You can open a Target credit card account online in about five minutes using a computer or phone
Target offers two credit cards: the Target RedCard (a Mastercard you can use anywhere) and the Target Card (for use only at Target and Target.com). Both let you start the process on Target's website without visiting a store. You'll need your Social Security number, a valid ID, proof of income, and a checking account or debit card to verify your identity. The whole process happens in your browser, and you'll know whether you're approved before you finish.
The approval decision is usually when ready. If approved, you can use your card number to shop online right away — the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, Target will mail you a letter explaining why within 30 days, and you can contact them to understand what happened.
Key Takeaways
- You can start your Target card process on Target.com or the Target app without leaving home, and you'll get an approval decision before you finish.
- Target RedCard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, while Target Card works only at Target stores and Target.com.
- You need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, recent income information, and a way to verify your identity (checking account or debit card).
- Approved cardholders can use their card number online when ready; the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What you need before you start
Gather these documents before you open the process. Having them ready means you won't get stuck halfway through and lose your progress.
You'll need your Social Security number, a government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), and your date of birth. Target will also ask for your current address and phone number. If you've moved in the last two years, be ready to provide your previous address.
For income, have a recent pay stub, tax return, or bank statement showing deposits. Target doesn't require a specific income level, but they do verify that you have a source of income. If you're self-employed, a recent tax return works. If you receive benefits, bank statements showing regular deposits are acceptable.
Finally, have a checking account number or debit card ready. Target uses this to verify your identity — they'll make two small deposits (usually under $1 each) to your account, and you'll confirm the amounts in the app or online to prove the account is yours. This step takes one to two business days.
The step-by-step process on Target.com
Go to Target.com and look for the credit card section in the footer or search for "Target credit card." You'll see options for both the RedCard and the Target Card. Click the one you want.
Click "Open Now" or "explore Now." You'll be taken to a form where you enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Answer honestly — Target verifies this information against credit bureaus and government records.
Next, you'll enter employment information. Select your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or other), your employer name, and your annual income. If you're not sure of your exact income, give your best estimate — Target is looking for consistency, not precision.
Then you'll choose how to verify your identity. Select "checking account" or "debit card," and enter the account or card number. Target will make two small test deposits within one to two business days. You'll receive an email or text asking you to confirm the amounts in the Target app or on Target.com. Once you confirm, your identity is verified.
Review the terms and conditions, check the box to agree, and submit. You'll see your decision on screen — approved, pending, or denied — before you leave the page.
What happens if you're approved right away
If you're approved when ready, you'll see a confirmation screen with your new card number. Write this down or take a screenshot. You can use this number to shop on Target.com or the Target app when ready — no need to wait for the physical card.
Your physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. The envelope will include your card, a PIN for in-store purchases, and information about your account. Set up online access to your account at Target.com so you can check your balance and make payments before the card arrives.
Your first statement will arrive 25 to 30 days after your account opens. You'll have a grace period (usually 21 days from the statement date) to pay your balance without interest charges, as long as you pay the full amount shown on your statement.
What to do if you're denied or pending
If you see "pending" on screen, Target is reviewing your process manually. You'll receive a decision by mail within 30 days. Check your email and mail regularly — Target may contact you to ask for more information or to verify something on your process.
If you're denied, you'll receive a letter in the mail within 30 days explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or income that doesn't match what you reported. The letter will include contact information for Target's credit department.
You can call Target's customer service line (the number is on the denial letter) to ask questions about the decision. You have the right to know why you were denied. If the reason was something on your credit report, you can request a free copy of your report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion to see what Target saw.
Differences between Target RedCard and Target Card
| Feature | Target RedCard | Target Card |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Anywhere Mastercard is accepted worldwide | Target stores and Target.com only |
| Rewards at Target | 5% off most purchases | 5% off most purchases |
| Rewards elsewhere | 1% cash back on all other purchases | No rewards outside Target |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Credit limit | Varies by applicant | Varies by applicant |
Choose RedCard if you want a card that works everywhere and earn cash back on non-Target purchases. Choose Target Card if you shop at Target regularly and want to keep your credit cards separate by store.
Common reasons applications get denied
Target uses information from your credit report, income verification, and identity checks to make decisions. If you have no credit history (you've never had a credit card, loan, or utility account in your name), Target may deny you because they have no record to review. This doesn't mean you can't get credit — it means you may need to start with a secured card or a card designed for people building credit first.
If you've had late payments, collections accounts, or a bankruptcy in the last few years, Target may see you as higher risk. The more recent the problem, the more likely a denial. If you were denied for this reason, waiting six months to a year and then reapplying often works better than explore again when ready.
If you reported income that doesn't match what Target found (through tax records or employment verification), your process may be denied. Make sure you report your actual income, not what you hope to earn.
Too many recent credit inquiries (more than three in the last 30 days) can also trigger a denial. Each time you explore for credit, the lender checks your credit report, and multiple checks in a short time signal to lenders that you're desperate for credit. Space out applications by at least 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for a Target credit card on the Target app instead of Target.com?
Yes. Open the Target app, tap the account icon, and look for "Credit Card" or "RedCard." The process is identical to the website version. You'll enter the same information and get the same when ready decision.
What if I don't have a checking account to verify my identity?
You can use a debit card instead. Target will make two small test deposits to the account linked to your debit card. If you have neither a checking account nor a debit card, contact Target's customer service — they may be able to verify your identity another way, though this will take longer.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions are when ready — you'll see the result on screen before you finish the process. If your process goes to manual review, you'll receive a decision by mail within 30 days. The identity verification step (confirming the test deposits) takes one to two business days.
Can I use my card number before the physical card arrives?
Yes. If you're approved when ready, you'll see your card number on screen. You can use it to shop on Target.com or the Target app right away. You cannot use it in Target stores until you receive the physical card and set up it.
What's the difference between being approved and being pending?
Approved means Target has made a final decision to open your account. Pending means Target needs more time to review your process — you'll get a decision by mail within 30 days. Pending does not mean denied; it means the decision is not yet made.