Credit Cards Cash Back Credit Cards

Target RedCard: 11 Questions To Quickly Decide If It’s Right For You

With a 5% discount and a slew of extra perks, a Target RedCard could offer more benefits than you realize.

By Robin Kavanagh

Edited by Laura Bostwick

Updated Dec. 18, 2024

If you’re a fan of shopping at any of the 1,851 Target stores throughout the U.S. or Target.com, you’ve likely heard about the Target RedCard.

With both credit and debit card options, coupled with a 5% discount on purchases, free shipping, and other perks, the RedCard can be a great option for regular Target shoppers.

Here is a closer look at how it works.

	Target RedCard Credit Card	Target RedCard debit card
Best for...	Earning cash back, paying over time, and building credit	Earning cash back and making payments through a checking account
Main benefits	5% off on qualifying purchases 30 additional days to return merchandise Free standard shipping on Target.com Free two-day shipping on eligible items Early access to select products and promotions Exclusive extras, such as offers, gifts, and special items	5% off on qualifying purchases 30 additional days to return merchandise Free standard shipping on Target.com Free two-day shipping on eligible items Early access to select products and promotions Exclusive extras, such as offers, gifts, and special items
Qualifications to apply	U.S. address Social Security number Must be at least 18 years old	U.S. address Social Security number Must be at least 16 years old Valid driver's license or state or military ID U.S.-based personal checking account
Annual fee	$0	$0
Balance transfer fee	No fee, but balances can only be transferred from another Target account	Balances can’t be transferred to the debit card
Cash advance fee	N/A	N/A
Late fee	Up to $39	No late fees

11 most common questions about the Target RedCard

Thinking of applying for a Target RedCard? Here are some answers to the most common questions about both types of cards.

1. How does the Target RedCard work?

You have two options with the Target RedCard. You can apply for a credit or a debit card. The credit card works like many other top-rated cards and will be listed on your credit report. The debit card links to your checking account and purchases are debited from your account within three to five days once a purchase has been made.

When you use either card, you get 5% off all qualified purchases in-store and at Target.com, free shipping for online orders, 30 extra days to make returns, and exclusive deals and savings opportunities.

2. How do I get a RedCard from Target?

You can apply for either the credit or debit Target RedCard either in-store or online. If you apply for the debit card at a Target location, you’ll be asked to provide a voided, blank check.

Before applying, though, it’s wise to consider your options, as not all cash back credit cards are created equal.

3. Where can I use my Target RedCard?

Target RedCards can only be used on purchases at Target stores or Target.com.

4. What’s the difference between the Target RedCard credit card and debit card?

In terms of benefits, there is no difference between the Target RedCard credit and debit cards. That being said, credit cards do differ from debit cards and there are more eligibility requirements for the debit card than for the credit card, and there’s no effect on your credit when using a debit card.

5. Can I get cash from my Target RedCard?

With the Target RedCard debit card, you can take out up to $40 in cash every 24 hours, either with or without a purchase. The credit card doesn’t offer cash withdrawals.

6. What credit score do I need to get a Target RedCard?

Credit eligibility for the Target RedCard varies, as the company weighs income, outstanding debt, and credit history when deciding whether to approve an application. Many cardholders report having fair credit score at the time of approval. According to a Target customer representative, Target doesn’t use just one credit agency to evaluate creditworthiness. They choose which agency to request reports from at random, with Equifax coming up most often.

7. Can Target look up my RedCard?

Target associates can’t look up your RedCard at the point of purchase. However, you can register your card with Target’s Cartwheel app and use that to pay for a purchase at checkout.

8. Will the Target RedCard Credit Card help build my credit?

Yes. The card is listed on your credit report as an open account. By using the card and making timely payments, the Target RedCard Credit Card can help build your credit.

9. Does the Target RedCard debit card affect my credit?

No, the Target RedCard debit card draws money directly from your checking account, which does not report to any credit agency, thus having no effect on your credit.

10. What bank issues the Target RedCard?

The Target RedCard credit card is issued through TD Bank. The debit card does not have any affiliated bank and is issued by Target Corporation.

11. Should I get a Target RedCard?

If you’re a regular shopper at Target stores or Target.com, the RedCard may be worth it for you. You do get value from the 5% discount, free shipping, exclusive deals, and extended return policy. However, there are exclusions to these perks, and the card can only be used when shopping at Target. Be sure to weigh the benefits and restrictions before making a decision.

Other cards to consider

If you want to earn cash back with a more versatile card, here are a few of the best cash back credit cards worth looking into; you may find that one fits your needs better than the others.

Chase Freedom Unlimited

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

Earn 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)
Annual fee: $0

Chase Freedom Flex

Chase Freedom Flex^®

5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories you activate (on up to $1,500 spent) and travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery service); and 1% cash back on all other purchases
Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee: $0

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards

Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card

1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day; and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual fee: $0