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Up to 5%
Cash back
$0
Annual fee
23.15%
Purchase APR (variable)
580
Recommended credit score
Review by
Megan Horner is the banking and credit cards Group Publisher at Finder. She's passionate about helping you find the best credit cards and bank accounts to meet your financial needs — whether that's earning great rewards or improving your credit score. Megan's expertise has been spotlighted on Lifehacker, CreditCards.com, American Banker and featured on news broadcasts across the country. Before working at Finder, Megan worked at Credit Karma and QuinStreet.
The Target REDcard™ Credit Card is a $0-annual-fee store card that’s valid only at Target. Its key features are a 5% discount on in-store and online Target purchases, free two-day shipping on Target.com purchases and an extra 30 days to perform returns and exchanges. It does however lack a signup bonus and comes with a higher-than-average APR of 22.9% variable.
Effectively earning 5% back on a credit card is always noteworthy, as few cards offer this rate without at least a few restrictions. For example, you’ll find even higher rates with products such as the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, which earns 6% back on US groceries, but the card is saddled with a $6,000 earning cap. After you reach that cap, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express earns just 1% back on US groceries.
The only earning drawback on the Target card is that it’s closed-loop, meaning it can only be used at Target stores and Target.com. In addition to the 5% discount, the Target REDcard™ Credit Card offers free two-day shipping at Target.com, an extended return and exchange window, additional discounts and access to exclusive products. This makes it pound-for-pound the best card you can use on Target purchases.
On the downside, it has a high-interest rate — and you don’t have the opportunity to receive a lower rate even if you have strong credit. That said, you can avoid needing to worry about this interest rate if you pay off your balance in full each month. Otherwise, this is a great supplementary addition to your credit card toolbox if you frequently shop at Target.
While many consumers have reported approval with scores of 620 and above, some consumers say they’ve been approved with scores in the high 500s.
As with all credit products, you have better odds of approval if you have a higher credit score. If you’re not sure your score qualifies you for the Target REDcard™ Credit Card, consider working on your credit for several months before applying.
To give you an idea of how the Target REDcard™ Credit Card performs, here it is stacked up against two other similar rewards cards on the market.
Target REDcard™ Credit Card |
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card |
Sam's Club® Mastercard® |
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|
★★★★★ |
★★★★★ |
|
|
|
Minimum Credit Score 580 |
Minimum Credit Score 670 |
Minimum Credit Score 670 |
Annual Fee $0 |
Annual Fee $0 |
Annual Fee $0 |
Purchase APR 23.15% variable |
Purchase APR 0% intro |
Purchase APR Up to 23.9% variable |
Balance transfer APR N/A |
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 15 months (then 16.49% - 26.49% variable) |
Balance transfer APR 15.9% to 23.9% variable |
Rewards 5% cash back |
Rewards 1.5% cash back |
Rewards 5% cash back |
Welcome offer N/A |
Welcome offer $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening |
Welcome offer
Get a $30 statement credit when you open a new account and make $30 in Sam's Club purchases |
Compare even more credit cards
Many customers say they enjoy having the card’s 5% discount. Cardholders rightfully point out that the card has a high purchase APR. They advise others to pay off their balances in full each month to avoid interest.
TD Bank, the provider of the Target REDcard™ Credit Card, has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 2002 and earns a A- rating as of June 2022.
Over 1,300 customer reviews from Trustpilot rank the bank a 1.3 out of 5 as of April 2021, with many reports of poor customer service.
If you’re approved, here’s what to do to maximize your Target REDcard™ Credit Card:
The Target REDcard™ Credit Card is an excellent choice if you’re a frequent shopper at Target, as you’ll receive a strong 5% discount on most purchases. If you rarely shop at the retailer, consider another rewards card that’s valid at a variety of merchants.
Images: Target
8 Comments
March 3, 2020
How do I check to see if my card, issued in 2011, is still active?
March 5, 2020
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your comment and I hope you are doing well.
It’s helpful to know that while we review this card, we aren’t able to check the status of your card as we don’t have access to customer accounts. To know of your Target REDcard is still active, contact the customer service of Target by using the number found at the back of the card. I hope this helps and feel free to reach out to us again for further assistance.
Best,
Nikki
February 3, 2019
What credit score is needed for approval?
February 6, 2019
Hi Jen,
Thank you for leaving a question.
You can apply with a fair credit score of 580 or higher. But to get a high credit line, apply with an excellent credit score. Hope this helps.
Regards,
Val
November 23, 2018
Can i use red card right away online once aproved.and how
November 24, 2018
Hello Noni,
Thank you for reaching out to us.
You will need to wait to receive the RedCard Credit Card to be able to use to. You need to have your card with you as you need your card details for any transactions.
You will receive the card, agreement and other welcome materials in 7-10 business days.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out again to us if you have additional questions.
Cheers,
Ash
August 21, 2018
I have considered getting the Target Red Card. Can I get the 5% discount on gift cards – especially when Target offers discounts on their gift cards during the holidays (basically 5% off of the discounted gift card). Let me know if it is possible before I open this Card. Thanks.
August 21, 2018
Hi Steve,
Thank you for reaching out to finder.
Unfortunately, the 5% discount does not apply to Target gift cards and prepaid cards. It will only apply to the purchases placed/ made on Target stores or Target.com.
I hope this helps.
Please do not hesitate to reach out again to us if you have additional questions that we may assist you with.
Cheers,
Ash