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Target Circle: What you need to know about the store’s loyalty program

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Target Circle: What you need to know about the store’s loyalty program

Target revamped its loyalty program with Target Circle, and has debuted a new Target Circle Card, a credit card with 5% back on purchases, and Target Circle 360 subscription for free deliveries.

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Those who include Target in their holiday shopping stops have probably already been asked whether they want to join Target Circle. They may want to consider it.

Target Circle, the retailer’s free loyalty program, automatically applies personalized deals when it comes time to check out. You can see what your current deals are in the Target app – some recent examples include $2 off Neutrogena cleansing towelettes or $2 Dawn Powerwash Spray, and a $15 Target GiftCard when you spend $50 on select household essentials.

Target revamped its loyalty program in April, dropping the 1% earnings on purchases to focus on connecting shoppers with deals. (Any rewards amounts you had remain good until their expiration date.)

Previously, shoppers had to go to the app and “search and click to add deals,” Cara Sylvester, executive vice president and chief guest experience officer, told USA TODAY back in April. “We’re taking that out and so we’re really excited for our guests to actually have automatic deals applied to checkout.”

You can still look for deals in the app, but when you go to the checkout, any you’ve taken advantage of will automatically be applied to your purchase.

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Other Target options include paid membership, credit card

Target has joined competitors such as Costco, Sam’s Club and Walmart – and, of course, Amazon and its popular Prime subscription – in creating a new paid membership for faster, free deliveries. Target Circle 360 ($99 annually) gets you free same-day delivery on orders over $35 from Target and its retail partners through online delivery company Shipt, which Target purchased in 2017.

Target also debuted a new credit card, the Target Circle Card, to replace its Target RedCard. Cardholders still get 5% off purchases, free two-day shipping on some items, more time to make returns, plus they get a discount on the Target Circle 360 membership fee ($49 annually).

How do I join Target Circle Rewards?

You can join Target Circle for free at Target.com/circle. Or, if you already have the Target app, just go to the My Target tab.

How does Target Circle Rewards work?

You will want to add your phone number to your Target account online or in the Target app. When you check out at a Target store, you enter your mobile number on the keypad at checkout or at the self-check out screen. Or, you can opt to scan your Target Circle barcode, which is found in the Wallet tab in the Target app, or on Target.com/Circle/dashboard.

When shopping online, you can sign in to your Target.com account or use the Target app to get any deals or Target Circle Rewards. In your Target Circle account, you will also find bonuses (20% off beauty & personal care is a recent example). Using bonuses helps accrue rewards, which can be applied as payment toward future purchases.

Other features of Target Circle

You get to participate in events such as Target Circle Week, which typically happens in October, but have also been held in March and July, and earlier this year, in April.

During the holiday shopping season, Target Circle members can take advantage of Deal of the Day specials each day through Dec. 24 (you will find them in the Target app).

Target Circle, Target Circle Card and Target Circle 360: Are they worth it?

The answers are different depending on how much of a Target shopper you are.

  • Target Circle: This is a free loyalty program, so if you shop at Target at all, it makes sense to sign up. “Think of it like the rewards program you use at your preferred grocery store,” advises consumer finance site Nerdwallet.
  • Target Circle 360: The $99 paid membership could be beneficial if you are a regular Target shopper and like to have stuff delivered to your home – or elsewhere. Some same-day deliveries from Shipt arrive within an hour. You also get free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items from Target. However, if you already pay for Amazon Prime ($139) or Walmart+ ($98), “adding Target’s plan might be too much,” according to Nerdwallet. The suggestion: “Pay for the one from the retailer you use the most.”
  • Target Circle Card: If Target is one of your primary shopping destinations, getting the 5% cash back from the Target Circle Card “could add up,” Nerdwallet says. Otherwise, you may be better off sticking with another cash back credit card, the financial site suggest.

Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.

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