Where and how to send your Target credit card payment
You can pay your Target credit card through three main channels: online through your Target account, by phone, or by mail. The online method is fastest and most common — you log into your Target.com account, go to the credit card section, and submit a payment immediately. By phone, you call the number on the back of your card and speak to a representative who processes the payment over the call. By mail, you send a check to the address printed on your monthly statement.
Target's credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank, not by Target itself. This matters because Synchrony handles all payment processing, customer service, and account management. When you pay online or by phone, the payment posts to your account within one business day. Mail payments take longer — typically five to seven business days from when Synchrony receives the envelope, so plan ahead if your due date is soon.
Key Takeaways
- Online payments through Target.com are the fastest option and post within one business day.
- Phone payments go through Synchrony Bank (the card issuer) and also post within one business day.
- Mail payments take five to seven business days to post, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid late fees.
- Your monthly statement shows the mailing address and the phone number for payments, and both are the same every month.
- Paying at least the minimum by the due date prevents late fees and protects your credit score.
Paying online through your Target account
Log into Target.com with your username and password, then click on your account menu (usually in the top right corner). Select "Credit Card" or "Manage Credit Card" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it is always in the account section. You will see your current balance, due date, and a button to make a payment.
Enter the amount you want to pay and confirm the payment method. Target will ask whether you want to pay from a bank account (by electronic transfer) or a debit card. Bank account transfers are free and are the default option. If you use a debit card, Synchrony may charge a fee — check the screen before you confirm. After you submit, you get a confirmation number immediately. The payment posts within one business day.
Paying by phone through Synchrony
Call the customer service number on the back of your Target credit card. A representative will ask for your card number and the amount you want to pay. Have your checking account information ready if you plan to pay from your bank account, or have a debit card available if you prefer that method. Phone payments are free when you pay from a bank account.
The representative will confirm the payment amount and the date it will post, then provide a confirmation number. Write this down or ask them to email it to you. Like online payments, phone payments post within one business day. This method works well if you have questions about your account or if you prefer speaking to a person.
Paying by mail
Write a check to Synchrony Bank and include your account number (your Target credit card number) in the memo line. The mailing address appears on your monthly statement — it is usually a lockbox address specific to Synchrony, not a Target store or office. Do not mail a check to a Target location; it will not reach the right place and will delay your payment.
Mail your check at least two weeks before your due date to account for postal delays and processing time. Synchrony typically receives mail within three to five business days, then takes another one to two days to post the payment. If your due date is fewer than two weeks away, use online or phone payment instead to avoid a late fee.
What happens if you miss the due date
If your payment does not post by the due date shown on your statement, Synchrony charges a late fee. The fee amount depends on your account terms, but it is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment and may be higher for subsequent ones. A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score.
If you realize you will miss the due date, call Synchrony immediately. Some representatives can extend the due date by a few days or waive a single late fee if you have a good payment history. This is not may provide, but it is worth asking. After that, pay as soon as you can — the longer the account stays past due, the more damage it does to your credit.
Setting up automatic payments
You can set up automatic payments through your Target account or by calling Synchrony. Automatic payments deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose each month. You can set them to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you decide.
Automatic payments eliminate the risk of forgetting a due date, but they require you to monitor your bank account to make sure the funds are available. If the payment fails because your account is empty, Synchrony may charge a fee and report it as a missed payment. Review your automatic payment settings once a year to make sure they still match your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Target credit card at a Target store?
No. Target stores do not accept credit card payments. You must pay online through Target.com, by phone to Synchrony, or by mail. Some third-party payment services claim to accept Target card payments in-store, but these are not official and may charge fees or delay your payment.
What if I pay online but the payment does not show up?
Online payments post within one business day. If more than one business day has passed and you do not see the payment, log back into your account and check the payment history. If it shows as "pending" or "processing," wait until the next business day. If it shows as "failed," call Synchrony to find out why and resubmit the payment.
Can I pay more than the minimum?
Yes. You can pay any amount up to your full balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe and pays off the card faster. There is no penalty for paying early or paying more than required.
Do I have to pay the full balance every month?
No. You only have to pay at least the minimum amount by the due date to avoid a late fee. However, any balance you do not pay carries over to the next month and accrues interest. Paying the full balance each month avoids interest charges entirely.
What if I want to dispute a charge on my bill?
Contact Synchrony before you pay. Explain the charge you believe is wrong and ask them to investigate. You do not have to pay a disputed charge while the investigation is ongoing, though you should still pay the rest of your bill on time. Synchrony will contact you within 30 days with a decision.