Towns area/Brooklyn areas?

Offline Shmulyg

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2117 on: February 28, 2013, 02:07:05 AM »
I think it was discussed at least somewhat earlier but cant seem to find it...Is buying VR's on Amex a triiger for FR?
No. But erratic spending is.

Offline Elgnt

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2118 on: February 28, 2013, 09:54:13 AM »
I'm sure this has been talked about in depth, but I'd rather not read through 140 pages to find the answer if someone wouldn't mind answering it quickly.  What would be a possible location to buy a Vanilla Reload pack in NYC - Queens/Five Towns area/Brooklyn areas?

CVS generally has them in NY area YMMV. Sometimes they allow cc other times they claim cash only

Offline judahk88

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Re: Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #2119 on: February 28, 2013, 10:01:45 AM »
CVS generally has them in NY area YMMV. Sometimes they allow cc other times they claim cash only
CVS on Ditmas and East 5th accepts CC. I go early (about 845am) and the same lady does it for me every morning.