Redeem Target Gift Cards Easily With This Quick Guide
The Target Gift Card is a vibrant, versatile gift option designed for people who love to shop smart and stylish. It is ideal for birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, or spontaneous celebrations, giving recipients access to Target’s curated selection of household goods, fashion, groceries, electronics, toys, and more.
This card is redeemable in-store, online at Target.com, or through the Target app. Whether your recipient prefers browsing the aisles or shopping from the couch, the redemption process is simple: scan at checkout or input the code digitally — no activation required.
Target Gift Cards are easy to personalize and available in both physical and eGift formats. Physical cards come in themed designs and packaging that reflect every kind of occasion, while eGift cards can be delivered instantly via email or text. You can also add a custom message and even a photo for a more personalized experience.
Target Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees. Balances can be checked online, through the app, or in-store, and the remaining amount can be used across multiple purchases. Reloadable options are also available at participating locations, offering continued convenience.
With denominations ranging from $10 to $500, Target Gift Cards strike the perfect balance between practicality and fun. From a small treat to a full shopping spree, this card gives easy access to enjoy a wide range of products and services under one roof.
How to Redeem Target Gift Cards Online in Easy 8 Steps
To redeem your Target gift card online, visit the official Target website, enter your card details, and follow the prompts to add the balance to your account for purchases.
Step 1: Open the Official Platform
Start by accessing the official Target platform where the gift card can be redeemed:
- Website: Target.com
- Mobile App: Open the Target app (iOS/Android)
- Ensure you are signed in with the correct Target account before proceeding.
Step 2: Log in or Create an Account
Before redeeming your Target gift card, you need to be signed in:
- Existing User? Log in using your Target account credentials.
- New User? Create a Target account with basic details like name, email, and password.
- Important: Target ties gift card balances to your account—so you must be signed in to use the card.
Step 3: Locate the Gift Card Redemption Section

Once logged in, navigate to the dedicated area where you can redeem gift cards:
- Open the Target website or Target app.
- Go to Account > Wallet.
- Select Add a Gift Card and enter the required details.
Step 4: Enter the Gift Card Code
Now it’s time to enter your unique Target gift card code:
- Type or paste the card number and PIN in the designated input box.
- If your gift card is physical, scratch off the silver coating to reveal the PIN.
- Click Apply to add the balance to your account.
Step 5: Confirm Redemption and Balance Update
After entering your gift card code:
- A confirmation message should appear.
- Your balance will be updated instantly.
- You may receive an email confirmation.
Step 6: Check and Manage Gift Card Balance
After redeeming your Target gift card:
- Navigate to Account > Wallet > Gift Cards to check your balance.
- You can also check the balance online here.

Step 7: Understand Usage Restrictions and Conditions
Target gift cards have specific usage conditions:
- Cannot be used to purchase other gift cards.
- Some items may be excluded from gift card payments.
- Regional restrictions may apply.
Step 8: Plan or Start Using Your Balance
Once redeemed, you can use your Target balance:
- Shop online or in-store at Target.
- Apply the balance at checkout.
- Ensure you use the balance before the expiration date.
How to Redeem an Target Gift Card Offline in Easy 7 Steps
To redeem a Target Gift Card in-store, learn how to find participating Target locations, check your balance, and follow the redemption steps for a seamless transaction:

Step 1: Identify Participating Stores or Outlets
- Visit the Target website or use the Target app’s Store Locator to find nearby locations.
- Verify that the store accepts Target Gift Cards for payment.
- Check store hours and any special promotions before visiting.
Step 2: Check Gift Card Balance (Optional but Recommended)
- Go to Target’s official website or open the Target app to view your balance.
- Enter your gift card number and PIN to check available funds.
- Alternatively, call Target customer service for balance details.
Step 3: Understand Terms and Conditions for Offline Use
- Target Gift Cards can be used for most in-store purchases, including groceries and general merchandise.
- Cards can be combined with other payment methods if the balance is insufficient.
- Certain services, like third-party gift card purchases, cannot be paid for with a Target Gift Card.
Step 4: Carry the Gift Card (Physical or Mobile Format)
- Bring the physical Target Gift Card or load it digitally into your Target app or phone wallet.
- Ensure the barcode or gift card number is visible and ready for scanning.
Step 5: Inform the Cashier Before Billing
- Before checkout, inform the cashier that you’ll be using a Target Gift Card for payment.
- When using multiple payment methods, indicate the amount of the gift card balance to apply.
Step 6: Swipe or Scan the Card
- Hand over your physical gift card to the cashier for scanning at the terminal.
- If using a digital Target Gift Card, open the Target app and display the barcode for scanning.
- If scanning doesn’t work, the cashier may enter the card number manually.
Step 7: Confirm Payment & Collect Receipt
- Ensure the correct deduction is applied from your Target Gift Card balance.
- Request details on your remaining balance for future purchases.
Keep your receipt as proof.
Problems & Help – Target Gift Card
Common Problems & Troubleshooting Steps
Problem #1: Invalid or Incorrect Code
Issue: You enter your Target Gift Card code, but the system says “Invalid Code.”
Possible Causes:
- The code might have been typed incorrectly—like entering “O” instead of “0.”
- The card was not activated at the time of purchase.
- The card has expired or is inactive.
- The card is being redeemed on the wrong platform (e.g., Target.com instead of in-store).
What to Do:
- Double-check the code for typos and enter it exactly as received.
- Verify that the card was activated at the time of purchase by checking the receipt.
- If the card was purchased online, ensure it has been properly activated.
- If the issue persists, contact Target Customer Service with your gift card details and receipt.
Problem #2: Already Redeemed Code
Issue: You try entering your Target Gift Card code, and it says “This gift card has already been redeemed.”
Possible Causes:
- The card was previously redeemed and applied to a Target account.
- Someone else accessed the email and used the code.
- The gift card was compromised or leaked.
What to Do:
- Visit Target Gift Card Balance and check if the balance was already applied.
- If not, ask the sender if the card was shared with someone else.
- If you suspect misuse or never received it properly, contact Target Support with the gift card code and any purchase receipt or gift email.
Problem #3: Gift Card Expired
Issue: You try to redeem your Target Gift Card, but the system says “Gift Card Expired.”
Possible Causes:
- The card remained unused for a long time.
- Expiry policy wasn’t clearly mentioned or noticed.
What to Do:
- Check the expiration date on the card or receipt.
- Some Target Gift Cards may not expire—verify with customer support.
- If expired due to promotional restrictions, Target may not reissue, but customer service can clarify whether your case qualifies for any exception.
Problem #4: Card Not Activated
Issue: You try to redeem your Target Gift Card, but the system says “Card not activated.”
Possible Causes:
- The retailer did not properly activate the card at the time of purchase.
- There is a delay in activation from the merchant’s side.
What to Do:
- Check your purchase receipt to confirm activation.
- If the card was bought in-store, return to the store with the receipt and request activation.
- If purchased online, contact the seller or Target Support for assistance.
Problem #5: Technical Glitches During Redemption
Issue: The Target Gift Card is valid and active, but due to some system-related error, you can’t redeem it successfully.
Common Symptoms:
- Website/app crashes during redemption.
- Error messages like “Try again later” or “Unable to process request.”
- Redemption form not loading or submission fails.
What to Do:
- Clear browser cache or try incognito mode.
- Switch device or browser—sometimes it’s a browser-specific glitch.
- Try after some time—temporary downtime or maintenance may be the issue.
- Check the official status page (if available) for ongoing outages.
- Contact Target Support if the issue persists with screenshots and error messages.
Problem #6: Incorrect Balance Display
Issue: You check your Target Gift Card balance, but the displayed amount is incorrect or missing.
Possible Causes:
- System delay in updating the balance.
- Technical error causing incorrect display.
- Partial redemption issue where the remaining balance is not reflected.
What to Do:
- Refresh your account page or log out and log back in.
- Check if the card value is pending—some platforms take time to update balance.
- Review transaction history to confirm if gift card credit is applied.
- Clear cache or use a different device/browser to rule out display errors.
- Contact Target Support with gift card details and screenshots if balance doesn’t update after 24 hours.
How to Get Help from Target
1. Target Customer Support Channels
- Target Support Website: help.target.com
- Live Chat Assistance: Available via Target Support.
- Target Customer Service Phone: Check Target’s Contact Page for region-specific numbers.
- Email Support: Available through Target’s help center.
- In-Store Assistance: Visit a Target store with proof of purchase.
2. Social Media Support
- Tweet @TargetSupport for quick responses.
- Use Target’s official Facebook or Instagram pages for assistance.
3. Escalation Process
- If you don’t receive a resolution, request to speak with a Target support supervisor or escalate the issue through official channels.
Reddem Your Other Retail Shopping Gift Cards
8 Simple Steps to Redeem Walmart Gift Card
FAQ
How Can I Check if my Target Gift Card is Still Valid or has Already Expired?
To check if your Target Gift Card is still valid:
- Locate the card details:
- Find your gift card number and PIN (if applicable) on the back of the card.
- Visit Target’s official balance check page:
- Go to Target Gift Card Balance Check.
- Enter the required details:
- Input your card number and PIN (if required).
- View card status:
- The site will display:
- Remaining balance (if any).
- Expiry date (if applicable).
- Card status: active, used, or expired.
- The site will display:
⚠️ Note: Target gift cards do not expire and have no activation or maintenance fees.
What Should I Do if my Target Gift Card is Showing as “Already Redeemed”?
If your Target gift card says “already redeemed”, follow these steps:
- Verify the code entry:
- Ensure you’ve entered the gift card number correctly.
- Check your Target account (if applicable):
- Some Target gift cards require registration before use.
- Confirm with the sender (if applicable):
- If the card was a gift, check whether the sender may have already redeemed it.
- Contact Target Support:
- Call the toll-free number listed on the back of the card or visit Target Customer Support.
- Provide your gift card number, purchase receipt, and a screenshot of the error.
⚠️ Security Tip: Never share your full gift card number publicly.
Can I Redeem my Target Gift Card Partially and use the Remaining Balance Later?
Yes, Target gift cards support partial redemption:
- Use a portion of the balance now:
- At checkout, only the amount needed for the purchase will be deducted.
- Check your remaining balance afterward:
- Visit Target Gift Card Balance Check to track your funds.
- Multiple partial uses allowed:
- As long as funds remain, you can use the card repeatedly.
✅ Tip: Target gift cards do not expire, so you can use the balance anytime.
How Can I Check the Remaining Balance on my Target Gift Card?
To check your Target gift card balance:
- Online:
- Go to Target Gift Card Balance Check.
- Enter your card number and PIN (if applicable).
- By Phone:
- Call the toll-free number printed on the back of your Target gift card.
- In-store:
- Visit any Target location and ask a cashier to check your balance.
⚠️ Keep your gift card details secure to avoid unauthorized balance checks.
What Should I Do if my Target Gift Card Code is Not Working or Showing as Invalid?
If your Target gift card code is not working:
- Double-check the code:
- Ensure there are no typos or extra spaces.
- Verify the platform:
- Confirm you’re redeeming it at a Target store or online at Target.com..
- Check if the card has already been redeemed:
- Log into your Target account (if applicable) to check.
- Wait and try again:
- Temporary system errors may prevent validation—try again later.
- Contact Target Support:
- Call the toll-free number on the back of the card or visit Target Customer Support.
- Provide your gift card number, purchase receipt, and error details.
💡 Pro Tip: Some Target gift cards require activation before use—check the instructions provided with your card.
Can I Redeem a Target Gift Card in a Different Country or Currency than Where it was Purchased?
Target gift cards are valid only at Target locations within the country where they were purchased.
- If your card states “Valid only in the United States”, it cannot be used internationally.
Here’s what you can do:
- Check your Target gift card terms on the issuer’s website.
- If traveling, consider using a Visa or Mastercard prepaid card instead.
- If sent the wrong regional card, ask the sender to refund or exchange it.
📝 Tip: Always verify a gift card’s region before redeeming to avoid errors.
Can I Reload or Add Funds to my Target Gift Card?
No, Target gift cards cannot be reloaded. They are one-time-use cards, and you must purchase a new one if you need additional funds.
What Should I Do if my Target Gift Card is Lost or Stolen?
If your Target gift card is lost or stolen:
- Check your Target account (if registered):
- Some Target gift cards allow online tracking.
- Contact Target Support:
- Call the toll-free number on the back of the card or visit Target Customer Support.
- Provide proof of purchase and your gift card number.
- Request a replacement:
- Some issuers may cancel the lost card and issue a replacement if you provide sufficient proof.
💡 Pro Tip: Always register your Target gift cards to track them securely.