First of all, when it comes to fees and the like, bluebird is awesome. It doesn't cost anything to add money and there are many fee free atms available.
However, be careful not have several failed attempts to add money. They will close your account. I visited a local Walmart to add money yo my card. The girl helping me was new and ended up trying to do the transaction 4 times before seeking help. Amex closed my account because they said I was in violation of 22d of the membership agreement.
I have called them and spoke with a supervised and I was informed that I could apply for another account but no guarantee that I would be allowed another account. And there wasn't anything they could do. Regardless of the fact that it was no fault of my own.
Brought a bluebird card at walmart. I load 100.00 onto the card. One month later i loaded another 100.00. They only. Showed were i loaded a 100.00 once. Thank god i saved my receipts. Because i have proof. Everytime i call bluebird to see if they received my fax of these receipts they give me another fax number to fax my receipts to. Where is my. 100.00 bluebird.Don'tt. Buy this card. They take your money!!!!
I have never participated in a more convoluted process than Bluebird by American Express. Name your worst nightmare, and Bluebird embodies all that is horrific in unfufilled promises, byzantine application process and incomprehensible customer "support." To start, whoever the Web designers are, they do not know what "intuitive" means. There is downright confusion as to who is primary account holder, or fund source is, versus subaccounts of family members. You really will not know if you are transferring money to your children until the transaction is complete . And don't even try calling the 800 number; at best you will put on hold forever but more likely fed a load of baloney over sketchy phone lines and incomprehensible language barriers. Absolutely the WORST financial partnership I ever attempted !!!
Our bluebird American express card had unauthorized fraudulent charges for $500 in Hollywood,FL, we live in Wyoming. Bluebird would not dispute this for 8 days following transaction abs would only credit account for $25. Very unhelpful people. Do not recommend this card whatsoever!!
So basically on June 30th, i gave money to a college campus for housing. then later on in late july i decided i was not going to stay on campus. the campus said the housing fee was refundable, but when i went to go get it back the campus refuse to give me back my money.
so i filed a dispute with bluebird. they told me to wait 10 days and then i got an email saying show proof of purchase. looking at my account you can clearly see that the item was purchase, i mean it say -$100 for the college. But i still got an email asking for proof of purchase.
so i email the proof to them and they sent a confirmation email and said to wait until they email me back. i wanted 30 days and called back. i got told they never receive the proof, so i had to resend it. i was alittle frustrated, by this time because it was month later.
so i resend the proof and am told to wait another 45 days. so i do and it is going on 4 months now and when i called on 9/29/14 i was told to call back on 10/2/14. so i am annoyed but i call back on 10/2/14. on that day in october i got into a giant argument over the fact that they said because i sent no proof that the dispute was closed.
i told the manager about the confirmation emails i had received and told him he was liar and pathetic and didn't know what he was doing. i felt like they were purposely dragging out the dispute and closing it back they did not want to give out money that was technicially rightfully mines.
also back in august they had close this dispute and i had to reopen it because they lied and said the dispute was resolved. basically i feel like this compay is horrible. they are unorganized and take their customers for granted. they go out of their way to ensure you do not get properly help and they act like they are helpless.
i am disgusted by this company and am looking for another card company. but before i cancel my account i am going to try to get my money back because the item i purchase said refundable and they were not honoring their written policy. i do not trust bluebird. also when i call it is like i get the same two coworkers every single time. i am starting to wonder if this company is legit or just a scam.
I purchased the Bluebird Card from Walmart to try it out. After creating an account and receiving the new card in the mail, I put $450 on the card. I was planning a road trip, so thought it would be a good idea to use it to buy gas and food while travelling. It worked fine for the first four transactions. After that the card declined at the next gas station. How ridiculous! I have more than $200 balance and it would not go through. Luckily I had cash and credit cards to use.
After getting back home, I tried to call them for 2 days at the 877-486-5990 number, and due to the high volume of calls, no one was available, and the phone hang up. Went online it shows a total balance of $211.00, but $0.00 available. Tried calling them again, same thing. Went online the next day, then all the funds are available. Not sure what their tactics are, but for American Express to be such a large company, this service is horrible! This is the year 2012, you do not need 3 days to process debit transactions. My bank knows my balance and what's available immediately! PLEASE GET A CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BLUEBIRD CUSTOMERS.
I would not recommend Bluebird to anyone and will close out this account.
Opened American Express BlueBird acct and loaded $660 in cash on August 10, 2014 at 10:59am Central at a Walmart here in Dallas, Tx 75211. Also linked my previous prepaid card (expectations: Bancorp Bank) to the new BlueBird acct, to transfer my $22 remaining over. This transfer was unsuccessful. It was unsuccessful because the expectations card charges a fee, and I didn't leave room for the fee to be obtained. I received an email from Amex BlueBird that that this was unsuccesful and to try another approach of linking an account. This email was received on Monday, Aug 11, 2014 at 8:54am. I used my new Amex prepaid card for breakfast and lunch. I tried using it Monday 8/11/14 evening after work, only to find that the card had been locked. This took place with no warning, no communication. I called and was told several times by several different customer service reps (india/phillipines) that there was nothing they could do, or any information they could give me, or any phone numbers they had they could give me. Only that my account was closed. No reasons noted. This raised an alert.
I called American Express and 2 of their reps called and got nowhere. Finally researching the internet, there was a # listed for the protection department. I was told the acct was closed due to card abuse. I'd only used it 4 times, and it was used with my money i loaded the card with in cash!! I spoke to someone on Tuesday 8/12/14 during the morning hours, and she informed me that a check for my remaining balance would go out today 8/13/14, and that i would receive a call or email. This never happened. I called again today around 3:30pm 8/13/14, and someone else informed me that my check hadn't been sent and that it could take up to 10 days for them to decide when they want to send it. I explained this was a nightmare and that I was ashamed American Express would allow this type of customer service. I explained that I've talked to too many people there and every single time there is a different story. I proceeded to ask if i could do an address update since i moved this weekend. She informed me that only if i had a bill with my name and new address on it. She informed that if i couldnt provide that information, they would keep my money. Hello!!! Its my MONEY!! This is hugely unethical. I told her nevermind, I'll have the apartment staff be on the lookout for it. I have been refused proper customer service, huge financial inconvenience (i had no money to feed my child), and refused to update my information. Action needs to be put into place quickly. I believe this is a scam to keep peoples money and give 100 reasons why it cant be returned.
I have been calling bb fro 2 days now asking to release my funds and all im getting is that they are having techinal issues. I have been using this card since last year and never had a problem with it until now. I am trying to use my money to pay bills and get the meds my son needs. I am trying to figure out what darn techinal problems can you be having. At this point I am ready to close my account and tel them give me my money and all of it today.
First, in December 2013, they started to charge a fee for $2.00 for everytime you use other ATM rather than a moneypass ATM which is located only at Wal-Mart. The trick is that the ATM in Wal-mart does not work 80% or more, therefore, the only choice you have is to use other ATM so they can get $2.00 more. Also when you call and tell them about the ATM in wal-mart the only thing they do is say, "I understand but if you do not use a MoneyPass ATM, our policy is to charge you a fee of $2.00."
Second, this is the biggest, I went to wal-mart yesterday and my payroll check was deposit on the account. I got ready to check out, checker bag my stuff, I scan my card and it said declined. I knew this was wrong because like I said my payroll check had been credit to my account early that morning. The checker told me to scan it again. It was decline again. I swiped my card 5 times. I gave up and went home to see what was going on with my card. It turned out that each time I swiped my card the amount was taken off the card (put on hold), even though at wal-mart the transaction was declined. I called bluebird immediately and told them the situation. We even did a three way call and they veritified that the amount was declined. Well the representative put one of the charge back on my card and then was told I had to wait 8 days before the other amount be put back on my card. Well anyway I talked with a supervisor and manager about this matter and they all kept saying the same thing, "I am sorry for your inconvenience but it will be 8 days before charges be release. I asked to talk to someone higher but they said that customers are not allowed to talk anyone higher and they stuck to their gun about not releasing my money. Even after I told them I needed to buy groceries and needed gas for my car. The only thing I got from them is "I sorry for your inconvenience, but there is not anyway they could do and I would have to wait 8 days." I asked them, "why the charges were placed on my card when it was declined?" They tried to cover up by saying their system said it was approved, which could not be possible because each time I swiped my card and it came back declined I got the receipt.
Also I were told if I used other ATM besides a MoneyPass (since the one at my walmart was not working) that I would not be charge the fee of $2.00. Well, that was not so. I also brought that up and once again I was told, "We are not authorize to reverse the charges and if you don't use a MoneyPass ATM, you will be accessed a fee for $2.00 for each transaction."
I recently started a Bluebird account by American Express. I had my paycheck direct deposited into the account. I had access to my money for two days and they locked my account. They wont give me any information in to what has come out of my paycheck orwhat is being debited. I have asked numerous agents for a statement. I have asked for any information in case I get a check and want to fight any charges and they cannot answer. I have only gotten " I am sorry sir I cant do anything". I have asked for supervisors and told no. I would tell anyone that this is a scam and do not allow them to handle your money. They wont issue check. they wont answer questions. I understand in todays world privacy is important but I know whereI used the card all of the information for my work and still nothing.
DO NOT EVER TRUST THIS COMPANY WITH YOUR PAYCHECK THEY WILL NOT GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION AND WILL LEAVE YOU WITH NO FUNDS WAITING FOR A CHECK.
Thank you for reading about this horrible business
I have maintained a Bluebird account for nearly a year now, with no issues whatsoever. My disability income is direct deposited to it monthly. Today when I went to the website and attempted to log in to view my account, a message comes us that says "for security purposes, your account has been locked. Please call customer service at 1-877-486-5990 to unlock your account." I was a bit aggravated to have to waste my time to call, but I figured it was merely an issue where someone had entered a wrong password or something that had locked the online account. Although I didn't understand how that happened as I'm the only one that access the account.
So I called customer service, and of course was greeted by a rep who barely understands or speaks English. She proceeds to say she needed to transfer me to a security specialist. The representative there informed me that my account has actually been closed because of suspected fraudulant activity on the account that is against the terms and conditions of American Express. I was flabergasted. This is a prepaid account. My disability goes on it..I pay bills and use it for everyday purchases like gas and groceries. There has been no questionable activity on my account whatsoever. I advised the rep of this and that clearly there must be some error and I want to request an investigation. Their response was "well your account is aready under investigation that's why it was closed." I repeatedly asked for an explanation of WHAT activity they are questioning, to which I received a reply that they would not tell me that. So..they accuse me of fraud but refuse to offer any explanation of what they are basing the accusation on. This is NOT right. After being on hold for an unimaginable length of time and being repeatedly denied access to speak to management, I ultimately told the representative to overnight a check for my balance to me. He said they could send it out within 10 days but "they don't have an option to overnight anything."
I am absolutly appalled by the pathetic treatment I have received and I will NEVER have any respect for American Express. If they are going to deny me access to my money for no reason that they cannot even acknowledge, must less justify, then it is completely unacceptable for me to have to wait 10 days to receive a check for MY money. In addition...I am rather sick of every single customer service call being directed to India or Pakistan. Seriously..as much money as American Express makes off of Americans, one would think they could afford to pay American workers.
Beware before signing up for the checking/debit account offered through Bluebird by American Express - offered at Walmat. When you make a purchase with the debit card your account balance will be printed or displayed on the merchants copy of the receipt. Several merchant showed me this as a warning and told me that they have never seen this happen with any other bank service provider, only Bluebird by American Express. This is a clear voilation of privacy. If you don't want every merchant or anyone who handles your card to know exactly how much money you have depositred with this bank, do not get this card, because they will have access to that information! I called and reported this problem and they responded by asking me if I wanted to close my account, of course my answer was YES!
Bluebird by American Express Reviews
First of all, when it comes to fees and the like, bluebird is awesome. It doesn't cost anything to add money and there are many fee free atms available.
However, be careful not have several failed attempts to add money. They will close your account. I visited a local Walmart to add money yo my card. The girl helping me was new and ended up trying to do the transaction 4 times before seeking help. Amex closed my account because they said I was in violation of 22d of the membership agreement.
I have called them and spoke with a supervised and I was informed that I could apply for another account but no guarantee that I would be allowed another account. And there wasn't anything they could do. Regardless of the fact that it was no fault of my own.
Brought a bluebird card at walmart. I load 100.00 onto the card. One month later i loaded another 100.00. They only. Showed were i loaded a 100.00 once. Thank god i saved my receipts. Because i have proof. Everytime i call bluebird to see if they received my fax of these receipts they give me another fax number to fax my receipts to. Where is my. 100.00 bluebird.Don'tt. Buy this card. They take your money!!!!
I have never participated in a more convoluted process than Bluebird by American Express. Name your worst nightmare, and Bluebird embodies all that is horrific in unfufilled promises, byzantine application process and incomprehensible customer "support." To start, whoever the Web designers are, they do not know what "intuitive" means. There is downright confusion as to who is primary account holder, or fund source is, versus subaccounts of family members. You really will not know if you are transferring money to your children until the transaction is complete . And don't even try calling the 800 number; at best you will put on hold forever but more likely fed a load of baloney over sketchy phone lines and incomprehensible language barriers. Absolutely the WORST financial partnership I ever attempted !!!
Our bluebird American express card had unauthorized fraudulent charges for $500 in Hollywood,FL, we live in Wyoming. Bluebird would not dispute this for 8 days following transaction abs would only credit account for $25. Very unhelpful people. Do not recommend this card whatsoever!!
So basically on June 30th, i gave money to a college campus for housing. then later on in late july i decided i was not going to stay on campus. the campus said the housing fee was refundable, but when i went to go get it back the campus refuse to give me back my money.
so i filed a dispute with bluebird. they told me to wait 10 days and then i got an email saying show proof of purchase. looking at my account you can clearly see that the item was purchase, i mean it say -$100 for the college. But i still got an email asking for proof of purchase.
so i email the proof to them and they sent a confirmation email and said to wait until they email me back. i wanted 30 days and called back. i got told they never receive the proof, so i had to resend it. i was alittle frustrated, by this time because it was month later.
so i resend the proof and am told to wait another 45 days. so i do and it is going on 4 months now and when i called on 9/29/14 i was told to call back on 10/2/14. so i am annoyed but i call back on 10/2/14. on that day in october i got into a giant argument over the fact that they said because i sent no proof that the dispute was closed.
i told the manager about the confirmation emails i had received and told him he was liar and pathetic and didn't know what he was doing. i felt like they were purposely dragging out the dispute and closing it back they did not want to give out money that was technicially rightfully mines.
also back in august they had close this dispute and i had to reopen it because they lied and said the dispute was resolved. basically i feel like this compay is horrible. they are unorganized and take their customers for granted. they go out of their way to ensure you do not get properly help and they act like they are helpless.
i am disgusted by this company and am looking for another card company. but before i cancel my account i am going to try to get my money back because the item i purchase said refundable and they were not honoring their written policy. i do not trust bluebird. also when i call it is like i get the same two coworkers every single time. i am starting to wonder if this company is legit or just a scam.
THEY HOLD ON TO YOUR FUNDS!!!! WATCH OUT!!!
I purchased the Bluebird Card from Walmart to try it out. After creating an account and receiving the new card in the mail, I put $450 on the card. I was planning a road trip, so thought it would be a good idea to use it to buy gas and food while travelling. It worked fine for the first four transactions. After that the card declined at the next gas station. How ridiculous! I have more than $200 balance and it would not go through. Luckily I had cash and credit cards to use.
After getting back home, I tried to call them for 2 days at the 877-486-5990 number, and due to the high volume of calls, no one was available, and the phone hang up. Went online it shows a total balance of $211.00, but $0.00 available. Tried calling them again, same thing. Went online the next day, then all the funds are available. Not sure what their tactics are, but for American Express to be such a large company, this service is horrible! This is the year 2012, you do not need 3 days to process debit transactions. My bank knows my balance and what's available immediately! PLEASE GET A CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BLUEBIRD CUSTOMERS.
I would not recommend Bluebird to anyone and will close out this account.
Opened American Express BlueBird acct and loaded $660 in cash on August 10, 2014 at 10:59am Central at a Walmart here in Dallas, Tx 75211. Also linked my previous prepaid card (expectations: Bancorp Bank) to the new BlueBird acct, to transfer my $22 remaining over. This transfer was unsuccessful. It was unsuccessful because the expectations card charges a fee, and I didn't leave room for the fee to be obtained. I received an email from Amex BlueBird that that this was unsuccesful and to try another approach of linking an account. This email was received on Monday, Aug 11, 2014 at 8:54am. I used my new Amex prepaid card for breakfast and lunch. I tried using it Monday 8/11/14 evening after work, only to find that the card had been locked. This took place with no warning, no communication. I called and was told several times by several different customer service reps (india/phillipines) that there was nothing they could do, or any information they could give me, or any phone numbers they had they could give me. Only that my account was closed. No reasons noted. This raised an alert.
I called American Express and 2 of their reps called and got nowhere. Finally researching the internet, there was a # listed for the protection department. I was told the acct was closed due to card abuse. I'd only used it 4 times, and it was used with my money i loaded the card with in cash!! I spoke to someone on Tuesday 8/12/14 during the morning hours, and she informed me that a check for my remaining balance would go out today 8/13/14, and that i would receive a call or email. This never happened. I called again today around 3:30pm 8/13/14, and someone else informed me that my check hadn't been sent and that it could take up to 10 days for them to decide when they want to send it. I explained this was a nightmare and that I was ashamed American Express would allow this type of customer service. I explained that I've talked to too many people there and every single time there is a different story. I proceeded to ask if i could do an address update since i moved this weekend. She informed me that only if i had a bill with my name and new address on it. She informed that if i couldnt provide that information, they would keep my money. Hello!!! Its my MONEY!! This is hugely unethical. I told her nevermind, I'll have the apartment staff be on the lookout for it. I have been refused proper customer service, huge financial inconvenience (i had no money to feed my child), and refused to update my information. Action needs to be put into place quickly. I believe this is a scam to keep peoples money and give 100 reasons why it cant be returned.
I have been calling bb fro 2 days now asking to release my funds and all im getting is that they are having techinal issues. I have been using this card since last year and never had a problem with it until now. I am trying to use my money to pay bills and get the meds my son needs. I am trying to figure out what darn techinal problems can you be having. At this point I am ready to close my account and tel them give me my money and all of it today.
Bluebird is a ripped off
First, in December 2013, they started to charge a fee for $2.00 for everytime you use other ATM rather than a moneypass ATM which is located only at Wal-Mart. The trick is that the ATM in Wal-mart does not work 80% or more, therefore, the only choice you have is to use other ATM so they can get $2.00 more. Also when you call and tell them about the ATM in wal-mart the only thing they do is say, "I understand but if you do not use a MoneyPass ATM, our policy is to charge you a fee of $2.00."
Second, this is the biggest, I went to wal-mart yesterday and my payroll check was deposit on the account. I got ready to check out, checker bag my stuff, I scan my card and it said declined. I knew this was wrong because like I said my payroll check had been credit to my account early that morning. The checker told me to scan it again. It was decline again. I swiped my card 5 times. I gave up and went home to see what was going on with my card. It turned out that each time I swiped my card the amount was taken off the card (put on hold), even though at wal-mart the transaction was declined. I called bluebird immediately and told them the situation. We even did a three way call and they veritified that the amount was declined. Well the representative put one of the charge back on my card and then was told I had to wait 8 days before the other amount be put back on my card. Well anyway I talked with a supervisor and manager about this matter and they all kept saying the same thing, "I am sorry for your inconvenience but it will be 8 days before charges be release. I asked to talk to someone higher but they said that customers are not allowed to talk anyone higher and they stuck to their gun about not releasing my money. Even after I told them I needed to buy groceries and needed gas for my car. The only thing I got from them is "I sorry for your inconvenience, but there is not anyway they could do and I would have to wait 8 days." I asked them, "why the charges were placed on my card when it was declined?" They tried to cover up by saying their system said it was approved, which could not be possible because each time I swiped my card and it came back declined I got the receipt.
Also I were told if I used other ATM besides a MoneyPass (since the one at my walmart was not working) that I would not be charge the fee of $2.00. Well, that was not so. I also brought that up and once again I was told, "We are not authorize to reverse the charges and if you don't use a MoneyPass ATM, you will be accessed a fee for $2.00 for each transaction."
Lillian
West Helena, AR.
I recently started a Bluebird account by American Express. I had my paycheck direct deposited into the account. I had access to my money for two days and they locked my account. They wont give me any information in to what has come out of my paycheck orwhat is being debited. I have asked numerous agents for a statement. I have asked for any information in case I get a check and want to fight any charges and they cannot answer. I have only gotten " I am sorry sir I cant do anything". I have asked for supervisors and told no. I would tell anyone that this is a scam and do not allow them to handle your money. They wont issue check. they wont answer questions. I understand in todays world privacy is important but I know whereI used the card all of the information for my work and still nothing.
DO NOT EVER TRUST THIS COMPANY WITH YOUR PAYCHECK THEY WILL NOT GIVE YOU ANY INFORMATION AND WILL LEAVE YOU WITH NO FUNDS WAITING FOR A CHECK.
Thank you for reading about this horrible business
I have maintained a Bluebird account for nearly a year now, with no issues whatsoever. My disability income is direct deposited to it monthly. Today when I went to the website and attempted to log in to view my account, a message comes us that says "for security purposes, your account has been locked. Please call customer service at 1-877-486-5990 to unlock your account." I was a bit aggravated to have to waste my time to call, but I figured it was merely an issue where someone had entered a wrong password or something that had locked the online account. Although I didn't understand how that happened as I'm the only one that access the account.
So I called customer service, and of course was greeted by a rep who barely understands or speaks English. She proceeds to say she needed to transfer me to a security specialist. The representative there informed me that my account has actually been closed because of suspected fraudulant activity on the account that is against the terms and conditions of American Express. I was flabergasted. This is a prepaid account. My disability goes on it..I pay bills and use it for everyday purchases like gas and groceries. There has been no questionable activity on my account whatsoever. I advised the rep of this and that clearly there must be some error and I want to request an investigation. Their response was "well your account is aready under investigation that's why it was closed." I repeatedly asked for an explanation of WHAT activity they are questioning, to which I received a reply that they would not tell me that. So..they accuse me of fraud but refuse to offer any explanation of what they are basing the accusation on. This is NOT right. After being on hold for an unimaginable length of time and being repeatedly denied access to speak to management, I ultimately told the representative to overnight a check for my balance to me. He said they could send it out within 10 days but "they don't have an option to overnight anything."
I am absolutly appalled by the pathetic treatment I have received and I will NEVER have any respect for American Express. If they are going to deny me access to my money for no reason that they cannot even acknowledge, must less justify, then it is completely unacceptable for me to have to wait 10 days to receive a check for MY money. In addition...I am rather sick of every single customer service call being directed to India or Pakistan. Seriously..as much money as American Express makes off of Americans, one would think they could afford to pay American workers.
Beware before signing up for the checking/debit account offered through Bluebird by American Express - offered at Walmat. When you make a purchase with the debit card your account balance will be printed or displayed on the merchants copy of the receipt. Several merchant showed me this as a warning and told me that they have never seen this happen with any other bank service provider, only Bluebird by American Express. This is a clear voilation of privacy. If you don't want every merchant or anyone who handles your card to know exactly how much money you have depositred with this bank, do not get this card, because they will have access to that information! I called and reported this problem and they responded by asking me if I wanted to close my account, of course my answer was YES!