Yes, Target accepts Apple Pay at checkout

Target takes Apple Pay in stores and online. In a Target store, you can hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader at checkout — the same spot where you'd tap a contactless credit card. Online, you'll see Apple Pay as a payment option during checkout on Target.com and the Target app.

The process is fast. Your transaction goes through in seconds, and you don't hand your phone to anyone or enter a card number. Target processes it the same way it handles any other contactless payment.

Key Takeaways

  • Target accepts Apple Pay both in physical stores at the contactless reader and during online checkout on Target.com and the Target app.
  • In-store, you hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the payment terminal — no card or PIN needed.
  • Your Apple Pay transaction uses the same contactless technology as tap-to-pay credit cards, so it's processed instantly.
  • You need Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple Watch passcode to authorize the payment on your device.

How to use Apple Pay in a Target store

When you reach the checkout counter, tell the cashier you're paying with Apple Pay or just proceed to the card reader. Look for the contactless symbol — it looks like a curved WiFi icon — on the payment terminal. This symbol marks where you tap or hold your device.

Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch about an inch away from the reader. Your phone's screen doesn't need to be on. If you're using an iPhone, Face ID or Touch ID will activate automatically, and you'll see a checkmark on the screen when the payment goes through. If you're using an Apple Watch, you may need to double-press the side button to authorize the payment, depending on your watch model and settings.

The whole transaction takes a few seconds. You don't need to sign anything or enter a PIN. Once you see the checkmark or hear a beep from the terminal, the payment is complete and you can take your receipt.

Using Apple Pay on Target.com and the Target app

On Target.com, add items to your cart and go to checkout. When you reach the payment step, you'll see Apple Pay listed as an option alongside credit cards and other methods. Click or tap Apple Pay, and your device will prompt you to authorize the purchase using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple Watch passcode.

The Target app works the same way. Add items, go to checkout, select Apple Pay, and authorize with your biometric or passcode. Target will process the payment and send you a confirmation email with your order details.

One thing to note: Target's online checkout may ask you to confirm your shipping address before you authorize payment. Make sure that information is correct before you complete the transaction, because you can't change it after Apple Pay processes the payment.

What you need to use Apple Pay at Target

You need an Apple device — an iPhone 6 or newer, an iPad (certain models), or an Apple Watch. Your device must have Apple Pay set up, which means you've added at least one credit or debit card to the Wallet app.

For in-store payments, your iPhone or Apple Watch needs to be unlocked or within arm's reach. You don't need an internet connection at the moment of payment, though your device should have been connected to the internet when you originally set up Apple Pay.

For online payments, you need to be using Target.com or the Target app on a compatible device. You can't use Apple Pay on Target's website if you're shopping on a non-Apple device like an Android phone or Windows computer.

Why Target uses contactless payment technology

Contactless payments like Apple Pay reduce the time you spend at checkout and limit the number of surfaces you touch. Target installed contactless readers in all its stores to give customers options beyond cash and physical cards.

From Target's side, contactless payments are faster to process and reduce the risk of card fraud because your actual card number never leaves your device. The payment terminal only receives a one-time code that's unique to that single transaction, so even if someone intercepted the signal, they couldn't use it again.

What happens if the contactless reader doesn't work

If the contactless reader at your Target checkout isn't working, you have other options. You can insert your physical credit or debit card into the chip reader, swipe it if the store still has that capability, or pay with cash. Tell the cashier the contactless reader isn't responding, and they'll direct you to use a different payment method on the same terminal.

If you're shopping online and Apple Pay isn't showing up as an option during checkout, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser cache. If it still doesn't appear, you can use a credit card, debit card, or Target Circle card instead. Contact Target's customer service if the problem continues across multiple checkout attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Target account to use Apple Pay?

No. You can pay with Apple Pay whether you have a Target account or not. If you want to earn Target Circle rewards on your purchase, you can link your Circle account after checkout, but it's not required to complete the transaction.

Can I use Apple Pay with Target Circle or a Target credit card?

You can use Apple Pay to pay with a Target Circle card or Target credit card if you've added that card to your Apple Wallet. When you hold your device near the reader, Apple Pay will use whichever card you've set as the default in Wallet, so make sure your Target card is set as primary if you want to earn rewards on that specific card.

Is Apple Pay safe to use at Target?

Yes. Apple Pay doesn't send your actual card number to Target — it sends a one-time code that's unique to that transaction. Your biometric data (Face ID or Touch ID) stays on your device and is never shared with Target or any merchant.

What if my Apple Pay payment fails at Target checkout?

If the payment doesn't go through, the terminal will usually display an error message. Try holding your device closer to the reader or a bit longer. If it fails again, use a physical card or another payment method. Contact your bank if the problem happens at multiple stores, because it may indicate an issue with your card itself.

Can I use Apple Pay for Target's same-day services like Drive Up or Order Pickup?

Yes. When you order through the Target app for Drive Up or Order Pickup, you can select Apple Pay as your payment method during checkout. You'll authorize the payment on your device, and Target will charge your card when your order is ready for pickup or delivery.