My story -
I got hold of two red cards and successfully activated in December.
Initial purchase and activation in a state that sells them, used four different drivers licenses and ss numbers. Registered online with the same info as purchased (and unique email addresses), two were good to go, two needed more info. One, uploaded docs, said approved, now almost two weeks, have yet to receive card so certainly missed December, but will give it a couple more days just in case delay due to mail schedule this time of year. The other one was denied - they will not accept the info submitted and I'm just letting it go.
Loading at the Junction: This is the Target most convenient for me and I merrily went in and was directed to guest services, where they promptly told me the max is $500 per day. I tried to load with Visa Gift Cards, no go. The rep called the manager over who refused to allow it. Long story short - really depends. Rahim is impossible, as are a few of the managers, but if you can avoid them, it's very much ymmv. I ultimately ended up doing an assortment of $1,000 credit card swipes, $500 credit card swipes, and $200 VGC loads. Time was running out on the month and I was headed towards Monsey so I used the last few of my vgc in Clarkestown and Spring Valley Targets - successful with the cashiers. Given how difficult they are at the Junction and the end of the Staples rebate at Visa Savings, I don't intend to work with VGC anymore, just periodically swipe my credit cards.
FYI - after the rep swipes the card, the screen prompts them not to accept Target gift cards. I've explained that I am not using a TGC, just a debit card - sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't. They also usually ask for id, which they don't need if it's a debit card, but some of them are over-conscientious.
The regular cashiers have all (as far as I can tell) been instructed NOT to even swipe the card for you but send you to Guest Services. Where, again, it's hit or miss. Haven't tried going upstairs to electronics, although it's a thought.
One of the reps told me that they are NOT GOING TO EVER bring red card to NY - because it is considered a high fraud state. One told me it actually WAS rolled out here and promptly yanked due to abuse.
All in all, interesting - and VERY WELCOME addition to my points portfolio, as I had already closed my BlueBird account (not worth the hassle of Walmart chasing from Brooklyn), and refused to keep track of which IP address gets which email address for AP. I figure if this lasts, it can be a steady drip-drip of points from my business and personal cards, and am using the funds to pay legitimate bills - loan repayments, mortgage payments, etc. so there is no risk of being flagged as paying TO the very same account the charge is coming FROM. And - I absolutely use the card for Target purchases - why not save the 5% and use it legitimately?
A heartfelt plea that echoes others - PLEASE don't be rude and obnoxious and ruin a good thing. If this is nurtured, and not abused, perhaps it can last a long, long time!
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