Where to send your Target credit card payment
You can pay your Target credit card through three main routes: online at your Target account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest — you log into your Target.com account, go to the credit card section, and make a payment in minutes. By phone, you call the number on the back of your card and speak to a representative who processes the payment while you wait. By mail, you send a check to the address printed on your monthly statement, though this takes five to seven business days to reach Target's processing center.
Target also lets you set up automatic payments so money leaves your bank account on a date you choose each month. This removes the risk of forgetting a due date and paying interest or late fees. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your online account.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through Target.com is the fastest method and shows as posted within one business day.
- Automatic payments prevent missed due dates and let you choose the payment date each month.
- Payments by mail take five to seven business days, so mail your check well before your due date to avoid late fees.
- The phone number for payments is on the back of your physical card or on your monthly statement.
- You can pay more than the minimum due at any time without penalty, which reduces interest charges faster.
Setting up automatic payments online
Log into your Target.com account and select "Credit Card" from the menu. Look for the option labeled "Manage Your Account" or "Payment Settings." Click "Set Up Auto Pay" and choose the date each month when you want the payment to leave your bank account. You can select a fixed dollar amount, the minimum due, or the full statement balance. Most people choose the full balance to avoid interest charges.
Once automatic payments are active, you still receive a monthly statement showing what you owe. The payment happens automatically on your chosen date, and you can log in anytime to confirm it posted. If you need to change the amount or pause payments for a month, you can do that in the same menu without calling anyone.
Making a one-time payment by phone
Call the number printed on the back of your Target credit card. A representative will ask for your card number and the amount you want to pay. They will confirm your bank account information and the date the payment will post. The call usually takes three to five minutes. Payments made by phone typically post within one business day.
Have your checking or savings account number ready when you call. You will need to provide the routing number as well, which appears on the bottom left of your checks. If you do not have that information handy, the representative can look it up if you give them your bank name and account number.
Paying by mail
Write a check for the amount you owe and mail it to the address shown on your monthly statement under "Payment Address" or "Make Payments To." Do not send payment to the address where you receive your statement — those are different locations. Include your account number on the check so the payment gets matched to your card.
Mail your check at least one week before your due date to account for postal delays. Target's processing center takes three to five business days to receive and post mail payments. If you mail a check two days before your due date, it may not post in time, and you could be charged a late fee even though you sent it on time. Keep a copy of the check or note the check number in case you need to track it later.
Understanding your due date and grace period
Your due date appears on your monthly statement and is usually the same day each month. You have a grace period — typically 21 to 25 days from the statement closing date — before interest starts charging on new purchases. This means if you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you owe no interest on anything you bought that month.
If you pay only part of your balance, interest charges explore to the remaining amount starting when ready. The interest rate on a Target credit card varies based on your credit history and current market rates, but you can find your rate on your statement or by logging into your account. Paying more than the minimum due reduces the amount that interest charges explore to, saving you money each month.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment does not post by the due date, Target charges a late fee. The amount varies but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. Your interest rate may also increase if you are more than 60 days late. Missing a payment also reports to the credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.
If you realize you will miss a due date, call the number on your card right away. Some representatives can work with you on timing or waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history. The sooner you contact them, the more options you may have. Automatic payments prevent this problem entirely by removing the need to remember a date.
Paying off your full balance faster
If you carry a balance month to month, you can pay more than the minimum due anytime without penalty. Many people set up automatic payments for the minimum, then make an extra payment online whenever they have extra money. This reduces the principal balance faster and cuts the total interest you pay.
For example, if you owe $2,000 and the minimum payment is $50, paying $100 instead cuts your interest charges roughly in half over time. You can make as many extra payments as you want in a single month. Each payment posts within one business day when paid online, so you can track your balance dropping in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Target credit card at a Target store?
No, Target does not accept credit card payments in stores. You must pay online, by phone, or by mail. Some customers confuse this with paying for a purchase with their Target card, which you can do at checkout — that is different from making a payment on your account balance.
How long does it take for an online payment to show up?
Online payments typically post within one business day. If you pay on a Friday evening, it may not show until Monday. If you are close to your due date, pay at least two business days early to be safe.
What if I pay more than I owe?
Target holds the overpayment as a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or you can request a refund by calling the number on your card. Refunds usually take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.
Can I change my automatic payment date if it does not work with my paycheck?
Yes, you can change the date anytime through your online account. Log in, go to payment settings, and select a new date. The change takes effect on your next scheduled payment, so make the change at least a few days before the current payment is set to post.
What should I do if a payment posts twice by mistake?
Contact Target when ready at the number on your card. Explain that a duplicate payment posted and ask them to reverse one. They can usually do this within one business day. Keep your confirmation numbers from both payments so you can reference them when you call.