Target Redcard basics: three versions, one process
Target offers three versions of the Redcard — a credit card, a debit card, and a prepaid card — and you can open any of them through Target's website or in a store. All three give you a 5% discount on most Target purchases and free shipping on Target.com orders over $35. The main difference is how you fund the card: the credit version draws from a credit line, the debit version pulls directly from your bank account, and the prepaid version works like a gift card you load with cash.
The process process takes about 15 minutes and requires your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and income information. Target runs a soft credit pull for the credit card (which does not affect your credit score) and a hard pull if you are approved (which does). For the debit and prepaid versions, no credit check happens at all.
Key Takeaways
- Target offers a credit Redcard, debit Redcard, and prepaid Redcard, each with the same 5% discount but different funding sources.
- You can open any version online at Target.com or in a Target store without visiting a bank or credit union.
- The credit card requires a credit check and approval; the debit and prepaid versions do not.
- All three versions include free two-day shipping on most Target.com orders and the same 5% in-store discount.
How to open a Target Redcard credit card
Go to Target.com, select "Redcard" from the top menu, and click "explore Now" under the credit card option. You will enter your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Target then asks for your annual income and employment status. The entire process happens on one page and takes about 10 minutes.
After you submit, Target tells you when ready whether you are approved, denied, or pending review. Approved applicants receive a temporary digital card number that works on Target.com right away and in Target stores within a few hours. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you are pending, Target usually makes a decision within 24 hours and contacts you by email or phone.
You can also open a credit Redcard in a Target store. A team member at the customer service desk can walk you through the process on a tablet, and you will get the same when ready decision. In-store applications sometimes approve faster because the team member can answer questions about income or address on the spot.
How to open a Target Redcard debit card
The debit Redcard works like a regular debit card but carries the Target branding and discount. You link it to your existing bank account, and purchases draw directly from your checking balance. Go to Target.com, select "Redcard," and click "explore Now" under the debit option. You will need your bank routing number and account number, which you can find on a check or in your online banking portal.
The debit card process takes about 5 minutes because Target does not run a credit check. You get a temporary digital card number when ready and can use it on Target.com right away. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. There is no credit line, no monthly bill, and no interest charges — you straightforward spend what you have in your bank account.
How to open a Target Redcard prepaid card
The prepaid Redcard is the simplest version: you load it with cash at a Target register or online, and you spend only what you have loaded. There is no credit check, no bank account required, and no monthly bill. Go to Target.com, select "Redcard," and click "explore Now" under the prepaid option. You provide your name, address, and date of birth — that is all.
You receive a digital card number when ready and a physical card in 7 to 10 business days. Once you have the physical card, you can load money at any Target register, online through Target.com, or by phone. The prepaid card is useful if you do not have a bank account, do not want to open a credit line, or want to control spending by loading a set amount each month.
What happens after you are approved
Once approved, you can use your Redcard the same day through the Target app or Target.com using your temporary digital card number. In Target stores, you can use the digital card by showing the barcode in the Target app at checkout, or you can wait for your physical card to arrive. The 5% discount applies automatically — you do not need to enter a code or clip a coupon.
For the credit card, Target sends you a welcome package with your physical card, your credit limit, and instructions for setting up online account management. You can then log in to manage your balance, make payments, and view your statement. For the debit and prepaid cards, you set up a PIN at a Target register or through the Target app.
Comparing the three Redcard versions
| Feature | Credit Redcard | Debit Redcard | Prepaid Redcard |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5% discount | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free shipping on Target.com | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Credit check required | Yes | No | No |
| Linked to bank account | No | Yes | No |
| Monthly bill | Yes | No | No |
| Build credit history | Yes | No | No |
| Annual fee | No | No | No |
Which Redcard version makes sense for you
Choose the credit Redcard if you want to build your credit history, can pay the monthly bill on time, and want the flexibility of a credit line. The credit card reports to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help your credit score. There is no annual fee, and you earn the same 5% discount as the other versions.
Choose the debit Redcard if you have a bank account and want to avoid credit altogether. You spend only what you have, there is no monthly bill to manage, and you still get the 5% discount and free shipping. This version is useful if you want the Redcard benefits without taking on debt.
Choose the prepaid Redcard if you do not have a bank account or do not want to open a credit line. You load cash onto the card and spend it down, similar to a gift card. This version works well for budgeting because you can load a set amount each month and stop spending once it runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Redcard if I have no credit history?
Yes. The debit and prepaid versions require no credit check at all. The credit version may be harder to open with no history, but Target sometimes approves first-time applicants, especially if you have a steady income. If denied for credit, you can open the debit or prepaid version instead and get the same 5% discount.
What if I am denied for the credit Redcard?
You can open a debit or prepaid Redcard instead — both offer the same 5% discount and free shipping with no credit check. If you want to try the credit card again later, wait at least three to six months and reapply. Your credit score may improve in that time, or you may have more income to report.
Do I have to use my Redcard every time I shop at Target?
No. You can use any payment method at Target. The Redcard is optional, but you only get the 5% discount if you use it. If you forget your card, you can look up your account in the Target app at checkout and use the digital card number instead.
Can I switch from one Redcard version to another?
Yes. You can close one version and open another at any time. If you open a credit card later and want to close the debit or prepaid version, you can do that through the Target app or by calling Target's customer service. There is no penalty for closing a card.
How long does it take to get approved?
Credit Redcard decisions usually come within minutes to 24 hours. Debit and prepaid Redcards are approved when ready because there is no credit check. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use the digital card number the same day you are approved.