Does Target Take PayPal in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
PayPal has become one of the most popular online payment methods with over 300 million active users worldwide. With the rise of mobile payments, more major retailers like Target now accept PayPal in-store as well.
As a Target shopper myself, I appreciate the convenience and security of paying with PayPal. But Target has specific policies around how and where PayPal can be used. Here‘s what buyers need to know about using PayPal at Target in 2024.
The Growth of PayPal and Mobile Payments
Mobile wallet usage has exploded in recent years:
- Global mobile wallet spend is expected to reach $5 trillion by 2024 (Statista)
- PayPal and Venmo make up over 50% of the mobile wallet market share in the US (eMarketer)
And compared to credit cards, consumers view mobile wallets like PayPal as:
- More convenient: 43% vs 15% for credit cards (PYMNTS)
- Safer: 47% vs 19% (PYMNTS)
With trust and adoption growing, PayPal has successfully partnered with major chains like Target to expand in-store usage.
Can You Use PayPal In-Store at Target?
Yes, most Target stores now accept PayPal through NFC/contactless payments from mobile devices.
To use:
- Open the PayPal app and tap your phone on the payment terminal when prompted.
- PayPal will ask you to log in and authorize the payment.
Target initially rolled out PayPal in-store payments in late 2020. By end of 2021, it was available in all stores.
You can also pay in-store with PayPal debit and credit cards. These work just like regular bank cards.
How Do You Use PayPal Online at Target?
Using PayPal on Target.com is very straightforward:
- Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout
- Select PayPal as the payment method
- Log into your PayPal account
- Choose your bank account or card as the payment source
- Complete the transaction through PayPal
I like using PayPal online because I can easily track Target purchases within my PayPal history and transactions.
Limitations on Using PayPal at Target
While Target accepts PayPal in most cases, there are a couple limitations to note:
- Target Plus Partners: PayPal cannot be used for online purchases from Target Plus brands like Shipt, Bevel, and Wickedly Prime.
- PayPal Credit: This PayPal financing offer is only available for qualifying PayPal users. Regular PayPal accounts won‘t have access.
Pros of PayPal at Target
Here are some top benefits of using PayPal at Target:
- Convenience: Easy mobile checkout in-store; streamlined online payment
- Rewards: Opportunity to earn rewards/cash back through PayPal and Target Circle
- Security: Reduced risk with PayPal purchase protection
- Tracking: PayPal history lists all Target transactions
- Financing: PayPal Credit offers 0% APR financing for 6 months
Cons of Using PayPal at Target
A few potential downsides include:
- Cannot be used for Target Plus Partners brands
- PayPal Credit only available to some users
- Possible PayPal transaction fees if sending from bank account
How Does Target‘s PayPal Acceptance Compare?
Target joins many top retailers in adopting PayPal in recent years:
| Retailer | In-store PayPal | Online PayPal |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Yes | Yes |
| Walmart | Yes | Yes |
| Amazon | No | Yes |
| Costco | No | No |
| IKEA | No | Yes |
Given how widely PayPal is accepted online, Target offering an in-store option as well provides a convenient omnichannel payment experience.
The Bottom Line
As a Target shopper, I appreciate having PayPal as a secure and easy payment method both in-store and online. While there are some limitations around Target Plus Partners and PayPal Credit access, Target‘s overall PayPal acceptance makes payment seamless.
PayPal adoption continues to grow, so I hope to see expanded usage of PayPal at more major retailers in the future. But for now, Target shoppers can enjoy the speed and convenience of PayPal checkout.
