Quick Answer: Yes, Target accepts Apple Pay in Target stores, on Target.com, and in the Target app. The main exception is Same Day Delivery, where Apple Pay is not accepted in some checkout situations, including orders with substitutes.
If you are shopping at Target and want to pay with your iPhone or Apple Watch, the short answer is yes. Target does take Apple Pay, but the full answer depends on where and how you are checking out.
That is where many shoppers get confused. Apple Pay works in most normal Target checkout flows, but there are a few limits you should know before you place an order. This guide explains where Apple Pay works at Target, where it does not, and how to use it without problems.
Does Target take Apple Pay?
Yes, Target accepts Apple Pay. Target’s official payment page lists Apple Pay as an accepted payment method for Target.com and the Target app. The same page also says Target stores accept mobile payments such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
That means Apple Pay works in the places most shoppers care about most. You can use it in stores and through standard online or app checkout, but you should still watch for a few exceptions covered below.
In Short: Target does take Apple Pay in stores, on Target.com, and in the Target app. The biggest exception is Same Day Delivery in some cases.
Can you use Apple Pay at Target stores?
Yes, you can use Apple Pay at Target stores. Target says its stores accept contactless payment, also called NFC, and it specifically lists mobile wallets such as Apple Pay as accepted forms of payment.
That means you can usually pay by holding your iPhone or Apple Watch near the card reader when the terminal is ready. Target also says wearables with payment enabled are accepted, which includes Apple Watch.
Does Apple Pay work at self-checkout?
In most cases, yes. Target’s help page says contactless payment can be used when the card reader is ready for payment, including during checkout while items are still being scanned. That supports the same contactless flow at self-checkout terminals where NFC payment is enabled.
Can you use Apple Pay on Target.com and in the Target app?
Yes. Target lists Apple Pay as an accepted payment method for both Target.com and the Target app. That means standard online orders and normal app checkout can support Apple Pay.
This is useful if you prefer mobile wallet checkout instead of typing in a card number each time. It also makes checkout faster for shoppers already using Apple Pay on their devices.
Does Target Same Day Delivery take Apple Pay?
This is the part many shoppers miss. Target’s Same Day Delivery page says it does not currently accept Apple Pay for orders with substitutes. It also says Apple Pay is not accepted for Same Day Delivery on Target.com or in the Target app in that checkout flow.
So while the broad answer is yes, Same Day Delivery is the key exception you need to remember. If you are placing that type of order, check the payment options carefully before finishing checkout.
How do you use Apple Pay at Target?
Using Apple Pay at Target is simple once the payment terminal is ready.
- Open Wallet on your iPhone, or use Apple Pay on your Apple Watch
- Authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode
- Hold the device near the Target card reader
- Wait for the payment confirmation
- Complete checkout as normal
Target says to hold your contactless card, mobile device, or wearable over the card reader screen until payment is confirmed.
Can you add your Target Circle Card to Apple Pay?
No. Target says Target Circle Cards cannot be added to digital wallets like Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay.
That said, Target also explains that you can add a Target Circle Card to the Wallet in the Target app. That lets you use a single barcode in store for Target Circle, discounts, gift cards, and Target Circle Card payments inside Target’s own app system.
Why might Apple Pay not work at Target?
If Apple Pay is not working at Target, the problem is usually one of a few common issues.
- The payment terminal is not ready yet
- The digital wallet card was declined by the issuing bank
- You are trying to use Apple Pay in a checkout flow where it is not supported
- You are placing a Same Day Delivery order with payment limits
- Your device authentication did not complete correctly
Target also notes that the last four digits on your receipt may look different from your actual card number because digital wallets tokenize the real card number for security. That can confuse shoppers, but it does not usually mean the payment failed.
Apple Pay at Target vs other payment methods
Here is a quick comparison to make things easier:
| Payment Method | In Stores | Online | App | Same Day Delivery |
| Apple Pay | Works | Works | Works | Limited |
| Google Pay | Works | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Samsung Pay | Works | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Target Circle Card | Works | Works | Works | Supported in eligible checkout flows |
This is why Apple Pay is a strong option for regular store shopping and standard online checkout, but not something you should assume will work in every delivery scenario.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Target take Apple Pay in stores?
Yes. Target stores accept mobile payments such as Apple Pay.
Can I use Apple Pay at Target self-checkout?
Yes, in most cases. Target’s storewide contactless payment guidance supports use at card readers during checkout.
Can I use Apple Pay on Target.com?
Yes. Target lists Apple Pay as an accepted payment method on Target.com.
Does the Target app accept Apple Pay?
Yes. Target lists Apple Pay as an accepted payment method in the Target app.
Does Same Day Delivery take Apple Pay?
Not in some key checkout situations. Target says Same Day Delivery does not currently accept Apple Pay for orders with substitutes, and this is the main exception shoppers should watch for.
Can I add my Target Circle Card to Apple Pay?
No. Target says Target Circle Cards cannot be added to Apple Pay.
Final thoughts
Yes, Target takes Apple Pay. You can use it in stores, on Target.com, and in the Target app. The main thing to remember is that Same Day Delivery can follow different payment rules, so always double-check that checkout flow before placing the order.
