FACT SHEET: Bluebird® by American Express and Walmart
Bluebird is the new checking and debit alternative from Walmart and American Express
designed to help consumers better manage and control their everyday finances.
Bluebird merges the best of today’s capabilities found in the payments, technology, and
financial services space and packages it into something that provides consumers with simple
and convenient access to their funds so they can manage and streamline their money
management.
Built upon American Express’ Serve platform, Bluebird’s features allow consumers to transact
online and offline in the way that best suits their everyday needs. For registered Bluebird
Account Members (terms and conditions apply), features include the ability to:
•
Add Money: Once Members register and receive their personalized Bluebird card, funds
can be loaded online through a bank account such as a savings or checking account,
debit cards, direct deposit, mailing a check to American Express, adding a check via
smartphones and cash loading at Walmart registers. The total Bluebird Account balance
limit is $100,000 annually.
•
Make Purchases: Bluebird can be used for purchases at millions of locations where
American Express ® Cards are accepted, both in the U.S. and internationally.
•
Pay Bills: Members can pay bills to any person or business in the U.S., either online or
with the Bluebird mobile app.
•
Create Subaccounts: Bluebird offers Members the ability to easily create, manage and
specify subaccounts for their friends, family members or colleagues. Members can set
up to four subaccounts. Subaccounts are linked to the master Bluebird account and
allow the user to set spending limits, set up text/email alerts, and enable/disable key
features like ATM access.
•
Transact through the Bluebird Mobile App: The Bluebird mobile app has no fee and is
available on any iPhone® and AndroidTM Phone. Once installed, Bluebird Members can
send and receive money, view transactions, add money, and manage subaccounts.
•
Get Cash Access: Bluebird members can use their Bluebird Card for ATM withdrawals
anywhere around the world that accepts American Express® Cards. Bluebird Members
enrolled in direct deposit can get fee-free and surcharge-free cash access through the
MoneyPass’ network of 22,000 ATMs nationwide. Withdrawals at an out-of-network ATM
will have a $2 fee and additional fees may be assessed by the ATM owner or operator.
For Bluebird Members not enrolled in direct deposit, each ATM withdrawal at any
MoneyPass ATM nationwide will have a $2 fee.
•
Pre-Authorized Check Writing: Bluebird Members have the ability to order Bluebird
checks that they can use to pay bills and make purchases without worrying about
insufficient funds or incurring overdraft fees because a Member’s funds are set aside
during the pre-authorization process.
To preauthorize a Bluebird check, a customer will follow just two easy steps:
1. Obtain a unique authorization code online or through the Bluebird mobile app.
Note: once a Bluebird check is pre-authorized, the funds associated with that
check are immediately deducted from the customer’s balance, and are held until
the check is presented for payment.
2. Write the authorization code on the check and give to the payee. This ensures for
the consumer that sufficient funds are available to cover the Bluebird check being
written. The payee can confirm that sufficient funds are available by calling
American Express.
•
•
FDIC Insurance Coverage: Funds in all permanent Bluebird Accounts will now be
eligible for FDIC insurance, which allows members to arrange for direct deposit of U.S.
government payments. Funds from temporary accounts will not be FDIC insured. Other
restrictions may apply. For more information see www.bluebird.com/fdic.
Enjoy Access To Valuable Benefits: Members have access to benefits (subject to terms
and conditions), including:
– Purchase Protectioni which can provide coverage against accidental damage or
theft of eligible items for 90 days from date of purchase, up to $1,000 per
occurrence, up to $50,000 per Cardmember account per calendar year.
– Roadside Assistanceii which may arrange for the following services: towing,
winching, jump starts, flat tire change when spare is available, lockout service
when key is in vehicle and delivery of up to 2 gallons of fuel.
– Global Assist® Servicesiii provide pre-trip planning assistance as well as
emergency assistance when the Cardmember is traveling more than 100 miles
from home.
– Exceptional 24-7 customer service Members have come to expect from
American Express.
•
Initiate Bluebird to Bluebird Transfers: Immediate person-to-person money transfers to
other Bluebird Members can be conducted online or via the Bluebird mobile app.
•
Set up Money Management Tools: Online management tools provide controls and full
transparency for how Bluebird is used. Either online or via the mobile app, Members
can:
– View real-time transaction history and monitor spending.
– Receive email or text alerts
– Disable/enable ATM access (master accounts only)
– Inquire about their balance 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
– Schedule reloading of funds automatically.
Bluebird is available online at www.bluebird.com and in more than 4,000 Walmart stores.
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Media Contacts:
Vanessa McCutchen
[email protected]
212-640-5445
i
Walmart Media Relations
http://news.walmart.com/reporter
800-331-0085
Purchase Protection is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Phoenix, AZ. Coverage is determined
by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0951 or Policy PP-IND and is subject to change with notice. This document
does not supplement or replace the Policy.
ii
Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Services are available regardless of mileage
from primary residence when traveling within the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Subject to additional terms, conditions
and exclusions.
iii
While the coordination and assistance services are offered at no additional charge from American Express, Cardmembers are
responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.