How to activate your Target Circle Card (formerly RedCard)
Activate your Target Circle Card (formerly RedCard) online or by phone — what you need, step-by-step instructions and fixes if activation fails.
Quick answer: Activate your Target Circle Card (formerly RedCard) online at target.com, in the Target app or by phone at 1-800-424-6888. Have ready: Your Account ID or 16-digit card number; Identity verification. Use only target.com or the official app, never a link sent by text or email.
What you need
- Your Account ID or 16-digit card number
- Identity verification
Activate your Target Circle Card (formerly RedCard) online
- Call 1-800-424-6888 (credit or Mastercard) or 1-888-729-7331 (debit)
- Verify yourself with your Account ID or 16-digit card number
- Choose the option to activate a new card
- Then sign up or sign in at target.com/mycirclecard to manage the card
Activate by phone
Call 1-800-424-6888 (Target Circle Credit Card and Mastercard 24/7 automated line on target.com. Target Circle Debit Card: 1-888-729-7331) and follow the automated prompts. You will usually be asked for the card number and a piece of identity information such as the last four digits of your Social Security number or your ZIP code.
After you activate
- Link the card in the Target app so the 5% discount applies
- Existing RedCard holders don't need to do anything; new-look cards arrive near the expiry date
- Set up autopay in Manage my Circle Card
If your TD Bank USA, N.A. (credit and Mastercard versions) card won't activate
- Reloadable account card: Target says the personalised Visa debit card must be activated before use
- Still holding an old RedCard: it keeps working until the replacement arrives
Target Circle Card (formerly RedCard) activation FAQs
How do I activate my Target Circle Card (formerly RedCard)?
You can activate it by phone, online at target.com. Online or in-app activation is usually fastest: sign in, choose the new card, and confirm the details requested.
Is there a phone number to activate a TD Bank USA, N.A. (credit and Mastercard versions) card?
Yes — TD Bank USA, N.A. (credit and Mastercard versions) lists 1-800-424-6888 for card activation (Target Circle Credit Card and Mastercard 24/7 automated line on target.com. Target Circle Debit Card: 1-888-729-7331). Only call numbers printed on your card, its sticker or target.com.
Can I use my TD Bank USA, N.A. (credit and Mastercard versions) card before activating it?
Generally no. A new card is blocked until it is activated, although some issuers activate a replacement automatically the first time you use it with your PIN, and some let you use a virtual card number in the app straight away.
Does activating a Target Circle Card (formerly RedCard) affect my credit score?
No. Activation is not a credit check. Any hard inquiry happened when you applied; activating simply switches the card on. Not activating a new account does not close it, so it can still appear on your credit report.
Why won't my TD Bank USA, N.A. (credit and Mastercard versions) card activate?
Reloadable account card: Target says the personalised Visa debit card must be activated before use Still holding an old RedCard: it keeps working until the replacement arrives
Is it safe to activate my card online?
Yes, provided you are on the issuer's real website (target.com) or official app. Type the address yourself rather than following links in texts or emails. Your bank will never ask for your full PIN or a one-time passcode by phone or text.
Sources: www.target.com. Steps change; if your screen looks different, follow the official instructions.