Wow, awesome day today. Hands down the easiest MS I've ever done.
Walked into Target, straight to CS. She knew what the card was and asked how much. I did the FT method, and voila - no calls to fraud dept just approved for $2500.
Had to run to the dentist after that.
One the way home, stopped by another Target with my second card. Straight to CS. He knew what it was and asked how much. I did just $500 (to finish off the $3K spend on that card) and then asked can we load it again from another source. No problem. FT method for the last $2K. Magical.
Notes:
1) I once tried the FT method in the past and the CS said no that will have to be separate transactions. So this was my first successful attempt.
2) Both CS reps knew the card, which in one way means it's easier and less awkward. In another way, it means more Targets know about it and the clock is ticking...
3) I bought some things I needed at Target, that I wouldn't have bought had I not been there. Perhaps that will help encourage Target to keep it alive? Who knows?
4) I need more SSNs