Yes, Target accepts tap payments through most major mobile wallets and contactless cards

Target takes tap payments at nearly all of its checkout registers. You can tap your phone or smartwatch using Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, or any contactless credit or debit card. The checkout process is the same whether you're paying with a physical card or your phone — hold the device near the card reader for a second or two until you see a checkmark or hear a beep.

Tap payments work at Target's main registers, self-checkout, and drive-up pickup locations. The only exception is Target Plus sellers (third-party merchants selling through Target.com), who may not accept tap payments — those transactions go through different payment systems.

Target also accepts its own branded payment method, the Target Circle Card, which you can set up in Apple Pay or Google Pay for tap payments. If you have a Target RedCard (their debit or credit card), you can add it to your mobile wallet and tap it the same way.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay all work at Target's registers, self-checkout, and drive-up pickup.
  • Any contactless credit or debit card from your bank works at Target without needing a phone or app.
  • Target Circle Card and Target RedCard can be added to your mobile wallet for tap payments.
  • Tap payments at Target work the same way as at any other store — hold your device near the reader until you see confirmation.
  • Target Plus sellers on Target.com may not accept tap payments, so check the payment options before you buy.

How to set up tap pay on your phone for Target

If you use an iPhone, open the Wallet app, tap the plus sign, and select "Credit or Debit Card." Follow the prompts to add your card, then confirm it with your bank. Once it's added, you can tap your phone at Target's card reader without opening any app — just hold it near the reader and use Face ID or your passcode to authorize the payment.

On Android, open Google Pay, tap the plus sign, and add your card the same way. Samsung Pay works similarly if you have a Samsung phone — open the app, add your card, and you're ready to tap. All three systems store your card information securely and don't send your actual card number to Target.

If you already have a Target Circle Card or Target RedCard, you can add it to your mobile wallet instead of using a personal bank card. Open your wallet app, add the card using its number and expiration date, and tap it at checkout just like any other card.

What happens if the card reader doesn't recognize your tap

If the reader doesn't pick up your tap, try holding your phone or card a bit closer to the reader — usually within an inch or two. Some readers are more sensitive than others. If it still doesn't work after two or three tries, ask the cashier to run your card the traditional way by inserting it or swiping it instead.

Occasionally a phone's tap feature stops working temporarily due to a software glitch or a drained battery. If this happens, you can always fall back to inserting your physical card or using a different payment method. Target accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and also takes Target Circle Card, Target RedCard, and cash.

Tap pay at Target self-checkout

Target's self-checkout registers accept tap payments the same way the staffed registers do. Look for the card reader on the screen or the stand — it's usually a small square symbol or marked "Contactless." Hold your phone or card near it until you see a checkmark or confirmation message.

Self-checkout can sometimes be slower to recognize a tap than a staffed register, so wait a full second or two before pulling your phone away. If it doesn't register on the first try, the system will usually prompt you to try again. You can also insert your card or swipe it if tap isn't working.

Using Target Circle Card or RedCard with tap pay

Target's own payment cards offer rewards and discounts that you don't get with outside bank cards. The Target Circle Card gives you 1% back on purchases, and the Target RedCard (debit version) gives you 1% back plus a 5% discount on most items. Both cards can be added to Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay so you can tap them at checkout.

To add your Target card to a mobile wallet, open the wallet app on your phone, select "Add Card," and enter your Target card number, expiration date, and CVV. Your bank will send you a verification code. Once verified, you can tap your phone at any Target register and earn the same rewards as if you'd used the physical card.

Tap pay limits at Target

Target doesn't set a spending limit on tap payments — you can use tap pay for any amount, from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. However, your bank or card issuer might have their own limits on contactless transactions. Most banks allow tap payments up to $100 or $200 per transaction without requiring a PIN, but this varies by bank.

If your purchase is over your bank's tap limit, the card reader will ask you to insert your card or enter your PIN instead. This is a security measure from your bank, not a Target policy. You can check your bank's tap payment limits by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your online banking account.

What to do if Target won't accept your tap payment

If a specific Target location's card reader isn't accepting tap payments, the reader might be broken or offline. Ask a cashier to run your card another way — by inserting it, swiping it, or processing it manually. You can also report the broken reader to the cashier or manager so they know to get it fixed.

If your phone or card itself isn't being recognized, make sure your mobile wallet is set up correctly and your card information is current. Remove the card from your wallet and add it again if you're having trouble. If you're using a physical contactless card, check that it hasn't expired and that the card itself isn't damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay at Target?

Yes, Apple Pay works at all Target registers, self-checkout, and drive-up pickup. Add your credit card, debit card, or Target Circle Card to your iPhone or Apple Watch, then hold it near the card reader at checkout. You'll need to use Face ID or your passcode to complete the payment.

Does Target accept Google Pay?

Yes, Google Pay is accepted at Target the same way as Apple Pay. Add your card to Google Pay on your Android phone, then tap it at the card reader. You don't need to open the Google Pay app — just hold your phone near the reader and it will detect the payment.

What if I don't have a smartphone — can I still use tap pay?

Yes, you can use a contactless credit or debit card from your bank instead of a phone. These cards have a small wave symbol on them and work the same way as mobile wallets. If your bank card isn't contactless, you can insert it or swipe it at Target like normal.

Is tap pay safe to use at Target?

Tap pay is as safe as inserting your card or swiping it. Your actual card number isn't sent to Target — the payment system uses encrypted information instead. Your phone or watch also requires authentication (Face ID, fingerprint, or PIN) before the payment goes through, adding an extra layer of security.

Can I use tap pay for Target online orders?

Tap pay doesn't work for Target.com purchases — you have to enter your card information manually or use a saved payment method. However, you can use tap pay at Target's drive-up pickup locations when you pick up your online order in person.