Where to send your Target credit card payment
Target credit card payments go to Synchrony Bank, which manages the card on Target's behalf. You can pay online through your Synchrony account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Target store. The method you choose affects how quickly the payment posts and what information you need on hand.
Online payment through Synchrony's website or mobile app is the fastest route — payments typically post within one business day. By phone, you can reach Synchrony at the number on the back of your card; have your account number and routing information ready if you want to pay from a bank account. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post, so send them early if you have a due date approaching.
In-store payments at Target are also an option: you can pay at the customer service desk with cash, debit, or another credit card. This method is useful if you prefer handling payment in person, though it still takes a day or two to post to your account.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony Bank processes Target credit card payments, and you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or at a Target store customer service desk.
- Online and phone payments post within one business day; mail payments take seven to ten days, so plan ahead if you have a due date.
- Your payment due date is listed on your monthly statement, and paying by that date avoids late fees and interest charges.
- Setting up automatic payments through Synchrony prevents missed due dates and keeps your account in good standing.
Paying online through Synchrony
The Synchrony website and mobile app are the most direct ways to pay your Target credit card. Log in with your username and password, navigate to the payment section, and choose how much to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount. You'll see the payment date before you confirm, so you know when it will post.
If you don't have a Synchrony account yet, you can create one using your Target credit card number and other identifying information. Once your account is set up, you can also set up automatic payments to deduct a fixed amount or your full balance on a date you choose each month. Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the number on the back of your Target credit card. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay. If you're paying from a bank account, have your routing number and account number ready; if you're using a debit card, have that card information available. Phone payments typically post within one business day.
For mail payments, write a check or money order payable to Synchrony and include your account number on the check itself. Mail it to the address listed on your statement under "Payment Address" — this address is different from the mailing address for statements, so check your bill carefully. Mail payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and process, so send payment at least two weeks before your due date if you're cutting it close.
Paying in person at Target
You can walk into any Target store and pay your credit card bill at the customer service desk. Tell the associate you want to make a credit card payment, provide your card or account number, and pay with cash, debit, or another card. The payment will be recorded, but it still takes one to two business days to post to your Synchrony account.
In-store payments are useful if you prefer face-to-face transactions or if you're already at Target. However, this method doesn't offer any speed advantage over online payment, and you won't receive an when ready confirmation number the way you would online or by phone.
Understanding your due date and payment important date
Your Target credit card due date appears on your monthly statement and is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. Paying by this date avoids late fees and keeps your account in good standing. If you miss the due date, Synchrony charges a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus.
If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day. Online and phone payments post quickly enough that you can pay on the due date itself and still meet the important date. Mail payments, however, take so long that you should send them by the 10th of the month at the latest to be safe.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments through Synchrony remove the need to remember your due date each month. Log into your Synchrony account, go to the autopay settings, and choose whether you want to pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount each month. You can set the payment date to any day of the month, though most people choose a few days before their due date to allow for processing time.
You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your Synchrony account. If you set autopay to your full balance, you'll never carry a balance and won't pay interest — but you'll also need to make sure you have enough money in your bank account on the payment date each month.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date, Synchrony charges a late fee and marks your account as past due. After 30 days past due, the missed payment appears on your credit report. After 60 days, your interest rate may increase to a penalty rate. After 180 days (six months), Synchrony may close your account and send it to collections.
If you miss a payment by a few days, contact Synchrony when ready to ask whether they can waive the late fee as a one-time courtesy. Many issuers will do this if you have a good payment history. If you're having trouble making payments, Synchrony also offers hardship programs that may lower your interest rate or allow you to pause payments temporarily — call the number on your card to discuss your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Target credit card with another credit card?
Yes, you can pay with another credit card at a Target store customer service desk or through some third-party payment services. However, paying a credit card with another credit card usually triggers a cash advance fee and higher interest rate, so this is not recommended unless you have no other option.
What if I pay more than I owe?
The extra amount becomes a credit balance on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund by calling Synchrony. Refunds typically take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount between the minimum payment and your full balance. Paying only the minimum keeps your account in good standing but leaves you carrying a balance that accrues interest. Paying the full balance avoids interest entirely.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Online and phone payments show a confirmation number when ready. Check your Synchrony account a day or two later to confirm the payment posted. For mail payments, call Synchrony after two weeks if you don't see the payment reflected in your account.
What if I want to dispute a charge on my bill?
Contact Synchrony within 60 days of the charge appearing on your statement. You can dispute through your online account or by calling the number on your card. Synchrony will investigate and either reverse the charge or explain why it is valid.