Credit Advice

Which credit card you apply for depends primarily on where you will be using your credit card. The crucial difference between the two credit cards is that the Target Visa card is accepted everywhere Visa is accepted, while the Target Credit Card can only be used at Target stores and on Target.com, which means you only utilize rewards and benefits when you shop at Target. While both cards offer the same rewards program, the Visa card has additional online bill pay services and Visa benefits unique to the Visa program. The Target website states that in the application process, applicants will first be considered for the Target Visa, and if they do not qualify, will be considered for the Target Credit Card.

Also, keep in mind that both cards have the kind of steep APR that retail cards are notorious for: 25.24% APR for the Target Credit Card and 23.24% APR for the Target Visa. Ultimately, you should consider whether either card will really benefit you. Do the rewards outweigh the potential interest rate charges? If you shop at Target enough to earn the 10% off shopping day and will take advantage of it, go for it. If you think you will carry a balance month to month or won't accumulate enough rewards points to get the discount, then you're better off going for a non-retail with better benefits and a more worthwhile rewards program.

You can use the Visa anywhere you can only use the Target credit card at Target. Seems like a no brainer to me.

I'd get something with a better reward system...unless you shop at Target all the time...if so, then get the Target Visa as you can use it elsewhere just in case.