How Target RedCard bill pay works
Target RedCard bill pay lets you send a payment to your Target credit card account through Target's website, the Target mobile app, or by mailing a check. You can pay your full balance, a minimum payment, or any amount in between. Payments made online typically post within one business day; mailed payments take five to seven business days depending on when Target receives them.
You do not have to use Target's bill pay system to pay your card. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card, set up automatic payments from your bank account, or pay in person at a Target store. Each method has different timing and confirmation steps, so knowing which one fits your situation matters.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through Target's website or app post within one business day, while mailed checks take five to seven business days.
- You can pay any amount — the full balance, the minimum, or something in between — and you can make multiple payments in a single month.
- Mailed payments should include your account number and be sent to the address printed on your bill or statement.
- Late payments trigger a fee and may raise your interest rate, so setting a payment date before your due date protects you if mail is delayed.
Paying online through Target's website or app
Log into your Target account on the website or open the Target app, then navigate to the RedCard section. Select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Your Bill" — the exact wording varies by app version. Enter the amount you want to pay and confirm your payment method (usually a bank account or debit card). Target will show you the posting date before you submit.
Online payments are free and do not require a Target account, though having one makes the process faster. If you do not have a Target account, you can still pay by calling the number on your card or mailing a check. Keep your confirmation number or screenshot of the confirmation page in case you need to prove the payment was sent.
Mailing a check or money order
Write your account number on the check or money order, then mail it to the address shown on your bill or statement. Do not mail a payment to a Target store — it will not reach the billing department. The address for mailed payments is usually a lockbox address, not a Target location.
Mail typically takes three to five business days to arrive, and Target may need another day or two to process it once received. If your due date is fewer than seven days away, mailing a check risks a late payment. Set your payment date at least one week before the due date to account for mail delays. Keep a copy of the check or the confirmation number from your bank's bill pay system as proof of when you sent it.
Automatic payments from your bank account
You can set up automatic payments through your bank's bill pay system or through Target's website. With automatic payments, your bank sends money on a date you choose each month — usually your due date or a few days before it. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay and avoids late fees.
Automatic payments can be set to pay a fixed amount (like your minimum payment) or your full statement balance. You can change or cancel an automatic payment at any time, though you should do so at least a few days before the scheduled payment date. If you set up automatic payments through your bank rather than Target, confirm that Target's billing system recognizes the payment so you do not accidentally pay twice.
Paying by phone or in person
Call the customer service number on the back of your RedCard to make a payment over the phone. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then process the payment using a bank account or debit card. Phone payments are free and post within one business day.
You can also pay in person at a Target store by visiting the customer service desk with cash, a debit card, or a check. In-store payments post the same day if made before the store closes. This option is useful if you have a payment due soon and want immediate confirmation, though not all Target locations offer this service — call ahead to confirm.
What happens if your payment is late
A payment is late if it is not received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on your due date. Late payments trigger a fee — the amount depends on your card terms but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment. A second late payment within six months usually costs more. Late payments also appear on your credit report and may raise your interest rate on future purchases.
If you miss a payment, contact Target's customer service as soon as possible. Some situations — a bank error, a mailing delay you can document — may result in the fee being waived, though this is not may provide. Paying the full past-due amount plus any fees stops the account from being reported as delinquent, but the late payment itself remains on your credit report for seven years.
Timing your payment to avoid problems
Your due date is printed on your statement and also shown in your online account. Set a payment date at least three business days before the due date if you are mailing a check, and at least one business day before if you are paying online. This buffer protects you if mail is delayed or if the online system is temporarily unavailable.
If you are close to your credit limit, paying before your statement closes can lower the balance that gets reported to credit bureaus. Payments made after your statement closes do not affect that month's reported balance. If you carry a balance from month to month, paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe on future purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Target RedCard with a credit card?
No. Target's bill pay system accepts only bank accounts, debit cards, and checks. Paying a credit card with another credit card typically counts as a cash advance and triggers higher fees and interest rates, so most card issuers do not allow it anyway.
What if I pay more than I owe?
The overpayment becomes a credit on your account and reduces the amount you owe on your next statement. You can request a refund of the credit, though this usually takes one to two weeks. Some people keep a small credit on purpose to cover the next month's purchases.
Does Target charge a fee for online bill pay?
No. Online payments, phone payments, and in-store payments are all free. Mailed checks are also free, though your bank may charge a fee if you use your bank's bill pay system to mail the check on your behalf.
How do I know if my payment went through?
Online and phone payments show a confirmation number immediately. Mailed payments can be tracked through your bank's bill pay system if you sent them that way. Check your Target account online after one business day for online payments or five to seven days for mailed payments to confirm the payment posted.
Can I set up automatic payments for just part of my balance?
Yes. You can set automatic payments to cover your minimum payment, a fixed dollar amount, or your full statement balance. You can change the amount or frequency at any time through your bank or Target's website.