You cannot pay a Target credit card directly with another credit card
Target does not let you pay your Target Mastercard or Target credit card bill using another credit card. If you try to enter a credit card number on the Target payment portal or by phone, the system will reject it. This is a standard policy across most credit card issuers, not just Target.
The reason is straightforward: credit card companies treat credit card payments as cash advances, which carry higher interest rates and fees. Allowing card-to-card payments would also create a loop where people could accumulate debt indefinitely without moving real money. Target's payment system is built to accept only bank accounts, debit cards, and checks.
If you need to pay your Target card but only have access to another credit card, you have real alternatives that work. The most direct route is to use a balance transfer, a cash advance, or to move money through your bank account first.
Key Takeaways
- Target's payment system blocks credit card payments and only accepts bank account transfers, debit cards, and checks.
- A balance transfer from your other credit card to your Target card can move debt without a direct card-to-card payment.
- A cash advance from your other credit card deposits money into your bank account, which you can then use to pay Target.
- If you have no bank account, a debit card or prepaid card linked to your other credit card's funds is the fastest workaround.
Using a balance transfer to move debt to your Target card
A balance transfer moves an existing balance from one credit card to another, usually at a lower interest rate for a set period. If you owe money on another card and want to consolidate it onto your Target Mastercard, you can request a balance transfer directly from Target. Call the number on the back of your Target card or log into your Target account online and look for the balance transfer offer in your account menu.
Target will tell you the balance transfer fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount transferred), the promotional interest rate, and how long that rate lasts. You provide the account number of the card you want to transfer from, and Target handles the rest. The money moves between the card issuers, not through your bank account. This does not pay off your Target card with another credit card — it moves debt onto your Target card instead, which only helps if your Target card has a better rate.
This route makes sense only if your Target card offers a lower interest rate or a 0 percent promotional period. If you are just trying to pay down your Target balance, this does not solve the problem.
Getting a cash advance to fund a bank transfer
A cash advance lets you withdraw money against your credit card's available credit. You can get a cash advance at an ATM, at a bank teller window, or through a cash advance app. The money goes into your bank account or as physical cash, which you can then use to pay your Target card through normal channels.
Cash advances come with costs: a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) and a higher interest rate than regular purchases, often 20 to 30 percent. Interest starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. A $500 cash advance might cost you $15 to $25 upfront, plus interest from day one.
This is expensive, but it works if you need to move money quickly and have no other option. Once the cash is in your bank account, you can pay your Target card through Target's website, by phone, or by mail using the standard payment methods.
Paying with a debit card or prepaid card instead
If you do not have a bank account but have access to another credit card, you can load money onto a prepaid card or debit card using that credit card, then use the prepaid card to pay Target. Prepaid cards like Green Dot, NetSpend, or Chime let you add funds using a credit card at their website or app.
Once the money is on the prepaid card, you can use it to pay your Target bill online, by phone, or by mail. Target accepts debit cards and prepaid cards the same way it accepts bank account transfers. The prepaid card company may charge a fee to load funds from a credit card (usually $1 to $3), but this is often cheaper than a cash advance fee.
This route takes a day or two for the prepaid card to process the transfer, so plan ahead if your payment is due soon.
Setting up automatic payments from your bank account
If you can move money into a bank account — through a paycheck deposit, a transfer from someone else, or a cash advance — you can set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date. Log into your Target account, go to the payment settings, and choose "autopay." You can set it to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month.
Automatic payments pull directly from your bank account on the date you choose, usually a few days before your statement due date. This removes the step of remembering to pay and reduces the chance of late fees or interest charges.
What happens if you miss a Target card payment
If you cannot pay your Target card by the due date, contact Target's customer service before the payment is late. Explain your situation — many cardholders can negotiate a short extension or a temporary lower payment. Target is more willing to work with you if you reach out first rather than letting the account go past due.
A late payment stays on your credit report for seven years and damages your credit score. After 30 days late, Target may report it to the credit bureaus. After 60 days, you may face higher interest rates or account suspension. After 180 days, the account may be sent to a collection agency.
If you are struggling with multiple credit card balances, a nonprofit credit counselor can help you create a repayment plan. The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) offers free or low-cost counseling by phone or video.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Target card with a gift card from another store?
No. Target only accepts bank account transfers, debit cards, checks, and prepaid cards that function like debit cards. A gift card from another retailer has no connection to your bank account and cannot be used to pay a credit card bill.
What if I pay my Target card with a debit card that is linked to a credit card?
That works. If your debit card is funded by a credit card (like a prepaid card you loaded with a credit card), Target accepts the debit card payment normally. The credit card company sees it as a debit card transaction, not a credit card payment, so there are no restrictions.
Does Target offer a payment plan if I cannot pay the full balance?
Target does not offer formal payment plans, but you can pay the minimum amount due each month to keep your account in good standing. If you are facing hardship, call Target's customer service to discuss options. Some cardholders have been able to negotiate temporary payment reductions.
Can I use PayPal or Venmo to pay my Target card?
No. PayPal and Venmo are peer-to-peer payment services, not payment processors for credit card bills. You cannot send a credit card payment through either platform. You would need to transfer money from PayPal or Venmo to your bank account first, then pay Target from your bank account.
What is the fastest way to pay my Target card if I only have another credit card?
A cash advance is fastest — you can get the money within hours and pay Target the same day. A prepaid card is the second-fastest option, taking one to two business days. Both cost money in fees, but they work when you have no bank account or debit card available.