/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2019/06/05/beautiful-woman-at-shopping-with-red-card.jpg)
/authors/robin_kavanagh_updated.png)
/authors/image.jpg)
If you're a fan of shopping at any of the more than 1,980 Target stores throughout the U.S. or Target.com, you've likely heard about the Target Circle Card.
With both credit and debit card options, coupled with a 5% discount on purchases, free shipping, and other perks, a Target Circle card can be a great option for regular Target shoppers.
12 most common questions about Target Circle cards
Thinking of applying for the Target Debit Card or a Target credit card? Here are answers to many top questions about Target Circle cards.
1. How do Target Circle cards work?
You have three options with Target Circle cards. You can apply for one of two credit cards, a debit card, or a reloadable account.
The two Target credit cards, called the Target Circle credit card and Target Mastercard, require credit checks and appear on your credit report. The Target Circle credit card is a store card that can only be used on Target purchases, while the Target Mastercard is an open-loop credit card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
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.
The Target Circle Card Account, or Target Circle Card Reloadable Account, is a demand deposit account issued by Pathward that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. It's a debit card that you can reload for free at any Target, and at select retailers besides, or fund from external accounts. It offers ATM withdrawals and the ability to create up to four subaccounts for family members who are at least 13.
When you use any of these cards, 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. Is the Target RedCard a credit card?
There are two types of Target Circle cards: credit cards and debit cards. The Target Circle credit card and Target Mastercards are actual credit cards that require credit approval and let you spend up to a specified credit limit.
Target Circle debit cards are not credit cards. They pull funds from a checking account or reloadable deposit account, and they don't appear on your credit report or require credit checks.
3. How do I get a Target credit card?
You can apply for the Target Circle credit card or Target Mastercard online or by completing an application in person. Before applying, though, it's wise to consider your options, as not all cash back credit cards are created equal.
If you apply for the debit card at a Target location, you'll be asked to provide a voided, blank check.
4. Where can I use my Target Circle card?
Target Circle credit and debit cards can only be used on purchases at Target stores or Target.com. The Target Circle credit card is a store credit card.
The Target Mastercard, however, can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
5. What's the difference between the Target credit cards and debit cards?
In terms of benefits, there are few differences between Target credit and debit cards. Some of the main ways in which they differ are that the Target Mastercard can be used outside of Target, and Target debit cards let you take cash out of your account and spend directly from your checking account balance.
Credit cards differ from debit cards in that there's no effect on your credit when using a debit card, and you can generally only spend what you have available in your checking account.
6. What credit score do I need to get a Target credit card?
Credit eligibility for Target credit cards varies, as the company weighs income, outstanding debt, and credit history when deciding whether to approve an application. But for the Target Circle credit card, a credit score of Excellent, Good is recommended.
Many cardholders report having a 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. What bank issues Target credit and debit cards?
Target Circle credit cards are issued through TD Bank. The debit card is not affiliated with any bank and is issued by Target Corporation.
8. Will a Target credit card help build my credit?
As with any credit card, the Target Circle credit cards could help you build your credit with responsible use. But it all depends on how you use the card.
Target Circle credit cards and Target Mastercards will appear in your credit report, so it's important to keep your balance paid off and avoid late payments if you want to try to build your credit.
9. Does the Target Circle debit card affect my credit?
No, the Target Circle debit card draws money directly from your checking account, which does not report to any credit agency, thus having no effect on your credit. The same goes for the Target Circle Card Reloadable Account.
10. Can I get cash from my Target Circle debit card?
Yes, you can use your Target debit card to take out cash.
With the Target Circle debit card, you can take out up to $40 in cash every 24 hours, either with or without a purchase. Target credit cards don't offer cash withdrawals.
11. Is a Target Circle card worth it?
Whether or not Target Circle debit or credit cards will be worth it for you depends on your shopping habits and the cards you currently have. If you frequent Target, you'd get a lot more out of the cards' benefits than someone who only stops at the store every few months.
Target credit cards and debit cards both offer 5% discounts on all Target purchases, plus two-day shipping and an extra 30 days for returns. In addition, they provide $50 off Circle 360 subscriptions, which offer same-day delivery on orders over $35. This membership normally costs $99, and same-day delivery is provided by Shipt.
12. Should I get a Target Circle card?
If you're a regular shopper at Target stores or Target.com, a Target Circle card 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.
What is the difference between a Target debit card and a Target credit card?
| Target RedCard debit card | Target Circle Credit Card | Target Mastercard | |
| Best for... | Saving at Target and paying through checking | Earning cash back, paying over time, and building credit | Spending outside of Target |
| 5% off on qualifying Target purchases | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 30 extra days for returns | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Free two-day shipping on eligible items | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Early access to select promotions and exclusive extras | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Can use outside of Target | No | No | Yes |
| Allows cash withdrawals up to $40 at checkout | Yes | No | No |
| Checks credit | No | Yes | Yes |
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
|
/images/2021/04/21/adobestock_192812280_1200x628.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
/images/2025/01/28/adobestock_628402894_1.jpeg)
/images/2024/09/04/adobestock_669069249_editorial_use_only_1.jpeg)
/images/2020/03/02/tattoo-woman-bar.jpeg)
/images/2020/12/21/smiling-couple-looking-at-laptop-screen.jpeg)
Benefits Card Details Intro Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee $0 Why we like it
/images/2024/12/17/wells-fargo-active-cash-12172024.png)
/images/2019/10/04/credit_cards_with_the_highest_cash_back_offers.jpg)
/images/2019/05/24/capital-one-savor-cash-rewards-credit-card.jpg)
/images/2020/04/28/indecisive-woman.jpeg)
/images/2025/12/15/bank_of_america_sign_on_building.png)
/images/2023/03/09/two-woman-talking.jpeg)
/images/2025/12/15/friends_shopping_online_with_credit_card.png)
/images/2025/10/16/person_with_remote_control_in_hand.png)
/images/2019/06/11/friends-won-chase-card-referral-bonus.jpg)
/images/2025/12/15/older_couple_using_a_credit_card_online.png)
/images/2025/12/15/woman_using_credit_card_on_cellphone.png)
/images/2021/02/11/happy-older-couple-outdoors.jpeg)
