Call Target's automated payment line to pay your RedCard bill over the phone
You can pay your Target RedCard bill by calling the phone number on the back of your card. Target's automated system lets you make a payment without speaking to a representative. The call is free, and you can pay from any phone at any time of day.
The automated system will ask you to enter your card number and the amount you want to pay. You'll need to have your bank account information ready — either a checking or savings account number and routing number. The payment typically posts to your account within one business day.
If you prefer to speak with someone, you can stay on the line after the automated prompts and request a representative. Wait times vary depending on call volume, and you may be on hold for several minutes during busy periods.
Key Takeaways
- The phone number for Target RedCard payments is printed on the back of your card, and the automated line is available 24/7.
- You will need your bank account number and routing number to complete a payment over the phone.
- Payments made through the automated system typically post within one business day.
- You can request to speak with a representative if you have questions or need help with your account.
- Paying by phone does not cost anything extra — there are no fees for this payment method.
What information you need before you call
Have your Target RedCard number ready. It's on the front of your physical card or in the Target app under your account details. You'll also need your bank account information: the account number and routing number for the checking or savings account you want to pay from.
If you're paying from a different bank account than the one you normally use, double-check the routing number. Routing numbers are nine digits and are specific to each bank and branch. You can find your routing number on the bottom left of a check, or by calling your bank.
Know how much you want to pay. You can pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or any amount in between. The automated system will confirm the amount before processing the payment.
How the automated payment process works
When you call the number on your card, the automated system will greet you and ask you to enter your RedCard number using your phone keypad. After you enter your card number, the system will read back your account information to confirm you've reached the right account.
Next, you'll enter the amount you want to pay. The system will ask whether you want to pay from a checking or savings account. You'll then enter your bank account number and routing number. The system will confirm all the details before asking you to authorize the payment.
Once you authorize the payment, the system will give you a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot if you're on a mobile phone. Keep the confirmation number in case you need to reference the payment later or if there's a question about when it posted.
When the payment will show up in your account
Payments made through the automated phone line typically post within one business day. This means if you call on a Monday morning, the payment should show in your Target RedCard account by Tuesday. Payments made on weekends or after business hours may take until the next business day to process.
The timing also depends on your bank. Your bank may take an additional day to debit your checking or savings account after Target receives the payment instruction. Check your bank account online to see when the money leaves your account, and check your Target RedCard account to see when the payment is credited.
If you're close to your due date and worried about a late payment, call at least two business days before the due date to give the payment time to post. If your due date is tomorrow, paying by phone may not be fast enough — contact Target customer service to see if there are other options.
What to do if you don't have a bank account
The automated phone payment system requires a bank account — either checking or savings. If you don't have a traditional bank account, you have other ways to pay your Target RedCard bill.
You can pay online through the Target website or app using a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay. You can also pay in person at any Target store using cash, a debit card, or a credit card. Some Target locations have kiosks where you can make payments without going to the customer service desk.
If you use a prepaid card or a money transfer service account, check whether it has a routing number and account number. Some prepaid cards do, and you may be able to use them for phone payments. Call the customer service number on your prepaid card to ask.
Fees and costs for phone payments
There is no fee to pay your Target RedCard bill by phone. Target does not charge for automated phone payments, and there is no charge for speaking with a representative if you need help.
Your bank may charge a fee if you use your account to make the payment, but this would be a fee from your bank, not from Target. Most banks do not charge fees for bill payments made through automated systems or phone lines, but some accounts or account types may have restrictions. Check with your bank if you're unsure.
If you miss a payment or pay late, Target will charge a late fee according to your cardholder agreement. Paying by phone does not protect you from late fees — the payment must post by your due date to avoid them.
What happens if the payment doesn't go through
If the automated system rejects your payment, it will tell you why. Common reasons include an incorrect bank account number, a routing number that doesn't match your account, or insufficient funds in your bank account. The system will not charge your account if the payment is rejected.
If you get an error message, write down the error code or message. Try the payment again with corrected information, or call back during business hours to speak with a representative who can troubleshoot the problem.
If a payment posts to your account but then bounces back because your bank rejected it, Target will likely charge a returned payment fee. Check your Target RedCard statement to see if this happened. If it did, you'll need to make the payment again and may need to contact Target about the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I schedule a payment for a future date by phone?
The automated phone system typically processes payments immediately rather than letting you schedule them for a future date. If you need to schedule a payment in advance, use the Target website or app instead, which usually have a scheduling option. Call customer service if you need help setting up a future payment.
What if I call and the system asks for information I don't have?
If you don't have your routing number, hang up and find it before calling back. You can find it on a check, by logging into your bank's website, or by calling your bank directly. Trying to guess or use an incorrect number will cause the payment to fail.
Is it safe to give my bank account number over the phone?
Giving your bank account number to Target's official automated payment line is safe — Target is a major retailer with secure systems. Only call the number printed on your RedCard or the official Target website. Do not call a number from an email or text message, as these could be fraudulent.
Can I pay someone else's Target RedCard bill by phone?
You can only pay a Target RedCard bill if you are the cardholder or an authorized user on the account. The automated system will ask for the card number, and you'll need access to a bank account to complete the payment. If you're trying to help a family member, ask them to call and make the payment themselves, or ask Target customer service about authorized payment options.
What if I need to cancel or change a payment I just made?
If you just made a payment and realize it was a mistake, call Target customer service right away with your confirmation number. If the payment hasn't posted yet, they may be able to stop it. Once the payment posts to your account, you'll need to contact Target to request a refund or credit.