How do I make a payment on my Target RED Card?

Yes, store credit cards can help build credit, if you use them wisely. Store credit cards report your payment history to credit bureaus the same as a regular consumer credit card. If you make timely payments for more than the minimum due, and stay within your credit limit, a store credit card can go a long way in building, or even rebuilding your credit.… read full answer

A store credit card is a card offered by a retailer. It's not to be confused with a charge card, in that a store credit card does not require you to pay off the entire balance every month. Store credit cards are also known as closed-loop cards, which means it can be used only for purchases within the store, its website, or affiliated stores. Retailers may also offer open-loop, or co-branded store cards. They're store cards, but they're on a credit card network such as Visa and Mastercard, and can be used anywhere the network's cards are accepted.

You can use a store credit card to help build credit because they're generally easier to get. Most store credit cards require a minimum fair credit score to have a chance of being approved. The drawback is that you'll likely start out with a higher interest rate and a lower credit limit than you would with a co-branded credit card. Co-branded store cards also come with stricter approval requirements.

Where you can run into trouble with a store credit card is the temptation to overspend. Your favorite retailer may bombard you with promotional offers, discounts and sales announcements. It's pretty easy to make additional purchases in the store, or online, thinking your sales item purchases will make up the difference.

In the end, you'll end up canceling out any discounts and burning up most of your credit limit. That doesn't bode well for your credit utilization, which should be at less than 30% of your available credit. And then there's the interest that will be tacked on if you have to carry a balance to the next month.

Speaking of interest, be wary of any 0% promotional offers, particularly for large purchases. Unlike a 0% APR you'll find on some regular credit cards, over half of all store cards operate on deferred interest, according to a WalletHub study. If you don't pay off the balance by the end of the promotional period, you'll be charged all the interest accrued on the original purchase price.

So store cards can definitely help you build credit, as long as you pay your bills on time and preferably in full, while maintaining a low credit utilization. The same rules apply to a regular credit card, so feel free to check out more tips on how to build credit with a credit card. Some of the best store credit cards offer extensive rewards and are worth getting, especially if you already shop at their respective stores.

The Target Credit Card, also known as the Target REDcard, can be used to make Target purchases in-store and online. But it can’t be used at other stores. On the other hand, the Target Visa credit card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. But you can’t apply for that version anymore.… read full answer

The Target Credit Card credit score requirement is “fair”. So, you need a 640+ credit score to get it. The Target Credit Card is a store card, and just about all store credit cards require fair credit. But because it’s a store credit card, it can only be used to make Target purchases, in-store and online.… read full answer

When you apply for a Target Credit Card, your credit score is one of the major factors that the card’s issuer will consider. But it’s not the only factor. Your income, employment status, debts and housing information matter, too. But generally speaking, the higher above 640 your score is, the better your odds of approval are.

Here are the Target Credit Card requirements:

• Minimum credit score: 640 (fair credit)
• Age requirement: 18 years old
• Income requirement: Enough to afford monthly payments (wages, investments, etc.)
• Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen with a valid SSN
• Bank account requirement: Must have a checking account at a bank in the U.S.

You can apply for the Target Credit Card online, by phone at (800) 659-2396, by mail, or in person at a local Target store. When you apply online, you may be approved instantly, or your application may require additional review. A decision on a pending application can take 7-10 business days.

If approved, you will receive a minimum starting credit limit of $250. You will also be able to make purchases the same day you’re approved. You get temporary card information to use until your actual card arrives.

The Target credit card gives you a 5% discount at Target and Target.com. You’ll also get 30 extra days for returns and free two-day shipping on Target.com orders. There’s a $0 annual fee.