Yes, you can change the checking account your RedCard is attached to

You can move your Target RedCard from one checking account to another, but the process depends on whether you have a RedCard debit card (which pulls money directly from your bank account) or a RedCard credit card (which is a separate credit line). The debit version is what links to your checking account, and Target lets you update that connection online or by phone.

The change usually takes effect within one to three business days. You'll keep the same RedCard number and account — you're just telling Target to pull payments from a different bank instead. Your old checking account won't be charged anymore once the switch is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your linked checking account through the Target app, Target.com, or by calling Target's RedCard customer service at 1-800-424-6996.
  • The change applies only to your RedCard debit card; if you have a RedCard credit card, it doesn't link to any checking account.
  • You'll need your new bank's routing number and your account number to complete the update.
  • The switch typically takes one to three business days, and you can use your RedCard normally during that time.
  • If you're switching because your old account is closing, update your RedCard before the account closes to avoid payment problems.

How to update your linked checking account online

The fastest way is through the Target app or Target.com. Log in to your account, go to your RedCard settings, and look for a section labeled "Payment Method," "Bank Account," or "Linked Account." You'll see your current checking account listed there.

Click the option to edit or change it. Target will ask you to enter your new bank's routing number (a nine-digit code that identifies your bank) and your account number (usually 10 to 12 digits, found at the bottom left of your checks). Double-check both numbers — a mistake here can delay the switch or cause payments to fail.

After you submit, Target sends a confirmation email. Keep that email until the change is complete. If something goes wrong, you'll have proof of when you requested the change.

Changing your account by phone

Call Target's RedCard customer service at 1-800-424-6996. Have your new bank's routing number and account number ready before you call. A representative will verify your identity by asking for your Social Security number, date of birth, or other personal details.

The representative will update your account while you're on the phone and give you a confirmation number. Write down that number and the date and time of the call. This creates a record if there's a dispute later about when the change was made.

What information you need from your new bank

Before you start the process, gather two pieces of information from your new checking account:

  • Routing number: This nine-digit code identifies your specific bank or credit union. You can find it on the bottom left of your checks, on your bank's website, or by calling your bank's customer service line.
  • Account number: This is your individual account number, usually 10 to 12 digits long. It appears on your checks, your bank statements, or in your online banking portal.

If you're not sure which account number to use (some people have multiple accounts at the same bank), call your bank and confirm you're giving them the number for the checking account you want linked to your RedCard.

What happens during the switch

Once you submit the change, Target processes it within one to three business days. During that time, your RedCard still works normally — you can swipe it or use it online. Target will pull any pending charges from your old account until the switch is complete, then switch to your new account.

You don't need to do anything else. You won't get a new card, your RedCard number stays the same, and your rewards history and account balance carry over without interruption.

If your old checking account is closing

If you're switching because your old bank account is closing, update your RedCard before the account closes. Once an account is closed, Target can't pull payments from it, and your RedCard may be temporarily blocked or flagged for fraud protection.

Contact your old bank to find out the exact closing date, then update your RedCard at least five business days before that date. This gives Target time to process the change and test the new account before your old one disappears from the banking system.

If you miss this window and your old account closes before the switch is complete, call Target's RedCard customer service right away. They can manually update your account and may be able to prevent a service interruption.

Troubleshooting a failed account change

If Target rejects your new account information, the most common reason is a typo in the routing number or account number. Log back in and verify both numbers character by character against your bank statement or your bank's website.

Less commonly, your new bank may not be in Target's system yet, especially if it's a very small credit union or a new online bank. Call Target's RedCard customer service to ask whether your bank is supported. If it's not, you may need to use a different account or contact your bank to ask if they have a routing number that works with major retailers.

If you've triple-checked the numbers and Target still rejects them, call customer service. A representative can look up your bank's information in their system and help you figure out what's wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I link my RedCard to a savings account instead of checking?

Target's RedCard debit card is designed to link to a checking account. While you can technically enter a savings account number, it may cause problems with recurring charges or automatic payments. Contact Target's customer service before trying this — they can tell you whether your specific bank's savings account will work.

What if I want to use a different bank's account temporarily?

You can change your linked account as many times as you need. There's no limit on how often you can update it, and each change takes one to three business days. If you're switching back and forth between accounts, allow a few days between changes so Target's system has time to process each one.

Do I lose my RedCard rewards if I change my checking account?

No. Your RedCard number, account balance, and rewards history all stay the same. Changing your linked checking account is purely a behind-the-scenes update — it doesn't affect your card or your rewards.

What if I change my account and then realize I made a mistake?

Call Target's RedCard customer service when ready. If the change hasn't processed yet (within one to three business days), they can usually cancel it and revert to your old account. If it has already processed, you can change it back to your original account using the same method you used the first time.

Can I link my RedCard to an account at a different bank?

Yes. Your RedCard can link to a checking account at any bank or credit union in the United States, as long as the bank participates in the ACH network (the system that moves money between banks). Nearly all banks do, but if you're using a very small or international bank, call Target to confirm your bank is supported.