Target’s store card is still often called RedCard, but Target says the program is now called Target Circle Card and offers credit and debit options.
If you’re looking at the credit version, you’ll usually manage it through Target’s “Manage my Target Circle Card” portal.
What you’re applying for when you “apply for a Target credit card”
Target’s card lineup includes a store-only credit card and a Target Mastercard, both of which are part of the Target Circle Card family.
If you want a simple way to think about it, the store credit card is designed around Target purchases.
The Mastercard is a general-purpose credit card that still ties into Target’s program and customer support system.
| Pros (Benefits) | Cons / Trade-offs |
|---|---|
| 5% off eligible Target purchases in stores and on Target.com when you pay with the card. | High interest rate if you carry a balance (the Target Credit Card disclosure shows a variable Purchase APR of 28.95%, based on Prime Rate + a margin). |
| No annual or monthly fee for the card. | Discount exclusions apply (the 5% doesn’t apply to certain categories like Target GiftCards, many prepaid cards, prescriptions/most CVS pharmacy items, taxes, shipping/handling fees, and other listed exclusions). |
| Free shipping at Target.com when you use your Target Circle Card on Target.com (standard shipping; upgrades can cost extra). | Best value requires paying in full—interest can wipe out the 5% savings quickly if you revolve balances. |
| Free 2-day shipping on eligible items (availability depends on item eligibility and location/ZIP). | Store-focused value: most savings are tied to Target purchases; if you don’t shop Target often, the benefits matter less. |
| Extended returns: 30 extra days beyond the standard return window when purchases are made with the card (with stated exceptions like some non-returnable items and specific categories). | Extended returns also have exceptions (some categories don’t qualify, and policy details can vary by item type). |
| Target Circle 360 discount: the annual membership can be discounted (Target promotes it as $99 → $49 when you have a Target Circle Card saved to your Target profile, subject to terms). | Must be enrolled / set up correctly to get certain perks (for example, offers and app-based redemption can require being enrolled in Target Circle and having the card saved to your profile). |
| “Exclusive extras”: Target says cardholders may receive special items and offers, which can vary by customer and over time. | Not guaranteed for everyone: “exclusive extras” can depend on criteria (like purchase history or location), and availability can vary. |
| Works with Target app (Wallet) so you can add/verify the card for easier checkout and account management. | Approval required for the credit version, and you may face typical credit-card penalties (late/returned payment fees) if you miss payments. |
| Discount can still apply on price-matched items (Target indicates you can receive the 5% when paying with the card on eligible price-matched purchases). | If you split payments, the 5% generally applies only to the portion paid with the Target Circle Card. |
Target credit card application: how to apply online
For most people, the online starting point is Target’s Target Circle Card section.
Use an official Target page to begin, and avoid look-alike “login” pages.
Complete the application with your personal information and submit it through Target’s official application flow.
If you’re approved, create/sign in to your Manage my Target Circle Card profile so you can view balances, transactions, and payment options.
Interest rates and key fees you should know
Target’s issuer disclosures for the Target Credit Card list a variable purchase APR tied to the U.S. Prime Rate.
- APR for purchases: Prime Rate + 21.45% (variable). For the billing period shown in the disclosure, the Purchase APR is 28.95%.
- Annual fee: None.
- Penalty fees: Late payment up to $41; returned payment up to $30.
- Avoiding interest: the due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle, and you generally avoid interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date.
Because the APR is variable, the exact rate can change over time as the Prime Rate changes.
Set up your Target credit card account the right way
Many people assume their Target.com login automatically includes card servicing. Target’s help pages make a distinction
Your Target.com account is for shopping (orders, registries), while Manage My Target Circle Card is for managing the card itself.
This includes viewing transactions and paying your bill.
In other words, your Target credit card account management typically happens in the “Manage my Target Circle Card” area.
Activate Target credit card and connect it to the Target app
People use the phrase activate Target credit card in two different ways.
Activate the physical card for use
Target’s card-management help content lists “Activate a new card” as a feature available through Manage My Target Circle Card.
If you’re unsure which steps apply to your specific card type, Target also provides a main guest services number for support.
Add the card to the Target app for checkout
If what you want is to use the card in-store via barcode checkout, you can add and verify a Target Circle Card in Wallet inside the app.
This is the closest official “in-app” setup flow for the Target credit card app experience.
How do I pay my Target credit card?
Target’s help content points to Manage My Target Circle Card for bill pay, and also publishes an official payment mailing address.
Use Manage My Target Circle Card to make one-time payments and review payment history.
If your goal is to avoid interest charges, the most important habit is to pay your entire statement balance by the due date.
Bank phone numbers and official addresses for help
Target Circle Credit Card (U.S.) phone: 1-800-424-6888
Target Circle Mastercard (outside U.S.) phone: 1-612-815-9922
Payment mailing address: Target Card Services, P.O. Box 660170, Dallas, TX 75266-0170
Lost/stolen or unauthorized use contact (mail + phone): Target Card Services, P.O. Box 1581, Minneapolis, MN 55440-1581 and 1-800-659-2396
Conclusion
Applying online is straightforward if you use Target’s official pages and rely on Manage My Target Circle Card for servicing.
Before you apply, it helps to understand the variable purchase APR and the potential late/returned payment fees so you can plan payments and avoid extra costs.
If you get stuck, Target publishes a dedicated phone line and mailing addresses for payments and account support.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Card terms, APRs, offers, and policies can change, so always confirm the latest details on Target’s official pages and the disclosures provided with your application. This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Card terms, APRs, offers, and policies can change, so always confirm the latest details on Target’s official pages and the disclosures provided with your application.
