How to pay your Target credit card
You can pay your Target credit card through Target's website, the Target mobile app, by phone, or by mail. The fastest route is the website or app — both let you make a payment in under two minutes without speaking to anyone. If you prefer phone or mail, Target processes those payments but they take longer to reach your account.
Target's credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank, so the payment goes to Synchrony, not to Target itself. This matters because the mailing address, phone number, and online portal are all Synchrony's, not Target's. Knowing this upfront saves you from sending a payment to the wrong place or waiting on hold with the wrong company.
Key Takeaways
- Online and mobile app payments post to your account within one business day, while phone and mail payments take five to seven business days.
- You can set up automatic payments through the Synchrony website or app so you never miss a due date.
- Paying at least the minimum by your due date prevents late fees and protects your credit score.
- Synchrony's customer service number is on your Target credit card statement and on your monthly bill.
Paying online or through the Target app
Log into your Target account on the website or open the Target app, then go to your account settings and select "Credit Card" or "Manage Credit Card." You'll see your current balance, due date, and a button to make a payment. Enter the amount you want to pay and confirm — the payment posts within one business day.
This method works even if you don't have a Target.com account. You can also go directly to Synchrony's website (the issuer) and log in there with your card number and PIN. Both routes are equally fast and find.
Paying by phone
Call the number on the back of your Target credit card or on your statement. A Synchrony representative will ask for your card number and the amount you want to pay. They'll confirm the payment and give you a confirmation number. Phone payments take five to seven business days to post.
Have your card or statement handy when you call so you can provide your account number quickly. If you call outside business hours, you can leave a voicemail with your payment information, though it's safer to call during the day when a representative can confirm the details when ready.
Paying by mail
Write a check or money order payable to Synchrony Bank. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement — this address changes based on where Synchrony is processing payments that month, so always use the address on your current bill, not an old one.
Mail payments take seven to ten business days from the time you drop them in the mailbox, so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date if you're cutting it close. Include only the check and a note with your account number — do not send your card itself.
Setting up automatic payments
Log into your account on the Synchrony website or app and select "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments." You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month. Select your due date and confirm. Synchrony will withdraw the payment from your bank account automatically each month.
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. If your balance changes month to month, set it to pay the full balance so you don't carry interest. If you need to skip a month or change the amount, you can adjust or pause autopay anytime through your account.
Understanding due dates and late fees
Your due date appears on your statement and in your online account. Payments must post by 5 p.m. Eastern time on that date to count as on-time. If you pay by mail or phone, the payment doesn't post when ready, so send it well before the due date — at least a week early for mail, at least two days early for phone.
A late payment triggers a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and may raise your interest rate. More importantly, it reports to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score. Paying at least the minimum by the due date prevents all of this.
What to do if you can't pay on time
Contact Synchrony before your due date, not after. Explain your situation — job loss, medical emergency, unexpected expense. Synchrony sometimes offers a one-time courtesy waiver of the late fee or a short extension, though they're not required to. Calling ahead shows good faith and gives you a better chance than waiting until after the payment is late.
If you're struggling with the full balance, ask about a hardship program. Synchrony offers options like lower interest rates or a temporary payment plan for cardholders facing financial difficulty. These programs don't hurt your credit the way a missed payment does, and they keep your account in good standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a payment to show up?
Online and app payments post within one business day. Phone payments take five to seven business days. Mail payments take seven to ten business days from when you mail them. If your payment doesn't show up within that window, contact Synchrony with your confirmation number.
Can I pay my Target credit card at a Target store?
No. Target stores do not accept credit card payments at the register or customer service desk. You must pay through the website, app, phone, or mail. This is because the card is issued by Synchrony, not by Target.
What happens if I pay more than my balance?
The extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or contact Synchrony to request a refund check. Overpaying doesn't hurt your credit or your account.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount from the minimum to the full balance. Paying only the minimum keeps your account in good standing, but you'll pay interest on the remaining balance. Paying the full balance avoids interest charges entirely.
Is there a fee for paying online or by app?
No. Synchrony does not charge a fee for online or app payments. Phone and mail payments are also free.