Yes, the Target Credit Card does a hard pull on your credit report when you submit an application. The purpose of the hard inquiry is to evaluate your creditworthiness, based on how you've used credit in the past, and this process will temporarily lower your credit score, usually by 10 points or less for up to 12 months.
Unfortunately, pre-qualifying with only a soft pull isn’t an option. And since you’ll need to have at least fair credit (a 640+ credit score) to be considered eligible for the Target Red Card, make sure you have the credit needed to avoid an unnecessary hard pull on your credit. You don't want to risk credit score damage from a hard pull if you're more likely to get rejected than accepted.
This answer was last updated on 05/21/24 and it was first published on 01/12/21. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
FAQs
Yes, the Target Credit Card does a hard pull on your credit report when you submit an application.
Does a Target Credit Card affect credit score? ›
Yes. The card is listed on your credit report as an open account. By using the card and making timely payments, the Target RedCard Credit Card can help build your credit.
Is it hard to get approved for Target card? ›
The Target Credit Card requires fair credit or better (640+ credit score) for good approval odds.
Does Target do a soft credit check? ›
Sebi Mitchell, Credit Cards Moderator
Unfortunately, pre-qualifying with only a soft pull isn't an option. And since you'll need to have at least fair credit (a 640+ credit score) to be considered eligible for the Target Red Card, make sure you have the credit needed to avoid an unnecessary hard pull on your credit.
Which credit cards does not do hard pull? ›
Credit cards offering preapproval without a hard pull
| Card name | Annual fee |
|---|
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | $0 |
| Quicksilver Secured from Capital One | $0 |
| The Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 (see rates) |
| Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card | $0 |
2 more rowsYes, the Target Credit Card does a hard pull on your credit report when you submit an application.
Is Target RedCard good for building credit? ›
Yes, the Target Credit Card builds credit, since TD Bank reports your account information to all three major credit bureaus each month. Making on-time payments and keeping your balance low will improve your score.
What is the minimum credit score for Target red card? ›
Minimum credit score: 640+ (at least fair credit) Age requirement: 18 years old. Income requirement: Enough to afford monthly payments (wages, investments, etc.)
Does Target approve bad credit? ›
Your Target Credit Card approval odds are good if you have a credit score of 640+, which is considered fair credit. Approval odds for the Target Credit Card will also be influenced by your annual income and existing debts.
What's the easiest credit card to get? ›
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is our top pick for easiest credit card to get because it's geared toward those with limited / poor credit. It offers great rewards and charges a $0 annual fee.
You cannot pre-qualify for the Target Credit Card. The Target Credit Card only requires fair credit or better (a credit score of 640+) for good odds of approval, though. Other factors, such as your income, debt and overall ability to make credit card payments will also be taken into consideration.
What bank does Target Credit Card use? ›
FOR THE SECURITY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE DO NOT FILL OUT THIS APPLICATION ON A PUBLIC COMPUTER OR DEVICE. TARGET MASTERCARD AND TARGET CREDIT CARD ARE ISSUED BY TD BANK USA, N.A. SUBJECT TO CREDIT APPROVAL. ACTING ON TARGET'S BEHALF, AT ANY MOBILE TELEPHONE NUMBER YOU PROVIDE.
Does Target give instant credit? ›
The RedCard credit application is on the Target.com website. You must verify your employment and income and review the terms. You may be approved to shop online instantly, or you may have to wait for seven to 10 days to get your card, depending on whether Target approves you automatically.
What is the hardest credit card to get ever? ›
Why it's one of the hardest credit cards to get: The hardest credit card to get is the American Express Centurion Card. Known simply as the “Black Card,” you need an invitation to get Amex Centurion.
Does a hard pull hurt your credit? ›
How do hard inquiries impact your credit score? A hard credit inquiry could lower your credit score by as much as 10 points, though in many cases, the damage probably won't be that significant. As FICO explains, “For most people, one additional credit inquiry will take less than five points off their FICO Scores.”
Does Target Credit Card report to credit bureaus? ›
Yes, the Target Credit Card reports cardholders' activity to all three major credit bureaus, TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax. It will do so on a monthly basis, the first day after the closing date of your billing cycle.
Can I use my Target card as a credit card? ›
Target's RedCard comes in three forms: a Mastercard (open loop card), an in-store-only credit card, or a debit card. The debit card is linked to customers' existing checking accounts, and for the in-store card, users can charge in-store purchases or buy online with the credit card at Target.com.
What are the perks of a Target Credit Card? ›
Benefits and perks
The 5% discount doesn't apply to certain categories of items, including prescriptions, eye exams, Target gift cards, taxes and shipping. You'll also get free two-day shipping and an extra 30 days for returns and exchanges. RedCard holders are also eligible for exclusive Target offers.
Does Target Credit Card have a credit limit? ›
The Target Credit Card credit limit is $200 to $2,000 to start, according to forum posts. The issuer does not disclose this information in the card's terms, so there's no surefire way of knowing your credit limit beforehand.
