Target offers many payment options, Apple Pay included. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to use Apple Pay to purchase items at Target, read on. Today, I will explain how to use Apple Pay at Target and whether you can use Apple Pay when purchasing items online or in the Target app.
It’s important to differentiate between physical Target stores and the website/app, as accepted payment methods vary. That applies even when you use the “store pickup” option when checking out on the website or app. I’ll also explain the difference between Apple Pay and the Apple Card, and how you can use the Apple Card even when Apply Pay is not accepted.
Can You Use Apple Pay at Target?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay at Target stores when purchasing products in person. You’ll need to look for the RFID symbol on the checkout reader, which indicates that contactless payments are accepted.
How to Use Apple Pay at Target Stores
The RFID symbol looks like a sideways Wifi symbol, with waves radiating outward. The screen reader should say “Tap” next to the RFID symbol.
All Target stores now support contactless payments.
You don’t need a contactless credit or debit card to use the contactless payment feature at Target. Instead, you can use your Apple Pay app.
You will need to bring your mobile device up to the card reader and wait until the card reader screen indicates that payment has been completed successfully. You should get a beep or thank-you message on the screen. Then, look at your phone and follow any prompts from Apple Pay.
It is unnecessary to wait until the cashier has finished scanning all your items to start the contactless payment process. You may bring your phone up to the card reader, even if the cashier still has items left to scan.
If you have an Apple Watch with Apple Pay enabled on it, you may use your Apple Watch instead. It will make the process a bit easier.
Once you complete the purchase, you can finish the checkout process and gather your items and receipt.
Keep in mind that Target may tokenize your card number on the receipt for your security. The last four digits of your card that appear on the screen may not be the same as the ones on your real card. Don’t worry – that doesn’t mean Target made a mistake.
Can You Use Apple Pay on Target App? How to Use Apple Pay on Target App
Unfortunately, Target does not currently support Apple Pay in the Target app. However, that can change at any time. You can check updated payment methods here.
While Apple Pay is not a payment option on the Target app, you can still use the Apple Card. Apple Card is a credit card from Apple that can be connected to Apple Pay or used independently. When you sign up for an Apple Card, you will receive a physical card in the mail bearing an Apple logo.
Since the Apple Card runs on Mastercard, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. That includes the Target app.
However, keep in mind that rewards vary, and you won’t get as much cashback when you pay using your physical card at places that don’t accept Apple Pay. When you use your Apple Pay account to pay with your Apple Card, you will get 2% cashback. If you use your Apple Card without Apple Pay, you will only get 1% cashback.
Can You Use Apple Pay at Target Self Checkout?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay when using the self-checkout counters at Target. Target stores offer self-checkout counters that allow you to scan your items yourself and pay for them without the help of a cashier. Often, lines are shorter, allowing you to save time.
How to Use Apple Pay at Target Self Checkout
To use Apple Pay at Target self-checkout, you will need to scan your items first. Then, when it comes time to pay, you will see several options. Select “Wallet.”
Once you have done so, look at the card reader screen near the main self-checkout screen. You should see the RFID symbol alongside the word “Tap.” That indicates that contactless payments are accepted.
Select the contactless payment option and bring your iPhone or Apple Watch to the screen. Wait for the beep or thank-you message, and follow any prompts on your phone’s screen. Collect your items and receipts, and you can be on your way.
Can You Use Apple Pay on the Target Website? How to Use Apple Pay on Target Website
Currently, Target does not support Apple Pay on the Target website, even if it may have done so in the past. However, there is still a workaround – you can sign up for the Apple Card and use it at checkout. Target supports all Mastercard credit cards, including the Apple Card.
Can Target RedCard Be Used With Apple Pay? How Do I Add My Target RedCard to My Apple Wallet?
No, Target RedCard is not compatible with Apple Pay. Unfortunately, there is no way to add the Target RedCard to your Apple Pay wallet. While RedCard doesn’t work with digital wallets like Apple Pay, it does work with Target’s in-app wallet.
Wallet is a feature on the Target mobile app available to all Target users. It simplifies the checkout process at Target stores by combining the Target RedCard, Target Circle earnings and discounts, Target gift cards, and more.
You will get a barcode that you can use when checking out at Target stores, either when checking out by yourself or using a lane operated by a cashier. You can toggle your Target Circle earnings on or turn them off if you want to save them for later.
Unfortunately, you can not add any third-party payment options, including Apple Pay or even a debit or credit card, to Target Wallet. Also, Target Wallet is only for checking out in stores and not for making purchases online or in the app.
Apple Pay Declined at Target: Troubleshooting Apple Pay at Target
If you tried to use Apple Pay at checkout and the system declined your payment, there may be a simple fix. The first thing to check is whether the Target contactless card reader was able to establish a connection with your Apple Pay account.
If you didn’t hold your phone or Apple Watch close enough to the screen, try again, but hold it closer. You may also have held it in the wrong position, too far from the reader.
Another possibility is that you removed your phone too quickly before the card reader could establish a connection and register the payment. Try again, but wait for the beep or thank-you message before removing your phone from the screen.
There may also be a problem with the two-factor authentication method. Your phone might not be able to read your fingerprint or face to authenticate the transaction. For example, the fingerprint reader might be broken, or you may have placed your finger on the reader wrong. Try confirming your identity again.
If the problem is with your phone, you may have to take it to an Apple retailer to get it fixed. In the meantime, you may be able to enter your password instead of using Touch ID.
You may also have a poor internet connection. Unlike contactless debit and credit cards, Apple Pay is a mobile app. As such, it requires an internet connection to work.
If you don’t have mobile data, you may be able to connect to public guest Wifi, available at Target stores. Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your data. If you have mobile data, but your connection is spotty, simply try again.
Alternatively, there may be a problem with the payment method connected to your Apple Pay account. For example, if you connected a debit card, that card might not have enough funds to cover the cost of your Target purchase. Or, your bank may have frozen your card due to a security concern or because you reported your card as lost or stolen.
The card may also have expired. It’s a good idea to phone your bank and explain the situation.
You may also have entered the card details on Apple Pay incorrectly. For example, you might have entered the wrong digits or expiration date.
Finally, there may also be a problem with the Target contactless payment reader. Ask the cashier to help you, or call over a customer support representative if you are using a self-checkout counter. They may be able to assist you.
Final Thoughts
If this is your first time using Apple Pay or purchasing from Target, don’t worry. Checking out with Apple Pay at Target is a straightforward process that is easy to learn. Target employees will be more than happy to help you out as well, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance if you need it.
Related: Does Walmart Take Apple Pay?