What You Need to Know Before You Start
Target offers two versions of the Red Card: a debit card that pulls directly from your bank account, and a credit card that works like a standard Mastercard. Both give you 5% off most Target purchases in-store and online. The debit version requires a checking account; the credit version requires a credit check. You can open either one in about 15 minutes, either in a Target store or online at target.com.
The process is straightforward because Target handles everything — you do not need to visit a bank or wait for mail. If you open the card in-store, you get an when ready digital card number you can use right away. If you open it online, the digital card arrives within minutes, and a physical card ships to your address in 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Target Red Card debit or credit card in-store or online, and use a digital version when ready for online shopping and in-store purchases.
- The debit card requires only a checking account and a valid ID; the credit card requires a credit check and a Social Security number.
- Both cards offer 5% off most purchases, plus an extra 5% off for Target Circle members on certain days.
- You do not need to be a Target Circle member to open a Red Card, but membership stacks the discount.
Opening a Red Card Debit Card in a Target Store
Walk into any Target and ask a team member at the guest services desk or checkout for a Red Card process. They will hand you a tablet or paper form. You will need your driver's license or state ID and your checking account number (the long number at the bottom left of a check, or from your bank's app).
Fill in your name, address, phone number, email, and checking account details. The system verifies your identity and bank account in real time. If everything matches, you will see a confirmation screen within a few minutes. Target will give you a digital card number on the spot — you can use it when ready at any Target register or online. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.
Bring your physical card once it arrives, because some older registers still require a swipe. The digital version works everywhere now, but having the physical card in your wallet removes any friction at checkout.
Opening a Red Card Credit Card in a Target Store
The process is the same as the debit card, except Target will run a credit check. You will need your driver's license or state ID, your Social Security number, and your date of birth. The credit check takes a few minutes. Target will tell you on the spot whether you are approved, and if you are, you will get a digital card number when ready.
Target uses Synchrony Bank to issue the credit card. If you have fair or poor credit, you may still be approved — Target's approval rate is higher than many other retailers because they are looking at your full credit history, not just your score. If you are declined, ask the team member whether you can reapply in a few months or whether a debit card would work instead.
Opening a Red Card Online
Go to target.com and look for the Red Card link in the top navigation or footer. Click "Open a Card" and choose debit or credit. You will enter the same information as in-store: name, address, ID number, and either your checking account details (debit) or Social Security number (credit).
The online form takes about 10 minutes. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation page with your digital card number. You can use that number to shop online when ready or add it to the Target app to use in-store. Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not see the confirmation page, check your email — Target sends a confirmation message with your card number and a link to set up your online account.
What Happens After You Open Your Card
Once approved, you will receive a welcome email with a link to create your online account at target.com. This account lets you view your balance, set up automatic payments (for the credit card), and manage your card settings. You can also add your Red Card to the Target app for faster checkout.
Your digital card works when ready, but your physical card takes 7 to 10 business days. If you need the card sooner, use the digital version — it works everywhere the physical card does. When your physical card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account.
For the debit card, money comes directly from your checking account, so there is no monthly bill. For the credit card, you will receive a statement each month and can pay online, by phone, or by mail. Target recommends setting up automatic payments to avoid late fees.
Debit Card vs. Credit Card: Which One to Choose
Choose the debit card if you want to avoid a credit check, do not want to carry a balance, or prefer spending only what you have. It works like a regular debit card but gives you the 5% Red Card discount. There is no monthly bill and no interest charges. The downside is that it does not build credit history.
Choose the credit card if you want to build or improve your credit score, prefer the flexibility of paying over time, or want to earn rewards on other purchases (the Red Card credit card earns 1% cash back on most purchases outside Target). The credit card does require a credit check and monthly payments, but it reports to the three major credit bureaus, so responsible use helps your credit.
You can open both cards if you want — there is no limit. Some people use the debit card for Target shopping and the credit card for other stores to earn rewards.
Documents and Information You Will Need
| Card Type | Documents Required | Information Required |
|---|---|---|
| Debit Card | Driver's license or state ID | Name, address, phone, email, checking account number |
| Credit Card | Driver's license or state ID | Name, address, phone, email, Social Security number, date of birth |
Have these items ready before you start, whether you are opening the card in-store or online. If you do not have a checking account for the debit card, you will need to open one at your bank first — most banks do this in a few minutes online or in a branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Red Card digital number before my physical card arrives?
Yes. Your digital card number works when ready for online shopping and in-store purchases. You can add it to the Target app or use it at checkout. The physical card is optional — many people use only the digital version.
What if my credit is bad or I have no credit history?
Target's credit card approval rate is higher than many retailers because they review your full credit history, not just your score. If you are declined, ask whether you can reapply in a few months or open a debit card instead. The debit card requires no credit check.
Do I have to be a Target Circle member to get the Red Card discount?
No. The Red Card gives you 5% off on its own. If you also join Target Circle (free), you get an extra 5% off on certain days and access to other deals. The two discounts stack, but the Red Card works without Circle membership.
Can I close my Red Card after I open it?
Yes. Call the number on the back of your card or log into your online account and request closure. For the credit card, pay off any remaining balance first. There is no penalty for closing the card.
How long does it take to get approved?
In-store and online approval is when ready or within a few minutes. You get your digital card number the same day. Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days, but you do not need to wait for it to start using your discount.