What Credit Score You Need to Get the Target Credit Card
Target's credit card has no published minimum score, but most people approved have scores of 600 or higher
Target does not publicly state a minimum credit score for its RedCard. However, based on how the card actually works in practice, you typically need a score around 600 or above to have a real chance at approval. This is what's called a "fair credit" card — it's not designed for people with excellent credit (those usually get premium cards with rewards), but it's also not a "bad credit" card that accepts anyone.
The actual decision depends on more than just your score. Target's approval process looks at your credit history, how much debt you already carry, your income, and whether you have any recent missed payments or collections accounts. A score of 650 with a clean payment history will get you approved faster than a score of 680 with recent late payments.
If your score is below 600, you can still apply, but rejection is more likely. If you're turned down, you'll receive a letter explaining why — it may be your score, but it could also be something else on your credit report that you can fix.
Key Takeaways
- Target RedCard typically approves people with credit scores around 600 and up, though the exact cutoff varies based on your full credit history.
- Your score is only one piece of the decision — recent late payments, high debt levels, or collections accounts can result in rejection even with a decent score.
- Target will tell you in writing why you were denied, which helps you understand whether to reapply later or try a different card.
- You can apply for the RedCard online, in-store, or through the Target app, and you'll know the decision within minutes to a few days.
How Target's approval process actually works
When you apply for a Target RedCard, the company pulls your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). They run what's called a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points but shows up on your report for two years.
Target uses that report to look at several things at once: your score, the age of your oldest account, how much available credit you're using, whether you've missed payments in the last two years, and whether you have any accounts in collections. They also verify your income and check whether you already have a Target credit card account open.
The whole process usually takes a few minutes to a few days. If you apply online or through the Target app, you often get an instant or same-day decision. In-store applications may take longer because they're processed differently.
What happens if your score is below 600
A score below 600 puts you in the "poor credit" range, and Target's approval odds drop significantly. You can still apply — there's no harm in trying — but you should be prepared for a rejection letter.
If you're denied, the letter will include a reason code. Common reasons include "insufficient credit history," "too many recent inquiries," "delinquent accounts," or "high credit utilization." Each one tells you something different about what to fix before reapplying.
If the reason is high utilization (you're using too much of your available credit), paying down existing balances can help. If it's recent late payments, waiting for those to age off your report (typically 7 years from the missed payment date) will improve your odds. If it's insufficient history, opening a secured credit card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can build your file faster.
The difference between Target's two credit card products
Target actually offers two versions of its RedCard: a credit card and a debit card. The credit card is what requires a credit check and a score. The debit card is linked to your bank account and requires no credit check at all — you just need a valid ID and a checking account.
The debit version gives you the same 5% discount on Target purchases and other RedCard benefits, but it doesn't build your credit history because it's not a credit product. If you're trying to build credit or your score is too low for approval, the RedCard debit card is a real alternative that gives you most of the same perks.
The credit card does build your credit history with on-time payments, which the debit card does not. So if building credit is your goal, the credit card is worth pursuing once your score improves.
Steps to take before applying if your score is low
If you know your score is below 600, spending a few months improving it before you apply can save you a hard inquiry and increase your chances of approval. Here's what actually moves the needle:
Check your credit report for errors. You can pull your report free once a year from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com. Look for accounts you don't recognize, wrong payment dates, or balances that don't match what you owe. Dispute any errors directly with the bureau — they have 30 days to investigate.
Pay down existing balances. If you're using more than 30% of your available credit across all cards, paying that down will raise your score. This is called your credit utilization ratio, and it's one of the fastest things to improve.
Make all payments on time for at least three months. Recent payment history matters more than old history. Even one on-time payment after a missed one starts to rebuild your file.
Don't apply for multiple cards in a short time. Each application is a hard inquiry, and multiple inquiries in a few months signal to lenders that you're desperate for credit, which lowers your score further.
What to expect after approval
If you're approved, Target will tell you your credit limit — this is the maximum you can charge on the card. Your limit depends on your score, income, and credit history. First-time cardholders often start with limits between $300 and $1,000, though it varies.
Your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it online, through the Target app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. Once it's active, you can use it at Target stores and Target.com to get the 5% discount and other benefits.
Every on-time payment you make builds your credit history and raises your score over time. After six months to a year of perfect payments, you can request a credit limit increase, which may also boost your score by lowering your utilization ratio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will applying for the Target card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only temporarily. The hard inquiry drops your score by a few points for a few months. However, if you're approved and use the card responsibly with on-time payments, your score will recover and then improve over time as your credit history grows.
Can I get approved with no credit history at all?
It's difficult but possible. Target prefers to see some credit history — even a few months of on-time payments on another card or being an authorized user on someone else's account helps. If you have no history at all, the RedCard debit card is a better option, or you could open a secured credit card first to build a file.
What if I was denied — can I reapply right away?
You can reapply, but waiting 30 to 90 days is smarter. Each application is a hard inquiry, and multiple inquiries close together hurt your score. Use that time to fix whatever caused the denial — pay down balances, dispute errors, or make on-time payments — then reapply.
Does Target use a specific credit bureau to make decisions?
Target may pull from any or all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), and which one they use can vary by state and situation. You won't know which bureau they pulled until you check your credit report or receive your denial letter.
Is the Target RedCard worth getting if my score is just barely high enough?
The 5% discount on all Target purchases adds up if you shop there regularly — that's $50 back on every $1,000 you spend. If you can pay the balance in full each month and avoid interest charges, the card pays for itself quickly. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the discount gets eaten up by fees.