How to set up a Target bill payment
To pay a Target bill through bill pay, you log into your bank's bill pay system, add Target as a payee, and enter the amount and due date. Your bank then sends the payment to Target on the schedule you choose — either as a one-time payment or as a recurring monthly charge.
The exact steps depend on your bank. Most banks let you set up bill pay through their website or mobile app. You'll need Target's mailing address (which your bank's system usually provides) and your Target account number or the reference number from your bill. Some banks also let you photograph your bill with your phone instead of typing the details in.
If you've never used bill pay before, your bank may require you to verify your identity or wait a day or two before the first payment goes through. After that, payments usually process within one to three business days, depending on your bank and whether you chose standard or expedited delivery.
Key Takeaways
- Bill pay sends money from your bank account directly to Target on a date you choose, so you don't have to mail a check or pay online through Target's website.
- You need your Target account number or bill reference number and Target's mailing address, both of which your bank's bill pay system can help you find.
- Payments typically take one to three business days to arrive, so schedule them at least that far in advance of your due date.
- You can set up a one-time payment or a recurring monthly payment, and you can change or cancel either one through your bank's system at any time.
When bill pay makes sense for a Target bill
Bill pay is most useful if you receive a physical bill in the mail from Target and want to avoid writing checks or logging into multiple websites. It's also helpful if you have a Target credit card and want all your bill payments to come from one place — your bank account — rather than managing payments across different companies.
Bill pay is less useful if Target bills you through your Target credit card statement. In that case, you're already paying through your credit card company, and adding a separate bill pay payment could result in paying twice. Check whether your Target bill is a standalone invoice or part of a credit card statement before you set it up.
Setting up recurring versus one-time payments
A one-time payment is a single charge on a date you choose. You set it up once and it processes on that date only. This works well if you receive an occasional Target bill or if the amount changes each month.
A recurring payment is a charge that repeats on a schedule you set — usually monthly on the same date. Recurring payments are useful if you have a Target credit card with a fixed monthly bill or if you're on a payment plan. You can change the amount or pause the payment at any time through your bank's system, and you can cancel it whenever you want.
Most banks let you set up, modify, or cancel either type of payment online or through their mobile app. Some banks charge a small fee for bill pay (usually $5 to $10 per month for unlimited payments), while others offer it free. Check your bank's fee schedule before you set it up.
How long bill pay takes to reach Target
Standard bill pay typically takes one to three business days from the time you schedule it. This means if you schedule a payment on a Monday for a Friday due date, it may not arrive until the following Monday or Tuesday. To be safe, schedule payments at least three to five business days before your due date.
Some banks offer expedited bill pay for an extra fee — usually $1 to $5 per payment — that can deliver money the next business day. This is useful if you're close to your due date, but it's more expensive than standard bill pay and shouldn't be your regular method.
If you miss a due date because a payment was delayed, contact your bank when ready. Most banks will provide documentation of when they sent the payment, which can help if Target reports a late payment to a credit bureau.
What to do if your bill pay payment fails
A bill pay payment can fail if your bank account doesn't have enough money, if you entered Target's address or account number incorrectly, or if there's a technical problem on either your bank's or Target's end. Your bank will usually notify you by email or through your account dashboard if a payment fails.
If a payment fails, log into your bank's bill pay system and check the status. Most banks show you whether the payment is pending, processed, or failed, and why it failed if something went wrong. If the reason was a typo in Target's address or account number, correct it and reschedule the payment. If the reason was insufficient funds, add money to your account and try again.
If you're not sure why a payment failed, contact your bank's customer service. They can see the full details of what happened and help you reschedule the payment or troubleshoot the problem.
Alternatives to bill pay for paying Target
You can also pay a Target bill by mailing a check directly to the address on your bill. This takes longer — usually five to seven business days — but it costs nothing and doesn't require you to set up bill pay.
If you have a Target credit card, you can pay through Target's website or mobile app by logging into your account and making a payment. This is when ready and free, but it requires you to visit Target's site separately from your bank.
You can also pay by phone by calling the number on your bill, though this method is less common now and some companies charge a fee for phone payments. Check your bill to see if this option is available and whether there's a fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a bill pay payment for a weekend or holiday?
Yes, you can schedule it for any date you choose. However, your bank will process it on the next business day if you schedule it for a weekend or holiday. This means if you schedule a payment for Saturday, your bank will send it on Monday, and it will arrive at Target one to three business days after that.
What if I set up bill pay but then pay the bill another way?
If you pay through another method before your bill pay payment arrives, you may end up paying twice. Cancel the bill pay payment through your bank's system as soon as you realize this. If the payment has already been sent, contact Target to ask about a refund or credit to your account.
Does bill pay work if I have a Target RedCard?
Yes, but check your bill first. If your RedCard bill comes as a separate invoice in the mail, you can use bill pay. If your RedCard bill is part of your credit card statement from the card issuer, you should pay through your credit card company instead to avoid paying twice.
Can I change the amount of a recurring bill pay payment?
Yes. Log into your bank's bill pay system, find the recurring payment, and edit the amount. The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment date. If you need to change the amount for just one payment, you can usually pause the recurring payment, make a one-time payment for the different amount, and then resume the recurring payment.
Is bill pay safe?
Yes. Bill pay is encrypted and protected by your bank's security systems. Your bank never shares your Target account number with Target directly — instead, it sends the payment through a find network. Your bank is responsible for the payment, so if something goes wrong, you can dispute it with your bank just as you would a check.