What the Target Credit Card Is

The Target Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use to make purchases at Target and Target.com. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Target — you cannot use it at other retailers. The card comes with a regular purchase APR (the interest rate you pay on balances you carry month to month) and a rewards program that gives you a percentage back on Target purchases.

Target also offers a Target Mastercard, which is a separate product that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at Target. This guide focuses on the store card, which is the more common option.

Key Takeaways

  • The Target Credit Card works only at Target stores and Target.com, and is issued by Synchrony Bank, not by Target itself.
  • The card offers 5% off purchases on the day you open the account, plus ongoing rewards that vary by purchase category.
  • You will pay a regular APR on any balance you do not pay off in full each month, and that rate depends on your credit score at the time you open the account.
  • You can check your credit limit, make payments, and view your account online through Synchrony's website or mobile app.
  • Carrying a balance on a store card typically costs more in interest than a general-purpose credit card, so paying in full each month is important.

How the Rewards Program Works

When you open a Target Credit Card, you receive 5% off your first purchase that same day. After that, the ongoing rewards structure depends on how you use the card. You earn 1% back on most Target purchases, but the rate goes up to 5% back on certain categories during promotional periods that Target announces throughout the year.

The rewards you earn appear as a credit on your account statement. You do not receive them as cash or points you can transfer elsewhere — they reduce the amount you owe on the card. If you pay your balance in full each month, the rewards effectively lower your out-of-pocket cost. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest charges often exceed the value of the rewards, so the card is most useful for people who pay off their statement each month.

Interest Rates and Fees

The Target Credit Card has a variable APR, which means the rate can change over time. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history at the time you open the account. Synchrony does not publish a single APR — instead, they offer a range, and your personal rate falls somewhere within it based on your creditworthiness.

The card has no annual fee. However, if you miss a payment, you will owe a late fee. If you make a payment more than 60 days late, Synchrony may report the late payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. There is also a penalty APR that applies if you pay 60 days or more late; this rate is higher than your regular APR and can remain in effect for six months or longer.

Store cards typically carry higher APRs than general-purpose credit cards because they are riskier for the lender — they can only be used at one retailer. If you carry a balance, you will likely pay more in interest than you would on a Visa or Mastercard with a similar credit limit.

How to Open an Account

You can open a Target Credit Card in a Target store or online at Target.com. In-store, you can explore at the checkout lane or at the customer service desk. Online, you can start the process through the Target website. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income.

Synchrony will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. You will receive a decision within minutes in most cases. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the 5% opening discount on the day you open the account even if your physical card has not arrived yet — you can make a purchase online or provide your card number at checkout.

Managing Your Account Online and by Phone

Once your account is open, you can log in to Synchrony's website or read their mobile app to view your balance, make payments, and see your rewards. You can set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month, which helps you avoid late fees and interest charges. You can also call Synchrony's customer service number (printed on your card) to make a payment by phone or ask questions about your account.

Your statement closes on a set date each month, and your payment is due about 21 days after that. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you will not owe any interest. If you pay only part of the balance, interest begins to accrue on the unpaid portion when ready.

When a Store Card Makes Sense

A Target Credit Card is most useful if you shop at Target regularly and can pay your balance in full each month. The 5% opening discount and ongoing rewards reduce your actual spending if you do not carry a balance. If you shop at Target occasionally or expect to carry a balance from month to month, a general-purpose credit card with a lower APR is usually a better choice.

Store cards can also be useful for building credit if you have a limited credit history. Because store cards have lower credit limits and are easier to get approved for than general-purpose cards, they can be a stepping stone to better credit products. However, only use this strategy if you can pay the balance in full — carrying a balance to build credit costs far more in interest than any credit-building benefit is worth.

Comparing the Target Card to Other Options

The Target Mastercard (the other Target card product) works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at Target. It typically offers 1% back on all purchases and 2% back at gas stations and restaurants. The Mastercard has an annual fee, whereas the store card does not. If you want a card that works everywhere, the Mastercard may be worth the annual fee; if you want to use rewards only at Target, the store card is the better choice.

General-purpose credit cards from Visa or Mastercard often have lower APRs than store cards and offer rewards at multiple retailers. If you do not shop at Target frequently enough to use the rewards, a general-purpose card will likely save you money on interest if you ever carry a balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Target Credit Card outside of Target?

No. The Target Credit Card (the store card) works only at Target stores and Target.com. If you want a card that works everywhere, you would need to open the Target Mastercard instead, which is a separate product with different terms and an annual fee.

What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?

If you pay late, you will owe a late fee. If you are 60 days or more late, Synchrony reports the late payment to credit bureaus, which lowers your credit score. A penalty APR (a higher interest rate) may also explore. The best way to avoid this is to set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due each month.

How long does it take to receive my card in the mail?

Your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You can use your card number to make purchases online or at checkout before the physical card arrives.

Does opening a Target Credit Card hurt my credit score?

Opening the card causes a small, temporary drop in your credit score because Synchrony performs a hard inquiry. This drop usually recovers within a few months. Over time, if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, it can help your credit score by adding to your credit history and showing lenders you can manage credit.

What is the difference between the Target store card and the Target Mastercard?

The store card works only at Target and has no annual fee. The Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, offers rewards at multiple types of retailers, and charges an annual fee. Choose the store card if you shop at Target regularly; choose the Mastercard if you want a card that works everywhere.