Target Gift Card Policy 2026: Expiration, Returns, Balance Checking & Lost Cards

Do Target Gift Cards Expire?

Target gift cards have no expiration date. According to Target’s official policy, Target GiftCards do not expire and do not lose value over time, regardless of what may be printed on the card itself. This means you can hold a Target gift card indefinitely and use it whenever you choose without worrying about losing the balance.

Can You Return Target Gift Cards for Cash?

Target gift cards cannot be returned for cash under any circumstances. Once purchased, the balance can only be used to buy items at Target stores or on Target.com. The card cannot be exchanged for another form of payment, refunded as cash, or converted to store credit. If you have an unused or partially used Target gift card, your only option is to spend the remaining balance on merchandise.

How to Check Your Target Gift Card Balance

You have two main ways to check your Target gift card balance:

1. Online through your Target account: Log into Target.com or the Target app, navigate to your account settings, select Gift Cards, and find the card you want to check. You can request the access number be emailed to you, then use it to view your balance on Target.com.
2. Using the physical card: Gently scratch off the silver strip on the back of a physical Target gift card to reveal the access number. You can then use this number on Target.com to check your balance, or provide it when making a purchase in store or online.

If you have a Target eGiftCard sent via email or a mobile gift card sent via text, you will need a Target account to access and redeem it. Once an eGiftCard is received, it must be opened within a Target.com account to view and use it.

What to Do If Your Target Gift Card Is Lost or Stolen

If your Target gift card is lost or stolen, contact Target Guest Services immediately at 1-800-591-3869. When you call, be prepared to provide the card number if you have it. If you do not have the card number, an original receipt showing the purchase of the card should suffice.

Target will work with you to determine what balance remains on the card. If there is still value on the card, Target can cancel it to prevent unauthorized use and help you recover the funds. However, the sources do not specify the exact process or timeline for receiving a replacement card or refund of the remaining balance after a card is reported lost or stolen.

How to Redeem Your Target Gift Card

Target gift cards can be redeemed for all or part of their value at any Target store or on Target.com. You can redeem a target gift card to purchase items at Starbucks locations within Target stores, at Target Café, at CVS Pharmacy locations within Target stores, and for in-store purchases at Target Optical. You can use up to 10 Target gift cards in a single transaction in stores or online.

To redeem your gift card, you will need the access number. In stores, present the physical card at checkout. Online, add the gift card to your account or enter the access number during checkout. Target gift cards are always applied as the first form of payment before any credit or debit card is charged.

What You Cannot Buy With a Target Gift Card

While Target gift cards are widely accepted, there are specific items and services you cannot purchase with them:

• American Express, Visa, or Mastercard gift cards
• iTunes gift cards
• Specialty gift cards for gaming, music, restaurants, or other retailers
• Other Target gift cards
• Target Circle Card payments
• Digital video game downloads
• Services at Minute Clinics within Target stores
• Online purchases at Target Optical (physical cards can only be used for in-store optical purchases)

If you need a Walmart gift card policy comparison, Walmart’s rules differ on some restrictions, so check their specific terms if you shop both retailers.

Purchasing Target Gift Cards

Target gift cards are available in several formats and can be purchased in multiple ways. Physical Target gift cards sold in Target stores come in denominations between $5 and $500. Online through Target.com or the Target app, you can purchase physical cards, mobile (text) gift cards, or email gift cards in denominations of $10, $20, $25, $50, $75, $100, $200, or $500, plus custom amounts between $5 and $500.

Gift cards purchased on Target.com or the Target app have different delivery options. Email gift cards are typically delivered within 4 hours, or you can schedule delivery up to three months in advance. Physical gift cards sent by mail are usually delivered within 7 to 10 days, though postal delays may affect this timeframe. Mobile gift cards sent via text are typically delivered within 4 hours or can be scheduled up to three months ahead.

Target gift cards are also sold at over 30,000 locations nationwide, including Kroger, Albertson grocery stores, CVS Pharmacy, and Walgreens pharmacies. Assortment and denominations vary by location and distributor.

Saving Multiple Gift Cards to Your Account

You can save up to 20 Target gift cards to your Target account wallet. To add a gift card, access your Target account on the app or website, navigate to the Gift Cards section, and either scan the barcode on the back of the card or manually enter the gift card number and access code. For physical cards, gently remove the silver strip on the back to find these numbers.

If you receive a promotional gift card with a Target.com order, it should automatically be added to your account. If it does not appear, check the order confirmation email for a link to add it manually. Once cards are saved to your wallet, you can select which ones to use at checkout, up to 10 per transaction.

Important Restrictions and Rules

Target reserves the right to reject or deactivate any gift card to prevent fraud, suspected fraud, or abuse. A Target account is required to access and redeem email and mobile (text) gift cards for in-store or online purchases. Physical gift cards require only the access number, which you can find by scratching the silver strip on the back.

If you are using a Target coupon policy, note that gift cards and coupons work together, but gift cards are applied as the first form of tender. When redeeming gift cards online, the full purchase amount including sales tax will be deducted from the card balance. If your purchase exceeds the gift card balance, you will need to provide another form of payment for the remainder.

For other Target policies, you may want to review the Target price adjustment policy to understand price matching and adjustments, or check details on the Target military discount and Target senior discount programs if you qualify for those benefits. Additionally, understanding the Target EBT policy can help clarify which payment methods are accepted alongside gift cards for eligible purchases.