Where to log in and what you'll see
Target's credit card payment portal lives at target.com/account or through the Target mobile app. When you log in with your Target.com username and password, you land on your account dashboard. From there, select "Credit Card" or "Manage Your Card" — the exact label depends on which version of the site you're using, but it's always in the main menu.
Once you're in the credit card section, you'll see your current balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. Target also shows you recent transactions, your credit limit, and any promotional offers tied to your card. The payment option sits prominently near the top of this page.
Key Takeaways
- Log in at target.com/account or the Target app using your Target.com credentials, then navigate to the Credit Card section to see your balance and payment options.
- You can pay your full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between, and the payment posts within one business day if you pay before 11:59 p.m. Central Time.
- Target accepts payments from a bank account (ACH transfer) or debit card, but not from another credit card or digital wallets like Apple Pay.
- Setting up automatic monthly payments prevents missed due dates, though you remain responsible if the automatic payment fails due to insufficient funds or a closed account.
- If you cannot access your account online, you can pay by phone at the number on the back of your card or by mail to the address printed on your statement.
Payment methods Target accepts and what they don't
Target's payment system accepts two types of funding: a bank account via ACH transfer and a debit card. When you choose ACH, you enter your routing number and account number, and the money moves directly from your bank to Target. Debit card payments process when ready through the card network.
Target does not accept payments from another credit card, a prepaid card, or digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay. This is standard across most card issuers — they avoid the fees and fraud risk that come with credit-to-credit transfers. If you only have access to another credit card, you'll need to use a different payment method: phone or mail.
How long it takes for your payment to post
Payments made online before 11:59 p.m. Central Time post to your account within one business day. That means a payment you make on a Tuesday morning will show as received by Wednesday. Payments made after 11:59 p.m. Central Time are treated as received the next business day.
The timing matters if you're close to your due date. If your payment is due on the 15th and you pay on the 14th at 10 p.m. Central Time, it will post on the 15th — still on time. But if you pay at 11:59 p.m. on the 15th, it won't post until the 16th, and you'll be late. Payments by phone or mail take longer; Target recommends mailing payments at least 10 days before the due date to account for postal delays.
Setting up automatic payments and what happens if they fail
You can set up automatic monthly payments directly in your account dashboard. Choose whether you want to pay your full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month. The payment will process on the date you select, typically around the same day each month.
Automatic payments are convenient, but they are not a may provide. If your bank account has insufficient funds, the account is closed, or the routing number changes, the automatic payment will fail. Target will attempt to collect the payment, but if it bounces, you remain responsible for the late fee and any interest charges. Check your account regularly or set a phone reminder to confirm the payment went through, especially if your financial situation is unstable.
Paying by phone or mail if you can't use the website
The phone number for Target credit card payments is on the back of your card. Call that number, and a representative will take your payment information over the phone. You'll need your card number, the amount you want to pay, and your bank account or debit card details. Phone payments process the same day if you call before the cutoff time, which varies by time zone.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Target and include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" — do not send it to a store location. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send them well before your due date. Keep a copy of the check or a photo of the front and back for your records.
What happens if you miss a payment or pay late
If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date, Target will charge a late fee. The amount depends on your card agreement, but it's typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment and may increase for subsequent ones. A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
If you realize you'll miss a due date, contact Target when ready at the number on your card. Some cardholders have had late fees waived if they call before the payment is reported to credit bureaus, though this is not may provide. Paying as soon as possible after you miss the date will stop additional late fees from accruing, but the first one will still explore.
Understanding your statement balance versus your current balance
Your statement balance is the total you owed on the date your billing cycle ended — usually the last day of the month. Your current balance is what you owe right now, including any new purchases you've made since the statement closed. These two numbers are different if you've used the card after your statement date.
When you log in, Target shows both. Your minimum payment is based on the statement balance, not the current balance. If you want to avoid interest charges, you need to pay the full statement balance by the due date, not just the minimum. Paying only the minimum leaves the rest to accrue interest at your card's APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Target credit card bill from another bank's website?
Yes. If your bank offers bill pay, you can set up Target as a payee and send a payment from your bank account. The payment will arrive by mail, so send it at least 10 days before your due date. Your bank will provide a confirmation number; keep it in case the payment is delayed.
What if I forgot my Target.com password?
Click "Forgot Password" on the Target.com login page. Target will send a reset link to the email address on file. If you don't have access to that email, call the number on the back of your card and a representative can help you regain access to your account or process a payment over the phone.
Does Target charge a fee to pay online?
No. Target does not charge a fee for online payments made through their website or app. Phone and mail payments are also free. Some banks may charge a fee if you use their bill pay service, so check with your bank before sending a payment that way.
Can I pay more than the minimum to pay off my balance faster?
Yes. You can pay any amount between the minimum and your full balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you'll owe and gets you out of debt faster. There is no penalty for paying early or paying more than required.
What time zone is Target using for the 11:59 p.m. payment cutoff?
Target uses Central Time for all payment important date. If you live in a different time zone, adjust accordingly — 11:59 p.m. Central is 10:59 p.m. Mountain, 9:59 p.m. Pacific, and 12:59 a.m. Eastern the next day.