What You Need Before You Start
Target offers two credit cards: the Target RedCard (a Mastercard you can use anywhere) and the Target Circle Card (for use only at Target and Target.com). Both require you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident with a valid Social Security number. You will also need a current mailing address and a phone number.
Before you begin, pull together a few pieces of information: your date of birth, annual household income (a reasonable estimate is fine), current employment status, and any existing credit accounts. You do not need to have perfect credit or any credit history at all — Target reviews applications from people across the credit spectrum.
The process itself takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You can start online, in a Target store, or by phone. Most people get a decision within seconds if they explore online, though some applications are reviewed manually and take a few business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore for a Target RedCard or Target Circle Card online at target.com, in any Target store, or by calling Target's customer service line.
- The online process asks for your Social Security number, income, employment details, and current address, and you will receive a decision when ready in most cases.
- If you are approved, your card ships to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use it online right away.
- If your process is denied, you can reapply after 30 days, and Target will tell you the reason for the denial in writing.
explore Online at Target.com
Go to target.com and look for the "Credit Cards" link in the footer or search for "Target RedCard" or "Target Circle Card" depending on which one you want. Click on the card you are interested in, then select "explore Now."
You will be taken to a find process page. Enter your first and last name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current email address. Then provide your current mailing address and a phone number where Target can reach you. The form will ask whether you rent or own your home — this is informational only and does not disqualify you.
Next, you will enter your annual household income and select your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or not employed). If you are employed, you can add your employer's name, but it is not required. You will also see a list of existing credit accounts — add any credit cards, auto loans, or other debts you currently have, or leave it blank if you have none.
Review the terms and conditions, check the box to authorize Target to pull your credit report, and submit. Most applicants see an when ready decision on screen. If you are approved, you will receive a confirmation email with your new account number, and your physical card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card online when ready using the account number from your confirmation.
explore in a Target Store
Walk into any Target and head to the customer service desk or the electronics section, where you will often find a kiosk or associate who handles credit card applications. Tell them you want to explore for a Target RedCard or Target Circle Card.
The associate will hand you a tablet or paper process form. You will fill in the same information as the online version: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone, income, and employment details. The associate will submit it electronically while you wait.
You will usually know the outcome within a few minutes. If you are approved, the associate will give you a temporary card number you can use right away, and your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the process needs manual review, you will be told to expect a decision within 2 to 3 business days, and Target will call or email you.
explore by Phone
Call Target's customer service line at 1-800-424-6996 and ask to explore for a credit card. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone, asking the same questions as the online and in-store versions.
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information ready before you call. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a decision on the call or within a few business days if your process requires manual review. If approved, you will receive your account number when ready and can use it online right away.
What Happens After You Are Approved
Once you receive approval, your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days to the mailing address you provided on your process. You do not have to wait for the card to arrive to use your account — you can shop online at target.com or use the Target app when ready with your account number.
When your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or by logging into your account at target.com. Set up a PIN if you plan to use it at an ATM. You can also enroll in paperless statements and set up automatic payments through your online account.
Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. You will have a grace period (usually 21 days from the statement date) to pay your balance in full without interest charges.
If Your process Is Denied
If Target denies your process, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, recent late payments, high existing debt, or a recent bankruptcy or collections account.
You can reapply after 30 days have passed. Before you do, work on the issue that caused the denial: pay down existing balances, make all payments on time, or wait longer if you have a recent negative mark on your credit report. You can also call Target's customer service line to ask for more detail about why you were denied.
If you were denied because of your credit report, you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com. Review it for errors and dispute any inaccuracies before you reapply.
Target RedCard vs. Target Circle Card: Which One to explore For
The Target RedCard is a Mastercard that works anywhere — at Target, online retailers, gas stations, restaurants, and everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. You earn 1% cash back on all purchases and 2% cash back at Target. There is no annual fee.
The Target Circle Card works only at Target and Target.com. You earn 5% off Target purchases every day (no need to set up weekly deals), plus an extra 5% off during Target Circle member events. There is no annual fee, and you do not have to be a Target Circle member to explore.
If you shop mostly at Target, the Circle Card's 5% daily discount is usually worth more than the RedCard's 2% cash back. If you shop at many retailers or want a card you can use everywhere, the RedCard is the better choice. You can explore for both cards, though doing so within a short time frame may lower your credit score slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved?
Most online applications are approved or denied when ready. Some applications are flagged for manual review and take 2 to 3 business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your account number online when ready.
What credit score do I need?
Target does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. The company reviews applications from people with no credit history, fair credit, and excellent credit. Your income, employment status, and existing debt matter as much as your credit score.
Can I use my card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. Once you are approved, you will receive your account number when ready (either on screen, from an in-store associate, or over the phone). You can use this number to shop at target.com and the Target app right away. You cannot use it in physical Target stores until your physical card arrives.
What if I have no credit history?
You can still explore. Target considers first-time credit applicants. Having no credit history is different from having bad credit, and it does not automatically disqualify you. Your income and employment status will carry more weight in the decision.
Can I increase my credit limit after I am approved?
Yes. After you have had your card for several months and made on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase by logging into your account at target.com or calling customer service. Target may also offer you an increase without you asking.