Plus: the best credit cards to use at Target for maximum rewards in 2026.
By PointsPick Team, Credit Card Research Team · Updated April 2026
Target uses MCC code 5311 (Department Stores). The best credit card is the Shopper Cash Rewards, earning 3x rewards on this category.
Target transactions are processed under MCC 5311 (Department Stores, category: retail). These cards earn the highest rewards:
| Card | Earning Rate | Annual Fee | Issuer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shopper Cash Rewards | 3x | $95/yr | U.S. Bank | Apply Now |
Rates and fees as of April 2026. Verify with issuer before applying.
Many shoppers assume grocery credit cards earn bonus rewards at stores like Target, but this is not the case. Target processes transactions under MCC 5311 (Department Stores), not the grocery MCC code 5411.
Cards that advertise "grocery bonuses" typically earn them only at traditional supermarkets coded MCC 5411. Always check the MCC code before assuming bonus rates apply.
Target uses MCC code 5311, which is classified as "Department Stores". This determines which credit card bonus categories apply to purchases at Target.
The best credit card at Target is the Shopper Cash Rewards, which earns 3x points/miles on purchases coded as MCC 5311 (Department Stores).
Target uses MCC 5311 (Department Stores). This means purchases at Target do NOT qualify for grocery credit card bonuses, which require MCC 5411 (Grocery Stores and Supermarkets).