How Target RedCard bill payment works
You can pay your Target RedCard bill through three main routes: online at Target.com or through the Target mobile app, by phone at the customer service number on your card, or by mailing a check to the address printed on your statement. The online and app methods are fastest — payments post within one business day. Phone payments take the same time but require you to speak with a representative. Mailed checks typically take five to seven business days to reach Target's payment processing center, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
Target processes payments seven days a week, including holidays. If you pay online or through the app after 11:59 p.m. Central Time, the payment posts the next business day. Payments made by phone are processed the same day if you call before the cutoff time, which varies by season — Target publishes this on their website and on your statement.
You do not have to pay the full balance each month. You can pay any amount at or above the minimum due without penalty. However, any balance you carry will accrue interest at the card's current APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
Key Takeaways
- Online and app payments post within one business day, while mailed checks take five to seven business days, so choose your method based on when your due date falls.
- You can set up automatic payments through your Target account to have a fixed amount withdrawn on the same date each month, reducing the risk of a late payment.
- Paying less than the full balance means you will owe interest on the remaining amount at the card's APR, which is disclosed in your cardholder agreement.
- Late payments are reported to credit bureaus after 30 days and trigger a late fee, so contact Target immediately if you cannot pay by the due date.
Paying online or through the Target app
Log into your Target account at Target.com or open the Target mobile app, then navigate to the "Account" or "Wallet" section. Select "RedCard" and look for the payment option — it is usually labeled "Make a Payment" or "Pay Your Bill." Enter the amount you want to pay and confirm your payment method. Target accepts debit cards, bank accounts, and other Target RedCards. Do not use a credit card to pay your RedCard bill, as that creates a cash advance and triggers higher fees and interest rates.
After you submit the payment, Target displays a confirmation number on screen. Save or screenshot this number — you will need it if you have questions about the payment later. The money leaves your account immediately, but it may take up to one business day to post to your RedCard balance. You can check the status of your payment by logging back into your account within 24 hours.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missed due dates
Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. In your Target account, go to "Account Settings" or "Payment Methods" and select "Automatic Payments" or "AutoPay." Choose a fixed amount — you can set it to the minimum due, a specific dollar amount, or the full statement balance — and pick the date each month when you want the payment to come out. Target will withdraw that amount on or shortly after your chosen date.
Automatic payments are drawn from the bank account or debit card you designate. You can change or cancel the automatic payment at any time through your account settings, but you must do so before the scheduled withdrawal date. If you cancel an automatic payment, you are responsible for making manual payments to avoid late fees. If your bank account does not have sufficient funds on the withdrawal date, the payment will fail and you may incur an overdraft fee from your bank in addition to a late fee from Target.
Paying by phone or by mail
To pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your RedCard. A representative will ask for your card number, the amount you want to pay, and the payment method — debit card or bank account. They will provide a confirmation number before the call ends. Write down this number and keep it with your statement. Phone payments are processed the same day if you call before the cutoff time, which Target publishes on their website and in your account.
To pay by mail, write a check payable to Target and include your RedCard account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" — this is different from the mailing address for customer service inquiries. Do not send cash through the mail. Include only the check; do not include your statement or other documents unless Target specifically requests them. Allow five to seven business days for the check to arrive and post.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Target charges a late fee. The amount of the fee depends on your card's terms, which are in your cardholder agreement. After 30 days past the due date, Target reports the late payment to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This report stays on your credit report for seven years and can lower your credit score, making it harder to borrow money in the future.
If you realize you cannot pay by the due date, contact Target's customer service immediately. Explain your situation and ask whether they can work with you — some cardholders are offered a one-time courtesy waiver of the late fee or a temporary payment plan. This conversation does not erase the late payment if it has already been reported, but it may prevent additional fees from accruing. The sooner you call, the more options you may have.
Understanding your statement and due date
Your Target RedCard statement arrives by mail or email (depending on your preference) around the same date each month. The statement shows your opening balance, all purchases and credits from the past month, any fees or interest charges, the new balance you owe, the minimum payment due, and the due date. The due date is always at least 21 days after the statement closing date — this is required by federal law.
Your statement also displays your current APR, the amount of interest you paid that month, and your credit limit. If you carry a balance, the interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. The longer you carry a balance, the more interest you pay. You can reduce interest charges by paying more than the minimum or by paying the full balance each month.
Comparing payment methods by speed and cost
| Payment Method | Processing Time | Cost to You | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online or app | 1 business day | Free | Paying close to the due date or making frequent payments |
| Phone | Same day (before cutoff) | Free | Paying by phone if you prefer speaking to a representative |
| 5–7 business days | Cost of postage | Paying well in advance of the due date | |
| Automatic payment | 1 business day | Free | Avoiding missed payments and late fees |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Target RedCard with another credit card?
No. Target only accepts debit cards and bank accounts for RedCard payments. Paying with another credit card would be treated as a cash advance, which carries a higher interest rate and an upfront fee. If you do not have a debit card or bank account, call Target customer service to discuss other options.
What if my payment is rejected or fails?
If your payment fails online, you will see an error message explaining why — usually insufficient funds or an incorrect card number. Fix the issue and try again immediately. If your automatic payment fails, Target sends a notice to your email or mailing address. You must make a manual payment right away to avoid a late fee. Check your bank account to make sure you have enough funds before the next automatic payment date.
How do I know if my payment posted to my account?
Log into your Target account and check your RedCard balance. Online and app payments post within one business day. Phone and automatic payments post the same day or next business day. If more than one business day has passed and your payment does not show, call Target customer service with your confirmation number.
Can I pay someone else's Target RedCard bill?
No. Target only accepts payments from the cardholder or an authorized user on the account. If you are an authorized user, you can make payments using the same methods described above. If you are not on the account, the cardholder must make the payment themselves or add you as an authorized user first.
What is the difference between the minimum payment and the full balance?
The minimum payment is the smallest amount you can pay without triggering a late fee. It is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance plus any fees and interest. Paying only the minimum means you carry a balance and owe interest. Paying the full balance means you owe nothing next month and pay no interest. Paying more than the minimum but less than the full balance reduces interest but does not eliminate it.