Redeem guide
How to Redeem a Target Gift Card
Apply it at checkout online, in the Target app, or in store
A Target GiftCard isn't redeemed into a separate balance — it's applied as payment at checkout. Save it to your account once and it's there for every future order, or enter the numbers on the spot.
Code format
Enter both parts exactly as shown on your card.
Jump to redeem stepsQuick Answer: Using Your Target Gift Card
To use a Target GiftCard, sign in at Target.com or open the Target app, add items to your cart, and at checkout choose Apply a GiftCard, then enter the GiftCard number and access number. The card is applied as payment on that order — Target uses GiftCard funds before any credit or debit card. Target GiftCards never expire and carry no fees.
Three Ways to Apply Your Target Gift Card
A Target GiftCard works on Target.com, in the Target app, and at any Target store in the United States. It is not redeemed into a wallet balance like a points card — it is applied as tender at the moment you pay. You can enter it once per order, or save it to your account so it auto-applies to every future checkout.
On Target.com at checkout
Use this when you are shopping in a browser and want the card applied to the order in front of you.
- Sign in at Target.com and add the items you want to your cart.
- Select Check out and scroll to the Gift cards section.
- Select Apply a GiftCard, then enter your GiftCard number and access number.
- Select Apply — the GiftCard amount is deducted from your order total.
- If the order costs more than the card, add a payment method for the remainder and place the order.
To keep the card for later instead, go to Account → Gift cards → Save a new gift card and enter the same two numbers; it will be offered automatically at your next checkout.
In the Target app (Wallet)
The app stores the card in your Wallet so it applies with a tap and works for both online and in-store orders.
- Open the Target app and sign in, then tap the Wallet tab.
- In the GiftCard section, tap Add, then Add Gift Card.
- Scan the card’s barcode with your camera, or enter the GiftCard number and access number by hand.
- At checkout, toggle on the saved GiftCard to apply it to the order.
A saved card stays in your Wallet until its balance reaches zero, so you do not need to re-enter the numbers for partial purchases.
At a Target store
A physical card works at any register; the app makes it paperless if you have already saved the card to your Wallet.
- Hand the physical card to the cashier, or have them scan the barcode, when you pay.
- To pay from the app, open Wallet and select the GiftCards you want to use.
- Show the barcode on screen and let the cashier scan it — the selected GiftCards apply to the sale.
You can combine up to 10 Target GiftCards on a single transaction, in store or online.
Why Your Target Gift Card Isn’t Working
A Target GiftCard that won’t apply almost always traces to one of four causes. Match the message you saw to the section below before calling support.
“Card not activated”
The card’s activation didn’t finalize at the register when it was bought, so the funds aren’t live yet. Keep your receipt and ask the store that sold it to complete activation, or contact Target Guest Services with the card and proof of purchase to have it activated.
“Please enter a valid gift card” / invalid number
This is usually a mistyped GiftCard number or access number, or the two values entered in the wrong fields. The access number is the PIN hidden under the silver strip on the back of a physical card; on an eGift it is printed in the email. Scratch off the strip fully, re-enter both numbers carefully, and confirm you are in the Apply a GiftCard field, not a promo or coupon field.
Card already used or shows no balance
The funds have already been spent, or the order total is higher than what’s left on the card. Apply a second GiftCard or add a credit or debit card to cover the rest — Target spends GiftCard funds first, then charges the backup payment for the remainder.
Where to Buy a Target Gift Card Online
If you’ve spent the balance on your last card, or you landed here planning a purchase, a digital Target GiftCard is the quickest way to fund a Target.com or in-store order without tying a bank card to the account.
Buy a Target gift card online and the code arrives by email, ready to enter at Target.com checkout or save to your Target app Wallet the same day. It carries the GiftCard number and access number you need to apply it as payment right away.
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