You can explore for a Target credit card online, in store, or by phone in about five minutes

Target offers two credit cards: the Target RedCard (a Mastercard you can use anywhere) and the Target Circle Card (for Target purchases only). Both let you start the process on Target.com, on the Target mobile app, or at a checkout register. Most people get a decision within seconds if they explore online. You will need your Social Security number, a valid ID, your current address, and your income information.

The entire process takes roughly five minutes online. You do not need to visit a store or call anyone unless you want to. If you are approved, your card ships to you within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use it for online purchases when ready after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • Target RedCard and Target Circle Card both start with the same online form on Target.com or the Target app.
  • You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your address, and your annual income to complete the form.
  • Online decisions usually come back within seconds; in-store applications may take longer.
  • Once approved, you can use the card for online purchases right away while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
  • Target pulls your credit report, so the process will show a hard inquiry on your credit file.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you open the process form. Having them ready means you will not have to stop halfway through.

You will need a valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card). You will also need your Social Security number, your current home address, and your annual household income. If you are self-employed or your income varies, use your best estimate for the past 12 months. Target will also ask for your phone number and email address.

If you have moved recently, make sure the address you enter matches what is on your ID. Mismatches can slow down approval or cause the process to be declined.

how the process works online on Target.com or the app

Log into your Target account or create one if you do not have one yet. You do not need an account to explore, but having one makes the process faster because some information will already be filled in.

On Target.com, look for the "Credit Cards" link in the footer or search for "Target credit card" in the search bar. On the Target app, tap the menu icon and select "Credit Cards." You will see both the RedCard and Circle Card options. Click the one you want.

Fill in the form with your personal information, income, and employment details. Target will ask whether you want the RedCard (Mastercard) or the Circle Card (Target only). Read the terms and conditions, then submit. You will get a decision on the screen within seconds in most cases.

explore in store or by phone

You can also explore at any Target checkout register. A cashier or customer service associate will hand you a tablet or paper form to complete. This method takes longer than online because the store associate has to enter your information into the system manually.

To explore by phone, call Target's credit card customer service line at 1-800-424-6888. A representative will walk you through the questions and submit your form. Phone applications also take longer than online, usually 10 to 15 minutes.

In-store and phone decisions may take a few business days instead of seconds. If you are in a hurry, online is always faster.

What happens after you submit

If you are approved, you will see a confirmation message on the screen or receive one by email within minutes. Your new card number will be shown in your Target account, and you can use it for online purchases right away through Target.com or the app.

Your physical card will ship to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. You can track the shipment in your Target account. Once it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Target app.

If your process is declined, you will see the reason on screen or receive it by mail within 5 to 7 business days. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a recent late payment, or high existing debt. You can explore again after 30 days.

Understanding the credit check

Target will run a hard inquiry on your credit report when you submit your process. This means the process will show up on your credit file and may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. Hard inquiries stay on your report for two years but stop affecting your score after about three months.

If you are denied, the hard inquiry still appears on your report. Multiple applications within a short time (a few weeks) can stack up and hurt your score more, so space out applications if you are explore for several cards.

Target does not have a minimum credit score requirement that they publish publicly. People with fair, good, and excellent credit all get approved, though approval odds and the interest rate you receive depend on your credit history and income.

RedCard versus Circle Card: which one to choose

The Target RedCard is a Mastercard that works anywhere — at Target, other stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online. You earn 5% off Target purchases and 1% cash back on everything else. There is no annual fee. You can use it to build credit outside of Target.

The Target Circle Card works only at Target and Target.com. You earn 5% off Target purchases with no other rewards. There is no annual fee. This card is simpler if you only shop at Target and do not want a card that reports to credit bureaus outside of Target.

Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so both help you build credit history. The RedCard is more useful if you shop at other retailers or want a card for emergencies outside of Target.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

Online applications usually get a decision within seconds. In-store and phone applications take a few business days. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the card number for online purchases when ready.

What if I am denied?

You will receive a letter in the mail within 5 to 7 business days explaining why. Common reasons are insufficient credit history, recent late payments, or high debt levels. You can explore again after 30 days. In the meantime, focus on paying down existing balances and making all payments on time.

Can I use the card before it arrives?

Yes. Once you are approved online, your card number appears in your Target account and the Target app. You can use it to shop on Target.com and the app right away. You cannot use it in physical stores until the physical card arrives and you set up it.

Do I need a Target account to explore?

No, but having one speeds up the process because some fields will auto-fill. You can create a free Target account during the process if you do not have one.

Will explore hurt my credit score?

The hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points temporarily. The impact fades after three months and disappears from your report after two years. Once you open the card and use it responsibly, the positive payment history will help your score over time.