How to maximize savings when you shop at Target? Today I will unveil five tips for saving money at Target to maximize your saving with a stack of Target RedCard + Target Circle + Target Gift Card + Additional saving tips.
Get a 5% discount with Target RedCard.
The RedCard is target’s version of its store card, and it has a credit card and debit card version. The debit card has the same 5% off store discount benefit as the credit card. Opening an account offers $20 to $50 store credit (varies by the time you apply), which applies to credit and debit cards. You used the debit card the same as your regular bank one but only at target.
The most significant difference between the target credit card and debit card is that the debit card transfers the money from your linked bank right after you make a purchase, but the credit card gives a grace period to pay later.
Check the Target Circle Reward Program Every Week
The Target Circle reward program gives you additional ways to save. The target circle has three essential saving programs.
- Target Circle offers: it combines storewide promotion and a list of targeted offers. For example, buy two toys and get one free; buy $100 of baby supplies and get $20 store credit.
- Target Circle bonus: Earn extra Target Circle earnings by qualifying purchases at Target. You’d make a stack of purchases with some ETA. For example, make three purchases greater than $60 by 12/31, then you get a $20 store credit (note this credit has an expiration date)
- Target Partners: I believe Target is still trying to onboard more companies on this. The idea is you will have a better deal from other companies if you are a member of Target Circle. For example, Target offers multiple Apple services (Music, Arcade, TV) for more extended trial periods than Apple traditionally provides.
Leveraging the three programs in Target Circle can enable you to find a good deal. However, to qualify for Target Circle, you must pay with your Target RedCard. Paying with a card other than Target or Target’s gift card disqualifies Target Circle.
Buy Target Gift Cards with Small Amount Separately
As we mentioned above, Target Circle is the one that can make the deal different. Every year around Thanksgiving, Target will offer 10% off on Target gift cards up to $500. It is time you can stock gift cards and stack this 10% with the Target Circle program. However, the Target Circle discount won’t be applied here if you pay in full with Target’s gift card.
The best strategy to avoid paying in full with a gift card is we buy numerous gift cards in a small amounts ($25, $50) each. So next time you discover a Target Circle offer that costs you $26 after the 5% RedCard discount, you can still use the gift card here for $25. The deal is still triggered since you still need to pay $1 out of pocket from the RedCard. Remember, you only paid $22.5 (10% off $25) on that gift card. What a compound discount!
One note here is to avoid using the physical Target gift card, as many fraud issues have been reported on the physical Target gift card. I suggest you buy and email yourself and link the gift card right after you receive them in your Target account.
Online Cashback Websites
Don’t forget online cashback websites like Rakuten or Honey. The Target purchase also applies to those online cashback sites, and you could gain another 1%-5% or even find a coupon code that gives you extra savings. The only disadvantage is you need to use it with a PC or Mac, and you cannot use it within the Target App.
Use Pick Up / Drive Up
I found Target’s Pickup service is quick. Occasionally, items could be out of stock, so you offer the option either pick it up from another store or Target will ship it to you for free. It can be a good option if you need the stuff soon or bought anything for under $35 and don’t pay the extra shipping.