What a Target card payment is and where to send it
A Target card payment is money you send to Synchrony Bank, which issues the Target RedCard on behalf of Target. When you make a purchase with your Target card, Synchrony is the lender — not Target itself. This matters because you send your payment to Synchrony's payment processing center, not to a Target store or Target.com.
You have several ways to pay: online through your Synchrony account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Target store. Each method reaches the same account, but the timing and confirmation you receive differ. Knowing which method works for your situation helps you avoid late fees and keeps your account in good standing.
Key Takeaways
- Target card payments go to Synchrony Bank, not Target, because Synchrony is the card issuer and lender.
- You can pay online at mysynchrony.com, by phone at the number on your statement, by mail to the address printed on your bill, or at a Target checkout.
- Online and phone payments typically post within one business day; mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days depending on mail delivery and processing time.
- Your payment due date appears on your monthly statement, and paying by that date avoids interest charges and late fees.
- Setting up automatic payments through your bank or through Synchrony reduces the risk of missing a due date.
Paying online through your Synchrony account
The fastest and most common way to pay is through mysynchrony.com, Synchrony's customer portal. You create a login using your card number and personal information, then link a bank account for transfers. Once linked, you can pay any amount from that account, and the payment posts within one business day.
When you log in, you see your current balance, due date, and recent transactions. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. If you set up a one-time payment, Synchrony sends a confirmation email with the payment date and amount. This confirmation is useful to keep if there is ever a dispute about whether the payment arrived.
If you do not have a Synchrony account yet, you can create one the first time you visit mysynchrony.com. You will need your Target card number, Social Security number, and date of birth. The account is free and takes about five minutes to set up.
Paying by phone or automatic payments
You can call the number on the back of your Target card or on your monthly statement to pay by phone. A representative takes your bank account information and processes the payment over the phone. This method works if you do not want to create an online account or prefer speaking to someone. Payments made by phone also post within one business day.
Automatic payments are a stronger option if you want to remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You can set up autopay through Synchrony's website or by calling customer service. You choose whether to pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount each month. The payment comes out of your bank account on the date you select, usually a few days before or on your due date.
Automatic payments do not require you to log in or call each month. However, you should still check your statement to make sure the payment went through and to catch any billing errors. If your balance changes unexpectedly, you can adjust or cancel autopay at any time through your Synchrony account.
Paying by mail
If you prefer to pay by check or money order, you can mail your payment to the address printed on your monthly statement. Write your account number on the check or money order so Synchrony knows which account to credit. Mail payments take longer than online or phone payments — typically 7 to 10 business days from the time you drop it in the mail until it posts to your account.
Because of this delay, mail payments should be sent at least 10 to 15 days before your due date to arrive on time. If you are close to your due date and choose to mail a payment, you risk a late fee if the payment does not arrive by the important date. For this reason, mail is the least reliable method for time-sensitive payments.
Keep a record of the check number or money order receipt in case you need to track the payment later. If a mailed payment does not appear on your statement within two weeks, contact Synchrony customer service with your receipt information.
Paying at a Target store checkout
You can make a Target card payment at any Target store by going to the checkout and telling a cashier you want to pay your bill. You can pay with cash, another card, or a check. The cashier processes the payment and gives you a receipt. This payment method is convenient if you are already at Target, but it is slower than online or phone payments — it typically takes 3 to 5 business days to post to your account.
Store payments are useful as a backup if you cannot access online banking or a phone, but they should not be your primary method. The delay means you need to plan ahead to may support the payment reaches your account by the due date. Always keep your receipt as proof of payment.
Understanding your due date and avoiding late fees
Your payment due date is printed on your monthly statement and is usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. If you pay by the due date, you avoid a late fee and interest charges on your balance. If you pay after the due date, Synchrony charges a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and begins charging interest on your remaining balance at your card's annual percentage rate.
Late payments also damage your credit score because payment history is the largest factor in credit scoring. A single late payment can lower your score by 50 to 100 points, and the damage lasts for seven years on your credit report. For this reason, paying on time is more important than paying a large amount — even a minimum payment made by the due date protects your credit.
If you miss a due date, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Some customers can have a one-time late fee waived if they have a good payment history and call within a few days of the missed payment. This is not may provide, but it is worth asking about.
What to do if you cannot pay your full balance
If you cannot pay your full balance by the due date, you can pay the minimum payment instead. The minimum is printed on your statement and is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance. Paying the minimum by the due date keeps your account current and protects your credit score from a late payment.
However, paying only the minimum means you pay interest on the remaining balance. The interest accrues daily at your card's annual percentage rate, which for Target cards typically ranges from 16 to 26 percent depending on your creditworthiness. This means the longer you carry a balance, the more you pay in total.
If you are struggling to pay, contact Synchrony before you miss a payment. Some customers may have access to for hardship programs that lower your interest rate or create a payment plan. Synchrony is more likely to work with you if you reach out before the payment is late.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Target card payment to show up?
Online and phone payments post within one business day. Payments made at a Target store take 3 to 5 business days. Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days. Always allow extra time if you are paying close to your due date.
Can I pay my Target card with another credit card?
No, Synchrony does not accept credit card payments. You can pay with a debit card, bank transfer, check, or cash. Paying a credit card with another credit card usually costs extra fees and is not recommended.
What happens if I pay after my due date?
You will be charged a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and interest will begin accruing on your balance at your card's annual percentage rate. A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score by 50 to 100 points.
Can I set up automatic payments for a specific amount each month?
Yes. Through your Synchrony account or by calling customer service, you can choose to pay a fixed dollar amount, the minimum payment, or the full statement balance automatically each month on a date you select.
What if I overpay my Target card?
If you pay more than your balance, Synchrony holds the extra money as a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund by contacting customer service.