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We've all been there – standing at Target checkout wondering if we should sign up for their loyalty program while the person behind us sighs audibly. Target Circle has been around since 2019, but plenty of shoppers are still confused about what it actually does and whether it's worth the hassle.
Here's the thing: it's actually not a hassle at all, and yes, it's definitely worth it. We're going to break down the ten things you need to know about Target Circle (and its fancier cousin, Target Circle 360) so you can decide what makes sense for you and your shopping habits.
Target Circle is basically Target's way of saying "thanks for shopping here" with actual money-saving perks. It's free to join, which immediately puts it ahead of programs that charge you upfront.
The whole system runs on the idea that Target wants to keep you coming back, so they've built this program that learns what you buy and gives you deals on stuff you actually want. Revolutionary concept, right? And the truth is it works way better than those generic coupon books nobody ever uses.
What we like about it is how hands-off it is once you're signed up. No scanning barcodes, no remembering to activate deals. It just works in the background while you shop.
Setting up Target Circle takes about two minutes, so don’t feel bad about the person waiting in line behind you. You need your name, email, and phone number. That's it. We've seen people spend more time deciding what coffee to order.
When you shop in-store, punch in your phone number at checkout or use the Target app to scan your barcode. Online shopping? Just stay logged in. The system recognizes you and applies your deals automatically.
Everything lives in what Target calls your "digital wallet" – rewards, offers, the whole shebang. You can check it through their app or website whenever you want to see what deals are waiting for you.
How much you earn depends on how you spend. Paying with a regular credit card, debit card, or cash? You get 1% back in Target Circle rewards on eligible items. It's not huge, but it adds up over time, especially if (like us) you're one of those people who somehow ends up at Target three times a week.
But if you use Target's own credit or debit card (the Target Circle Card), you get 5% off immediately instead of earning 1% back later. This gives Circle Card holders instant gratification rather than delayed rewards, and honestly, it makes getting the card a no-brainer.
Your rewards won't expire as long as you earn or use at least one reward within a year. Since most people shop at Target more than once annually, this basically means that for most people rewards never expire.
This is where Target Circle gets pretty smart. The program pays attention to what you buy and creates custom deals just for you. So if you're always buying dog food and coffee (no judgment), you'll start seeing bonus offers in these categories.
These aren't just random 10% off coupons either. Target creates these things called "Target Circle Bonuses" that are actually useful. It could be extra rewards for spending a certain amount in a category you already shop, or special challenges that unlock additional perks.
Everything applies automatically when you check out, which is a godsend compared to fumbling around with paper coupons or trying to remember which deals to activate.
Target gives you a 5% birthday discount that lasts for 30 days around your birthday. Just make sure you add your birthday to your profile or you'll miss out.
It's a decent discount. It works on most items and stacks with manufacturer coupons. You can't combine it with other Target Circle offers, though, and some things are excluded, such as gift cards and certain electronics.
Is it life-changing? No. Is it a nice touch that makes you feel better about your Target addiction? Absolutely.
Now we get to the premium version. Target Circle 360 costs $99 per year and is basically Target's attempt to compete with Amazon Prime. Whether it’s worth it depends on how much you already love shopping at Target.
Launched in 2024, Target keeps adding new perks to justify the price. We'll be honest – it's not for everyone. But if you're already doing grocery pickup, ordering stuff for same-day delivery, or just really love Target, it might make sense. The key is being realistic about whether you'll actually use the benefits. Don't pay for premium perks you'll never touch.
Target Circle 360 Benefits BreakdownSo what do you get for that $99? Quite a bit, actually:
The Target Circle Card, which used to be called RedCard, is where things get interesting. It's Target's store card, and you can get it as a credit card, a debit card, or a reloadable card.
If you have one, you save 5% on every Target purchase instead of earning 1% rewards. It also gives you access to Circle 360 for $49 instead of $99.
We did the math. If you spend decent money at Target and get the card, the 5% savings can basically pay for the discounted Circle 360 membership. Plus you get free 2-day shipping and extended returns even without upgrading.
The catch? It only works at Target. But if Target is already one of your main shopping spots, this still makes a lot of sense.
This is kind of cool – every time you shop, you earn votes to help decide where Target donates money to nonprofits. Local schools, community organizations, that sort of thing.
The voting happens right in your account with a couple taps. Target has been giving away 5% of its profits since 1946, and this gives you your say in where part of that goes. It’s nice to feel like your Target runs are contributing to something good so we’re big fans of this feature.
Target Circle Week is when Target goes all-out with deals. This usually happens a few times a year, with the big summer one in July. We're talking up to 50% off across tons of categories.
If you have Circle 360, you get early access starting 24 hours before everyone else. This can really make a difference if there's something popular you want that might sell out.
Students and teachers often get special deals during these events too – like 50% off Circle 360 memberships. If you qualify, definitely take advantage.
Target Circle works with other brands too. Shop Ulta products at Target and you can earn Ultimate Rewards points. There are Apple partnership benefits too.
The biggest partner perk for Circle 360 members is access to same-day delivery from 100+ other retailers through Shipt – grocery stores, pet stores, CVS, Sephora, you name it. It's like having one membership that works across a bunch of different stores. Not bad.
Let's get real about who should sign up for what.
Free Target Circle is a no-brainer. If you shop at Target at all, just sign up. It takes two minutes and saves you money automatically. There's literally no downside.
Circle 360 is trickier. It makes a lot of sense if you're already spending serious money (like $1,000+ per year) at Target and you value convenience. The delivery alone could save you more than $99 if you use it regularly and remember that if you take out a Target Circle Card you get half off membership.
The Target Circle Card is worth considering if Target is one of your main shopping spots. The 5% savings beats most credit card rewards, especially since you can stack it with other deals.
Here's our take: casual shoppers should stick with free Target Circle. Parents, busy professionals, and anyone who finds themselves at Target weekly or more should take a serious look at Circle 360. If you're spending big money at Target anyway, get the card.
The math usually works out, but more importantly, these programs actually make shopping easier instead of more complicated.
Ready to jump in? Here's what to do:
If you're thinking about Circle 360, keep an eye out for promotions – they sometimes offer the first year for $49. And again, seriously consider the Target Circle Card if you're a regular shopper.
Loyalty programs can be annoying, but Target Circle is one that actually works like it's supposed to. It saves you money without making you jump through hoops, and the premium version does deliver if you're the right type of shopper.
Yes, the basic Target Circle program is totally free. No fees, no catches, no minimum spending requirements. Target Circle 360, the paid version, will set you back $99 a year (or $49 with a Target Circle Card).
Your rewards stay active as long as you earn or redeem at least one reward within 12 months. Since the clock resets every time you shop, regular Target customers usually don’t lose their rewards.
Most of the time, yes. Target Circle deals usually stack with manufacturer coupons. The birthday discount stacks with manufacturer coupons too, but won't combine with other Target Circle offers.
Target Circle is the loyalty program (free or paid). The Target Circle Card is their credit/debit card and saves you 5% on every purchase. You can have both, but if you use the card, you get 5% off instead of earning 1% rewards.
If you're using same-day delivery twice a month (at $9.99 each), that's $240/year in delivery fees alone. Add in the time savings and other perks, and Circle 360 pays for itself pretty quickly for regular users.
Annual memberships don't auto-renew, so you're only committed for the year you paid for. Monthly memberships ($10.99/month) can be canceled anytime.
Most purchases count, but there are exclusions like gift cards, prescriptions, alcohol (in some states), and certain services. Target GiftCards and prepaid cards don't earn rewards either.
Check your Target account dashboard or app. You'll see "Circle 360" displayed at the top and eligible items will show free same-day delivery options at checkout.
Target allows one account per person, but family members can each have their own free accounts. There's no family plan for Circle 360 – each person needs their own membership.
If you return an item you earned rewards on, Target adjusts your rewards balance accordingly. If you used rewards to pay for something you're returning, those rewards get added back to your account.