Does Target Accept Apple Pay?

# Does Target Accept Apple Pay?

Yes — Target accepts Apple Pay. As of 2026, Target supports Apple Pay at every checkout lane in all U.S. stores, at self-checkout, and on Target.com and the Target app. Target's NFC terminals are enabled for all major contactless wallets, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

This makes Target one of the most Apple Pay-friendly major retailers in the United States — a direct contrast to Walmart, which actively blocks Apple Pay.

How to Use Apple Pay at Target#

Using Apple Pay at Target is fast and works exactly the same as at any other NFC-enabled retailer:

In-Store (iPhone or Apple Watch)#

1. Look for the contactless payment symbol on the checkout terminal — it looks like a WiFi icon on its side (↗)
2. Double-click the side button on your iPhone (or double-click the Digital Crown on Apple Watch)
3. Hold your device near the terminal — within 1–2 inches of the NFC reader
4. Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode
5. Payment completes in under 2 seconds — you'll feel a vibration and see a checkmark

The Apple Pay tap works at every staffed checkout lane and at all Target self-checkout kiosks.

On Target.com (Online)#

1. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout
2. Select Apple Pay as your payment method
3. Confirm your shipping address and authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID
4. Order is placed instantly — no card number entry required

In the Target App#

1. Add items to your cart in the Target app
2. At checkout, select Apple Pay
3. Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID
4. Payment goes through immediately

Apple Pay also works for Target Drive Up and Target Order Pickup orders placed through the app.

What Payment Methods Does Target Accept?#

Target accepts a wide range of payment methods in-store and online:

In-Store Payment Methods#

Online (Target.com) Payment Methods#

Does Target Self-Checkout Accept Apple Pay?#

Yes. Every Target self-checkout kiosk supports Apple Pay. The NFC reader is built into the payment terminal — just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader after scanning your items and authenticate as usual.

Self-checkout is often the fastest way to use Apple Pay at Target because you control the pace of scanning.

Does Target Circle Work with Apple Pay?#

Yes. You can use both Target Circle rewards and Apple Pay in the same transaction.

Here's the recommended checkout order:

1. Open the Target app and tap Wallet to show your Target Circle barcode
2. Have the cashier (or scan it yourself at self-checkout) scan your Target Circle barcode first
3. Then tap to pay with Apple Pay

This applies your Target Circle coupons, earns circle earnings, and completes payment — all without a physical card.

Target RedCard vs. Apple Pay: Which Is Better?#

If you shop at Target frequently, you may wonder whether to use Apple Pay (linked to your bank card or credit card) or the Target Circle Card (RedCard).

Recommendation: Link your Target Circle Card debit RedCard to Apple Pay. You get the 5% Target discount AND the convenience of tap-to-pay. To do this:

1. Apply for the Target Circle Card debit at Target.com or in-store
2. Add the card to Apple Wallet
3. Tap to pay at checkout — the 5% discount applies automatically

When Did Target Start Accepting Apple Pay?#

Target rolled out Apple Pay support across all U.S. stores in October 2019 — five years after Apple Pay launched nationally. Before 2019, Target's older payment terminals did not support NFC contactless payments. The 2019 terminal upgrade also added Google Pay and Samsung Pay simultaneously.

Before the upgrade, Target processed all payments through mag-stripe and chip-only readers. The new terminals brought Target in line with most other major U.S. retailers.

Target vs. Walmart: Apple Pay Acceptance#

The biggest payment difference between Target and Walmart is Apple Pay:

If Apple Pay is your primary payment method, Target is the better choice over Walmart for comparable everyday shopping.

FAQ#

Does Target accept Apple Pay at all locations?

Yes. Apple Pay is accepted at all Target stores in the United States, including Target Express locations. All stores completed the NFC terminal upgrade and support contactless payments.

Can I use Apple Pay at Target self-checkout?

Yes. All Target self-checkout kiosks have NFC readers that accept Apple Pay. Tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to the reader on the payment terminal and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

Does Apple Pay work at Target Drive Up?

Yes. When you place a Drive Up order through the Target app, you pay in the app during checkout. Select Apple Pay as your payment method, authenticate, and your order is paid before you arrive.

Can I use my Target RedCard with Apple Pay?

Yes. You can add the Target Circle Card debit or credit to Apple Wallet and use it to tap to pay. The 5% RedCard discount applies automatically when you pay with your RedCard through Apple Pay.

Does Apple Pay work with Target Circle coupons?

Yes, but you need to scan your Target Circle barcode separately first. Show your Target Circle barcode (in the Target app Wallet) before tapping Apple Pay so your coupons and earnings are applied.

Does Target.com accept Apple Pay?

Yes. At checkout on Target.com and in the Target app, you can select Apple Pay as your payment method and complete the purchase with Face ID or Touch ID — no card number needed.

Does Target accept Google Pay and Samsung Pay?

Yes. All three major contactless wallets — Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay — work at Target in-store and, for Android users, via Google Pay online at Target.com.

Bottom Line#

Target accepts Apple Pay everywhere — in stores, at self-checkout, online, in the Target app, and for Drive Up and Order Pickup. Target has supported Apple Pay since 2019 and its NFC terminals work with all major contactless wallets.

For the best of both worlds, link your Target Circle Card (RedCard) to Apple Wallet: you get the 5% Target discount on every purchase plus the speed and security of Apple Pay.

For a full side-by-side comparison of Walmart and Target — pricing, perks, shopping experience, and which retailer wins overall — see our Walmart vs Target comparison.

Related Comparisons#

• Walmart vs Target: Which Retailer Is Better?
• Amazon vs Target: Which Is Right for You?
• Costco vs Target: Bulk vs Everyday Shopping