Target Online Payment Basics

Target does not operate a bill payment system where you pay a monthly invoice to Target itself. Instead, Target offers a Target RedCard — a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank — and you pay that card's balance through Synchrony's online portal or mobile app, just like any other credit card.

If you have a Target RedCard and want to make a payment, you log into your Synchrony account (not Target.com) and submit your payment there. Synchrony processes the payment and credits it to your RedCard balance. This is different from paying for items you buy at Target — those transactions happen at checkout, either in-store or online at Target.com.

If you are looking to pay for an online purchase you made at Target.com, that payment happens at the time of checkout, not afterward. You choose your payment method (credit card, debit card, Target RedCard, or other options) and complete the transaction immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Target RedCard payments are made through Synchrony Bank's website or app, not through Target.com.
  • You can set up automatic monthly payments, make a one-time payment, or pay more than the minimum due.
  • Payments typically post within one to three business days, depending on your payment method.
  • If you do not have a Target RedCard, you pay for Target purchases at checkout using whatever payment method you choose.

How to Pay Your Target RedCard Through Synchrony

To pay your Target RedCard balance, visit Synchrony's website at mysynchrony.com or download the Synchrony mobile app. Log in with your username and password — these are the same credentials you use to check your RedCard balance online.

Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." You will see your current balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. Choose whether you want to pay the full balance, the minimum, or a custom amount. Then select your payment method: bank account (ACH transfer), debit card, or credit card.

Review the payment details and confirm. Synchrony will show you when the payment is expected to post. Most payments from a bank account post within one to three business days. Debit or credit card payments may post faster but may carry a fee — Synchrony charges a convenience fee for card payments, so paying from your bank account is usually free.

Setting Up Automatic Payments

If you want your Target RedCard payment to happen automatically each month, log into your Synchrony account and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments." You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum due, or a fixed amount each month on a date you select.

Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and incurring late fees or interest charges. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your Synchrony account. If you set autopay to the full balance, your account will show a $0 balance after each payment posts.

Payment Methods and Timing

Synchrony accepts payments from a linked bank account (ACH), debit card, or credit card. Bank account payments are usually free and post within one to three business days. Debit and credit card payments post faster but Synchrony charges a convenience fee for using them — the fee is a percentage of the payment amount and is shown before you confirm.

Payments submitted before the cutoff time (usually 8 p.m. Eastern) on a business day may post the same day or the next business day. Payments submitted on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. If your payment is due on a weekend or holiday, Synchrony typically extends the due date to the next business day without penalty.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Synchrony may charge a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment). Your interest rate may also increase if you have a promotional rate, and the missed payment will be reported to credit bureaus after 30 days, which can lower your credit score.

If you realize a payment will be late, log into your Synchrony account and make a payment immediately. Even a day or two late is better than waiting longer. If you have trouble making a payment, contact Synchrony customer service at the number on the back of your RedCard to discuss options.

Paying for Target.com Purchases

When you buy something on Target.com, you pay at checkout, not later. You can use a credit card, debit card, Target RedCard, Target Circle Card (a debit card), PayPal, or other payment methods Target accepts. The payment is processed immediately, and your order confirmation shows the amount charged.

If you use a Target RedCard to pay for a Target.com purchase, that charge appears on your RedCard statement just like an in-store purchase. You then pay your RedCard balance through Synchrony, as described above.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my Target RedCard through Target.com?

No. Target.com is for shopping, not for managing your RedCard account. You must go to mysynchrony.com or use the Synchrony app to pay your RedCard balance. Synchrony is the bank that issued your card and manages your account.

What if I pay my RedCard late by accident?

Synchrony will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and may increase your interest rate. The late payment will appear on your credit report after 30 days. Pay as soon as you notice the missed payment to stop additional fees from accruing.

Is there a fee to pay my RedCard online?

Paying from a linked bank account is free. Paying by debit or credit card carries a convenience fee (a percentage of the payment). You will see the fee amount before you confirm the payment, so you can choose your method based on cost.

How long does a RedCard payment take to show up?

Bank account payments typically post within one to three business days. Card payments may post faster but carry a fee. Payments submitted on weekends or holidays are processed the next business day. Your Synchrony account will show the expected posting date when you submit the payment.

Can I pay my RedCard balance over the phone?

Yes. Call the number on the back of your Target RedCard and speak to a Synchrony representative. They can process a payment over the phone, though a convenience fee may apply depending on your payment method.