• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

TinyGrab

Your Trusted Source for Tech, Finance & Brand Advice

  • Personal Finance
  • Tech & Social
  • Brands
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Get In Touch
  • About Us
Home » Can I use my Afterpay card at Target?

Can I use my Afterpay card at Target?

October 1, 2025 by TinyGrab Team Leave a Comment

Table of Contents

Toggle
  • Can I Use My Afterpay Card at Target?
    • Understanding Afterpay and Target’s Payment Options
      • Afterpay: The BNPL Disruptor
      • Target’s Payment Ecosystem: A World of Options (Except Afterpay)
    • Why Target Doesn’t Accept Afterpay (Yet)
    • Exploring Alternatives to Afterpay at Target
    • Future Possibilities: Will Target Ever Accept Afterpay?
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
      • 1. Does Target accept any buy now, pay later options?
      • 2. Can I use Afterpay at Target online?
      • 3. Can I use Afterpay in conjunction with a Target RedCard?
      • 4. What is the Target RedCard, and how does it work?
      • 5. Are there any hidden fees associated with using Afterpay?
      • 6. What happens if I return an item purchased using Afterpay at a store that accepts Afterpay?
      • 7. What credit score do I need to use Afterpay?
      • 8. Is using a “buy now, pay later” service like Afterpay a good idea?
      • 9. Can I use a virtual Afterpay card at Target?
      • 10. Are there any limits to how much I can spend with Afterpay?
      • 11. What other stores accept Afterpay?
      • 12. If Target doesn’t accept Afterpay, what other ways can I save money there?

Can I Use My Afterpay Card at Target?

The short, definitive answer is no, you cannot directly use your Afterpay card at Target stores or on Target.com. While Afterpay is gaining widespread acceptance, Target has not yet partnered with them to offer buy now, pay later (BNPL) services.

Understanding Afterpay and Target’s Payment Options

To fully grasp why Afterpay isn’t accepted at Target, let’s dissect both entities and their current payment infrastructures.

Afterpay: The BNPL Disruptor

Afterpay allows you to split your purchase into four equal installments, payable every two weeks. This model has disrupted traditional credit card usage, particularly among younger demographics. Afterpay makes money by charging merchants a fee for each transaction, incentivizing stores to integrate their service to attract more customers. The appeal for consumers is clear: immediate gratification without the immediate financial burden.

Target’s Payment Ecosystem: A World of Options (Except Afterpay)

Target accepts a wide array of payment methods, including:

  • Cash: The tried and true classic.
  • Credit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover are all welcome.
  • Debit Cards: Linked directly to your bank account.
  • Target RedCard: Target’s proprietary credit and debit card, offering a 5% discount on most purchases.
  • Target Gift Cards: Both physical and digital versions.
  • Mobile Wallets: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
  • PayPal: A popular online payment platform.

Noticeably absent from this list is Afterpay. Target has strategically focused on its RedCard program, encouraging customer loyalty and data collection through its own financial product. This could be a primary reason for their hesitation in adopting third-party BNPL services like Afterpay.

Why Target Doesn’t Accept Afterpay (Yet)

Several factors likely contribute to Target’s decision to abstain from the Afterpay bandwagon:

  • RedCard Loyalty: Target heavily promotes its RedCard. Accepting Afterpay could cannibalize RedCard usage, impacting their loyalty program and associated data benefits.
  • Transaction Fees: Integrating Afterpay would incur transaction fees for Target. They likely weigh these costs against the potential benefits of attracting new customers.
  • Risk Management: While Afterpay handles the risk of customer default, Target might prefer managing their own risk profile through their existing credit offerings.
  • Control: Maintaining control over the payment experience and customer data is crucial for retailers. Integrating a third-party BNPL service relinquishes some of that control.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Target may be exploring alternative BNPL partnerships or developing their own internal solution.

Exploring Alternatives to Afterpay at Target

While you can’t use Afterpay directly, several alternatives enable you to manage your Target purchases more flexibly:

  • Target RedCard: As mentioned, the RedCard offers a 5% discount and can function as either a credit or debit card.
  • Credit Cards: Utilize your credit card and pay it off in installments, though be mindful of interest charges.
  • PayPal Pay in 4: If you have a PayPal account, you can use their “Pay in 4” option, similar to Afterpay, for online Target purchases when checking out with PayPal.
  • Klarna: While not directly integrated at Target, you could potentially use Klarna’s “one-time card” feature (if available in your region) to generate a virtual card for online purchases. However, be cautious and check Klarna’s terms of service, as this workaround may not always be reliable.
  • Layaway: For larger purchases, explore Target’s layaway options (if available).

Future Possibilities: Will Target Ever Accept Afterpay?

The retail landscape is ever-evolving. While Target doesn’t currently accept Afterpay, future partnerships are always a possibility. The increasing popularity of BNPL services could pressure Target to reconsider its stance. Factors that might influence a change include:

  • Competitive Pressure: If major competitors fully embrace BNPL, Target might need to follow suit to remain competitive.
  • Changing Consumer Preferences: As younger, digitally native consumers gain purchasing power, their preference for BNPL options could become more significant.
  • Revised Partnership Terms: Afterpay could offer more favorable terms to Target, incentivizing integration.
  • Internal Strategy Shift: Target might decide to develop its own BNPL solution or partner with a different provider.

Ultimately, whether Target adopts Afterpay remains to be seen. For now, consumers must rely on alternative payment methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Target accept any buy now, pay later options?

Currently, Target does not offer Afterpay, Affirm, or similar “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) services directly in-store or online, apart from the potential workaround of using PayPal’s “Pay in 4” option for online purchases.

2. Can I use Afterpay at Target online?

No, Afterpay is not accepted as a payment option on Target.com. You’ll need to use one of the accepted payment methods listed on their website, such as credit cards, debit cards, Target RedCard, PayPal, or gift cards.

3. Can I use Afterpay in conjunction with a Target RedCard?

Because Afterpay is not a payment option at Target, this scenario is not possible. You cannot combine the two. You would have to choose a different payment option at a retailer that does accept Afterpay and use the RedCard elsewhere.

4. What is the Target RedCard, and how does it work?

The Target RedCard is a store-branded card that comes in both credit and debit versions. It offers a 5% discount on most purchases at Target, both in-store and online. The debit card links directly to your checking account, while the credit card functions like a traditional credit card.

5. Are there any hidden fees associated with using Afterpay?

Afterpay itself doesn’t charge interest or upfront fees. However, late payment fees are applied if you miss a scheduled payment. These fees vary depending on your location and the amount of the purchase.

6. What happens if I return an item purchased using Afterpay at a store that accepts Afterpay?

If you return an item purchased through Afterpay, the refund process depends on the retailer’s policy. Typically, the refund amount is credited back to your Afterpay account, and your payment schedule is adjusted accordingly. In some cases, you might receive a full or partial refund, depending on the retailer’s return policy. Since Target doesn’t accept Afterpay, this scenario is not applicable at Target stores.

7. What credit score do I need to use Afterpay?

Afterpay generally does not require a traditional credit check. They assess your eligibility based on factors like your payment history and spending patterns. However, consistently missing payments can negatively impact your credit score, as Afterpay might report delinquencies to credit bureaus.

8. Is using a “buy now, pay later” service like Afterpay a good idea?

Using BNPL services can be convenient for budgeting and managing cash flow. However, it’s crucial to use them responsibly. Carefully consider your ability to repay the installments on time to avoid late fees and potential credit score damage. Overusing BNPL services can lead to debt accumulation.

9. Can I use a virtual Afterpay card at Target?

No. Even if you have a virtual Afterpay card, Target does not accept Afterpay as a valid form of payment in store or online.

10. Are there any limits to how much I can spend with Afterpay?

Yes, Afterpay imposes spending limits that vary based on your account history and payment behavior. As you consistently make on-time payments, your spending limit may increase.

11. What other stores accept Afterpay?

Afterpay is accepted at a wide and growing range of retailers across various categories, including fashion, beauty, electronics, and home goods. Some popular retailers that accept Afterpay include Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and many more. You can find a complete list on the Afterpay website or app.

12. If Target doesn’t accept Afterpay, what other ways can I save money there?

Besides the Target RedCard’s 5% discount, other ways to save money at Target include:

  • Checking Target Circle offers: This loyalty program provides exclusive discounts and rewards.
  • Using coupons: Look for manufacturer coupons and Target-specific coupons.
  • Shopping during sales events: Target frequently hosts sales and promotions, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and seasonal clearances.
  • Price matching: Target offers price matching on select items.
  • Using Target GiftCards: Redeeming gift cards can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

Filed Under: Brands

Previous Post: « How do I get Spotify on my MacBook?
Next Post: How to Scan a QR Code on a MacBook? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

NICE TO MEET YOU!

Welcome to TinyGrab! We are your trusted source of information, providing frequently asked questions (FAQs), guides, and helpful tips about technology, finance, and popular US brands. Learn more.

Copyright © 2025 · Tiny Grab