Yesterday, I stopped by Walgreens to pick up a PayPal My Cash Card and saw the new Vanilla Reload Flex Load Cards on the gift card rack. I picked it up and looked on the back to learn more about the card. As of December 2014 (see the 1214v01 code in the lower left corner), this card can be used to load:
- American Express Serve
- H&R Block Emerald Prepaid MasterCard
- JH Preferred Prepaid Visa Card
- Momentum Visa Prepaid Debit Card
- MoneyNetwork Cards
- MyVanilla Prepaid Visa Card
- NetSpend Prepaid Debit Card
- PayPal Prepaid MasterCard
- READYdebit Gold Visa Prepaid Card
- Western Union NetSpend Prepaid MasterCard
To load one of the approved prepaid reloadable debit cards above, you must bring that card into Walgreens and hand it to the cashier. He/she will swipe the card and then you can add money (cash only, hard-coded into POS system) to your card. The new Vanilla Reload Flex Load Card is more of an advertisement/marketing card to show consumers about the new loading process. You cannot actually buy a Vanilla Reload Flex Load Card.
I showed my friend who works at CVS the new card and she had never seen it before. If the POST systems are hard-coded to accept cash only, it will be impossible to use a credit card to load any of the approved prepaid reloadable debit cards.
Have you see these cards at your local Walgreens? Have you seen them anywhere else? If you have any questions, please leave a comment below. Have a great day everyone!
So this couldn’t be loaded to a bluebird?
I don’t think this card is compatible with Bluebird.
What are you using your paypal my cash cards for these days? After the email I have done a few cash back in store transactions, but I’m nervous about this and not sure I should purchase any more.
The same we used them for all the time: load PP and then drain the balance via PPBDMC. If you want to play the game you gotta take a risk.
I unload via PPBDC to my Serve Card at Walmart. I haven’t been blocked yet.
I am using my paypal to buy MO, however I do for amounts that are random and then use another debit card to make it a $1k MO, it will be hard for paypal to say anything when they see transactions and WM or Kroger for $327, $633. etc
Good strategy, I hope it works for a long time.
Vanilla Reload have been cash only at Walgreens for longtime
Yes, the other VRC was cash only at CVS and Walgreens. I thought this product might be different.
Are there any other store chains that have this new Vanilla Reload Flex card, and accept credit cards? I understand that I probably should try to find one instead of just asking, but I’m curious if anyone else has already tried.
In SoCal, I’ve only seen the cards at Walgreens. No other stores have them that I can tell.
This card is also at Family Dollar.
Thank you for the update Shannon. I assume the card is cash only there as well, correct?
Sorry for long respond time..Yeah all vanilla reload cards are cash only there too.
Bluebird stinks! It’s free but you can only get free service at walmart money center. Money centers at Walmart have attitude when you load small money amounts which I believe is no fair to consumers. I used this card to make purchases on ebay and amazon.
This thing is now at 7 Eleven and CVS as well. cash only thou.
Everything is turning into cash only. Not too many good options left.
I saw this the other day at Walgreen while trying to get a PPMC card too. The register didn’t respond when the cashier swiped my serve card.. She and I finally gave up.I’ll try again next time… And see if I get lucky…
Good luck Victor, let me know how your next try goes. Thank you.
Grant, you can still get Paypal myCash at Walgreen with CC? I gave up when I struck out at my local Walgreen RiteAide and CVS couple weeks ago. Somehow everyone during that same week was telling me cash only.
Both CVS and Walgreens in SoCal let me use credit cards. Just depends on the store/cashier. Keep trying!
Where can i use my credit card for vanilla gift cards? Please let me know.
You can use your credit card at many stores and gas stations that sell VGCs.
all my go to walgreens now require managers approval. Too much trouble. I haven’t been there in couple of months now. I buy PPMC at cvs & few gas stations..
I’m sorry it is such a hassle to buy PPMCCs at Walgreens. Why can’t it be easy everywhere?
Be happy they verify your ID so this avenue stays open despite of all the ongoing fraud problems. I applaud the stores taking the extra effort instead of just shutting down the CC load entirely.
+1 for Julian’s comment – just bought my first PayPal at walgreens (always used cvs) – not only did they not scan my DL they didnt even check my id against my credit card and it was for $1,000 in cards.
Yes, Walgreens is very casual. You can swipe the credit card too.
Everyone seems to talk more about the PayPal card. What about the vanilla card. LoL
The Vanilla Reload Card or the Visa Gift Card?
Hi Grant,
You mentioned that you load serve with PPBDC but that was January. is it possible to go this route now? PPMC > PPBDC > Serve @ Walmart?
I wouldn’t recommend that now. Don’t buy PPMCCs.