Another wave of Serve/BlueBird Shutdowns hit consumers hard January 04, 2017. This will go in our record as the 5th wave counted, last being August of 2016. This dates back to one year ago when Amex began shutting down accounts of those who actively used Serve’s cards for Manufactured spending.
The Second wave occurred in March, leaving the third and fourth waves to hit in May and August. If you were shutdown for a card, odds are, you will never be able to get a new card after the shutdown, this includes getting any type of serve card ever again.
Editor’s Note: For individuals that are unfamiliar with the manufactured spending technique used: The Serve and BlueBird cards acted as a catalyst towards easily liquidating VISA/MC gift cards by using them to load these prepaid cards at Walmart.
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Serve/BlueBird Shutdown In-depth:
Amex’ main priority in purging “Serve-abusers” could most likely be to avoid any ties to money laundering and when I say most likely, I mean it’s the most believable option we have right now in actually defining what is “abuse” to Amex. They’re not going to participate towards unlawful bidding and risk any legal scrutiny (like any business practice would do). It’s entirely logical that Serve is further eradicating money launderers with the Manufactured spenders being affect as collateral.
Further proof would be individuals ability to still use their credit, pay of interest,and fees after being purged from never being able to touch another Serve/BlueBird card again. It is still entirely possible to load another prepaid card or buy money orders with VISA or MC gift cards, however, finding a vendor or a card that allows it may not be as easy.
Methods To Avoid Account Shutdown:
The most efficient way to avoid a Serve Account shutdown would be to load as much as you can, then withdraw/bill pay the balance all at once. Immediately shut down the account and sign-up for another card later when you need to make your manufactured spending deeds again. It seems like they won’t touch you until you withdraw or make a bill-pay. Typically, keeping each card for only two months (maxing out the limit if possible) would be optimal, considering that they are offset by one month so you can get 10K/month and always have at least one account open.
Sources also say that you can have up to 5 separate Serve products per SSN now. It also seems that new accounts (few weeks old) do not get shutdown during the purge. Serve/BlueBird accounts do not age well and if you let your Manufactured spend sit on the card for for ages at a time, odds are, you will be shutdown. This information goes back to Amex’s priority in eradicating Money Launders.
Final Analysis:
January 04, 2017, the 5th wave… Of Serve/BlueBird Shutdowns to date. If your account has been shutdown due to suspicion that you are not abiding by Amex’s policies, odds are, you won’t be able to touch another Serve/BlueBird card with your own SSN again. Now if you are reluctant enough to find a spouse/relative willing to lend you their SSN to get your hands on a Serve Card again, then here’s what you should be taking into consideration, since this may be your second and only chance.
To avoid shutdowns, load as much as you can on the card and withdraw or do a bill pay your full balance all at once. Shut down your account immediately following and sign-up for another card after. This would help Amex see that you’re a MSer and not a Money Launderer. Don’t forget to also check out our full list of Credit Card Bonuses for all of your credit card needs.
