Yes, Target offers two credit cards you can use in stores and online
Target has two credit card options: the Target RedCard (a debit card) and the Target Credit Card (a traditional credit card issued by Synchrony Bank). Both cards give you a 5% discount on most purchases made at Target stores and on Target.com. The main difference is that the RedCard pulls money directly from your bank account, while the Credit Card lets you carry a balance and pay interest if you choose.
You can open either card in-store at Target, on Target.com, or through the Target mobile app. The process takes about 10 minutes, and you'll get a temporary digital card number you can use right away while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail.
Key Takeaways
- The Target RedCard is a debit card that deducts money from your checking account and gives you 5% off purchases at Target.
- The Target Credit Card is issued by Synchrony Bank and also offers 5% off, but lets you carry a balance and pay interest.
- Both cards work at Target stores and Target.com, plus some partner retailers like CVS and Walgreens for the RedCard.
- You can open either card online, in the Target app, or in a store, and use a temporary digital card number when ready.
- The RedCard has no annual fee; the Credit Card also has no annual fee but charges interest on balances you don't pay in full.
The Target RedCard: How the debit version works
The Target RedCard is a debit card linked to your checking account. When you use it, money comes out of your bank account right away, just like using your regular debit card. You get 5% off almost everything you buy at Target, and you also get free shipping on Target.com orders (no minimum purchase required). There is no annual fee.
The RedCard works at Target stores and Target.com. You can also use it at CVS, Walgreens, and some other partner retailers, though you won't get the 5% discount outside of Target. To open a RedCard, you need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and a checking account. Target will verify your identity and bank account information during the process, which takes a few minutes.
The RedCard does not build credit history because it is a debit card, not a credit card. If you are trying to build or improve your credit score, the Target Credit Card is the better choice.
The Target Credit Card: How the credit version works
The Target Credit Card is a traditional credit card issued by Synchrony Bank. You get the same 5% discount on Target purchases and free shipping on Target.com. Unlike the RedCard, this card reports to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so using it responsibly can help build your credit history.
The Credit Card has no annual fee. You can pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, or you can carry a balance and pay interest on what you owe. Synchrony sets the interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) based on your credit score and history. You can check your rate before you finish your process.
The Credit Card works only at Target stores and Target.com — you cannot use it at other retailers. You need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and a credit history (or willingness to build one from scratch) to open this card. The process takes about 10 minutes online or in-store.
How to open a Target card in-store
Walk up to the checkout counter or customer service desk and ask to open a Target RedCard or Target Credit Card. A team member will hand you a tablet or paper process. You will need to provide your full name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and either your checking account information (for RedCard) or permission for Synchrony to check your credit (for Credit Card).
The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Once you finish, you will get a temporary digital card number on the spot that you can use to make a purchase right away. Your physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you are approved for the Credit Card, you will also receive your credit limit and APR in writing.
How to open a Target card online or in the app
Go to Target.com or open the Target mobile app and look for "Credit Cards" or "RedCard" in the top menu. Click the link to open a new card. You will see two options: RedCard or Credit Card. Select the one you want and click "Open Now."
Fill in your personal information: full name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. For the RedCard, you will also enter your checking account number and routing number. For the Credit Card, Synchrony will pull your credit report. Once you submit, you will get a decision in seconds or within a few minutes. If you are approved, you will receive a temporary digital card number right away that you can use on Target.com or in the app. Your physical card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
Comparing the RedCard and Credit Card side by side
| Feature | Target RedCard | Target Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Card type | Debit card | Credit card |
| Discount at Target | 5% off | 5% off |
| Free shipping on Target.com | Yes | Yes |
| Works at other stores | CVS, Walgreens, some others | Target only |
| Annual fee | No | No |
| Builds credit history | No | Yes |
| Interest charges | No | Yes, if you carry a balance |
| Requires checking account | Yes | No |
What happens after you open your Target card
Once your physical card arrives, you can set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Target app. Your temporary digital card number will stop working once you set up the physical card. You can then use your card at any Target store or on Target.com to get your 5% discount on every purchase.
For the Credit Card, you will receive a statement each month showing your balance, minimum payment due, and due date. You can pay online through Synchrony's website, through the Target app, by phone, or by mail. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you will not be charged interest. If you pay less than the full balance, interest will be added to your next statement.
You can check your balance and recent purchases anytime through the Target app or by logging into your Synchrony account online. Both cards let you set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have both the RedCard and the Credit Card at the same time?
Yes. You can open both cards if you want. Some people use the RedCard for everyday Target shopping and the Credit Card to build credit. However, you do not need both — the 5% discount is the same on either card.
What if I am denied for the Target Credit Card?
If Synchrony denies your process, you can still open the RedCard instead, which does not require a credit check. You can also ask Synchrony why you were denied and try again in a few months after improving your credit score or paying down other debts.
Do I have to use my Target card only at Target?
The Credit Card works only at Target stores and Target.com. The RedCard works at Target and also at CVS, Walgreens, and a few other partner retailers, though you only get the 5% discount at Target. If you need a card that works everywhere, neither of these is the right choice.
How long does it take to get approved for a Target card?
For the RedCard, you usually get approved on the spot in-store or within seconds online. For the Credit Card, Synchrony gives you a decision in seconds to a few minutes. You can use a temporary digital card number right away while you wait for your physical card to arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Will opening a Target card hurt my credit score?
Opening the Credit Card will cause a small, temporary dip in your credit score because Synchrony will check your credit report. This is called a hard inquiry. However, if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, your score should recover and improve over time. The RedCard does not affect your credit score at all because it is a debit card.