topic Re: Target Mastercard More Risky than Redcard? in Credit Cards

Target Mastercard PIN Required Outside of Target?

Anonymous — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 17:42:52 GMT

Just out of curiosity, has anyone who has the Target Mastercard ever used it outside of Target, and if so, once inserted, is a PIN requested?

I am wondering because if I ever am upgraded, I am wondering how great the risk of fraud is on the Target Mastercard.

Having said that, I have had the card since 2010 and have not received an upgrade offer, and may never get one.

Just curious . . .

Re: Target Mastercard PIN Required Outside of Target?

Anonymous — Sat, 18 Jan 2020 17:44:14 GMT

That is, I have had the REDCARD since 2010.

Re: Target Mastercard PIN Required Outside of Target?

Guyatthebeach — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 01:40:13 GMT

I have never been asked to punch the PIN when using my Tsrget MC. Even at self-service pump, never asked for the PIN.

Guyatthebeach

Re: Target Mastercard PIN Required Outside of Target?

Anonymous — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 12:16:33 GMT

I don't understand why it would be more or less secure than any other card. From my experience using Canadian cards in the US, most teminals aren't set up to require a PIN even from cards that have them.

Re: Target Mastercard PIN Required Outside of Target?

NoMoreE46 — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 14:06:44 GMT

Yes, I was asked to input my PIN at Lowes.

Re: Target Mastercard PIN Required Outside of Target?

recoveringfrombk7 — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 14:26:51 GMT

What benefit is there to using the Target card outside of Target? Does it have a general benefit (1% cash back outside of target, etc)?

Re: Target Mastercard PIN Required Outside of Target?

Anonymous — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 16:42:21 GMT

The credit card requires a pin to be used over a certain dollar amount. And that also applies for target in-store purchases

Re: Target Mastercard PIN Required Outside of Target?

kdm31091 — Sun, 19 Jan 2020 16:48:37 GMT

@recoveringfrombk7 wrote:
What benefit is there to using the Target card outside of Target? Does it have a general benefit (1% cash back outside of target, etc)?

It offers 1% on everything, 2% dining and gas, distributed as a Target GC. There are better cards out there for purchases outside of Target for sure, but it's better than nothing. I still would just stick to using the card where it really shines, which is Target purchases.

Target Mastercard More Risky than Redcard?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 13:58:26 GMT

I don't mean to keep beating a dead horse to death, but isn't the Target Mastercard more prone to fraud since it can actually be used (with or without a PIN) in places OUTSIDE of Target?

I am wondering this, just in case the "Target Gods" bestow the coveted upgrade offer on me someday.

What if a store is not "chip ready"? Do you actually swipe it?

At least with the in-store Redcard, you have to have a PIN to use it.

Anyone with the Mastercard, please let me know your experiences.

Any reason not to accept the upgrade?

I would probably not use it outside of Target, but (as many of you know, if you are on this forum), I want it just because I don't have it.

Have a great day !!

Re: Target Mastercard More Risky than Redcard?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:05:12 GMT

Who cares about fraud? Really, it's not something that anyone should lose sleep over. Card holders are protected against fraud.

Re: Target Mastercard More Risky than Redcard?

kdm31091 — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 14:08:31 GMT

I guess technically because it is a "regular" Mastercard, it could (who knows if it really is) be more susceptible to fraud vs a store only card. But at the same time, does it really matter? You aren't liable for it - worst case scenario, card gets cancelled, new one issued. Not really a big deal, just a minor hassle.

Whether you get the upgrade or not, unless one has very few decent cards, the Mastercard really does not offer compelling perks outside of Target. It's just a 1-2% rate loaded to a Target GC, so just a more restrictive cash back card and I believe you only get the gift card once a year. Nothing to write home about; I'd still only use it at Target regardless.

Re: Target Mastercard More Risky than Redcard?

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 01:05:15 GMT

Could it be more susceptive to fraud? Sure. But it’s not anything I’d even think about because you wouldn’t be liable for it

Re: Target Mastercard More Risky than Redcard?

Guyatthebeach — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 02:39:11 GMT

There is a chance with fraud with any credit card. I had fraud with my Target store card years ago, someone charged stuff in a CA Target store while I live on the east coast.

I took the upgrade becuase it's a Mastercard and I got a CLI to $6000. It was rebuld goal for me. I burned then for about $5k when I declared bankruptcy.

I do use it every so often outside Target, but it gets used once a week at Target.

I do like Target MC customer service. There is never a wait.

Guyatthebeach

Re: Target Mastercard More Risky than Redcard?

FinStar — Mon, 10 Feb 2020 04:07:19 GMT

@Anonymous,

I have merged the other thread that you started on this similar topic into this one. Please do not cross-post or start multiple threads on basically the same subject. It is confusing to other members trying to assist you and is against forum rules.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

-FS

Re: Target Mastercard More Risky than Redcard?

Anonymous514 — Wed, 10 Feb 2021 03:49:27 GMT

OP, What is your limit? If you have had it since 2010 it should be pretty up there by now?