The Best Store Credit Card: Target REDcard
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Target stores provide a wide variety of household wares, clothing, food, and nearly any other type of everyday item you need. As one of the largest retailers in the United States, it only makes sense that it would also offer an equally competitive store credit card. (See also: Store Credit Cards That Don't Suck)
While many store cards lack the benefits that general rewards credit cards provide, the Target REDcard™ offers convenience and value for Target shoppers. If you are a frequent Target shopper and fan of its affordable merchandise, the Target REDcard Credit (or Debit) Card could come in handy.
Why We Like This Card
- 5% off Target purchases, online and in-store
- Special Target shopping benefits
How This Card Works
If you use the card for your Target purchases, whether online or at a retail store, you'll get 5% off at checkout, on all purchases. You'll also get an extra 30 days for returns and free shipping at target.com.
Other Benefits
Special promotions. As a cardholder, you may receive notification of special sales, discounts, and promotions that you wouldn't receive if you weren't a cardholder. This small perk provides yet another way in which you can save money when you shop with this card.
Pros
Discount on shopping. You get a 5% discount on all purchases you make with the card, whether in store or online. This is an automatic discount that occurs at checkout, which doesn't require accumulating a certain amount or redeeming anything in order to take advantage of the discount. You also receive the discount on all purchases and not just certain merchandise in specific categories, providing a savings on a wide variety of products. This is comparable to a cash back card that gives 5% back on purchases.
Extra days for returns. If you need to return a purchase, you receive 30 extra days to do so when you purchase with this card. Target's return policy is 90 days for unopened items in new condition, but as a cardholder, you receive a little extra time if the product you have purchased doesn't meet your needs.
Free shipping. You can not only save money shopping Target's many sales and discounts, but you can also skip the drive to the store and standing in line, by shopping online at Target.com. If you use your Target credit card, shipping is free with no minimum purchase, or you can get free 2-day shipping on eligible items when your spend more than $35 on your order. Although other retailers offer free shipping, this benefit sometimes comes with a price.
Cons
Only Target purchases. Because this card is a store card and not a Visa or MasterCard, it isn't a credit card that you can use anywhere except Target stores.
High APR. The APR, as with most store cards, is exceptionally high. If you carry your balance from month to month, the 5% discount you receive for your purchases isn't going to be worth the money you pay in interest. In order to get the most from the card, it is important that you are diligent in paying your balance in full each month and avoid paying interest on your purchases. (See also: 5 Best Low Interest Rate Credit Cards)
Who This Card Is Best For
The Target REDcard Credit Card is best for those who frequently shop at Target stores, especially online where you can take advantage of free shipping. Most importantly, because of the APR, the card is ideal for those who consistently pay their balances in full each month rather than carry balances.
Note: The Target REDcard Debit Card provides many of the same benefits but instead of purchasing on credit, the card is attached to your checking account. You can also withdraw up to $40 cash at checkout with the debit card version. Because there are no credit checks required for the debit card, however, it is not a card that will help establish credit.
Click here to apply for the Target REDcard™ today!
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Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
I have had a red card since it was available and I love it !
I think the Target Red Credit Card should allow a cash back option in the same fashion the Walmart credit card does!