What a Target Red Card payment is and where to send it

A Target Red Card payment is money you send to Synchrony Bank (the company that issues the card) to pay down your balance. You can pay online through your Synchrony account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Target store. The fastest way is online — the payment posts the same day if you send it before the cutoff time, which is usually around 8 p.m. Eastern time on business days.

Target Red Cards come in two types: a credit card and a debit card. The credit card is issued and managed by Synchrony Bank. The debit card is different — it draws directly from your Target Circle Card account, which is a prepaid card, so you load money onto it rather than paying a bill. This guide covers the credit card, which is the one with a monthly bill.

You do not pay Target directly. Even though you use the card at Target stores, the card itself is a Synchrony product, so all payments go to Synchrony, not to Target.

Key Takeaways

  • Target Red Card payments go to Synchrony Bank, not to Target, and you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or at a Target store.
  • Online payments post the same day if sent before the cutoff time on a business day, while mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive.
  • You can set up automatic payments through your Synchrony account so the same amount comes out on the same day each month.
  • Your payment due date appears on your monthly statement, and paying at least the minimum by that date keeps your account in good standing.
  • Late payments are reported to credit bureaus and can lower your credit score, so setting a reminder or automatic payment helps you stay on time.

Paying online through your Synchrony account

Log in to your Synchrony account at mysynchrony.com or through the Synchrony mobile app. Click "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" — the exact wording depends on which version of the site you see. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer) or debit card. If you choose a bank account, Synchrony will ask for your routing number and account number. If you choose a debit card, enter the card details.

Review the payment amount and the date it will post. If you are paying from a bank account and the date is a business day, the payment posts the same day. If the date is a weekend or holiday, it posts the next business day. Debit card payments may take one business day to post. Confirm the payment, and you will see a confirmation number on screen — save this for your records.

You can also set up automatic payments on this same screen. Choose the amount (minimum payment, statement balance, or a fixed dollar amount you set), the day of the month it should come out, and whether it should repeat every month or just once. Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call Synchrony at the number on the back of your Target Red Card. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and your bank account or debit card information. Phone payments post within one business day. You will receive a confirmation number — write it down.

To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Synchrony Bank. Include your account number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address" — this address is different from the mailing address for questions or disputes, so use the one marked for payments. Mail payments take five to seven business days to arrive and post, so send them at least a week before your due date to avoid a late payment.

Paying in person at Target

You can pay your Target Red Card balance at the customer service desk in any Target store. Bring your card or your account number and the amount in cash or a debit card. The payment posts within one business day. This option is useful if you prefer to handle money in person or if you are already at Target.

In-store payments are slower than online payments but faster than mail. You will receive a receipt showing the amount paid and the date. Keep this receipt until you see the payment post to your account, which usually happens within one business day.

Understanding your due date and minimum payment

Your due date is printed on your monthly statement, usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. The statement also shows your minimum payment — the smallest amount you must pay to keep your account in good standing. The minimum is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance, depending on your balance and interest charges.

Paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance. If you want to avoid interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date. If you cannot pay the full balance, paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe and gets you out of debt faster.

If you miss your due date, Synchrony reports the late payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. A payment is considered late if it arrives after 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on the due date. If you are close to your due date, pay online or by phone rather than by mail.

What happens if you cannot pay on time

If you know you will miss a payment, contact Synchrony before the due date. You can call the number on the back of your card or log into your account online. Synchrony cannot erase a late fee or remove a late payment from your credit report, but they may be able to work with you on a payment plan or discuss your options.

If you do miss a payment, you will be charged a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment). Your interest rate may also increase. Pay as soon as you can — even a few days late is better than letting it sit. One late payment stays on your credit report for seven years, but its impact on your credit score fades over time, especially if you make all future payments on time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my payment went through?

Log into your Synchrony account and check your transaction history, or look at your most recent statement. You will also receive a confirmation number when you pay online or by phone. If you paid by mail, allow five to seven business days for the payment to post, then check your account.

Can I pay more than my minimum payment?

Yes. You can pay any amount up to your full balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces your interest charges and helps you pay off the card faster. There is no penalty for paying early or paying more than required.

What if I want to pay my balance in full?

You can pay your full statement balance at any time. Log into your Synchrony account, select "Pay Full Balance," and confirm. This stops interest from building on that balance. Note that new purchases made after your statement closes will appear on your next bill.

Is there a fee for paying online?

No. Synchrony does not charge a fee for online payments, phone payments, or in-store payments. Mail payments are also free, but they take longer to post.

Can I change my automatic payment amount or date?

Yes. Log into your Synchrony account, find your automatic payment settings, and edit the amount or date. You can also cancel an automatic payment and set up a new one. Changes take effect on your next scheduled payment date.