As a retail expert and longtime Target customer, I know the thrill of finding an unbeatable deal at Bullseye‘s playground. With the launch of the Target Circle loyalty program in October 2019, it‘s easier than ever to save at Target – no clipping coupons required. If you frequently shop at Target, you need this free program in your savings arsenal.
I‘ve been a loyal Target Circle member since it first launched, and it‘s quickly become my not-so-secret weapon for exclusive discounts and rewards. Ready to learn how this program can help you spend less on your Target must-haves? Let‘s take a closer look at how Target Circle works and the strategies you need to know to maximize your benefits.
What Is Target Circle and How Does It Work?
Target Circle is a free loyalty program that replaced the former Cartwheel program, offering expanded benefits for Target shoppers. Its perks include:
- 1% back in rewards on nearly every Target purchase
- Hundreds of Circle-exclusive offers, from 5% to 50% off
- A 5% discount for your birthday
- Votes to help direct where Target makes donations
- Personalized deal recommendations based on your shopping habits
- Early access to special sales and product launches
To start earning rewards and saving with Circle offers, you‘ll need to sign up for a free account. If you already have a Target.com account or a RedCard, you‘re automatically enrolled with the same credentials. If not, simply visit Target.com/circle or download the Target app to create your account.
Once you‘re logged in, browse the Offers tab to save Circle deals to your wallet. You can save up to 50 offers at a time, with new deals added weekly. Discounts range from 5-50% off, with some gift card promotions and buy one, get one offers sprinkled in.
When you‘re ready to shop, the Target app makes it easy to spot items you have offers saved for as you peruse the weekly ad, search, or scan barcodes in-store. Most offers can be applied to up to six qualifying items per transaction, while some single-use offers are capped at one redemption.
At checkout, make sure you‘re logged into your Circle account. In-store, you can do this by scanning your Wallet barcode in the app or entering your phone number. Online, stay signed in and you‘ll see your rewards balance and Circle offers automatically applied at checkout. If you forget to provide your account info, you can also scan your receipt in the app after you shop to retroactively earn rewards and access your available offers.
Rewards are earned instantly after eligible purchases. For every dollar spent, you earn 1% of the purchase amount back in rewards. So if you spend $100, you‘ll get $1 back to redeem later. Rewards can be used on a future Target trip in-store or online, but they do expire after 60 days if not used. Note that you can‘t earn rewards on some purchases, like gift cards, prepaid cards, prescriptions, eye exams, and certain restaurants within Target stores.
Target Circle by the Numbers
So just how much are Target shoppers saving with Circle? While Target doesn‘t disclose exactly how many members have enrolled, it‘s safe to say millions of deal seekers are taking advantage of the loyalty program.
According to a Target press release, shoppers completed more than 14 million transactions through Target Circle in the first week after launch. In stores where Target Circle was already live, there was a 2-5% sales increase compared to markets that didn‘t have access to the program yet.
Engagement is also high, with guests spending more and completing 50% more transactions than guests not enrolled. Target reports Circle members have earned more than 1.5 billion points (equivalent to $15 million in rewards value) and redeemed nearly $2 million in rewards so far.
Some of the most popular Circle offers to date include:
- 10% off store-brand diapers and training pants
- 25% off store-brand paper towels
- Buy one, get one 50% off seasonal candy
- Free $5 Target gift card with flu shot
Personalized Offers Set Target Circle Apart
One of Target Circle‘s biggest selling points is its highly personalized offers. The more you shop and engage with the app, the better Target‘s algorithm gets at serving up relevant offers you‘re likely to redeem.
Recommendations are based on a number of factors, from past purchases and browsing behavior to your location and demographics. For example, if Target knows you frequently buy diapers and baby gear, you may receive special deals on those items compared to someone without children. Your offers are also influenced by your closest Target store and what‘s popular in that area.
This personalization makes it easier for Circle members to save on the items they purchase most. According to Target, guests are 50% more likely to take advantage of personalized offers compared to general offers. Target has also seen a 70% jump in page views of items featured in personalized promotions.
From Target‘s perspective, serving up deals on items you already buy is a win-win. Shoppers save more on their go-to products, while Target benefits from your increased loyalty and potentially higher purchase frequency. Personalized offers also help Target introduce you to new brands and products based on your preferences, increasing the odds you‘ll bite on something new.
Strategies to Save More With Target Circle
To squeeze the most savings out of this program, you‘ll need to put in a bit of planning and effort. Try these expert tips to get the most mileage out of your Target Circle membership:
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Check the Offers tab before every Target run and save any relevant deals to your wallet. New offers are added all the time, so get in the habit of a quick app browse to make sure you don‘t miss a hefty discount.
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Look for high-value offers on staples you can stock up on. Saving 25% on paper towels may not seem significant on a single pack, but the savings add up if you buy several months‘ worth in one go. Combine these Circle deals with coupons and your RedCard discount to score rock-bottom prices.
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Read the terms of each Circle offer closely. Some have limitations on the number of items you can buy, flavors included, or other restrictions that may not be clear at first glance.
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Let your bonus birthday discount (and extra Cartwheel offers) guide your big Target stock-up trip for the month. It‘s a perfect opportunity to save on full-priced clothing and accessories or more expensive home goods.
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Pay attention to the offers in your "For You" feed. These personalized deals can help inspire your meal planning or self-care purchases with a special discount. You may even discover new products or brands based on what Target thinks you‘ll like.
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If you‘re shopping in-store, open the Target app and hit "Scan" to check prices and offers as you go. The app will alert you if you have a Circle offer available for the items you scan to help you compare deals.
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Double-check that your 1% back in rewards is earned after every purchase. You can view your rewards activity and upcoming expirations under your Target Circle dashboard.
Target Circle vs. Target‘s RedCard
Target shoppers can save 5% on most purchases by signing up for a Target RedCard, available as a debit or credit card. However, it‘s important to note that RedCard holders can still earn 1% back in Target Circle rewards as long as they‘re enrolled in both programs.
Here‘s how it works: If you‘re shopping in Target and have both a RedCard and a Circle account, make sure to scan your Wallet barcode or provide your phone number at checkout rather than using your physical RedCard. This allows your purchase to count toward your Circle rewards. You‘ll still save 5% for using your RedCard, but that 1% in Circle earnings will be stacked on top.
If you use your physical RedCard at checkout without providing your Circle information, you‘ll get the 5% discount but won‘t earn the 1% in Target Circle rewards. With a little extra effort to scan your app or enter your number, you‘re essentially saving 6% on your Target purchases as a Circle and RedCard member. Small savings, sure, but they can really add up on larger transactions!
How Target Circle Compares to the Cartwheel Program
If you previously used Target‘s Cartwheel program to save, Target Circle will feel instantly familiar. Cartwheel was folded into Target Circle in October 2019, with Circle now acting as the retailer‘s flagship rewards program.
With the new Target Circle program, loyal shoppers still have access to those hundreds of 5-50% off items that made Cartwheel so popular. However, Target expanded the benefits to include a 1% back element, the option to vote for community organizations, a birthday discount, and more personalized offers.
These expanded perks were driven by customer feedback indicating shoppers wanted more rewards and a simpler user experience. "We are building deeper relationships with guests and serving their needs in new ways," according to Rick Gomez, Target‘s chief marketing and digital officer.
In the year leading up to Circle‘s nationwide debut, Target reported a 2-5% increase in sales at stores that already offered the loyalty program compared to locations that didn‘t have access yet. "This body of work is grounded in our guests and our commitment to create an easy, inspiring, rewarding shopping experience in our stores and online," explained Gomez.
As a longtime Cartwheel user, I can attest the Target Circle updates are all positive. It maintains the simplicity of saving offers in the app while sweetening the pot with even more chances to save and give back. Although it would be ideal to be able to convert your rewards into a true cash back option, getting rewarded for shopping at a store I frequently visit is a step in the right direction.
Is Target Circle Worth It?
As long as you regularly shop at Target, enrolling in Target Circle is a no-brainer. It‘s free to join and can help you unlock extra rewards and discounts on your go-to products. However, there are a few downsides to factor in before you sign up.
On the plus side, the abundance of Circle-exclusive offers and option to earn 1% back gives you plenty of opportunities to save on most Target purchases. Stacking those rewards and discounts with Target‘s RedCard saves you even more if you‘re part of both programs. The personalized offers also make it easier to save on products you already buy without a lot of planning or clipping coupons.
The biggest drawbacks involve the limitations on rewards and some offers. Some Target purchases are ineligible for earning that 1% back, and your rewards expire relatively quickly compared to some other loyalty programs. Some shoppers may also take issue with sharing personal information, like a phone number or email address, in order to create an account and reap the benefits.
In my experience, being vigilant about using my Circle Wallet barcode at checkout and watching for reward expirations minimizes these pain points. And since joining is free, it‘s well worth a few extra taps in the app to bank some bonus savings on purchases I‘m already making.
The Bottom Line
Whether you‘re a Target devotee or someone who only makes occasional trips to this trendy box store, Target Circle is worth a closer look. This free program offers an easy way to save on a huge variety of merchandise with exclusive offers and 1% back on eligible purchases. The rewards are even sweeter if you‘re a Target RedCard holder too.
As long as you don‘t mind membership being tied to your personal information, it‘s hard to argue with the savings potential. Keep a close eye on your Target Circle dashboard and watch for special promotions around major shopping events to really boost your rewards.
Ready to start deal hunting? Download the Target app or visit Target Circle online today to enroll for free and discover dozens of offers to save on your next Target shopping trip.
