Facing issues while trying to use your Target gift card?
Wondering why it’s not working as expected?
Several factors might be at play here, so if you’re curious about the causes of the problem and how to fix them, you’ve come to the correct spot. If you facing issues with Target’s Redcard as well then make sure you check out this article – Why is my Target Redcard not working?
To help you get your Target gift card operating again without any fuss, this article will investigate the possible causes of the problem and provide practical solutions. So, stay tuned!
Why is my Target gift card not working?
Short Answer: Your Target gift card is not working because of invalid card details, restrictions on the card, insufficient balance, a non-activated card, a damaged gift card, or a poor internet connection.
1. Invalid Card Details
Incorrect entry of the card number, PIN, or other required information during the transaction prevents the system from verifying the card as legitimate. Therefore, the transaction will be rejected since Target will be unable to verify the card’s ownership.
2. Not Enough Balance
Gift cards have a fixed balance, so if you attempt to make a purchase that costs more than what’s left on the card, you’ll be declined. To make sure that there’s sufficient money for the purchase, the system verifies the card’s balance before approving the transaction.
3. Card Not Activated
When you first receive a Target gift card, it needs to be activated before it can be used for purchases. The activation process makes the card operational and ready for use. If you try to make a purchase using a card that hasn’t been activated, the system will reject your payment.
4. Damaged Gift Card
Physical damage to the gift card, such as a scratched magnetic strip or a barcode that’s unreadable, can prevent the card from being properly scanned or processed. Technical damage like this prevents the card from working properly, resulting in transaction issues.
5. Card Restrictions
Gift cards from Target may have limitations on their use in certain situations. This implies they may not apply to all items or services offered by the shop, or to all categories within those goods or services. If you try to use the card for anything other than what it was intended for, you will have no luck.
6. Internet not reliable
A reliable internet connection is required when making online purchases using a gift card. If your internet connection is slow or unstable, it might prevent your device from successfully completing the transaction with Target.
How to fix: Target gift card not working
Method 1: Enter the exact card details
Make sure you enter your Target gift card number, PIN, and any other required information accurately every time you use it. If there is any mistake at all, the card will be refused. So, before finalizing the purchase, make sure all the information is correct.
Method 2: Wait for the card to be activated
When you get a Target gift card, whether it’s a regular one or a digital version, it has to be activated before you can spend with it. The card will typically be activated by the cashier at the point of sale. However, following activation, there may be a 24-48 hour waiting time before the card may be used to make purchases.
A gift card is not immediately usable just because you have it in your possession. It takes some time after activation before you can use it to make purchases. Keep this waiting period in mind if you want to use the card.
Method 3: Confirm the gift card’s balance
It’s a good idea to double-check the balance of your gift card to be sure it can cover your intended purchase before you make the payment. The card will not be accepted at the register if the balance is less than the whole amount due.
Method 4: Maintain a stable internet connection
Having a reliable internet connection is crucial for online shopping with a gift card. Think of it as a solid link between your PC or phone and the online business. When you attempt to pay, anything might go wrong and slow down the procedure due to a weak link. So, make sure you have a stable connection to the internet while using the gift card.
Method 5: Validate card limits and rules
Some Target gift cards may have restrictions on where they may be used. Also, they could only be applicable to certain items, such as toys or clothing, and not to others, such as food or technology. Check the terms of the card with the items you want to purchase to ensure that you can use it to pay for them.
Method 6: Get in Touch with Target’s Support Staff
If you still need assistance after following the steps outlined above or if you have received a damaged card, please contact Target’s customer support. Their customer service staff can provide you with tailored advice on how to fix the problem or replace the card if it was damaged in transit.
Final Words
In conclusion, your Target gift card not working can be frustrating, but there are ways to tackle the problem. You can make the most of your gift card and have a pleasant shopping experience at Target if you follow the aforementioned steps or ask Target’s Support for assistance when you need it.
Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Ravenshaw University, with a background in Accounting and Finance, Akshita Pattanayak contributes to UniTopTen by writing clear and concise articles based on Finance-Tech. With more than a hundred fin-tech related articles, she hopes to educate people about how banking and payment apps function.