How to Use Your Target Gift Card at Checkout (Online & In-Store)
As of August 2026, the practical guidance below reflects the current gift card process and common checks.
Target gift cards work at both target.com and physical Target stores across the United States — and applying your balance at checkout is straightforward on either path.
Using Your Target Gift Card at Online Checkout
Shopping on target.com with a gift card takes under a minute once you know where to enter the code.
Step 1. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. You will need a Target account or can check out as a guest.
Step 2. On the payment screen, look for the "Gift Cards" section. It sits below the standard credit/debit card fields.
Step 3. Enter your gift card number and the PIN on the back of the card. Scratch the silver strip to reveal the PIN on physical cards; digital cards arrive with both numbers already visible.
Step 4. Click "Apply." The card balance loads within minutes and reduces your order total.
Step 5. If the card covers the full amount, confirm and place the order. If the balance is partial, add a second payment method to cover the remainder (see the section below).
A few things to note about online use:
- Account not required — guest checkout supports gift cards the same way.
- Card number format — Target gift card numbers are typically 15 digits; ensure you enter every digit without spaces.
- Region restriction — Target operates exclusively in the USA. The gift card can only be redeemed on target.com or in US Target locations, regardless of where the buyer is located.
For Nigerians who received a Target gift card but cannot access target.com from their location or simply prefer cash, Cardhorse provides real-time rates to convert the card to Naira at https://www.cardhorse.com/
Using Your Target Gift Card In-Store
If you are physically present in a Target store in the United States, the in-store process is equally straightforward.
Step 1. Shop as normal and bring your items to any checkout lane, including self-checkout.
Step 2. When prompted for payment, select "Gift Card" on the payment terminal.
Step 3. Swipe the physical card, or have the cashier scan the barcode on the back. If you have a digital card on your phone, present the barcode from your email or the Target app for scanning.
Step 4. The terminal reads the balance and deducts it from your total automatically.
Step 5. If the card does not cover the full amount, the terminal will prompt you to pay the remaining balance with another method.
Target gift cards have no expiry date and no fees, so there is no urgency to use the balance by a specific date.
Using Part of the Balance and Combining Payment Methods
Target allows split payments, which means you can use a gift card alongside a credit card, debit card, or another gift card.
Online:
- Apply the gift card first. The system deducts whatever balance is available.
- Enter a second payment method for the outstanding amount.
- You can apply up to five gift cards in a single online order.
In-store:
- Tell the cashier (or select on the terminal) that you want to pay partially with a gift card.
- After the gift card balance is applied, swipe or tap your other card for the rest.
If you want to check your remaining balance before shopping, visit target.com/giftcards or call the number printed on the back of the card.
Sell Your Gift Card Anywhere, Anytime
The Cardhorse app lets you check live rates, submit your card, and receive payment directly to your account — all from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a Target gift card if you're outside the United States?
Target's platform and store network is US-only. The card cannot be redeemed on international Target websites (there are none) or in stores outside the US. If you hold the card as a Nigerian user, your options are to use it while traveling to the US, gift it to someone there, or sell it for Naira on a platform like Cardhorse.
Do Target gift cards expire?
No. Target gift cards carry no expiration date and no maintenance or dormancy fees, as of August 2026. The balance stays intact indefinitely.
How do I find the PIN on a physical Target gift card?
The PIN is printed on the back under a silver scratch strip. Use a coin to scratch it off. Take care not to scratch too hard — the digits underneath are printed, not embossed.
Can I use multiple Target gift cards in one transaction?
Yes. Online, you can apply up to five gift cards per order. In-store, a cashier can run multiple cards sequentially until the balance is covered.
What happens if my Target gift card balance is less than the order total?
The card covers as much of the total as the balance allows, and you pay the difference with any accepted payment method — credit card, debit card, or another gift card.
If you have a valid, unredeemed Target gift card you'd rather convert to cash in Naira, Cardhorse offers a live rate and funds arrive typically within minutes.
Prefer Cash? Sell Your Target Gift Card on Cardhorse →
Prev : How to Check Your OnShop Gift Card Balance – Easy Methods
Next : How to Use Your Tesco Gift Card at Checkout (Online & In-Store)
As of August 2026, the practical guidance below reflects the current gift card process and common checks.
Target gift cards work at both target.com and physical Target stores across the United States — and applying your balance at checkout is straightforward on either path.
Using Your Target Gift Card at Online Checkout
Shopping on target.com with a gift card takes under a minute once you know where to enter the code.
Step 1. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. You will need a Target account or can check out as a guest.
Step 2. On the payment screen, look for the "Gift Cards" section. It sits below the standard credit/debit card fields.
Step 3. Enter your gift card number and the PIN on the back of the card. Scratch the silver strip to reveal the PIN on physical cards; digital cards arrive with both numbers already visible.
Step 4. Click "Apply." The card balance loads within minutes and reduces your order total.
Step 5. If the card covers the full amount, confirm and place the order. If the balance is partial, add a second payment method to cover the remainder (see the section below).
A few things to note about online use:
- Account not required — guest checkout supports gift cards the same way.
- Card number format — Target gift card numbers are typically 15 digits; ensure you enter every digit without spaces.
- Region restriction — Target operates exclusively in the USA. The gift card can only be redeemed on target.com or in US Target locations, regardless of where the buyer is located.
For Nigerians who received a Target gift card but cannot access target.com from their location or simply prefer cash, Cardhorse provides real-time rates to convert the card to Naira at https://www.cardhorse.com/
Using Your Target Gift Card In-Store
If you are physically present in a Target store in the United States, the in-store process is equally straightforward.
Step 1. Shop as normal and bring your items to any checkout lane, including self-checkout.
Step 2. When prompted for payment, select "Gift Card" on the payment terminal.
Step 3. Swipe the physical card, or have the cashier scan the barcode on the back. If you have a digital card on your phone, present the barcode from your email or the Target app for scanning.
Step 4. The terminal reads the balance and deducts it from your total automatically.
Step 5. If the card does not cover the full amount, the terminal will prompt you to pay the remaining balance with another method.
Target gift cards have no expiry date and no fees, so there is no urgency to use the balance by a specific date.
Using Part of the Balance and Combining Payment Methods
Target allows split payments, which means you can use a gift card alongside a credit card, debit card, or another gift card.
Online:
- Apply the gift card first. The system deducts whatever balance is available.
- Enter a second payment method for the outstanding amount.
- You can apply up to five gift cards in a single online order.
In-store:
- Tell the cashier (or select on the terminal) that you want to pay partially with a gift card.
- After the gift card balance is applied, swipe or tap your other card for the rest.
If you want to check your remaining balance before shopping, visit target.com/giftcards or call the number printed on the back of the card.
Sell Your Gift Card Anywhere, Anytime
The Cardhorse app lets you check live rates, submit your card, and receive payment directly to your account — all from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a Target gift card if you're outside the United States?
Target's platform and store network is US-only. The card cannot be redeemed on international Target websites (there are none) or in stores outside the US. If you hold the card as a Nigerian user, your options are to use it while traveling to the US, gift it to someone there, or sell it for Naira on a platform like Cardhorse.
Do Target gift cards expire?
No. Target gift cards carry no expiration date and no maintenance or dormancy fees, as of August 2026. The balance stays intact indefinitely.
How do I find the PIN on a physical Target gift card?
The PIN is printed on the back under a silver scratch strip. Use a coin to scratch it off. Take care not to scratch too hard — the digits underneath are printed, not embossed.
Can I use multiple Target gift cards in one transaction?
Yes. Online, you can apply up to five gift cards per order. In-store, a cashier can run multiple cards sequentially until the balance is covered.
What happens if my Target gift card balance is less than the order total?
The card covers as much of the total as the balance allows, and you pay the difference with any accepted payment method — credit card, debit card, or another gift card.
If you have a valid, unredeemed Target gift card you'd rather convert to cash in Naira, Cardhorse offers a live rate and funds arrive typically within minutes.
Prefer Cash? Sell Your Target Gift Card on Cardhorse →
Prev : How to Check Your OnShop Gift Card Balance – Easy Methods
Next : How to Use Your Tesco Gift Card at Checkout (Online & In-Store)
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