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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 2263595 times)

Offline yossi4k

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AP is definitely a FR trigger along with any unusual spending. I would suggest that with AMEX do as much regular spending and other cards do VR and AP. I find citi, barclays, BOA not so strict with these things. Meanwhile, chase not as much as AMEX but still use your brains.
Credit cards companies can't see your actual purchase just the purchase amount and the store..how would they know your purchasing vr's?

Offline btab

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Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #1101 on: January 06, 2013, 03:07:31 PM »
I actually had a different experience. I don't know if they just have access or if they actually view receipts. But I was missing a receipt for a return and AMEX provided me with a receipt that was itemized. I don't think they actually scrutinize the receipts but they definitely have access to them. I mean you sign it and it has your card number on it.
learning about churning

Offline AJK

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I actually had a different experience. I don't know if they just have access or if they actually view receipts. But I was missing a receipt for a return and AMEX provided me with a receipt that was itemized. I don't think they actually scrutinize the receipts but they definitely have access to them. I mean you sign it and it has your card number on it.

I'd like to hear more. Something doesn't add up here...

Store?
Exact card?
Item?
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline HelpMe

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I actually had a different experience. I don't know if they just have access or if they actually view receipts. But I was missing a receipt for a return and AMEX provided me with a receipt that was itemized. I don't think they actually scrutinize the receipts but they definitely have access to them. I mean you sign it and it has your card number on it.
Was the purchase made on a business card?
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Offline churnbabychurn

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An amex FR rep asked me once "What was this $1000 charge from Amazon, was it for a cash advance?" I got the impression that she had no way of actually knowing though we both knew that she knew. .. I said no, it was a large purchase etc she said Ohhh.

Offline AJK

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Was the purchase made on a business card?

I'm not sure why that makes a difference.

Had you asked if it was a "Corporate" card, though...
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline MEIR613

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Credit cards companies can't see your actual purchase just the purchase amount and the store..how would they know your purchasing vr's?
They won't but 4 1k purchases from the same store....ring ring ring


Offline HelpMe

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I'm not sure why that makes a difference.

Had you asked if it was a "Corporate" card, though...
I thought there was a service offered for business cards that would show each item. Amex would have to pay for this but maybe I am just confused.

ETA:
Level 3 Data Credit Card Processing (level III)

To have your transactions qualify for level 3 pricing, you must use a certified product that collects and submits the data properly to Visa/MC.
 
    Required Data to Qualify for Level 3: 1.Standard Info - credit card number & exp, billing address, zip code & invoice number.
 2.Customer Code - no longer required, but encouraged if they have it.
3.Sales Tax - an amount must be submitted separately from the total transaction amount.
 4.Freight Amount - If unavailable, enter $0.00
5.Duty Amount - If unavailable, enter $0.00
6.Line Item Details: ◦Product / Service ID (item ID)
◦Product / Service Description
◦Quantity
◦Item Amount (like $100)
◦Unit of Measure

« Last Edit: January 06, 2013, 05:42:35 PM by HelpMe »
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Offline eis517

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I just saw a whole bunch of vr cards at my local cvs.......  I don't need them so I am going to post publicly:

On west 235 in Bronx ny....  Enjoy

Offline btab

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Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #1109 on: January 06, 2013, 06:12:33 PM »
it was on a personal card. Starwood. they emailed me the actual receipt that came from the store. my wife is an AU on my account she bought ~100 dollars of clothing at Ross. lost the receipt and tried returning without. they offered store credit and we disputed the charge altogether on Amex. they sent us a PDF of the actual receipt so we could return the merchandise for money back.
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Offline AJK

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I thought there was a service offered for business cards that would show each item. Amex would have to pay for this but maybe I am just confused.

ETA:
Level 3 Data Credit Card Processing (level III)

To have your transactions qualify for level 3 pricing, you must use a certified product that collects and submits the data properly to Visa/MC.
 
    Required Data to Qualify for Level 3: 1.Standard Info - credit card number & exp, billing address, zip code & invoice number.
 2.Customer Code - no longer required, but encouraged if they have it.
3.Sales Tax - an amount must be submitted separately from the total transaction amount.
 4.Freight Amount - If unavailable, enter $0.00
5.Duty Amount - If unavailable, enter $0.00
6.Line Item Details: ◦Product / Service ID (item ID)
◦Product / Service Description
◦Quantity
◦Item Amount (like $100)
◦Unit of Measure


AFAIK, it's not offered on standard CC's, business or personal.

That's why I wanted more deets as some corporate cards can provide it.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline AJK

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it was on a personal card. Starwood. they emailed me the actual receipt that came from the store. my wife is an AU on my account she bought ~100 dollars of clothing at Ross. lost the receipt and tried returning without. they offered store credit and we disputed the charge altogether on Amex. they sent us a PDF of the actual receipt so we could return the merchandise for money back.

Ah, that explains it.

They got the itemized receipt from the merchant itself. They didn't have that info from THEIR systems.

Not such a mystery after all.
2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline btab

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Bluebird: Now you can pay bills that don`t take credit card with a credit card
« Reply #1112 on: January 06, 2013, 06:32:17 PM »
well that is definitely good news then.
learning about churning

Offline aviz

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Is the card number the same as the account number shown under "Funding source" where it shows the information to give to your employer for direct deposit.

The reason I ask... is because I still have not received my physical card ... just wondering if I can fill up my account with VR without having the physical card?
Pleas hold. Your call will be answered in the order it was received.

Offline chaimmayer

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When i do bill pay with online banking I can see ( and confirm) the adress I am sending the payment to. On bluebird if the payee is on their list they don't show you where exactly it's going.  Is there anyway to see the exact address? Am I being nervous for no reason?

Offline aviz

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When i do bill pay with online banking I can see ( and confirm) the adress I am sending the payment to. On bluebird if the payee is on their list they don't show you where exactly it's going.  Is there anyway to see the exact address? Am I being nervous for no reason?

True .. I saw this with Com ED ... I entered the account number ... but I am also nervous about where it is going ... have not paid it yet .. as I have no money in the Bluebird yet.. just VR's  (per my previous post)
Pleas hold. Your call will be answered in the order it was received.

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True .. I saw this with Com ED ... I entered the account number ... but I am also nervous about where it is going ... have not paid it yet .. as I have no money in the Bluebird yet.. just VR's  (per my previous post)
nothing to worry about as long as it is the same company even if they have multiple payment addresses they will credit your account. this is all done electronically, i.e amex has many payment addresses but you can send a bill pay to any of there addresses. so you are safe.

Offline jmansour

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Actually ATM withdrawals should be $0 fee (you can link bluebird's routing and account number into paypal or your outside bank account for ACH transfer, which Bluebird will count as a 'direct deposit' and waive the $2 fee).

so all i need to do is link my bluebird to paypal and follow the confirmation deposits and its considered direct deposit which will waive my atm fees?

Offline 3ZeroT

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Is the card number the same as the account number shown under "Funding source" where it shows the information to give to your employer for direct deposit.

The reason I ask... is because I still have not received my physical card ... just wondering if I can fill up my account with VR without having the physical card?

Definitely won't be the same (not even the same number of digits)

Offline aviz

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Definitely won't be the same (not even the same number of digits)
SO I definitely need to wait for the physical card in order to fund via VR or is there another way ?
Pleas hold. Your call will be answered in the order it was received.