What a REDcard payment is and where to send it
A REDcard payment is money you send to Target to pay down the balance on your REDcard credit card. You can make this payment through several channels: Target's website, the Target mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Target store. The method you choose depends on how quickly you need the payment to post and whether you want to set up automatic payments.
Target processes payments through its own payment system, not through a third-party processor. This means payments made online or through the app typically post within one business day, while mailed payments take longer depending on mail delivery time and Target's processing schedule.
You will need your REDcard account number and either a bank account (for electronic transfers) or a mailing address to send a check. If you pay by phone, you will also need to verify your identity with information from your card or account.
Key Takeaways
- Online and app payments typically post within one business day, while mailed checks take five to seven business days after Target receives them.
- You can set up automatic monthly payments through the Target website or app so you do not have to remember to pay each month.
- Payments made in Target stores must be processed at the guest services desk, and you should ask for a receipt to confirm the transaction.
- If you pay by phone, Target will ask you to verify your identity and confirm the amount before processing the payment.
Making a payment online or through the Target app
Log into your Target account on the Target website or open the Target mobile app. Navigate to the REDcard section, which is usually found under "Account" or "My REDcard." Select the option to make a payment or view your account balance.
Enter the amount you want to pay. You can pay your full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Target will show you the current balance and minimum payment due so you know your options. Then select your payment method: you can pay from a checking or savings account linked to your Target account, or add a new bank account for this payment.
Review the payment details one more time before confirming. Target will show you the amount, the date the payment will post, and your new balance after the payment goes through. Once you confirm, you will receive a confirmation number on screen and by email. Keep this number in case you need to reference the payment later.
Paying by phone or mail
To pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your REDcard. A representative will ask for your account number and will verify your identity by asking for information such as your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Tell them the amount you want to pay, and they will process the payment over the phone using your bank account information.
Phone payments are typically processed the same business day if you call before the payment important date, which is usually in the afternoon. Ask the representative when the payment will post to your account and request a confirmation number for your records.
To pay by mail, send a check or money order to the address listed on your REDcard statement or bill. Write your account number on the check. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive at Target's processing center, plus one to two business days for Target to post the payment to your account. Do not mail cash. If you are concerned about the payment arriving on time, use online or phone payment instead.
Paying in person at a Target store
You can make a REDcard payment at the guest services desk in any Target store. Bring your REDcard or have your account number ready. Tell the guest services associate that you want to make a REDcard payment and provide the amount.
The associate will process the payment and print a receipt showing the transaction. Ask for this receipt and keep it until the payment posts to your account, which usually happens within one business day. In-store payments are processed through the same system as online payments, so timing is similar.
Setting up automatic payments
Automatic payments remove the need to remember to pay each month. Log into your Target account online or through the app, go to your REDcard settings, and look for the option to set up automatic payments or autopay. Select whether you want to pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month.
Choose the date each month when you want the payment to be taken from your bank account. Target recommends choosing a date after you receive your paycheck so the money is available. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings.
Automatic payments are deducted from the bank account you have on file with Target. If that account changes or closes, you will need to update your payment method in your account settings to keep automatic payments active.
What to do if your payment does not post
If you made a payment online or through the app and it has been more than one business day, log back into your account and check your balance. The payment should be reflected there. If it is not, look for a confirmation email from Target with the transaction number.
If you made a mailed payment and more than seven business days have passed since you mailed it, contact Target's customer service. Have your account number and the check number (if you paid by check) ready. They can look up whether the payment was received and when it will post.
If you paid by phone and the payment did not post within one business day, call customer service again with your confirmation number. Occasionally a payment is declined if there is a problem with the bank account you provided, and the representative can tell you whether that happened and help you resubmit the payment.
Late payments and what happens if you miss a due date
Your REDcard statement shows a due date each month. If your payment does not post by that date, your account may be reported as late to credit bureaus, which can affect your credit score. A late fee may also be added to your account.
If you realize you will miss the due date, make a payment as soon as possible through any method available. Online and app payments post fastest. Even if you cannot pay the full balance, paying something before the due date is better than paying nothing, because it shows the account is active and you are making an effort to pay.
If you have already missed a payment and a late fee was added, you can contact Target's customer service to ask whether they will remove the fee. They do not always do this, but it is worth asking, especially if it is your first late payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a REDcard payment to show up?
Online and app payments post within one business day. Phone payments post the same day if you call before the afternoon important date. Mailed payments take five to seven business days to arrive, plus one to two days for Target to process them, so plan for up to nine business days total.
Can I pay my REDcard with a different bank account than the one I used to open it?
Yes. When you make a payment online, through the app, or by phone, you can enter a different bank account. You will need the routing number and account number for the account you want to use. Target will verify the account before processing the payment.
What if I want to pay more than my balance?
You can pay more than your current balance, and the extra amount will be held as a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases or request that Target refund the overpayment to your bank account.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount between the minimum payment and your full balance. Paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance, but it keeps your account in good standing if you cannot pay the full amount right away.
Is there a fee to make a REDcard payment?
No. Target does not charge a fee for making a payment, regardless of which method you use. Online, app, phone, mail, and in-store payments are all free.