GiftCardGuruTarget Gift Card 4020: Complete Usage Guide (2024 Edition)
If you have a Target gift card burning a hole in your pocket, you are sitting on one of the most versatile retail gift cards available. Target gift cards are incredibly flexible, but there are a few things you should know to get the most out of every dollar.
Whether you received your card as a birthday gift, picked one up during a holiday sale, or earned it through a rewards program, this guide covers everything you need to know about using your Target gift card.
Where Can You Use Your Target Gift Card?
The short answer: pretty much everywhere Target operates. Your gift card works at any Target store in the United States and on Target.com for online orders. You can also use it in the Target app for mobile orders and Drive Up pickups.
Here is a breakdown of all the places your card is accepted:
| Location | Accepted? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Target retail stores | Yes | All U.S. locations |
| Target.com | Yes | Requires PIN for online use |
| Target app (Drive Up/Order Pickup) | Yes | Add to Target Wallet |
| Target Optical | Yes | In-store only |
| Target Cafe (Starbucks) | Yes | In-store Target Starbucks locations |
| CVS inside Target | Yes | If it is a Target-operated CVS |
| Other retailers | No | Target gift cards are Target-only |
How to Check Your Target Gift Card Balance
There is nothing worse than getting to the checkout and finding out your gift card does not have enough money on it. I have been there, and it is not fun. Here are three easy ways to check your balance before you shop:
Online: Visit target.com/giftcardbalance and enter your card number and access number (the PIN on the back of physical cards).
In-store: Hand your card to any cashier or use a self-checkout scanner to check the balance.
Target App: Open the Target app, tap the Wallet icon, and add your gift card. The balance will display right on your phone.
I recommend adding your card to the Target Wallet in the app. That way, your balance is always visible, and you do not have to dig through your wallet at the register.
Using Your Target Gift Card Online
Shopping on Target.com with a gift card is straightforward, but here is the catch — you need the PIN. On physical cards, the PIN is hidden under a scratch-off coating on the back. Use a coin to gently scratch it off before you try to use the card online.
One of the best features of Target gift cards is that you can use up to 10 gift cards per online transaction. This is huge if you have accumulated several smaller cards over time. Most retailers limit you to one or two, so Target’s policy is genuinely generous. From what I can tell, this is one of the most flexible gift card policies out there.
Adding Your Gift Card to Target Wallet
If you shop at Target frequently, adding your gift card to the Target Wallet in the app is a game-changer. Here is how to do it:
- Open the Target app on your phone
- Tap the Wallet icon at the bottom of the screen
- Select Add a payment card
- Enter your gift card number and PIN
- Your card will appear in your Wallet with the current balance
When you are ready to check out in-store, just open your Wallet and scan the barcode. The cashier does not even need to swipe your physical card.
Target Gift Card Promotions You Should Know About
Target runs several promotions throughout the year that can make your gift cards even more valuable. Here are the ones to watch for:
| Promotion | Details | When It Typically Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Target Circle 10% off gift cards | Buy gift cards at 10% off during select holiday periods | Black Friday, Christmas, Mother’s Day |
| Gift card with purchase | Spend a certain amount, get a bonus gift card | Back-to-school, holiday season |
| Target Circle offers | Stack percentage-off offers with gift card payments | Ongoing in the Target app |
| Registry completion discount | 15% off remaining registry items (can use gift cards) | After your event date |
Important note about RedCard: Target RedCard holders get an extra 5% off most purchases. However, this discount does not apply to gift card purchases. So you cannot buy a gift card at 5% off with your RedCard. But you can use your RedCard alongside a gift card to get 5% off the remaining balance on a purchase.
What You Cannot Do With a Target Gift Card
To avoid disappointment at the register, here are the restrictions you should be aware of:
- You cannot use a Target gift card to buy other gift cards in most states. This includes Visa, Mastercard, and other third-party gift cards sold at Target.
- Target gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash (except where required by law).
- They cannot be used to make credit card payments on your Target RedCard.
- Expired promotional gift cards (like the free ones from bonus offers) do have expiration dates, unlike regular Target gift cards.
Lost or Stolen Target Gift Cards
If your Target gift card goes missing, all hope is not lost — but you need to act fast. Target may be able to replace a lost or stolen card if you have the original purchase receipt. Call Target Guest Services at 1-800-544-2943 and provide your receipt details.
This is why I always recommend taking a photo of your gift card receipt and the card itself (front and back, with the PIN revealed) right after purchase. Store the photos somewhere secure on your phone. It takes two seconds and can save you a lot of headache later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Target gift cards expire? A: No, Target gift cards never expire, and there are no dormancy or service fees. This is one of the best things about them.
Q: Can I return items bought with a Target gift card? A: Yes. Returns follow Target’s standard return policy. The refund will go back onto your gift card. If you no longer have the card, Target may issue a merchandise return card instead.
Q: Can I use a Target gift card at Starbucks inside Target? A: Yes, as long as the Starbucks is located inside a Target store (not a standalone Starbucks), your Target gift card works there.
Q: How many gift cards can I use at once in a Target store? A: In-store, you can use up to 10 gift cards in a single transaction, the same as online.
Q: Can I reload my Target gift card? A: No, Target gift cards cannot be reloaded. Once the balance is spent, the card cannot be reused.
