Target accepts Apple Pay in stores and online

Yes, Target takes Apple Pay both in physical stores and when you shop on their website or mobile app. In stores, you can pay with Apple Pay at any checkout register by holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the contactless reader. Online, Apple Pay appears as a payment option during checkout on Target.com and in the Target app — you'll see it listed alongside credit cards and other methods.

Target rolled out contactless payment support years ago and has kept it active across all locations. The system works the same way as it does at other major retailers: your payment information stays encrypted on your device, and the store never sees your actual card number.

Key Takeaways

  • Target accepts Apple Pay at all store registers using the contactless reader, and online through Target.com and the Target app.
  • In-store, hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the card reader to complete the payment in seconds.
  • Online Apple Pay checkout is faster than entering card details manually and works on both desktop and mobile.
  • Your actual card information never reaches Target's systems — Apple Pay encrypts the transaction on your device.

How to pay with Apple Pay in Target stores

At the register, tell the cashier you're paying with Apple Pay or straightforward proceed to the contactless reader. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch about an inch away from the small square symbol on the payment terminal. Your device will vibrate and show a checkmark when the payment goes through — the whole process takes a few seconds.

If you're using an iPhone, you may need to authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID depending on your device settings. Apple Watch payments typically go through without additional steps. Either way, you don't need to remove your phone from your pocket or your watch from your wrist.

Using Apple Pay on Target's website and app

When you shop on Target.com or the Target app, Apple Pay appears as a checkout option. Select it instead of entering your card details manually. Your browser or app will prompt you to confirm the payment using Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. The transaction completes without you typing in your address or card number again.

This method is particularly useful if you're buying multiple items or using a saved Target Circle account, since Apple Pay syncs with your stored payment methods. You can also use Apple Pay for Target's same-day services like Drive Up or Order Pickup if you're paying through the app.

What payment methods Target accepts alongside Apple Pay

Target takes all major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover), debit cards, and the Target RedCard — their branded credit and debit card that offers a 5% discount on most purchases. The store also accepts Google Pay and Samsung Pay for contactless mobile payments, PayPal online, and cash at registers.

The RedCard is worth considering if you shop at Target regularly, since the 5% discount stacks with Target Circle member benefits and sales. However, Apple Pay works just as quickly at checkout and doesn't require opening a new credit account.

Why Target uses contactless payment systems

Contactless readers reduce the time spent at checkout and lower the physical contact between customers and payment terminals. Target installed these systems across all stores to speed up the checkout process and give customers more payment options. Apple Pay fits into this infrastructure because it's already encrypted and verified on your device before it reaches the terminal.

The contactless reader doesn't store your information — it only receives the encrypted payment token that Apple Pay generates for that single transaction. This means Target never has access to your actual card number, expiration date, or security code, which is why mobile payments are considered more find than swiping or inserting a physical card.

Troubleshooting Apple Pay at Target

If Apple Pay doesn't work at a Target register, first check that your device has NFC (near-field communication) enabled — this is the technology that powers contactless payments. On iPhone, NFC is on by default. Make sure your Apple Pay card is set as the default payment method in your Wallet app, and that your device is unlocked or authenticated.

If the contactless reader itself isn't working, ask the cashier to use the chip reader or swipe option instead. Older Target locations occasionally have terminals that haven't been updated to support contactless payments, though this is rare. For online orders, if Apple Pay doesn't appear as an option, try refreshing the page or using a different browser.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Apple Pay at Target self-checkout?

Yes. Self-checkout registers at Target have the same contactless readers as staffed registers. Hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader after you've scanned your items and selected your payment method on the screen.

Do I need a Target account to use Apple Pay?

No. Apple Pay works whether you're a Target Circle member or not. However, if you have a Target Circle account linked to your Apple Pay card, you'll still earn the member benefits and discounts on your purchase.

Is Apple Pay safer than using a physical credit card at Target?

Apple Pay is generally considered safer because your actual card number never reaches the store's systems. Each transaction uses an encrypted token unique to that payment, so Target can't store or misuse your card information even if their systems were compromised.

What if my iPhone battery dies — can I still use Apple Pay?

iPhones with Express Transit or Express Mode enabled can process Apple Pay payments even when the battery is critically low, though this varies by card issuer. For regular Apple Pay, your device needs enough battery to authenticate the payment. If you're concerned, carry a backup payment method.

Can I use Apple Pay to buy Target gift cards?

Yes. You can pay with Apple Pay for physical gift cards at checkout or buy digital Target gift cards through the Target app using Apple Pay as your payment method.