What is "TARGET*" on my bank statement?
TARGET* is a legitimate Target retail purchase, usually from an in-store or online transaction.
Merchant: Target | Category: Shopping
What Is This Charge?
A charge from Target reflects a retail purchase at Target Corporation, which was founded in 1902 and operates more than 1,950 stores across the United States. Target sells groceries, household items, clothing, electronics, beauty products, and pharmacy goods. A TARGET* descriptor usually means the payment came from an in-store checkout, Target.com, or the Target app. The asterisk and extra text often identify the store location, order channel, or transaction batch.
Why Does This Charge Appear on My Statement?
This charge appears when you complete a purchase with a debit card, credit card, or digital wallet at Target. It can also appear after an online order ships, after a pickup order is finalized, or after an in-store return is processed against the original payment method. Some cardholders also see a temporary authorization hold when they place a same-day delivery or Drive Up order. The final posted amount can differ from the initial hold if items are substituted, canceled, or adjusted.
Typical Charge Amounts
Target charges are often small everyday retail purchases in the $10 to $150 range, such as groceries, toiletries, or clothing. Larger cart totals can run from $150 to $500 when the purchase includes electronics, home goods, or multiple household items. Online and pickup orders may show a temporary authorization hold of $1, $10, or the full estimated order total before the final charge posts. Target does not charge a membership fee for standard shopping, and most charges are one-time purchase amounts rather than recurring subscriptions.
Common Variations
TARGET* TARGET*1234 TARGET* STORE 1234 TARGET*ONLINE TARGET*MINNEAPOLIS MN TARGET 1234 TARGET.COM TARGET REDCARD PAYMENT TARGET DRIVE UP 1234 TARGET PICKUP 1234
Is This Charge Legitimate?
A TARGET* charge is usually legitimate if you recently shopped at Target, placed an order on Target.com, or used the Target app for pickup or delivery. Check your Target account at https://www.target.com/ or in the Target app to match the date, amount, and order number to your statement. You can also compare the store number in the descriptor with your receipt or order history. If you do not recognize the charge, call Target Guest Services at 1-800-440-0680 and ask for the transaction details.
How to Dispute or Cancel
1. Review your Target receipts, email confirmations, and Target account order history to confirm the purchase. 2. If the item was returned, check whether the refund has already posted, because Target refunds can take several business days to appear. 3. Call Target Guest Services at 1-800-440-0680 if you need the store number, order number, or transaction lookup. 4. If the charge is unauthorized, contact your bank or card issuer right away and start a card dispute while you also report the issue to Target. 5. For most unopened items, Target’s standard return window is 90 days, and some electronics have shorter return limits, so keep the receipt and original packaging when possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Target charge show as TARGET*1234?
TARGET*1234 usually means the purchase came from a specific Target store, and 1234 is the store number or location code. The descriptor often appears after an in-store checkout, a pickup order, or a finalized online order tied to that store. You can match the number to your receipt, Target account, or order confirmation to verify the transaction.
How do I cancel my Target order?
To cancel a Target order, open your order in the Target app or sign in at https://www.target.com/ and check whether the order is still eligible for cancellation. Some pickup and same-day orders can be canceled before fulfillment, but shipped orders may need a return after delivery. If the order has already processed, call Target Guest Services at 1-800-440-0680 for help.
Why is my Target charge a different amount than expected?
A Target charge can differ from the estimate because of item substitutions, canceled items, tax changes, or a temporary authorization hold that later updates to the final total. Pickup and delivery orders can also change if an item is out of stock or weighed items are adjusted at checkout. Check the final receipt in your Target account to compare the posted amount with the original estimate.
Does Target place a hold before the final charge posts?
Yes, Target can place a temporary hold before the final charge posts, especially for online, pickup, or delivery orders. The hold may be $1, the estimated order total, or another preauthorization amount depending on the payment method and order type. The final posted charge usually replaces the hold after the order is completed.
Can I return a Target purchase without the receipt?
Target may allow returns without a paper receipt if the purchase can be verified through a Target account, card lookup, or gift receipt. Standard return windows are often 90 days for most unopened items, while some electronics have shorter deadlines. Bring the item, the payment card if possible, and a government ID if the store requests it.
Similar Charges
- TARGET*
- TARGET*1234
- TARGET* STORE 1234
- TARGET*ONLINE
- TARGET*MINNEAPOLIS MN