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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

JCPenney vs Target

JCPenney 4.7★ · Free to download 45
Winner Target
Target 4.9★ · Free to download 70

Target offers a more reliable and user-friendly app experience for online shopping and pickup, despite some recent performance issues, while JCPenney struggles with fundamental app functionality and order fulfillment.

Full reviews: JCPenney · Target

Target's app generally provides a smooth shopping experience with convenient pickup options, though some users report recent slowdowns and glitches. JCPenney's app, however, faces significant issues with login, order tracking, and customer service, making online shopping frustrating for many.

Head to head

App Functionality & Ease of Use edge: TargetR1R4R9R12
JCPenney Many JCPenney users report significant frustration with the app's basic functionality, including login issues, account not found errors, and frequent crashes or freezing R1R4R9. The app is described as glitchy, slow, and difficult to navigate, with problems like losing the page while scrolling and not returning to the previous spot . Users also complain about the app not retaining their preferred store location, requiring a zip code entry every time R12.
Target Target users generally find the app user-friendly and easy to navigate . However, a significant number of recent reviews highlight issues with the app being slow, laggy, freezing, and glitchy, impacting the shopping experience . Some find the search results unhelpful or the process of changing stores cumbersome .
Order Fulfillment & Pickup edge: TargetR3R6R13R18
JCPenney JCPenney customers experience frequent issues with online orders, including items not received, incorrect items shipped, and orders being canceled without reason R13R18. Pickup services are also problematic, with long wait times, system failures to update order status, and items showing as available online but not in store R3R6. The refund process is described as archaic and slow R13R60.
Target Target's drive-up and pickup services are highly praised for convenience and speed . However, some users report delivery delays, orders being split into multiple delivery dates, and items being out of stock despite the app indicating availability R81. There are also instances of incorrect deliveries and issues with refunds for missing items .
Customer Service & Support edge: TargetR10R11R13R14
JCPenney JCPenney's customer service receives numerous negative reviews, with users reporting rude representatives, unhelpful assistance, difficulty getting straight answers, and being given the runaround for refunds or missing orders R13. Issues with third-party services like JCPenney Portraits also lead to frustration and lack of resolution R10.
Target Target generally receives positive feedback for its in-store customer service and helpful employees . However, some users have negative experiences with online customer care regarding delivery issues and refunds, describing them as unhelpful or ending chats prematurely .
Value & Pricing tieR2R5R7R14
JCPenney JCPenney is praised for great sales, coupons, and affordable prices, offering good value for clothing and other items R2R5R14. However, some users report price discrepancies between scanned items and checkout, and issues with coupons not being automatically applied R7.
Target Target is often seen as having good prices and value, especially with app-exclusive discounts and perks . However, some users feel that the loyalty program (Target Circle) has diminished benefits, with fewer valuable freebies and misleading free shipping offers R66R81R105R106.
Pick JCPenney if

You prioritize finding good sales and coupons for clothing and home goods, and are willing to navigate a potentially frustrating app experience or prefer shopping in-store R2R14. You value traditional department store offerings and personalized in-store service for departments like jewelry R11.

Pick Target if

You value a generally convenient and user-friendly app for online shopping, especially for drive-up and in-store pickup services . You appreciate a wide range of modern items and a clean, organized store environment .

Evidence note: JCPenney's reviews show a strong negative skew regarding app functionality and online order issues, despite positive comments about in-store experiences and sales. Target's reviews are more balanced, with many positive comments about convenience, but a noticeable increase in recent complaints about app performance (slowness, glitches) and some delivery/inventory issues.

Frequently asked

Are there issues with logging into the JCPenney app?
Yes, many JCPenney users report frequent problems with logging into the app, including password resets not working, accounts being locked out, and messages stating accounts are not found R1R4R22R34.
Is Target's app reliable for price checking?
While the Target app can be used for price checking, some users report that it shows online prices which may not match in-store prices when scanning barcodes R117.
Does JCPenney charge for returns?
Yes, JCPenney may charge an $8 fee for returns if you do not have a local store to return items to, or if you are returning mislabeled items via mail R24R38R60.
Are there problems with Target's loyalty program?
Some Target users express dissatisfaction with the Target Circle loyalty program, noting that freebies have become less valuable and that promises of free shipping often require a minimum spend of $35 despite having a 360 membership R66R81R105R106.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] JCPenney 2/5 · US Online experience: After having reset my password recently, it wouldn’t accept my password and wanted a new. In doing the process, it locked me out of my account. So I go back to my email to unlock it and it doesn’t unlock it. I tried to check out as I guess, but it’s requiring me either to sign in or create a new account. Frustrating.
  2. [R4] JCPenney 1/5 · US registering for rewards: -i created an account -when i tried to sign in, i received a message saying my account was not found
  3. [R9] JCPenney 3/5 · US App not friendly: I get kicked out every time you do an update. I’m often not home so I can’t sign back in.
  4. [R12] JCPenney 3/5 · US Default Store in App: In the app, the store location used to default to what was selected previously at any given time when using the app. However it no longer defaults and each time the app is launched or one of the departments is selected the zip code is required. It’s a huge inconvenience when using the app often. Please resolve the issue to make app shopping a better experience.
  5. [R3] JCPenney 3/5 · US Disappointed: I recently bought a Mens Shirt recently online/pickup at Store. Thought it would be more convenient. I used my “saved” Rewards Points. I picked it up went hone after we were done with errands. Tried it on and was not happy with the fabric used to make the shirt. I went to return it to see if I could get something more to my liking. I was informed yes I could return but I would lose a
  6. [R6] JCPenney 3/5 · US On line shopping: I don’t understand why, when I ask for my store choice, in store stock for pickup, search the items, find one, find my size, choose my color , put in the cart, only to have it tell me it’s not available for pickup at my store. You waste my time!
  7. [R13] JCPenney 1/5 · US No Merchandise and no Refund: I ordered some blinds on 3/20/26 and still have not received them and have been given the runaround trying to get my refund. I’ve talked to over 12 people including a supervisor and as of 1:20pm today they’re still giving me this unprofessional service. I’ve even been sent to the store and they still didn’t give me a refund and today they say go back to the store. Thi
  8. [R18] JCPenney 3/5 · US Too many canceled orders: I have been a dedicated customer for over 15 years, I am very disappointed with the service, my orders keep getting cancelled for no reason given.
  9. [R10] JCPenney 1/5 · US JCPenney portraits sluggish: Did new born photoshoot about 2 weeks back. Have not received digital prints on Shutterfly even today. Both are blaming each other for some bug. Why should I care?
  10. [R11] JCPenney 5/5 · US Kevin in Jewelry: I recently had my wedding set resized, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Kevin at the Cedar Rapids location is truly excellent at what he does. He took the time to properly size my finger, sent my rings in, and they came back absolutely perfect. Kevin is knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely cares about his customers and making sure they’re happy with the end res
  11. [R14] JCPenney 5/5 · US Recommend JCPenny: Been shopping here for many years. Have items for entire family. Always have excellent sales, coupons, & customer service. = )
  12. [R2] JCPenney 5/5 · US Been shopping there all my life.: Great sales
  13. [R5] JCPenney 5/5 · US Easy 5!!: Easy to give JCP a 5. All clothes, materials and personnel.
  14. [R7] JCPenney 1/5 · US Prices never match: So today they have a buy one and get two free sandal sale. When you scan certain sandals(Clark’s for this example) it has a sale price and a buy one get two free right under the price. But when I went to check out they rang up the original price with the other two free. Another way their app is terrible. When you scan an item for price check, you can’t automatically add it to
  15. [R22] JCPenney 1/5 · US Impossible log in: It’s almost constant that the app doesn’t recognize my name and password. Reset and it still can’t connect. Easier to go elsewhere. Now it won’t accept my nickname to review. LOL.
  16. [R34] JCPenney 1/5 · US Update and recovering login information.: Live chat no help. Link not working. Upgrade not upgrading. Want let me shop online.
  17. [R117] Target 2/5 · US Inaccurate prices when scanning barcodes: This app is showing the online price when checking the price by scanning the barcode.
  18. [R24] JCPenney 3/5 · US Feed: I don’t think it’s right for you to charge an eight dollar fee to those of us who do not have a local store to actually return to. I shouldn’t have to drive over 30 miles to return it to a store without getting charged.
  19. [R38] JCPenney 1/5 · US Mislabeled items twice: While I enjoy funding a selection of basics at JCP I don’t enjoy the return and exchange process. Twice now I’ve ordered a bra in my size and received a mislabeled bra in a larger size. Additionally each time I try to process a return I’m charged for shipping when the item was clearly mislabeled shouldn’t shipping be covered?
  20. [R60] JCPenney 1/5 · US Refund Process needs update: JC Penny’s refund process is archaic. After realizing the online order I processed was the incorrect size I called in to cancel the order. I was told I was passed the 30 minute window. I was also told I could return the items at a local JC Penny store or pay $8 for a UPS label. I chose the store. Returned my incorrect order on the 18th and here we are the 29th and stil
  21. [R66] Target 3/5 · US Need more savings !: I have a lot of apps with accounts on it so I can save money used to do 5$ gift cards now nothing ??
  22. [R81] Target 3/5 · US The Target Circle freebies used to be really good when they were food options now they suck!: Also, I wish if you did like an order pick up like an hour instead of two hours would be so much better for an order cause two hours is just such a long window. I mean I get people are shortstaffed.
  23. [R105] Target 3/5 · US What’s the point?: Target app is fine and offers nothing more than the browser. Also, what’s the benefits of their loyalty program? None I can see
  24. [R106] Target 1/5 · US Membership is a scam: The whole monthly freebies thing with the membership is such a scam, watch yourself get stuck with $5 off store brand items or coupons while the $15-20 value item gets ‘sold out’ the second it’s released because they don’t make everything the same value. Not to mention the promise of free shipping on any order with a 360 membership, just for 90% of items to end up being free

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store