The best credit cards for Target purchases
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:
- Target Circle Card
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees)
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card
- U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card (see rates and fees)
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.
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
Current welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when 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 and an up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, among other benefits.
To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
Learn more: 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
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.