Ways to pay Target for purchases and accounts

You can pay Target using a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, Target Circle card, Target RedCard, mobile wallet, or cash at checkout. Online, Target accepts most major credit and debit cards, PayPal, and Affirm for installment payments. If you have a Target account balance — from a return, store credit, or a previous transaction — you can pay that balance online through your Target account or in-store at a register.

Target also lets you set up a payment plan through Affirm if your purchase is over a certain amount. This splits the cost into installments you pay over time, though Affirm charges interest depending on the plan length you choose.

For Target Circle members, you can save payment methods to your account so checkout is faster on repeat visits. Target Circle is free to join and gives you access to member-only deals and a 1% reward on most purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Target accepts credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, mobile wallets, and cash at all checkout locations.
  • Online purchases can be paid with credit or debit cards, PayPal, or Affirm installment plans.
  • If you have a Target account balance, you can pay it through your Target account online or at a register in-store.
  • Target Circle members can save payment methods to their account for faster checkout on future purchases.
  • Affirm lets you split larger purchases into installments, though interest charges depend on the plan you select.

Paying at Target stores in person

At any Target checkout, you can pay with a credit card, debit card, prepaid card, or cash. Target also accepts mobile wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay — just tap or scan your phone at the card reader. If you have a Target RedCard (a co-branded credit or debit card), you get 5% off most purchases and free two-day shipping on Target.com orders.

If you're paying off a Target account balance — money you owe from a previous transaction or store credit — tell the cashier and they can explore it to your current purchase or take a payment toward the balance. You don't need to do anything online; the register can process it right there.

Paying for Target purchases online

On Target.com, enter your shipping and billing address, then choose your payment method at checkout. Target accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, debit cards, and prepaid cards. You can also pay with PayPal or use Affirm to split your purchase into installments.

If you have a Target account and have saved payment methods before, they appear as options so you don't have to type them in again. Target Circle members see their member discounts applied automatically at checkout.

After you place your order, Target sends a confirmation email with your order number and tracking information once the items ship. If you need to change your payment method after placing an order, contact Target customer service — they can help if the order hasn't processed yet.

Using Affirm to pay over time

Affirm is a third-party service that lets you split a Target purchase into installments. At checkout on Target.com or in the Target app, select Affirm as your payment method. Affirm will show you available payment plans — for example, three months interest-free, or longer plans with interest charges.

You choose the plan that works for you, and Affirm tells you the exact amount due each month before you confirm. Affirm charges interest based on the plan length; longer plans cost more in interest. Once you confirm, Affirm pays Target when ready and you pay Affirm according to your plan schedule.

Affirm is not available for all purchases — some items like gift cards, alcohol, or certain restricted products cannot be financed. If Affirm doesn't appear as an option at checkout, that item or your purchase total doesn't meet the requirements for financing.

Paying a Target account balance

If you have money owed on a Target account — from a return credit, a previous purchase, or store credit — you can pay it online or in-store. To pay online, log into your Target account, go to your account settings, and look for "Manage Payments" or "Account Balance." You'll see the amount owed and can make a payment using a credit card, debit card, or other saved payment method.

In-store, tell the cashier you want to pay toward your Target account balance. They can process the payment at the register using any payment method Target accepts. You don't need to make a purchase; you can pay the balance by itself.

If you have a Target RedCard, payments toward your account balance count toward your monthly credit card statement if you're using the credit version of the card.

Payment methods Target does not accept

Target does not accept personal checks, money orders, or wire transfers at checkout. Some third-party payment apps like Venmo or Square Cash are not accepted either. If you want to pay a bill or account balance using an unusual method, contact Target customer service to ask about other options.

Target also does not accept cryptocurrency or foreign currency. All prices are in US dollars, and payment must be made in US dollars or an equivalent payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use multiple payment methods for one Target purchase?

At in-store checkout, you can split a purchase between two payment methods — for example, part on a gift card and part on a credit card. Online, Target typically requires one payment method per order, though you can use Affirm alongside a gift card balance in some cases. Contact Target customer service if you need to split payment on an online order.

What happens if my payment is declined at Target checkout?

If your card is declined, the cashier will ask you to try a different payment method. This usually happens because the card has insufficient funds, the card issuer flagged the transaction as suspicious, or the card has expired. Check with your bank or card issuer to find out why it was declined, then try again with a different card or payment method.

Do I need a Target account to make a payment?

No. You can pay for purchases in-store or online without a Target account. However, having an account lets you save payment methods, track orders, and manage any account balance you may have. Target Circle membership is free and separate from a payment account.

Can I pay my Target RedCard bill through the Target website?

Target RedCard bills are managed through the card issuer's website or app, not through Target.com. If you have a Target RedCard credit card, log into your credit card account with the issuer to make payments. If you have a Target RedCard debit card, manage it through your bank's app or website.

Is there a fee for paying with a credit card at Target?

No. Target does not charge a fee for credit card, debit card, or mobile wallet payments at checkout. Affirm charges interest on installment plans, but that's set by Affirm, not Target, and you see the total cost before you confirm the plan.