Chip-and-PIN FAQs

Target REDcard

what’s a chip card?

  • Chip cards are just what you’d expect: credit and debit cards embedded with small electronic chips.
  • Chip cards represent some of the best security technology currently available for credit and debit cards. - They have features to help protect you against fraud, and they’re difficult to counterfeit.
  • When you use one of these cards, a card reader can interact with the chip instead of reading information off a magnetic stripe, and that helps keep your information secure.
  • You might also hear people talk about EMV cards. EMV is an international standard that both card issuers and retailers use to make chip cards work.

when will I get my new REDcard?

Target will begin reissuing Chip-and-PIN REDcards in August 2015 and complete reissuance by spring 2016.

why do I need a PIN for my REDcard when I use it in Target stores?

  • Requiring a PIN offers an additional layer of security to help protect against someone using your card if it’s lost or stolen.
  • Using a PIN instead of a signature for transactions adds an extra layer of protection for our guests against fraudulent purchases.

I forgot my PIN. how do I reset it?

  • If you’re enrolled in Manage My REDcard, you can choose a new PIN any time at Target.com/redcard (and if you’re not enrolled, sign up now).
  • You can also change your PIN by calling the number on the back of your card.

I have a Target Visa account. why did I get a Target Mastercard?

  • We are reissuing all Target Visa Credit Cards as Target Mastercards.
  • We chose to partner with Mastercard for our new chip cards because they’re able to provide a combination of advanced security and card benefits for our guests.

why can I swipe my Chip-and-PIN Target Mastercard at other retailers?

When using the card at a merchant who can accept chip cards, expect to be prompted to insert it. Otherwise, you can still transact at retailers who are not yet accepting chip cards by using the magnetic stripe.

why doesn’t my Target Credit or Debit REDcard have a magnetic strip or signature panel?

With Chip-and-PIN technology, you don’t need a magnetic strip or signature. All your purchases at Target stores will be processed using the chip instead of a magnetic strip, and you authorize the transaction with your PIN instead of a signature. It’s all part of how your new REDcard helps protect you from fraud.

what do I need to do when I get my new REDcard?

We’ll send instructions with the new card, but here’s a quick checklist if you want to start planning now:

1. Activate your new card. Go to the website or call the number on the sticker on the card.

2. Set up your PIN. You can do this as part of the activation process.

3. Destroy your old card.

4. Update automated billing. Your card number has changed. If you use it for any automatic or recurring transactions, you will need to provide your new Target Credit Card information.

how do I update my card in my Target.com account?

To update the payment methods you have saved for Target.com orders, go to your Target.com wallet. For more help, see the Target.com account help page. Note that updating the payment methods in your Target.com wallet does not update the payment methods you use for any Target Subscriptions.

To update the card you use for Target Subscriptions, go to the subscription management page and click "view subscription" for each one you need to update. For more help, see the Target Subscriptions help page.

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