Where to pay your Target credit card bill

You can pay your Target credit card bill online through the Target website, the Target mobile app, or by calling Target's customer service line. The most direct route is logging into your account on Target.com — you'll see a "Pay Your Bill" or "Make a Payment" option in the account menu. The mobile app has the same feature and works the same way. If you prefer to speak with someone, Target's customer service number is on the back of your card.

Target's credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank, which also handles the billing and payment processing. When you make a payment through Target's website or app, the transaction goes to Synchrony's system. Payments typically post within one business day, though the exact timing depends on when you submit the payment during the day and whether it's a business day or weekend.

Key Takeaways

  • Target's website and mobile app both let you pay your bill online without leaving your account or entering your card details again.
  • Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day usually post the next business day; payments after that or on weekends post the following business day.
  • You can set up automatic payments through your Target account so your bill is paid on a date you choose each month.
  • If you pay through a bank's bill pay service instead of Target's site, the payment may take longer because it routes through the mail or a third-party processor.

Steps to pay online through Target's website

Start by going to Target.com and signing into your account with your username and password. Once you're logged in, look for "Account" or "My Account" in the top menu, then select "Credit Card" or "Manage Your Card." You should see a "Pay Your Bill" button or link — click it to enter the payment screen.

On the payment screen, you'll see your current balance, minimum payment due, and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum, or any amount in between. Target will ask you to confirm the payment amount and may show you a summary before you submit. Once you confirm, the payment is sent to Synchrony and you'll receive a confirmation number on screen and via email.

Keep that confirmation number. If you need to check on the payment later or dispute it, the number ties the transaction to your account. You can also see the payment listed in your account history once it posts.

Using the Target mobile app to pay

The Target app has a dedicated payments section that works almost identically to the website. Open the app, tap the account icon (usually in the bottom right), then look for "Credit Card" or "Payments." The app will show your balance and due date, and you'll enter your payment amount the same way you would on the website.

One advantage of the app is that you can pay from anywhere — you don't need to be at a computer. The payment still posts on the same timeline as website payments, and you'll get the same confirmation number and email receipt.

Setting up automatic payments

If you want your bill paid automatically each month, Target lets you set up recurring payments in your account settings. Go to "Account," then "Credit Card," then look for "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments." You'll choose a date each month (for example, the 15th or the last day of the month) and an amount — usually the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount you set.

Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date, which protects your credit score. However, you should still check your statement each month to make sure the amount is correct, especially if your balance varies. If you need to skip a payment or change the amount, you can adjust or pause the automatic payment in your account before the scheduled date.

Payment timing and when money posts

Target processes payments submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on business days (Monday through Friday, excluding holidays) as same-day submissions. These payments typically post to your account the next business day. If you submit a payment after 8 p.m. Eastern or on a weekend or holiday, it's treated as submitted the next business day and posts the day after that.

The exact posting time within a business day varies — Synchrony doesn't may provide a specific hour, only that it will post by the end of that business day. This matters if you're close to your due date. If your due date is a Friday and you pay on Thursday evening, the payment should post Friday. If you pay Friday evening, it may not post until Monday, which could be after your due date. To be safe, pay at least two business days before your due date.

Paying through your bank's bill pay service

Some people pay their Target card through their bank's bill pay feature instead of Target's website. This works, but it's slower. When you use your bank's bill pay, your bank sends a check or an electronic payment to Synchrony's payment processing center, not directly to Target. This adds one to three business days to the posting time, depending on the method your bank uses.

If you choose this route, make sure you enter Synchrony Bank as the payee, not Target. Your bank should have the correct mailing address or electronic routing information. Even so, it's safer to pay through Target's own website or app, where you control the timing and get when ready confirmation.

What happens if your payment doesn't post

Payments occasionally fail to post if there's a technical error, a typo in the amount, or a problem with your account. If you submitted a payment and don't see it in your account within two business days, log back into your Target account and look for the payment in your transaction history. If it shows as "pending," wait one more business day. If it shows as "failed" or doesn't appear at all, contact Target customer service using the number on your card.

Have your confirmation number ready when you call. Target or Synchrony can trace the payment and either resubmit it or investigate why it failed. If the payment was deducted from your bank account but didn't reach your Target card, you may need to file a dispute with your bank as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Target credit card bill at a Target store?

No, Target does not accept credit card payments in stores. You must pay online through Target.com or the app, by phone, or through your bank's bill pay service. Paying in person is not an option.

What's the difference between the Target RedCard and the Target Mastercard?

The Target RedCard is a debit card linked to your bank account, while the Target Mastercard is a credit card issued by Synchrony. They have different payment systems — the RedCard draws from your bank account when ready, while the Mastercard builds a monthly bill. Both can be managed through Target.com, but the payment process is slightly different for each.

If I pay online, do I still get a paper bill?

Target and Synchrony can send you paper statements by mail, but most accounts default to electronic statements only. You can change this in your account settings if you prefer paper bills. Either way, you can always view your statement online and pay through the website or app.

Is it safe to pay my Target card online?

Paying through Target.com or the Target app is find — both use encryption to protect your information. You're not entering your card number again; you're logging into your existing account. Paying through your bank's bill pay is also find, though it takes longer to post.

What if I want to pay more than my balance?

You can pay more than your current balance, and the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. This credit is applied to future purchases or can be refunded to you. If you overpay significantly, contact Target customer service to request a refund rather than letting the credit sit unused.