Where to Pay Your Target Credit Card
You can pay your Target credit card through three main routes: the Target website, the Target mobile app, or by phone. The fastest way is online through your account dashboard, where the payment posts the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. ET. You can also mail a check to the address printed on your statement, though mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post.
Target credit cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, so you can also pay directly through Synchrony's website or mobile app if you prefer. This route works the same way as paying through Target's site — the payment reaches your account the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time. Some cardholders find this useful if they manage multiple store cards through Synchrony's platform.
Phone payments are available by calling the number on the back of your card. A representative can process your payment over the phone using a bank account or debit card. This method takes one business day to post, so it is slower than online payment but faster than mail.
Key Takeaways
- Online payment through Target.com or the Target app posts the same business day if you submit before 8 p.m. ET, making it the fastest option.
- You can also pay through Synchrony Bank's website or app, since Synchrony issues the Target credit card.
- Phone payments through the number on your card take one business day to post and require a bank account or debit card.
- Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so plan ahead if you use this method.
- Your minimum payment and due date appear on your monthly statement and in your online account.
Paying Online Through Target
Log into your Target account on Target.com or open the Target mobile app and go to the Account section. Select "Credit Card" or "Manage Your Card," then look for the payment option. You will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method — you can pay from a checking account, savings account, or debit card.
Target does not charge a fee for online payments. Once you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. The payment posts to your account the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. ET on a weekday. Payments submitted after 8 p.m. ET or on weekends post the next business day. You can check your updated balance in your account within a few hours of submission.
Paying Through Synchrony's Website or App
Go to Synchrony.com or read the Synchrony mobile app and log in with your card number and PIN. (If you have not set up a Synchrony account yet, you can create one using your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.) Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" and enter the amount.
Like Target's site, Synchrony charges no fee for online payments and posts them the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. ET. The main reason to use Synchrony's platform instead of Target's is convenience if you hold multiple store cards issued by Synchrony — you can manage all of them in one place. The payment reaches the same account either way, so there is no difference in timing or fees.
Paying by Phone or Mail
To pay by phone, call the number on the back of your Target credit card. A Synchrony representative will ask for the amount you want to pay and the account you want to pay from (checking, savings, or debit card). They will confirm the payment details and give you a confirmation number. Phone payments take one business day to post, so if you are close to your due date, online payment is safer.
If you prefer to mail a check, write it to Synchrony Bank and include your account number on the check. The mailing address is printed on your statement. Mail typically takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post, so send it at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late payment. Keep a copy of the check or note the check number in case you need to track the payment later.
Understanding Your Due Date and Minimum Payment
Your due date and minimum payment appear on your monthly statement and in your online account. The due date is the last day you can pay without triggering a late fee. If you pay less than the full balance, the remaining amount carries over to the next month and accrues interest at the card's current APR.
The minimum payment is the smallest amount you must pay to stay in good standing. Paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the remaining balance and take much longer to pay off the card. If you want to avoid interest charges, pay the full statement balance by the due date. If you cannot pay the full balance, paying more than the minimum reduces the amount of interest you owe.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
A payment is late if it arrives after your due date. Synchrony charges a late fee — the amount depends on your card terms but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment. A second late payment in the same billing cycle may result in a higher fee. Late payments also appear on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
If you realize you will miss your due date, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Some cardholders have had late fees waived if they call before the payment is due and explain their situation, though this is not may provide. Paying as soon as you can after the due date stops additional late fees from accumulating, but the damage to your credit report is already done. Going forward, set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to avoid missing future due dates.
Setting Up Automatic Payments
Both Target and Synchrony allow you to set up automatic payments that deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose. This is the easiest way to avoid late payments. Log into your account on Target.com or Synchrony.com, find the autopay or automatic payment section, and choose whether you want to pay a fixed amount each month or the full statement balance.
You can set the payment date to any day of the month, though most people choose a few days before their due date to give the payment time to post. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account. If you set autopay to the full statement balance, you will pay no interest as long as the payment goes through — but make sure your bank account has enough money on the scheduled date, or the payment will fail and you may face overdraft fees from your bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Target credit card at a Target store?
No, you cannot pay your Target credit card bill in person at a Target store. You must pay online, through the Synchrony app, by phone, or by mail. Some customers confuse this with returning items or using the card to make a purchase, but payments must go through one of those four channels.
What if my payment fails or does not post?
If an online or phone payment fails, you will see an error message when ready. The most common reason is insufficient funds in your bank account. Check your account balance and try again with a different payment method if needed. If a payment posts late or not at all, contact Synchrony at the number on your card to investigate. Keep your confirmation number so you can reference it when you call.
Do I have to pay the full balance, or can I pay just the minimum?
You can pay any amount between the minimum payment and the full balance. Paying only the minimum keeps your account in good standing and avoids a late fee, but the remaining balance accrues interest. Paying the full statement balance by the due date avoids all interest charges. Paying more than the minimum but less than the full balance reduces interest but does not eliminate it.
How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?
Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Payments submitted online before 8 p.m. ET on a weekday often post the same day. Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post. If your payment does not appear within the expected timeframe, contact Synchrony with your confirmation number.
Can I pay my Target credit card with another credit card?
No, Target and Synchrony do not accept credit card payments for your Target credit card bill. You must pay from a bank account, savings account, or debit card. Paying a credit card with another credit card typically incurs a cash advance fee and higher interest rate anyway, so it is not a good option even when it is available.