Where to send your Target credit card payment

You can pay your Target credit card in three ways: online through your Target account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you log into your Target.com account, go to the credit card section, and submit a payment when ready. By phone, you call the number on the back of your card and speak to a representative who processes the payment while you wait. By mail, you send a check to the address printed on your monthly statement, though this takes seven to ten business days to post.

Target's credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank, so the payment systems and customer service are run by Synchrony, not by Target itself. This matters because if you have questions about your account or payment posting, you may be directed to Synchrony's phone line rather than Target's customer service.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payment through Target.com posts the same day if you submit before the payment important date, which is usually around 5 p.m. Eastern time.
  • Phone payments also post the same day when you call the number on your card, and a representative can tell you your current balance before you pay.
  • Mail payments take one to two weeks to reach the payment processor and post to your account, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
  • Your minimum payment due date appears on your monthly statement, and paying late triggers a late fee and may raise your interest rate.
  • You can set up automatic payments from your bank account so the payment goes out on the same day each month without you having to remember.

Paying online through Target.com

Log into your Target.com account using your email and password. Once you are signed in, look for "Credit Card" or "Manage Your Card" in the account menu — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it is always in the main account settings. Click that link and you will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and due date.

Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay the full balance, the minimum, or any amount in between. Then select your payment method — you can pay from a checking or savings account, or use a debit card. Review the amount one more time before you submit, because once the payment goes through, you cannot undo it the same day.

The payment posts to your account the same business day if you submit before the cutoff time, which is usually 5 p.m. Eastern time. If you submit after that time or on a weekend, it posts the next business day. You will receive a confirmation email with the transaction number.

Paying by phone

Call the number on the back of your Target credit card. A Synchrony representative will answer and ask for your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to verify your identity. Once verified, tell them you want to make a payment and they will tell you your current balance and minimum payment due.

You can pay any amount from your checking or savings account over the phone. The representative will ask for your routing number and account number, or you can authorize the payment using your debit card. The payment posts the same business day, and you will receive a confirmation number to write down.

Phone payments are useful if you want to speak to someone about your account before paying, or if you are not comfortable entering banking details online. The wait time varies depending on call volume, but most calls are answered within a few minutes during business hours.

Paying by mail

Write a check for the amount you want to pay and include a note with your Target credit card number. Mail it to the address shown on your monthly statement under "Payment Address" — this address is different from Target's corporate headquarters, so use the exact address on your bill.

Mail payments take five to ten business days to arrive and be processed. Because of this delay, you should mail your payment at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment. If your due date is coming up soon, use online or phone payment instead.

Write the check amount clearly and keep a record of the check number and date you mailed it. If the payment does not post within two weeks, call the number on your card to confirm it was received.

Setting up automatic payments

Automatic payments remove the need to remember your due date each month. Log into your Target.com account, go to your credit card settings, and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments." You can choose to pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month.

Select the day of the month you want the payment to come out — most people choose a date shortly after they get paid, so the money is available in their account. The payment will come from your checking or savings account automatically on that day each month. You can change or cancel the automatic payment anytime through your account settings.

Automatic payments are a safety net against late fees and interest rate increases, because the payment goes out even if you forget. However, you should still check your statement each month to make sure the payment posted correctly and your balance is what you expected.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date, Synchrony charges a late fee — the amount depends on your account terms, but it is usually between $25 and $40 for the first late payment. A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score.

If you are more than 30 days late, Synchrony may raise your interest rate to a higher "penalty rate," which makes future purchases and your existing balance more expensive to carry. If you are 60 days late, the account may be reported to a debt collection agency, which damages your credit for years.

If you realize you will miss a due date, call the number on your card as soon as possible. Synchrony sometimes waives a single late fee if you have a good payment history and can pay within a few days. The sooner you call, the better your chances of getting the fee removed.

Understanding your statement and due date

Your monthly statement shows your opening balance, all purchases and credits from the past month, your new balance, your minimum payment due, and your due date. The due date is usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closing date, which is printed at the top of the statement.

Your minimum payment is calculated as a percentage of your balance plus any interest and fees — it is usually 1 to 3 percent of what you owe. Paying only the minimum means you will carry a balance and pay interest, which makes your purchases more expensive over time. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you pay and gets you out of debt faster.

If you do not receive your statement by email or mail, log into your Target.com account to view it online. You can also set up paperless statements so you receive an email when your statement is ready instead of waiting for the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Target credit card with cash at a Target store?

No, you cannot pay your credit card bill in person at a Target store. You must pay online, by phone, or by mail. Some Target locations have a customer service desk, but they do not process credit card payments there.

What if I pay more than my balance?

If you send a payment larger than your balance, the extra amount becomes a credit on your account. You can use that credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund by calling the number on your card. Refunds usually take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.

Does paying early help my credit score?

Paying before your due date does not hurt your credit, but it does not help it either — what matters is that you pay by the due date. However, paying early reduces the interest you pay if you carry a balance, so it saves you money even if it does not change your score.

Can I pay my Target credit card from a different bank account?

Yes, you can pay from any U.S. checking or savings account, regardless of which bank it is with. You will need your routing number and account number, which you can find at the bottom of your checks or by logging into your bank's website.

What if my payment was rejected?

A payment is usually rejected because of insufficient funds, an incorrect account number, or a closed account. If your payment was rejected, you will receive a notice by mail or email. Contact your bank to confirm the account is active and has enough money, then try paying again through a different method like your debit card or by phone.