Where to log in and what you'll see

Target Red Card accounts are managed through Synchrony Bank, not Target itself. To check your balance or make a payment, you log in at mysynchrony.com or through the Synchrony mobile app — not through Target.com or the Target app. When you first set up your Red Card, Synchrony sent you login credentials by mail. If you've never logged in before, you'll need that username and temporary password to create your permanent one.

Once you're logged in, you see your current balance (what you owe), your available credit, your credit limit, recent transactions, and your due date. The balance shown is your statement balance — the total of all charges since your last billing cycle closed. This is the amount you need to pay by your due date to avoid interest charges.

If you can't find your login information, Synchrony's website has a "Forgot Username" and "Forgot Password" option on the login page. You'll verify your identity using your Social Security number and the card number, then they'll email you a reset link.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at mysynchrony.com or the Synchrony app to see your balance — Target's website and app do not show Red Card account details.
  • Your statement balance is the total you owe from the current billing cycle, and paying it in full by the due date avoids interest charges.
  • You can make one-time payments, set up automatic payments, or pay by phone through Synchrony without logging in.
  • Payments typically post within one business day if you pay online, but mailed checks take 7 to 10 days to reach the processing center.

Making a one-time payment online

After you log in to mysynchrony.com, look for "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it's always visible on the main account page. Click it and you'll be asked how much you want to pay: the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount. Choose your amount and the date you want the payment to come out of your bank account.

Synchrony will ask for your bank account number and routing number. You can save this information for future payments or enter it fresh each time. After you confirm, you'll see a confirmation number on screen and receive an email receipt. The payment posts to your account the next business day if you submit it before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday.

If you submit a payment on a weekend or holiday, it processes the next business day. Synchrony does not charge a fee for online payments from a U.S. bank account.

Setting up automatic payments

If you want your Red Card payment to happen the same day each month without logging in, you can set up autopay through Synchrony. Log in, find "Manage Autopay" or "Automatic Payments," and choose whether you want to pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount each month.

You'll enter your bank account details and pick the day of the month the payment should leave your account. Synchrony recommends choosing a date after your statement closes but before your due date — for example, if your due date is the 20th, set autopay for the 15th. This gives you time to review the charges before the money leaves your account.

You can change or cancel autopay anytime by logging back in. If you cancel, you'll need to make manual payments going forward or set up autopay again.

Paying by phone or mail

You don't have to log in online to make a payment. You can call Synchrony's customer service at the number on the back of your Red Card and make a payment over the phone. A representative will ask for your account number and bank details, then process the payment when ready. This method is useful if you're not comfortable entering bank information online or if you need to pay urgently.

You can also mail a check to the address printed on your monthly statement. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address listed under "Payment Address" on your statement. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account, so plan ahead if your due date is coming up soon.

Do not mail cash. If you're paying by mail and want to track when your payment arrives, Synchrony does not offer a tracking service, but you can call customer service a few days after mailing to confirm receipt.

Understanding your statement balance versus minimum payment

Your statement balance is the total of all charges from the last billing cycle. Paying this in full by the due date means you pay no interest. Your minimum payment is the smallest amount Synchrony will accept — usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance, or $25, whichever is greater. Paying only the minimum means interest starts accruing on the remaining balance the next day.

If you carry a balance month to month, interest compounds. For example, if your statement balance is $500 and you pay only the $25 minimum, the remaining $475 begins accruing interest at your card's APR (annual percentage rate). The next month, you owe interest on $475 plus any new charges. Over time, this costs far more than paying the full balance upfront.

You can see both numbers in your online account. The statement balance appears near the top of your account page; the minimum payment appears on your monthly statement and in the payment section when you log in.

What to do if you can't pay by the due date

If you know you can't pay the full balance by your due date, contact Synchrony before the date passes. Call the number on the back of your card and explain your situation. Synchrony cannot waive the interest charge, but they may be able to work with you on a payment plan or discuss your options. Late payments damage your credit score and trigger late fees, so calling ahead is better than missing the due date.

If you do miss a payment, Synchrony will charge a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and interest will accrue on your balance. Your credit report will show the late payment 30 days after the due date if you haven't paid by then. Paying as soon as you can after missing a due date limits the damage, but the late payment stays on your credit report for seven years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my payment went through?

You'll receive an email confirmation when ready after submitting an online payment, and the confirmation number appears on your screen. You can also log back into mysynchrony.com and check your recent transactions — the payment should show within a few hours. If you paid by phone, the representative gives you a confirmation number before you hang up.

Can I pay my Target Red Card through the Target app?

No. Target's app shows your Red Card account number and lets you view recent purchases made with the card, but it does not allow payments. You must go to mysynchrony.com or call Synchrony to pay. Some people confuse this because Target's app does show the card, but payment management is always through Synchrony.

What happens if I pay more than I owe?

If you send a payment larger than your balance, Synchrony holds the extra as a credit on your account. Your next purchases are deducted from that credit first. You can request a refund of the overpayment by calling Synchrony, though some people prefer to keep the credit to reduce their next payment.

Is there a fee for paying online?

No. Synchrony does not charge a fee for online payments made from a U.S. bank account. Phone payments and mailed checks are also free. The only way you pay extra is if you use a third-party payment service (not Synchrony's official channels), which may charge a convenience fee.

How long does it take for a payment to show up?

Online payments post within one business day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time on a weekday. Phone payments post the same day or next business day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days. Your due date is based on when the payment posts, not when you submit it, so mail early if your due date is soon.