Target is known for its massive selection of products, affordable pricing, and fantastic perks like price matching. It also accepts different payment methods, including Target gift cards and multiple credit cards (ex., Visa, Mastercard, etc.).
You can even pay with your Target debit card or Target Mastercard.
But does Target accept Apple Pay? What are the benefits of using Apple Pay at Target?
I answer these questions and more in this article.
Let’s begin.
Does Target Take Apple Pay?
You can use Apple Pay as a payment method at Target stores.
To check if you can use Apple Pay at Target, look for an Apple Pay sticker on its front windows or the billing area.
You should also tell the staff at checkout that you want to use Apple Pay for your purchase.
How To Use Apple Pay In-Store?
Follow this step-by-step guide to pay for your purchase at Target with Apple Pay.
- Inform the cashier at checkout that you want to pay using your Apple Wallet.
- Double press the power key of your phone to launch Apple Wallet.
- Use Face ID to unlock the app and allow it to process your transaction.
- The cashier will ask you to tap the back of your Apple device on a card reader screen. If you’re using an Apple Watch, tap its screen on the card reader.
- After tapping your device on the card reader, wait for a notification authorizing your purchase and finalizing the transaction.
Is It Safe To Use Apple Pay at Target Stores?
Yes. While it’s true that retail stores are somewhat susceptible to data breaches that risk customers’ financial information, Apple Pay solves this problem.
Like most established mobile wallets, Apple Pay does not share debit cards, credit accounts, or identity information with merchants. Fraudsters cannot steal your data from merchant databases.
Apple Pay encrypts all your data information, so fraudsters can’t covertly use scanners to steal from you.
As an additional precaution, never allow people to access your iPhone or Apple ID. Furthermore, don’t share your phone password or any codes you receive in text messages with anyone.
Does the Target Mobile App Take Apple Pay?
You can also use Apple Pay when shopping on the Target app.
However, the website doesn’t currently support Apple Pay.
Note: Apple Pay was previously available on the website, but the company later discontinued it. You have to download the Target app if you want to use Apple Pay.
You don’t need to set up anything when using Apple Pay on the Target app. You only have to install the Apple Wallet with a credit or debit card.
Are There Fees for Using Apple Pay at Target?
Whether you’re shopping at your local store or the Target app, you don’t have to worry about fees when using this contactless payment service.
Target pays for the transaction cost, meaning customers don’t have to worry about extra fees.
What Are Target’s Accepted Payment Methods?
Here are Target’s accepted payment methods (in-store and on the app).
- Cash (Some stores accept Mexican pesos and Canadian dollars.)
- US-issued debit and ATM cards (US stores also accept Canadian debit and ATM cards with an NYCE or Interac logo with the Visa logo.)
- Target debit card, Target credit card, and Target Mastercard
- Third-party credit cards like Mastercard, Visa, Diner’s Club Internation, and American Express
- Merchant gift cards
- Third-party gift cards, including Starbucks gift cards at the in-store Starbucks registers
- Target gift cards
- Prepaid gift cards
- Mobile target gift cards
- Target temporary slips
- Target app payments
- Other mobile payments like Google Pay and Samsung Pay
- Gift certificates (e.g., Target corporation gift certificate)
- Personal checks
- Rebate checks
- Merchant vouchers
- Women, Infants, and Children or WIC (only in selected Target stores)
- Campus Cash (only in selected Target stores)
- Alipay (only in selected Target stores)
Can You Use Multiple Payment Methods at Target?
Yes. If you have gift cards or merchant vouchers and want to tap into your Apple Pay, you can use two or more payment methods for a single transaction.
What Are the Benefits of Using Apple Pay?
Here are several reasons why Apple Pay is dominating the contactless payment service.
Easy Contactless Payment Method
It’s easy and convenient to use Apple Pay because shoppers don’t have to bring their debit and credit cards to the store.
You can even use Apple Pay at Target self-checkout.
As a shopper, you must move your compatible iPhone (or Apple Watch) close to an NFC scanner at checkout and use your Touch ID to complete the purchase. It’s as easy and quick as that.
Offline Use
You can use Apple Pay on your compatible phone even without an Internet connection, including while your smartphone is in airplane mode.
No Additional or Hidden Fees for Customers
Apple works with major banks and credit card companies to give customers a convenient experience and free transactions. You need not worry about hidden or additional charges for using this service.
However, the service deducts a small percentage from each purchase, which the merchants cover.
Secure Contactless Digital Wallet
Apple Pay provides impressive security and protection from theft. It’s impossible for anyone to use your mobile device to make a payment without providing your security credentials.
Using the Apple Pay app at Target is more secure than carrying cash and credit or debit cards, two easy-to-compromise payment methods.
Since you don’t have to bring your physical credit or debit card when you use Apple Pay, there’s a reduced risk of a data breach.
This payment service uses a token called a device account number rather than your card number to complete the transaction.
Accessible
As one of the most popular contactless payment methods, most major retailers now take Apple Pay.
Privacy
Apple does not use your credit and debit card numbers but a device account number to protect your data from fraudsters. Also, the service does not monitor your purchases and other details.
Compatible with Apple Watch
With Apple Pay, you don’t even need to bring your phone to pay for your purchases. Simply wear your Apple Watch to your local Target store. Next, do these three easy steps.
- Double-click the side button of your Apple Watch to launch your default card.
- Scroll down if you need to choose another card.
- Hold the display of your Apple Watch near the contactless scanner until you hear a beep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are some of the most common FAQs about shopping at Target using Apple Pay.
Can I Add a Target RedCard to Apple Pay?
No. Currently, shoppers cannot add target Redcards, also known as a Target credit card, to their Apple Wallet.
Do All iPhone Models Support Apple Pay?
No. Not every iPhone or Apple device supports this payment service. Meanwhile, all models with Touch ID and Face ID, except iPhone 5s, can support this mobile wallet.
With Apple Pay on your compatible iPhone, you can pay through different settings and merchants:
- In-store purchases
- Person to person
- Apps
- On the web in Safari
- Business chat
- Some selected schools with your student ID
- Transportation
Does Walmart Accept Apple Pay?
No. Walmart doesn’t accept Apple Pay, a contactless payment service that uses near-field communication (NFC). The retail giant does not support this technology.
Does Dollar General Accept Apple Pay?
No. Dollar General does not accept any digital wallets, although it has its own payment app called DG GO!, which surprisingly is not accepted at some of its stores.
Will I Receive Target Circle Earnings or Rewards When I Use Apple Pay?
Yes. You will receive reward points even when you pay using your Apple Wallet. After all, these earnings are associated with your Target account and not with the payment method you’re using.
Is It Safer To Use Apple Pay than a Physical Card?
Yes. It’s safer to use Apple Pay (or any established digital wallet) than a physical credit or debit card when shopping online and in-store because the service does not share your card number and identity with merchants.
Also, the Apple servers or even your device do not store your actual card numbers.
Moreover, you need Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode to use Apple Pay.
Does Target Accept Other Mobile Payments?
Yes. Aside from Apple Pay, Target accepts other popular mobile payments such as Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
Are There Limits When Using Apple Pay at Target?
No. In the US, there is no limit as to how much you can spend at your local Target store or on the Target app.
But if you live in Canada, you can’t spend more than 250 CAD at once if you use Apple Pay at Target.
Meanwhile, you have to provide a PIN or signature once your purchase amounts to $50 or more.
The Bottom Line
As one of the biggest general merchandise retailers in the US, Target accepts a wide range of payment methods, including Target gift cards and digital wallets such as Apple Pay that’s known for its highly secured platform.
Aside from offering secured connectivity, Apple Pay’s popularity among retailers and shoppers stems from its convenience.
However, not everyone prefers Apple Pay, especially if you don’t use or like iPhones. In this case, you may consider another popular digital wallet: Amazon Pay.
