Target Circle: What’s New With the Retailer’s Loyalty Program - NerdWallet (2024)

Target rolled out a new spin on Circle memberships — including changes to the original free Target Circle loyalty program, which gets easier to use. The revamp also brings, you guessed it, an Amazon Prime-like paid membership plan called Target Circle 360. An annual fee gets you access to same-day and two-day shipping. The Target-branded credit card, previously called RedCard™, gets rolled into the mix too and renamed. It’s the Target Circle™ Card now and still gives 5% cash back on Target purchases.

Target Circle Week 2024

The upgrades and new plans launched April 7 with an aptly timed Target Circle Week sales event.

What is Target Circle (the free one)?

It may sound like the convenience store version of Target, but Target Circle has been the retailer’s free loyalty and coupon program since 2019. It had some nice perks, but the primary way to score deals was kind of complicated. Previously, members would have to search for and save exclusive offers on Target’s website or the mobile app before being able to redeem the discounts online or in-store. With the revamp, available deals will be automatically applied at checkout.

The old version of Target Circle also offered members 1% cash back on all purchases, but that feature is now off the table (Target’s website says members’ previously earned rewards won’t be impacted). Target hopes auto-applying the discounts makes up for it.

Notable Circle perks

  • Access to Circle exclusive deals that are automatically applied at checkout.

  • Access to rewards opportunities (amounts unspecified at the time of writing), and personalized deals.

  • Free trials for products or services from partnering brands.

  • The ability to help direct charitable donations from Target to local organizations.

What is Target Circle 360 (the paid one)?

Target Circle 360 is an all-new paid subscription plan that costs $99 a year. This upgraded version of Target Circle is geared toward bull’s-eye loyalists and super shoppers who’ll take advantage of the primary perks that come on top of the standard Circle membership: free same-day delivery from the service Target uses — called Shipt — and access to free two-day shipping.

Notable Circle 360 perks

  • Unlimited same-day delivery on items available through the Shipt marketplace.

  • Free two-day shipping on a wide selection of items.

  • An extra 30 days to make returns, on top of Target’s standard policy.

What is the Target Circle™ Card (the plastic one)?

Target Circle™ Card is simply the Target RedCard™ renamed. Primary perks of the card remain getting an extra 5% off on Target Purchases, access to free two-day shipping and the same extended return period as Target Circle 360.

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Target Circle: What’s New With the Retailer’s Loyalty Program - NerdWallet (1)

Should you sign up for Target Circle?

Target Circle: If you buy anything from Target on a somewhat regular basis, you might as well join the free Target Circle loyalty program. That way you can be sure to get any discounts offered on products purchased when you enter your phone number at checkout. Think of it like the rewards program you use at your preferred grocery store.

Target Circle 360: Paying the $99 annual fee for Target Circle 360 may be worth it if you shop at Target often and do much of it online. Like Amazon’s Prime membership, Target’s paid plan is all about the free two-day shipping and access to same-day shipping. Conversely, if you already pay $139 a year for Amazon Prime or $98 a year for Walmart+, adding Target’s plan might be too much. The Nerdy move is to pay for the one from the retailer you use the most. Target is offering the first year of 360 for new customers at a reduced $49 rate through May 18.

Target Circle™ Card: You might want to total up the past year of your Target purchases to determine whether the Target Circle™ Card is worth it. If it’s your go-to retailer for most things, the 5% cash back could add up. Otherwise, you might be missing out on cash back cards with broader shopping options.

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Monitor your credit, track your spending and see all of your finances together in a single place.

Target Circle: What’s New With the Retailer’s Loyalty Program - NerdWallet (2)

Target Circle: What’s New With the Retailer’s Loyalty Program - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

Target Circle: What’s New With the Retailer’s Loyalty Program - NerdWallet? ›

The Target Circle loyalty program is still free and easier to use, while Target Circle 360 adds access to same-day and two-day shipping for an annual fee. Tommy Tindall is a personal finance writer who joined NerdWallet in 2021, covering consumer debt, practical ways to save money and the gig economy.

What is the Target circle loyalty program? ›

Target Circle is the retailer's loyalty program, which lets you earn 1% cash back on all your purchases at Target (more if you have the Target credit card). The program includes personalized offers and digital coupons that you wouldn't normally get without being a Circle member.

What is the new Target membership program? ›

When you become a Target Circle 360 member, you'll: Get unlimited $35+ Same Day Delivery orders to multiple addresses. Be able to place same-day orders from dozens of retailers through the Shipt Marketplace. Enjoy no-rush returns with an extra 30 days.

Did Target Circle Rewards change? ›

We'll be removing the 1% earnings. As we evolve the Target Circle™ experience we're reprioritizing to focus on access to automatic deals, personalized bonuses and much more. Your current amounts won't be impacted.

Is the Target circle going away? ›

They're not going anywhere! You'll still be able to earn Target Circle Rewards and save with personalized deals.

What changes is target making? ›

On Thursday, Target announced that starting today (March 17, 2024), it will limit its self-checkout lanes to customers with 10 items or fewer.

Why am I not getting my target circle rewards? ›

Please allow 24 hours for your Target Circle Bonus to advance after in-store purchases. For online or Target App purchases, you will see your Target Circle Bonus advance once your order ships, is picked up or is delivered by a shopper if you use the Same Day Delivery service.

What is different about the new target circle? ›

With the new Circle program, offers have transformed into straightforward “Deals,” all pre-selected for the convenience of in-store shoppers. This streamlines the shopping process, providing a more seamless and simplified experience for Target enthusiasts.

Is Target switching to membership? ›

The popular discount retailer will now offer three new membership options for shoppers under its Target Circle loyalty program: a free membership, a retail card option, and a new paid membership, which includes same-day delivery and more perks.

Is Target changing its name to Circle? ›

The retail giant announced Tuesday that it is officially changing its RedCard name to Target Circle Card. The change comes after the store announced a revamp to its membership programs.

Do Target Circle rewards expire? ›

Target Circle Rewards will expire after one year if you have not earned or redeemed them. Your expiration date can be found on target.com/circle or under Wallet tab in the Target app.

Is it worth getting Target Circle? ›

Who is the Target Circle Card best for? Like any retail card, the Target Circle Card is best for frequent Target shoppers. If you're already enrolled in the Target Circle rewards program and like the benefits, this could be a solid option for earning even more on your regular spending.

Why did my Target circle bonus disappear? ›

Why did a Target Circle Bonus, coupon or rebate disappear from my saved list? If you can't find a Target Circle Bonus, coupon or rebate on your saved list, it may have expired. These are automatically removed from the search results and your Target Circle lists.

Why is Target getting rid of inventory? ›

Too much inventory in an era stocked with supply-chain challenges? It is a reality for a handful of big-box stores, most recently, Target. Prompted by a 50% decline in profits from 2021, Target announced recently that it was cutting prices, canceling orders, and removing excess inventory.

What did Target circle used to be called? ›

Target Circle Card – To save even more, consumers can apply for a Target Circle Card1 (previously known as Target RedCard) for an extra 5%2 off every day, as well as extra time to return items2 and free two-day shipping3 on hundreds of thousands of items on Target.com.

Is Target getting rid of the red card? ›

Target's credit and debit cards are being rebranded from Target Redcard to Target Circle Card. It will continue to give customers 5% off every Target purchase as well as free two-day shipping on thousands of items. Cardholders will also continue to get an extra 30 days to make returns.

How much does it cost to join Target Circle? ›

While joining Target Circle is free, you can upgrade to Target Circle 360 with a free trial or $99 annual membership. If you have a Target Circle Card, you can enjoy a Target Circle 360 membership for $49 annually. Was this information helpful?

What is the difference between Target RedCard and Target Circle? ›

Although they're commonly confused, Target RedCard is a credit card that allows members to get free expedited shipping, as well as 5% cashback on Target purchases and other benefits. Target Circle, on the other hand, is not a credit card–it's simply a free rewards program with exclusive perks.

Is Circle 360 worth it? ›

While Target Circle 360 isn't a must-have for me, I do see the delivery service being nice for extra-busy or sick days. I could absolutely see its value for new parents, those who can't or don't want to drive, or those who live farther away from a Target store.

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