Where to send your Target credit card payment

You can pay your Target credit card in three ways: online through your Target account, by phone, or by mail. The fastest and most common route is online, which posts to your account the same day if you pay before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Central Time). Phone payments also post the same day, while mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to reach Target's payment processing center.

To pay online, log into your Target account at target.com, go to "Account" in the top right, select "Credit Card," and choose "Make a Payment." You'll see your current balance, minimum payment due, and the date your payment is due. Enter the amount you want to pay and confirm. Target accepts payments from a checking or savings account linked to your Target account.

If you prefer to pay by phone, call the number on the back of your Target credit card. A representative will walk you through the payment and ask for your bank account information. This method works if you don't have online access or want to speak with someone directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Online payments through target.com post the same day if submitted before 8 p.m. Central Time, making it the fastest option.
  • You can also pay by phone using the number on your card, or by mailing a check to Target's payment address listed on your statement.
  • Your minimum payment is due by the date shown on your statement, and paying only the minimum means you'll pay interest on the remaining balance.
  • Paying your full statement balance by the due date avoids interest charges entirely, even if you use the card again before the next billing cycle.

Mailing a check to Target

If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check to Target and include your account number on the check itself. The mailing address appears on your monthly statement under "Payment Address" or "Make Checks Payable To." Do not mail cash. Include only your check and account number — Target does not need a copy of your statement.

Mail your payment at least 10 business days before your due date to account for postal delays. Payments received after the due date will be marked late, even if you mailed the check on time. If you're close to your due date, use online or phone payment instead.

Understanding your statement and what you owe

Your Target credit card statement shows three important amounts: the new balance (everything you charged since your last statement), the minimum payment due, and the statement due date. The minimum payment is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance, but Target calculates the exact amount based on your account. Paying only the minimum means you'll carry the rest of the balance to next month and pay interest on it.

The due date is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. If you pay your full statement balance by this date, you won't pay any interest, even if you use the card again before the next statement closes. This is called the grace period, and it applies only if you paid your previous statement in full.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date, Target will mark your account as late. A late payment stays on your credit report for seven years and can lower your credit score. After 30 days late, Target may report the account to the credit bureaus. After 60 days, you may receive a phone call or letter from Target's collections department.

If you realize you'll miss a due date, contact Target immediately at the number on your card. Some situations allow Target to waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history, though they are not required to do so. Paying as soon as possible after you miss the date limits the damage to your credit score.

Automatic payments and payment reminders

You can set up automatic payments through your Target account to pay a fixed amount on a date you choose each month. This prevents missed payments if you forget to pay manually. To set this up, log into your Target account, go to "Credit Card," and select "Automatic Payments." You can choose to pay your minimum, a fixed dollar amount, or your full statement balance each month.

If automatic payments aren't right for you, Target can send you a payment reminder by email or text message a few days before your due date. Set this up in your account settings under "Notifications." A reminder doesn't make the payment for you — it just alerts you that payment is due.

Paying more than the minimum to reduce interest

Paying more than your minimum payment reduces the amount of interest you'll owe and gets you out of debt faster. If you carry a balance, every extra dollar you pay goes toward the principal (the amount you actually borrowed) rather than interest charges. Target's website shows you how much interest you'll pay if you only make minimum payments, which can be eye-opening.

For example, if you owe $1,000 and only pay the minimum each month, you might pay $200 or more in interest over time, depending on the interest rate. Paying $50 or $100 extra per month cuts that interest significantly. If you can pay your full balance, that's the best option — you'll pay zero interest.

Target credit card interest rates and fees

Target's credit card charges interest on any balance you carry past your due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit score and creditworthiness. Target does not charge an annual fee to hold the card, but you will pay interest if you don't pay your full balance by the due date.

Late fees apply if your payment arrives after the due date. The fee amount depends on how late the payment is and your account history. Paying on time is always cheaper than paying a late fee and the interest that comes with a late payment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Target credit card with a different payment method, like a debit card?

No. Target only accepts payments from a checking or savings account (online or by phone) or by mailed check. You cannot pay with another credit card, debit card, or gift card. This is a common policy among credit card issuers to prevent cash advances and fraud.

What time does my online payment post if I submit it after 8 p.m.?

Payments submitted after 8 p.m. Central Time post the next business day. If you submit a payment on a Friday after 8 p.m., it won't post until Monday. If you're close to your due date, pay earlier in the day to make sure it posts on time.

Do I have to pay the full statement balance, or can I pay just part of it?

You can pay any amount between your minimum payment and your full balance. However, you'll only avoid interest if you pay the entire statement balance by the due date. Any remaining balance will accrue interest at your card's APR.

What if I pay more than I owe?

If you overpay, Target will hold the extra amount as a credit on your account. You can use this credit toward future purchases, or you can request a refund by calling the number on your card. Target will not charge you for holding a credit balance.

Can I change my due date?

Yes. Log into your Target account, go to "Credit Card," and select "Account Settings." You can choose a due date between the 1st and the 28th of each month. Changing your due date takes effect on your next statement cycle.