How Target RedCard payments work

Target RedCard is a store credit card issued by Synchrony Bank. When you use it to make purchases at Target or Target.com, the charges appear on a monthly statement, and you owe a payment by the due date listed on that statement. You can pay in full, pay the minimum amount due, or pay any amount in between. If you carry a balance, Synchrony charges interest at the card's current APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.

The payment methods available depend on how you choose to pay — online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Target store. Each method has different processing times and cutoff dates, so the timing of when your payment posts to your account depends on which one you use.

Key Takeaways

  • You can pay your Target RedCard online through Synchrony's website or mobile app, by phone at 1-866-633-8379, by mail to the address on your statement, or at a Target checkout.
  • Online and phone payments typically post within one business day, while mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days depending on mail delivery and processing time.
  • Your payment due date appears on your monthly statement, and missing it triggers a late fee and may affect your credit report.
  • You can set up automatic payments through your Synchrony account to send the same amount on the same date each month.

Paying online or through the mobile app

Log into your Synchrony account at mysynchrony.com or use the Synchrony mobile app. Enter your Target RedCard number and password, or create an account if you have not already. Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" and choose the amount you want to pay. You can pay from a checking or savings account linked to your Synchrony profile, or use a debit card.

Online payments typically post to your account within one business day. If you pay before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day, the payment usually posts the next business day. Payments made after 8 p.m. or on weekends and holidays may post the following business day. Synchrony does not charge a fee for online payments.

Paying by phone

Call Synchrony's customer service at 1-866-633-8379. Have your Target RedCard number and the bank account or debit card you want to pay from ready. A representative will walk you through the payment process and confirm the amount and date. Phone payments are free and typically post within one business day, using the same timing as online payments.

Customer service is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time, and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time. If you call outside these hours, you can leave a message or use the automated phone system to make a payment.

Paying by mail

Write a check or money order payable to Synchrony Bank. Include your Target RedCard number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your monthly statement under "Payment Address" — this address is different from the mailing address for questions, so check your statement carefully. Do not send cash.

Mailed payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and be processed, depending on mail delivery time and Synchrony's processing schedule. To avoid a late fee, mail your payment at least 10 days before your due date. Synchrony does not charge a fee for mailed payments, but your bank may charge a fee for the check itself.

Paying in person at Target

Go to the checkout at any Target store and tell the cashier you want to make a RedCard payment. Provide your Target RedCard and the amount you want to pay. You can pay with cash, another debit card, or another credit card — Target will not let you pay a RedCard with another RedCard. The cashier will print a receipt showing your payment amount and confirmation number.

In-store payments post to your account within one to two business days. This method is useful if you prefer to pay in cash or want an when ready receipt, but it is slower than online or phone payments. Target does not charge a fee for in-store payments.

Setting up automatic payments

Log into your Synchrony account at mysynchrony.com and go to "Manage Automatic Payments." Choose whether you want to pay a fixed amount each month or the full statement balance. Select the date you want the payment to come out — Synchrony recommends choosing a date before your due date to avoid late fees. Link the checking or savings account you want the payment to come from.

Once set up, automatic payments happen on the same date each month without you having to do anything. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account. If your bank account changes or closes, update your payment method in your Synchrony account to avoid a failed payment.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date on your statement, Synchrony charges a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your balance and Synchrony's current policy, but it typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. A second late payment within six months may result in a higher fee.

A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. After 30 days past due, Synchrony may report the account as delinquent. If the account remains unpaid for 180 days, Synchrony may charge off the account and sell the debt to a collection agency. Paying as soon as you realize you are late can prevent some of these consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Target RedCard with another credit card?

No. Synchrony does not accept credit card payments for Target RedCard balances. You can pay with a debit card, checking or savings account, cash (in person), or check by mail. Paying a credit card with another credit card typically costs extra fees and is not recommended by financial institutions.

What if I pay more than I owe?

If you pay more than your current balance, Synchrony holds the extra amount as a credit on your account. The credit applies to your next statement's charges. If you want the overpayment refunded instead, contact Synchrony customer service at 1-866-633-8379 and request a refund check.

How do I know if my payment went through?

After you make a payment online, by phone, or in person, you receive a confirmation number when ready. Log into your Synchrony account to see your updated balance and payment history. For mailed payments, allow 7 to 10 business days before checking your account. If a payment does not appear after that time, contact Synchrony to confirm it was received.

Can I change my payment due date?

Synchrony sets your due date based on when your account was opened, and you cannot change it directly. However, you can contact Synchrony customer service at 1-866-633-8379 to request a due date change. Synchrony may be able to move your due date by a few days to match your pay schedule or other bills.

What if I cannot pay my full balance?

You can pay any amount you want, as long as it is at least the minimum payment shown on your statement. If you pay less than the full balance, interest accrues on the remaining balance at your card's APR. If you are struggling to pay, contact Synchrony to discuss hardship options or payment plans that may be available.