Target Credit Card works only at Target stores and Target.com
The Target Credit Card (also called the RedCard) is a closed-loop card, meaning you can use it only at Target locations and on Target's website. You cannot use it at other retailers, gas stations, restaurants, or anywhere else outside the Target ecosystem. If you try to swipe it at another store, the transaction will be declined.
Target issues two versions of the RedCard: the store card and the Mastercard version. The store card works only at Target. The Mastercard version works at Target plus anywhere else that takes Mastercard, giving you more flexibility. Understanding which card you have matters before you leave the store.
This limitation is by design. Target uses the card to track your purchases, send you personalized offers, and build loyalty. In exchange, cardholders get a 5% discount on most Target purchases and free shipping on Target.com orders.
Key Takeaways
- The Target store card works only at Target stores and Target.com, nowhere else.
- The Target Mastercard works at Target plus any merchant that accepts Mastercard worldwide.
- If you have the store card and need to use credit elsewhere, you will need a different card.
- Both versions offer the same 5% discount at Target, but the Mastercard gives you a backup payment method outside Target.
The difference between the Target store card and Target Mastercard
When you open a Target credit card account, you choose which version to receive. The Target store card is the original version and carries no Mastercard logo. It works only at Target. The Target Mastercard carries the Mastercard logo and works at Target plus any business worldwide that accepts Mastercard.
Both cards give you the same 5% discount on Target purchases and free shipping on Target.com orders over $35. Both report to the three major credit bureaus and affect your credit score the same way. The only real difference is where you can use the card outside of Target.
If you already have the store card and want the Mastercard version instead, you can request a conversion. Call the number on the back of your card and ask to upgrade to the Target Mastercard. Target will not close your account or reset your credit history — you keep the same account and credit line.
What happens if you try to use the store card outside Target
If you attempt to use the Target store card at a gas pump, restaurant, or any non-Target merchant, the transaction will be declined. The card straightforward will not work because it is not connected to any payment network outside Target's system.
This can be frustrating if you forget which card you grabbed, but it is also a safety feature. Because the card only works at Target, a stolen Target card is far less useful to a thief than a Mastercard would be. Your liability for fraudulent charges is also limited to Target transactions.
If you need to make a purchase outside Target, you will need to use a different payment method — another credit card, debit card, or cash.
Using the Target Mastercard at other retailers
If you have the Target Mastercard, you can use it anywhere that displays the Mastercard logo. This includes grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and international merchants. The card works like any other Mastercard in your wallet.
When you use the Target Mastercard outside of Target, you do not receive the 5% discount. You earn regular rewards only on Target purchases. Some cardholders keep the store card for Target trips and use a different card elsewhere; others prefer the Mastercard for the convenience of one card that works everywhere.
The Target Mastercard also comes with purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and other benefits that standard Mastercards offer. You can review these protections in your cardholder agreement or by logging into your Target account online.
How to check which version you have
Look at your physical card. If it has the Mastercard logo and the word "Mastercard" printed on it, you have the Target Mastercard. If it shows only the Target bullseye logo and no Mastercard branding, you have the store card.
You can also log into your Target account online or in the Target app. Go to your account settings and look for card details. The card type will be listed there. If you are unsure, call the number on the back of your card and a representative can tell you which version you hold.
Switching from the store card to the Mastercard
If you have the store card and want the flexibility of using your card outside Target, you can request an upgrade to the Target Mastercard at any time. Call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask to convert your account.
The process is usually quick — often completed in the same call. Your account number stays the same, your credit line transfers over, and your credit history with Target remains intact. You will receive a new physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use your account online when ready.
There is no fee to upgrade, and you do not lose any benefits or rewards you have already earned. The only change is that your new card will work at Mastercard merchants worldwide in addition to Target.
What to do if you need credit outside Target
If you only have the Target store card and you need to make a purchase at another retailer, you have a few options. You can use a different credit card, debit card, or cash if you have them available. You can also request the Mastercard upgrade, though it will take a week or so to arrive.
Some people keep both cards: the store card for Target purchases (to earn the 5% discount) and another card for everywhere else. This approach lets you maximize rewards at Target while maintaining payment flexibility elsewhere.
If you do not have another card and need one urgently, you can look into other credit cards that offer broad acceptance. However, explore for a new card will create a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Target store card at Walmart or other big-box retailers?
No. The Target store card works only at Target stores and Target.com. It will be declined at Walmart, Costco, or any other retailer. If you have the Target Mastercard, you can use it at those stores because it is a Mastercard.
Does the Target Mastercard give me the 5% discount everywhere?
No. The 5% discount applies only to Target purchases, whether you use the store card or the Mastercard. When you use the Target Mastercard at other merchants, you pay regular price with no Target discount.
What if I lost my Target card and need to make a purchase today?
If you have the store card, you will need to use a different payment method because the card only works at Target. If you have the Mastercard, you can use it at other retailers. You can also call Target customer service to report the card lost and request a replacement.
Can I use my Target card online at other websites?
Only if you have the Target Mastercard. The store card will not work on non-Target websites because it is not connected to any payment network outside Target. The Mastercard works on any website that accepts Mastercard.
Is there a fee to upgrade from the store card to the Mastercard?
No. Upgrading from the Target store card to the Target Mastercard is free. Your account number and credit line stay the same, and you keep all your existing rewards and benefits.