Target Circle Card payment assistance
Can the Target Hardship Program Help Lower Your Payments?
If your Target Circle Credit Card or Target Mastercard payment has become difficult to afford, you may have options worth exploring before missing a payment.
Ask Target about account-specific assistance. Then compare any offer with a nonprofit Debt Management Program (DMP), especially if you have other high-interest credit cards.
Estimate My DMP PaymentGet Free Credit CounselingFree consultation • No new loan required for a DMP • No obligation to enroll
Know your card
What Is the Target Circle Credit Card?
The former Target RedCard is now branded as the Target Circle Card. TD Bank USA, N.A. issues the Target Circle Credit Card and Target Mastercard. The Target Circle Debit Card, by contrast, draws from a linked bank account and is not revolving credit-card debt.
The Circle Card's discount on eligible Target purchases can be appealing. However, carrying a revolving balance may create interest costs that outweigh those savings. Review the APR on your latest statement rather than assuming the current advertised rate applies to you.
Target Circle Credit Card
Revolving store-credit account; may accrue interest on balances.
Target Mastercard
Revolving Mastercard account; review the rate and terms on your statement.
Target Circle Debit Card
Linked-bank-account debit product; not a credit-card balance for a DMP.
Contact Target directly
How to Ask About the Target Hardship Program
Target does not publish one universal hardship arrangement with guaranteed terms for every cardholder. If you're struggling, contact Target Circle Card Guest Services and ask what payment assistance is available for your specific account.
Target Circle Card Guest Services
Ask about temporary payment arrangements, interest-rate reductions, fee relief, and whether the account might be restricted or closed.
Visit Target HelpHave These Numbers Ready
Current balance, APR, minimum payment, monthly take-home income, housing costs, essential expenses, and payments to other creditors.
Explain why the normal payment has become difficult and what amount your budget can reasonably support.
Questions before you accept an offer
What Should You Ask About Target Payment Assistance?
Will My Monthly Payment Change?
Confirm the exact amount, first due date, duration, and what payment applies after any temporary arrangement expires.
Will the APR or Fees Change?
Ask whether Target will change your interest rate, waive fees, or add any new charges during the arrangement.
What Happens to My Account?
Find out whether charging will be restricted, whether the card closes, and how any arrangement may be reported to credit bureaus.
Compare your next steps
Three Ways to Address Target Credit Card Debt
1. Ask Target for hardship assistance. If Target is your primary problem account, an account-specific payment arrangement may be worth considering.
2. Increase your own payoff payments. If your budget allows, paying above the minimum can reduce your interest costs and payoff timeline.
3. Explore a nonprofit Debt Management Program. If Target is one of several credit cards, counseling can help you compare coordinated repayment options for eligible creditors.
Explore My Debt Options
Look beyond one credit card
When a Target Hardship Program May Not Be Enough
Lowering one payment might not solve your budget if several credit cards charge high interest. For example, you might have balances with Target, Capital One, Chase, Citi, Discover, or other creditors.
A nonprofit credit counseling session helps you review your full debt picture, not just one account. Eligible unsecured creditors may then be considered for a Debt Management Program.
A traditional DMP is not a new loan. You generally make one scheduled payment to the counseling organization, which distributes the funds to participating creditors.
Target accounts enrolled through DebtWave, 2010–2024
DebtWave's Historical Target Debt Management Results
DebtWave reviewed Target accounts enrolled in its Debt Management Program between 2010 and 2024. These historical outcomes show what participating accounts experienced, not the terms Target currently guarantees.
Target accounts enrolled
Accounts paid in full
Average starting APR to historical DMP APR
Average monthly payment change
Historical average payment reduction
Average months to pay off account
Average starting debt per account
Total Target debt paid off
The study also reported approximately $5.25 million in starting enrolled Target debt. Historical averages are not a guarantee of eligibility, repayment period, APR, savings, or payment amount for any individual.
Understand the differences
Target Hardship Program vs. Debt Management Program
Both options may help address a difficult payment, but they are different products and services. Compare real terms rather than assuming either will lower your payment.
| Feature | Target Account Assistance | Nonprofit Debt Management Program |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it? | Target Card Services / issuing bank | Nonprofit credit counseling organization |
| Accounts covered | Individual Target account | Multiple qualifying unsecured accounts may participate |
| New loan required | No | No |
| Monthly payment | Depends on account-specific offer | Depends on enrolled balances and creditor terms |
| Interest rate | Request the offered APR from Target | Participating creditors may provide APR concessions |
| Credit card use | May be limited under an arrangement | Enrolled revolving accounts are generally closed or restricted |
| Best reason to investigate | One Target account is causing financial stress | Several unsecured debts need a coordinated strategy |
A DMP differs from debt settlement: a DMP focuses on repaying participating balances, while settlement seeks negotiated partial repayment and can involve additional risks, including delinquency, collection activity, litigation, and potential tax consequences.
Compare your current payments
Estimate Your Target DMP Payment and APR
Choose Target from the creditor list, then enter your balance, current APR, and minimum payment. The calculator provides an estimate based on available program assumptions. A counselor can review current creditor eligibility and terms.
Compare Your Numbers
Start with your Target account, then request a free review of your other credit cards.
Calculator results are estimates only. Actual terms depend on creditor participation, account eligibility, and your financial circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Target Hardship Program FAQs
Does Target have a hardship program?
Target does not publicly publish one standard hardship plan with guaranteed terms for every cardholder. Contact Target Circle Card Guest Services to ask about options for your specific account.
What is the Target credit card hardship phone number?
For the Target Circle Credit Card or U.S. Target Mastercard, call Target Circle Card Guest Services at 800-424-6888. You can also verify contact information on your latest statement.
Is Target RedCard now called Target Circle Card?
Yes. Target rebranded the RedCard products as Target Circle Card. Existing customers may still refer to their card as RedCard.
Who issues the Target Circle Credit Card?
TD Bank USA, N.A. issues the Target Circle Credit Card and Target Mastercard. The debit version is issued by Target Corporation.
Can Target reduce my credit card APR or monthly payment?
Any concession depends on your account and the options available when you contact Target. Ask for the proposed APR, minimum payment, duration, and any applicable restrictions before agreeing.
Can my Target credit card be included in a DMP?
It may qualify depending on current creditor-participation rules and account details. A DebtWave counselor can review eligibility and estimated terms with you.
Will my Target credit card close if I enroll in a DMP?
Revolving cards placed on a DMP are generally closed or restricted to prevent new charges. A counselor can explain the current expectations before enrollment.
Will using the DMP calculator hurt my credit score?
Simply entering values into DebtWave's DMP calculator does not require a credit check. Separately, enrolling in a program or changing account terms can have credit-reporting implications.
Can the Target Circle Debit Card go into a DMP?
No. A linked-bank-account debit card is not the same as revolving unsecured credit-card debt.
Is DebtWave affiliated with Target or TD Bank?
No. DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. is an independent nonprofit credit counseling organization and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Target Corporation or TD Bank USA, N.A.
Free nonprofit guidance
Why Consider DebtWave for Target Credit Card Debt?
DebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has provided credit counseling and debt management services since 2001. We help consumers compare repayment approaches and understand what they can reasonably afford.
Review Your Full Budget
We evaluate essential expenses, income, and credit-card payments together.
Compare Actual Options
Review do-it-yourself repayment, creditor hardship arrangements, and estimated DMP terms.
Decide Without Pressure
The initial financial review is free, and you are not required to enroll in a program.
DebtWave is a member agency of the National Foundation for Credit Counseling.
Take the next step
Compare Your Target Credit Card Debt Relief Options
If your Target card payment is difficult to manage, start by asking about creditor assistance. If several credit cards are causing stress, DebtWave can help you review your full picture and compare options.
Start My Free Financial ReviewEstimate My Target DMP PaymentDebtWave Credit Counseling, Inc. is not affiliated with or endorsed by Target Corporation or TD Bank USA, N.A. Creditor policies, eligibility, rates and payments can change. Content is educational and is not a guarantee of assistance. DebtWave does not lend money.