Bluebird Prepaid Card

I got so mad at wells Fargo about a year ago because they had allowed charges from my x-wife "on my Account" and caused an avalanche of $35 Overdrafts, So I opened the Bluebird Card by American Express. For the Most Part, I like the Bluebird Card, I have Two Teenagers and I opened Family Accounts with their NAmes on their Own Cards. Teaches Teens Money Management! Also, I can instantly Transfer Funds to My Teenagers and I like that a lot. Now, if We can just Get Amex Bluebird to Instantly Transfer the Funds Back to Us, the Cardholders when a Merchant and/or hotel Releases a Hold on our Card or Refunds Monies back via Returned Item or CRedit. I understand that AMEX has to Make Money Someway with this FEE FREE Card, so I really Don't Complain about this one Little Greed FActor, However, as Many others have Stated on this Forum, I really Really Really Needed the Funds Credited Back ASAP on a Target Store Purchase-Refund, and Amex has Not Even Posted Pending on the Refund and it been two Business Days. I understand they Exercise their Entire 5-7 Days Right to Earn Interest across Thousands of Account Holders, But it Absolutely Hurts when I'm a Disabled Single Father that Uses Bluebird as my Main Debit Card for Essentials Such as Gas, Groceries and Bill payments. Well, this Month My Kids are Suffering because of Amex Debit Card Refund Policy. Seems They are Treating this Debit Card as a Credit Card? And Making us Suffer Long- Extremely Long Delays to Get back our Money when a Store Credit and or Refund is processed by a merchant. Hope the FTC and or Financial Bureau of Consumer Affairs Steps in to Help American Express Correct this 5-7 Day Wait Time they have Chosen to make us Endure and Declare it Unconstitutional! If FDIC is going to Allow Amex Bluebird to Act like and Be Insured Like a Banking institution, then they Must Be required to Uphold the Same Standards as Banks, i.e. Release the Funds Back immediately such as Banks are Required to Do, when the Card is Used as Debit for the Transaction. Come on Bluebird, you guys should be ashamed of yourselves. Love your Card, Just Hate this one Little Policy that Most Likely Makes Amex a Fortune and Causes the Least of us Card Holders Heartache and in my Case, this Week, Took Food of My Kids Table.

I have used Bluebird for my two boys for years. Today, I stopped using it after a bad experience. I would not recommend it. I got a new debit card from my bank, which happens when they expire. Since it has a new 3 digit code on the back, I had to remove the old linked debit card and link the new one. The system would not let me do this. I called and spoke to 3 people. The first two kept telling me that was just "how it was. The system chose to not let me link any more debit cards." They could not explain why. They kept saying "nobody did it, the system did it. Nobody knows why, it can't be undone." I finally got through to a supervisors supervisor and was told that it was a fraud prevention measure. "I have been using the account for years, and now I can't link a debit card to it anymore? " I was told, "yes, that is for your own convenience and protection." So, how do I get money on the account? "You go to Walmart and add it." Standing in line at Walmart to add money to the card? I don't think so. Can it be reversed off my account? "No, it will be forever. You can never link a debit card to this account again." Why? Because the system said so." Well, I told them what their system can do. I would transfer the money out of this account and close my Blue bird for good. But, guess what? I won't let me get my money, because I do not have a linked bank account! AND, what's more, I can't link a bank account, because the system said I can't. I only have about $70 dollars in there, but I have a feeling it is going to be a fight to get that money back. I REALLY DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS CARD. Go to your local bank and get cards that can be transferred between account instead.

Charged gas at Shell, $25.25. AE-Bluebird allows merchants to charge additional amounts for 7 days. I was charged, for no services, an additional $125.00. AE-BB WOULD NOT reverse this cash charge. AE-BB stole $125.00 CASH from me for 7 days. This is a cash card not a credit card! STAY WAY from this card. If you have one cut it up! Walmart has a better cash-debt-card. AE's policy violates FTC policies. This is why so many places don't accept AE!

I got this card especially to transfer money to my son who lives out of state and is sick, so I've been helping him out. Last night i transferred 200.00 onto my card and was going to transfer 200.00 more today. First i think the limit of 200.00 is pretty low and should be higher. What if there was an emergency and someone needed money now. Well today I went to transfer 200.00 more and kept getting an error. So i got on my computer to do and then it said I had already transferred money today. UMMM, NO I DIDNT. So I called to find out what the problem was. Then i find out that it is 200.00 a day in their time zone now my own which is complete bull. I transferred at 9pm my time but of course it was midnight there. The only message you get when you go to transfer is the limit is 200.00 a day. Maybe they should put in there that they go by eastern time. So mad because my son really needed this money by today.

Card has some good qualities but you can't pay for had at the pump other wise it takes almost all your money off if you use it more than once in a month and takes almost a whole day to return to you. Customer service sucks overall have a had a few nice people to deal with. If someone returns money back to you they will post it and then place on hold so you are thinking your money had returned and it hasn't. Most places you go to you will have to run as credit for some reason. I like Chime better I only still have this card is because I don't want to try and change all of my bills that I pay with it

I have had a Bluebird account since 2012 (it is now 2019). I have never been charged a fee aside from out-of-network ATM fees. My checks were all free until 2016ish, but I use them so rarely that I still have all of the free ones. However... Everything is done online or at Walmart, and if you hate Walmart as much as I do you'll feel me here. If you want to deposit cash you have to go Walmart. If you want to schedule a cash pickup, you have to go to Walmart. I am not a fan of limitations. There are many times I am frustrated because I can't simply walk into my bank, fill out a withdrawal slip, and walk out with $2,000 cash. You just cant. You have to do it through Walmart, or find an ATM and still be limited to $750 a day. There still are no chips on these cards. If you have any refunds/returns expected, also expect to have your patience tested for 7-10 business days. Holds are ridiculous, and transfers are just as bad. There are useful, quick bits of information we are used to (or expect to have access to) about our accounts and I don't think the Bluebird app delivers. You're very limited in what you can do on it, and what information you can see. I really hate having to call customer service. It's not an awful experience, but it is always foreign based, and helpful MOST of the time. You'll get real customer service at a real bank. You will run into many situations where a vendor doesn't even accept American Express cards and you're just SOL unless you have PayPal or the time to wait 7 business days for a bill to be paid from your bank account. My income has changed since 2012, and I deal with bigger transactions now, larger deposits, and larger amounts that need to be moved from account to account or be pulled in cash and this card just doesn't work for any of that anymore. I'm looking into a local, physical bank but as you can expect that is never easily done when everything has been with another for the past 8 years. This is a good card if you have a small income, because you will probably never have fees. If you have a larger income it is just not worth it. I don't even think they're FDIC, but don't quote me on that.… read more

this is a horrible company. the customer service people lie. I have told at least 30 people who are gonna close their account with them. shady companies like this one. Should not be allowed to be in business.

When charges are declined, the hold on the funds are ridiculous long which 7-10 days. I called and complained about this. Initially they said it is the company put the hold while thinking you won't call and follow up with the company. I did both times and they said the charges were declined and have no control of bank holds, Bluebird do. Bluebird is no help but to say sorry repeatedly and cannot release the funds until waiting time is over! I removed both direct deposits from this card and doing traditional banking from now on. It is NOT that great and stress-free as it seem.

Rating -20! Don't use it! I had a merchant refund my money to paypal they instantly sent it back to Bluebird. Bluebird says it may take 10 days to get my money back. WTF! If you can instantly pay there is no legitimate reason why you can't be instantly given your money back! No need to hold it!!!!

If you make a return they will put holds on your funds for 10 days, customer service cant override or help you at all. Getting store credit is your best option if you cnt wait.https://wallethub.com/d/bluebird-prepaid-card-732c/

They sent my money to some property abandament place since I didn't use my card and they can't even tell me how to contact them to get my money back I will never use this crooked company again due to the manager even saying I don't have that information on how to contact them

Just don't ever need customer service for anything. Everyone is in India and there is no help. System issues every other month and no answers as to why. I want to love my card I really do, but the terrible customer service, lack of caring, and constant system issues make it so hard.

I actually love the card. Lot of comments are over 2, 3 years old , and issues experienced in the past , has not been my issue today. I never had a hold put on my funds, as I transfer my money from one card to this one. Money is there asap, or I either load for free at Walmart. NO fees are involved with this card that is a win win all together. True enough everyone doesn't accept Amex/Express, but more than enough merchants do to make using the card still pleasant. I use it for my trips. I have reserved hotels, made purchases with no problems. I got the card to not have to worry about theft, and unauthorized charges to my bank debit card which is of course attached to my bank account. Now that was a headache! If used properly this is a excellent card the free send money feature to another card holder which my son is also a cardholder, has been wonderful. I have had the card now 2 years and none of the issues stated here, have I had. I tried other prepaid debit cards that come with a bunch a hidden fees and fees to load. This card is great Lyft even accepts them now....The card has truly served it's purpose for me. Another thing consumers need to start doing is reading the pkg and fine print. Don't be so quick to load money on a card that may not be suited for you. read more

I put all my spare money into one of these cards. Went to pay my phone bill. It stated it was"ON HOLD". I thought it was the phone. Tried again. The second charge was "ON HOLD". I borroed money and used a different card. IT WORKED. I call Bluebird to get the HOLD charges released. They say I have to wait up to a week. I call the phone company and they don't reflect any holds. It's all on Bluebird. I can't wait a week, I need the funds now. Nothing they can do about it. They rejected it. They are holding my money. I ask to speak to a manager. I am put on hold for 10 minutes then they hang up on me. I wait a day and call them back. Exact same thing. I hate this company.

Bluebird card is great, until someone gets ahold of your card information and takes money from you. Unlike a bank that immediately returns your funds, they make you wait 48 hours to see if the funds post, then if they do post you have to wait another 7-10 business days while they do a dispute investigation to get your funds back!!! Horrible! Talk about a slap in the face when your hard earned money has been stolen, then you have to wait over 2 weeks to get your money back!!! Beware!!!

was told through my email that it would take up to 7 days to get my money seven days have came and gone I called and waited on the phone for 45 minutes at a time to be told that there was a glitch with their computers which I don't understand why I should have to wait for my money I am now on hold again because I was transferred to a supervisor the last representative that I spoke with lad and told me it was not Wednesday when it has been Wednesday 12 hours longer at her location in Manila then it has been at my location in America then she said she didn't lie lucky for me I have a witness I would say do not put any money on this card at all they find a way to gain interest off your money and they bullshit you while they're doing it Bluebird is a scam get a regular bank or keep your money under your mattress at least you'll have it and be able to track it that way I do not believe that something call damn erican should be based in another country who doesn't understand our values in the concept of truth and how seriously we take it here in America they are thieves and scammers at Amex

Beware if you return merchandise or have a refund coming to you, it takes 7 to 10 days before you’ll get your money back. These people don’t care if that is your last dime. I have almost $100 pending forever. They blamed it on the store I got a refund from, but turns out all along it was Bluebird. Their customer service leaves much to be desired. Don’t use this card unless you can afford to b without your refund.

I've never had a problem with this card and I've had it for over a year. Does the basics, nothing fancy but not a bad choice if you can't get a regular account. They have the option to set up sub accounts with their own cards plus a savings account. Customer service is pretty good and the app/website is easy to use especially to move money between the sub accounts. Only major down side is the checks are expensive and they have a pre-approval process which isn't a big deal but giving someone a check from them kind of gives away the fact that your using a prepaid card but it does assure them that it's good.

I only have this card because I had to file chapter 7 Bankruptcy in 2017, since I can't even get a credit union to let me open an account. Anyways, this card is great and it's nice to get direct deposit 2 days early, but it never deposits at the same time or even close to it. My company submits payroll on Sunday and normally employees get paid Thursday, but I get my check on Tuesday usually anywhere from 12pm-1230pm or anywhere from 4-5pm or anywhere from 11pm-12am. I called them and asked why the time is always different and they said that if I don't receive a deposit by 7pm I wont get it, which is a lie because I got my check a few times after 11pm. Somehow every so often my account goes negative a few dollars which I don't understand because I thought these things were supposed to stop you from going over. I don't get charged for this but it's kind of annoying and I know I can budget myself but still lol . A lot of places don't even accept American Express, I was at taco bell and had to leave the drive-thru and find an ATM because they don't accept this card. Walmart said they are not allowed to unload these cards only load, so it's kind of dumb if i need to get money off of it without using an ATM. I had to call customer service a few times and they were helpful. I had almost $800 on it and used my card at a gas pump and received a $50 hold which I'm guessing is the gas stations thing, but I thought these cards were supposed to withdraw the funds right away towards a purchase so the hold is kind of stupid. I've never truly had a pending purchase, it always shows up right away and shows the funds that I spent. Overall if you have trouble getting a bank account, this card is the way to go. There are a lot of free ATMS to use these at but make sure you check prior if the place you're at accepts American Express. A lot of stores told me that AE is expensive to use, so that's why they don't accept them. I would recommend getting the card through the Bluebird website so you don't have to buy the kit in store. Mine shipped fast. Another issue I have had is when I received my taxes, I had well over $2000 and went to purchase a Walmart money order to pay rent and I was denied, sometimes it will ask you for the security code which can be either the 4 digit one on the front OR the 3 digit one on the back. I don't care what anyone says, but I have had to use both codes at different times.

STAY AWAY will put holds on your money and not release it even if it is an issue with their system. Their customer service is horrible. Even their supposed "Supervisors" are of not help. Transfer never happened and they refuse to make my money accessible again. Excuse "technical issue" for 10 days. Only get involved with this company if you want one headache after another.

Horrible customer service AND they’ve had my money “processing” In the account since the 13th, it was suppose to take 3-5 business days to transfer into my bank account and it’s still not there. I’ve been on the phone with customer service with whom can barely speak English and they have BS answers for me. Some sort of tech errors. After 5 different representatives and 10 days I’m forced to call the BBB and my attorney!! They are literally holding my money from me!! They wouldn’t let me give them no stars to submitt so I had to give them 1!!

You've ever had any other card with American Express don't think for a second that the policies or customer service is even remotely similar on this card. Transaction cannot be disputed until it's been fully completed. After they finally allow you to file dispute you must wait 6 business days before they will credit the funds back to your card. If you cancel a transaction either just a minute or two after the initial transaction American Express has already taking the money from your account. Despite having the supporting documentation showing the cancellation MedExpress will hold will keep your money 8 more business days until the pending transaction and their system lapses as a result of merchant inaction. There's no excuse for this except laziness and greed on the part a company take advantage of the customers that can least afford it. Shame on you

I've had my account for over a year just started as something small to put money up and save. Well now I use it a lot more and I had one time that I added over 300.00 to it, went to 2 stores and spend 100 at one and 60 at the other. It told me I had 28.00 left over. Well that didn't add up. So I started to add everything up to see where the confusion took place from that day. And I got more confused. So I started all the way to the day I opened my account. And realized the more I used my card the more money disappeared. First it was 7.00 one month that was miscalculated. And by the time I finished i'm missing over 300.00 because apparently there computer can't count when adding up your transactions. I called customer service and some lady that you can understand to much went back to my last deposit which was like 5 days and I didn't use my card a lot so of course those three transactions she went over added up. I'm talking about over a few months money's coming up missing.

The bluebird prepaid cards sucks. I got an overdraft. When I purchased something there was a transaction. It should've been canceled automatically! Bluebird doesn't do a good job protecting their customers. Debit cards are better.

Bluebird is okay, but the issue I have is not many establishments accept American Express. I went to a gas station and swiped at the pump and received an error. So I went inside and they told me that they do not accept the card and I was on "E". It's a good thing that I was able to use the "ATM" machine and pay the Fees to get cash. Secondly, I went to an establishment and when they saw my card with the American Express Logo they told me they do not accept. I stood in line 10 minutes to get rejected. Also, I do not like the fact that I have a PIN but I cannot get cash back at a grocery store when I buy groceries. Lastly, finding an ATM that offers withdrawals is a hassle. Walmart is the SLOGAN behind Bluebird and where I live the machine is ALWAYS out of order. It has NEVER worked for me. Therefore, I have to drive 20-25 minutes to use an "ATM" that accepts Bluebird - without the fee. Moving forward, I have received good customer service despite the many times I have called and the representatives could not find my account using my email address, SSN, or other pertinent information. However, when I ask for a supervisor they are able to find my account. With this being said, I did get one representative that was VERY reluctant to allow me to speak with a representative. I like Bluebird because I get my payroll check Wednesday night vs Friday. Is it work the issue(s) I am having? Yes it is until I get control of my finances and DOCUMENT when I use ANY card. When you make a purchase, write it down.

This card services is horrible, I had to dispute several charges on my card that were no of my doing. They held the funds for over a month after telling me that if no decision was made in ten days I would get my refund returned to my card. It's been over a month and they keep feeding me excuses on why it keeps getting pushed back. The customer service is awful and they are clueless and can't give you an answer on what's going on. I hate this service and to me hate is a strong word but it's appropriate for the amount if crap they put me through. Do do not uses this card there far better card to use besides this one.

Bad experience! Called in about fees i was being charged that i was unaware of! Spoke with a manger and explained to him before i activated my card i asked would there be any fees and i was told no!!! Now i call in speak with manager Arr who could not help at all! He basically told me there was nothing he can do and i call back in 4 hours but there would still be nothing done for the fees im being charged. ..What kind of customer service is that !! DO NOT USE AMEX BLUEBIRD ....

My information was stolen and used to change my Bluebird account. Bluebird allowed the changes, THEN emailed me to ask if it was ok. I lost over $1000. They are investigating and won't return my money for 7-10 business days. Most banks return it immediately. Do not do business with Bluebird!!

I really love mine. I have had no problems. The only problems I know of, is that AMEX isn't accepted everywhere like a visa or mastercard is. It helps me to protect my real money in my bank when making gas purchases, I use at most any place that accepts American Express and love them.

We had a bad experience with bluebird they have high charges and they will not release my money that I worked for they are holding on to it like it is theirs I do not recommend bluebird to noone they have really bad serivce

Don't link your checking account or any account to bluebird. Someone got into my bluebird account, changed my profile and transferred 400 dollars to bluebird and then transferred 478 out of bluebird to some lady named Rebecca fransway. Your only allowed 200 per day to load money on your bluebird but unlimited money going out. This happened at 11:58 pm and another at 12:01 am. Called the fraud department and they had to send me a voice mail to my phone with a fraud case number. They would not talk to me until I got that case number and called back. I then got the number and called back. They are idiots, the guy gave me the wrong case number. I rechecked the number again and called back, they kept saying it's the wrong number. She called the guy and got the right number. Meanwhile someone is in my account and stealing money and I'm arguing of a number. Go figure they are in Asia. They took the info right and said don't worry you will get your money back. After 8 days The people in Salt Lake City sent me a email saying they declined my 1278 dollar claim because it was authorized. Case closed !! The lady can't add, I never said 1278 so she submitted it wrong. She even read back to me the amount, it was right. But submitted it wrong to salt lake. I called tha same number (fraud dept) and they said there is nothing they can do that I have to right a letter. I wrote a letter, sent certified mail with all my bank account statements proving my case and I have heard nothing from them. That was on 5-7-17 and now it is 5-23-17. I got screwed. For someone to now my personal info and to change my profile had to be an inside job. There is no number to call Salt Lake City Utah. I expected a lot more out of American Express. They went on what the lady put in 1278 and it didn't add up. No wonder they declined the claim. Almost done intentionally so they won't investigate it. Even though they say " this conversation is being recorded ". Listen to the recording!!!! They suck!!!

AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL customer service. I had no issues with this card until I used it at a local money pass atm to withdraw $300 from my account. The money was deducted from my account but was not dispensed from the atm. I went inside the bank immediately to let them know and contacted Bluebird from their parking lot to file a dispute claim (at the suggestion of the bank's atm manager). The bank counted their atm that night and acknowledged that it was, in fact, over in the amount of $300. They immediately sent the credit back to AMEX to be put back on my card. Bluebird denied my first dispute claim stating the merchant had provided documentation that shows the money was dispensed. They don't seem to understand that it was dispensed to THEM to be put back in my account and they HAVE NOT DONE THAT, so they are sitting on my money. I opened a second dispute claim and now it has been almost a month since this all started and Bluebird claims there has never been any credit issued back to them for my account and that they are still investigating my claim. On the last set of documents I faxed over yesterday (because they claim they never received the documents I faxed over last week) I let them know that I am fully prepared to file a complaint with the BBB and contact media sources to investigate this issue that appears to be a common one with AMEX, and *gasp* I woke up to a $300 provisional credit to my account, which they stated can be withdrawn if they deem my dispute invalid again. HOW DOES ANY OF THIS MAKE ANY KIND OF SENSE?!? I am beyond frustrated and will never touch a Bluebird card again, nor will I EVER recommend it to ANYONE. The day this all happened I went and opened a TD Bank account. Lesson learned. DO NOT USE BLUEBIRD!!!!!!!!!

I don't like like it's optional to register a temporary card but if you don't and you lose the card whoops the money is gone for good. They should put that damn warning on the freaking packets so now I'm out of my hard earned money so therefore I'm just gonna Walmart prepaid cards then at least I know with them I know my money won't just "vanish"

I unfortunately opened a Bluebird account for travel expenses for work. I get my reimbursement checks paid to this account. On my last business trip, I lost my ATM card and was told it would take another 7 - 10 business days to receive a new one. Well.......how do you get money out of your account when you don't have an ATM card? The website proposes a service called RIA, or something, to have money waiting for you at WalMart. However, you need to have your pin number and security code from the back of your card. Since the card has been cancelled, this doesn't work. I called Bluebird customer service and they said I should write a check to myself for cash and take it to WalMart (who underwrites this nonsense). The only way you can write a Bluebird check is to have it 'pre-authorized' for the total amount - meaning it automatically deducts that amount from your account and gives you a verification number to put on the check to ensure that it is going to go through. I did all that. I took it to Walmart and they looked at me like I had two heads. They said, 'we don't cash personal checks here, you need to take this to your bank.' I assured them I JUST spoke with Bluebird customer service and they said Walmart could do it since they're the ones who issue this account. No one there had ever seen a Bluebird check before and they wouldn't take it. Next step, I took it to MY real bank. They said they'd cashi it but it would have to be on hold for a few business days. I didn't like that solution either as it's my money and I need it right now. I called Bluebird Customer service again and they said try a Wells Fargo bank since that's who underwrites our checks. Tried that too and they wouldn't touch it. Bottom line is that Customer Service has no idea what they're talking about and you're totally screwed if you lose your ATM card, as there's no way to get at your own money. The Customer Service Rep kept repeating, 'well sir, if you know someone else who has a BlueBird Account, just transfer money to them.' Hell no! I don't know anyone else with this crappy bank and I certainly wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. To hell with this banking nonsense and stick with the big players.

Closed my account because I opened a claim about a purchase I didn't make for $117. Closed my account and sent my remaining balance of my tax refund in a check, which my credit union had problems verifying. I'm still working on solving my dispute!

My daughter's card was stolen and it took them 8 (eight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) weeks to credit our account. The customer service team 1). hung up on me, 2.) would not let me speak to supervisor, 3.) lied about receiving our fraud claim documents we uploaded, and 4.) could not speak English. It was the worst experience ever. Made me HATE AmEX.

I have had my card over a year and only ever used it for Walmart bucks. However my husband's new job requires direct deposit so I called blue bird about doing this. I was told I would have to add him as a family account holder first. I did so and we took the information to his employer. Pay day comes and no deposit. We call blue bird. After me explaining four times how I am primary on the account, they tell me a family holder can't receive direct deposit. So now no way to get paid. All because they gave me false information from the beginning!

The "card" is great. C.S., not so much. ALL money was stolen off card and Amex doesn't want to credit me so I have to jump thru hoops until they realize I won't give up. AND they only out source so you can't speak to anyone in the US.

I used my prepaid card to reserve room at a hotel. The hotel charged a $50.00 fee for incidential. I checked out of the hotel and the hotel assured me the $50.00 would be return to card. After 2 weeks I notice the $50.00 was still on hold. I contacted American Express customer service and was informed they had 30 days to release hold. I contacted the hotel and was informed they cancelled the hold the day i checked out. Really a 30 day hold for a prepaid card. Once I receive money back. I will be cutting up this card

I've been having BofA for a while now, was always being charged monthly maintenance fees because we couldn't meet the minimum deposit each month, and whey we had a low balance to begin with we would be charged overdraft fees and at some point ended up with 89$ in fees because I didn't realize paypal didn't go through yet my bad. Finally found this prepaid card. It works wonders. I've had a balance of 0.01 cents for a few months now because sometimes I don't add cash to it. But with the bank issues this card is a great life and money saver. Would highly recommend this to anyone who has balance issues. Thank you American Express/Walmart! And might I add free savings set aside account omg :)