The best credit cards for Target
Target is one of the most popular retailers in the U.S. If you’re a frequent Target shopper, you might want to consider a credit card that earns bonus rewards at Target. Thankfully, there are many options to choose from.
Let’s look at some of our favorite cards for shopping and earning rewards at Target.
The best credit cards for Target shopping
These five rewards cards are currently the best options for Target purchases thanks to their attractive bonuses or statement credits:
The information for the Target Circle Card, U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite card and U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
The Target Circle credit card
Rewards at Target: This is perhaps the best option for loyal Target shoppers. The Target Circle credit card offers a 5% discount on all purchases at Target and Target.com. You also get free two-day shipping on select items on Target.com.
Annual fee: $0
Current welcome bonus: Save $50 on a future qualifying purchase over $50 when approved for a Target Circle™ Credit or Debit Card.
Standout perks: In addition to exclusive Target offers, cardholders earn 2% cash back on dining and gas purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases outside of Target. However, cash back can only be redeemed toward a Target gift card.
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To learn more, read our full review of the Target Circle™️ Card.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Rewards at Target: The Capital One Venture Rewards offers unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases, including at Target — a great option if you prefer a low-annual-fee card without many bells and whistles.
Annual fee: $95 (see rates and fees)
Current welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Standout perks: Earn unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and unlimited 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; you’ll also enjoy no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) and an up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, among other benefits.
To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Apply: Capital One Venture Rewards
Citi Double Cash Card
Rewards at Target: Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% as you buy and 1% when you pay.
Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees)
Current welcome bonus: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months of account opening.
Standout perks: There are not many additional perks here, but this card offers a simple no-annual-fee way to earn 2% cash back on all purchases.
To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
Apply: Citi Double Cash
U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card
Rewards at Target: Earn 3 points per dollar spent on all purchases made through mobile wallets. Target accepts mobile wallet pay, so you will earn this reward.
Annual fee: $400
Current welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus points (worth $750 on travel) when you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Standout perks: The U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve is a premium card with premium benefits like Priority Pass lounge access, an up to $325 travel credit and various travel insurances and protections.
To learn more, read our full review of the U.S. Bank Altitude Reserve Visa Infinite Card.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card
Rewards at Target: Earn 6% cash back at two retailers of your choice on up to $1,500. Target is an included retailer.
Annual fee: $0 first year, then $95
Current welcome bonus: Get a $250 bonus after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening
Standout perks: You can choose two retailers to earn 6% cash back on up to $1,500. Besides Target, the list of eligible stores includes Amazon, Walmart, Lululemon and Apple. Additionally, you can earn 3% cash back on up to $1,500 in an everyday category of your choosing and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
Rewards at Target: Earn 2% cash back on all purchases.
Annual fee: $0
Current welcome bonus: Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus when you spend $500 on purchases in the first three months.
Standout perks: Besides the 2% cash-back earning rate, the card’s standout perks are limited; however, it does include cellular telephone protection and Visa Signature benefits.
To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Active Cash card.
Apply here: Wells Fargo Active Cash card
How does a Target credit card work?
A Target credit card allows you to earn bonus rewards at Target, either online or in-store, in the form of cash back or rewards points. These cards also earn cash back or rewards everywhere you shop.
How to choose a credit card for shopping at Target
Before you select a credit card for your Target purchases, it’s important to note that Target locations can be coded as grocery or discount stores. The difference can impact your rewards earning rate depending on the location.
For example, I have seen a Target store in Oregon coded as a grocery store and one in Washington coded as a discount store.
If you’d rather not have to do the research, consider a flat cash-back card like the Citi Double Cash. This way, you can avoid having your purchase coded as a discount store or supercenter and be guaranteed bonus rewards, regardless of which Target you shop at.
How to apply for a Target credit card
You apply for a Target credit card the same way you would for any other credit card. Before applying, you should check your credit score to ensure it is within the necessary range and gather any income information required for the application.
Maximizing credit cards for Target
Shopping portals are an effective tool for saving money on planned purchases. When you begin shopping through an online portal, you will see the offers available for specific merchants.
You will be redirected to the merchant’s website when you click on one. The portal will track your spending and reward you when it identifies that you’ve made a purchase.
Shopping portals are beneficial because they allow you to stack your rewards. You’ll earn bonus points or cash back from the portal and the rewards your credit card offers.
Rakuten, a TPG favorite, usually offers around 1% cash back per dollar spent in certain categories with Target, though offers can increase or decrease at any time. You can combine these rewards with your credit card bonuses for massive savings.
You can also use a shopping portal aggregator like Cashback Monitor to find high returns on your spending.
Related: Quick Points: Supercharge your Rakuten earnings with Amex points
Pros and cons of the Target Circle Card
The Target Circle card has some pros and cons you should consider before applying.
Pros
- 5% off discount every day at Target and Target.com
- Free two-day shopping on select items at Target.com
- No annual fee
Cons
- Low earnings rate on non-Target and dining spending
- Cash back earned on non-Target purchases can only be redeemed for Target gift cards
Frequently asked questions
Does Target have a credit card?
Target has an official credit card, the Target Circle Credit card. It also has a debit card version of the credit card with similar perks.
When is the best time to sign up for a Target credit card?
The best time to sign up for a Target credit card depends on your situation. A good time could be when you know you have a large purchase to make and want to earn bonus rewards.
What credit score do you need for a Target card?
We recommend a credit score of at least 690 to qualify for a Target-branded credit card. However, your credit score is one of several approval factors, so there is no guarantee, regardless of your score.
Also, you may be approved with a lower score depending on your overall financial picture.
Can you use Target credit cards anywhere?
Yes, you can use a Target credit card anywhere credit cards are accepted. This includes Target’s cobranded card and any others mentioned above.
Can you buy gift cards with a Target credit card?
Yes, you can buy gift cards with a Target credit card. Generally, gift card purchases don’t earn bonus rewards. However, you might earn bonus points by buying a gift card with other items. I bought a gift card along with my groceries and earned rewards on the full purchase. Keep in mind that the Target Circle card does not offer a 5% discount on gift card purchases.
Is a Target credit card worth it?
A Target credit card can be worth it if you frequent Target stores. The official Target credit card is a great option. A flat-rate cash-back card is another option worth considering, as it can help you maximize your rewards, no matter where you shop.
Bottom line
Frequent Target shoppers should consider adding one of the aforementioned cards to their wallets. The Target Circle card will be the best option for many, but depending on your spending habits, you might find other cards on our list more suitable. If you shop online, consider using a shopping portal such as Rakuten to maximize your rewards.
Related: Target Circle: Everything you need to know about Target’s revamped cards and loyalty program
