I don’t know about you, but every time I make a trip to Target, I plan on getting two things and end up leaving the store with 20. Since those trips can start to add up quickly, I’ve been looking for all kinds tips and tricks and to save money every time you shop, like signing up for a Circle membership, opening a store credit card or deals in weekly ads. So an expert shopping writer and weekly Target shopper myself, I created a detailed guide to to help you learn how to get the most out of every trip.
Whether you’re searching for a new pair of headphones, grabbing a few Nintendo Switch games or getting ahead on back-to-school shopping, check out these 17 ways to save at Target, and see our Every Way to Save series for more tips on making your dollars go farther at Walmart, TJ Maxx and more.
17 Ways to Save Every Time You Shop at Target
1. Target Circle
Target Circle’s motto is “The Best Way to Get More at Target,” which essentially means you save more while you shop. With this free loyalty plan, you can gain access to personalized deals, earn rewards, receive 1% back on purchases and take advantage of benefits including birthday freebies and more. Just download the Target Circle app or sign up on the website, add your information and start shopping.
You’ll also receive benefits from Target Circle partners, including Nintendo Switch Online, Ulta and Apple Fitness+. Right now, Target Circle is also offering 20% off for verified teachers and college students, so you can stock your classrooms, dorm rooms and backpacks with all of the essentials.
Benefits
- Early sale access.
- Birthday freebies.
- 1% back on earnings.
- Perks from Target Circle Partners.
- 20% off for teachers and college students.
Requirements
- None.
Best For: Shoppers who frequent Target, college students and teachers.
2. Target Circle 360 membership
With a Target Circle 360 membership, you’ll gain exclusive access to major sales, same-day delivery from local stores, free two-day shipping and more, along with all of the benefits of a regular Target Circle membership.
It costs $11 a month or $99 a year (paying for the full year saves you even more money), and Target allows you to start off with a 14-day free trial to get a feel for your membership. Along with major sales and other perks, you get an extra 30 days to return your items, and Target will send you monthly Circle 360-exclusive freebies and exclusive discounts every month. And, along with free same-day delivery from Target, you can get it from over 100+ of their partner retailers, including PetSmart, CVS, Lowe’s, Office Depot and more.
Benefits
- Access to sales and major perks.
- Same-day delivery from Target and partner stores.
- Free two-day shipping.
- Extra 30 days return policy.
Requirements
- $11 monthly/$99 annual fee ($49 annual as a Target Circle upgrade).
Best For: Frequent Target shoppers.
3. Lower-cost college student and public assistance Target Circle 360
College students can unlock extra savings by signing up for Target Circle 360. You can receive your membership for over 50% off, get 20% off on your next purchase and get $50+ to spend on school supplies and more with a Circle Card.
Shoppers on government assistance also qualify for a Target Circle 360 membership for over 50% off, which means you get all of the benefits of a regular membership for just $5 a month. Plus, you can use the app to pay with SNAP EBT. When you sign up, just verify your income and status.
Benefits
- 50% off on a Target Circle 360 membership.
- Gain access to all of the benefits of a regular Target 360 membership.
- Access to major sales and discounts.
- $50+ to spend on school supplies.
- 20% off your next purchase when you sign up.
Requirements
- Sign up using the app or website.
- Verify your status as a student or a shopper on government assistance.
Best For: Shoppers on government assistance and college students.
4. Target Circle Credit Card
When you are approved for a Target Circle credit card, you automatically get 5% off at checkout for every purchase. The card offers flexible spending with no monthly or annual fees, and you get $50 in circle rewards after you spend $50. Along with receiving the benefits of a Target Circle 360 membership, you can save 5% at Starbucks, 5% off on specialty gift cards and earn 2% on dining and gas purchases.
Benefits
- All of the benefits of a Target 360 membership.
- No monthly or annual fees.
- Flexible spending.
- Automatic 5% off your order at checkout.
- 5% off at Starbucks and on specialty gift cards.
- Earn 2% on dining and gas purchases.
Requirements
- Must apply and be approved for a Target Circle Credit Card.
Best For: Avid Target Shoppers.
5. Target Circle Debit Card
If you don’t want or can’t get another credit card, apply for a Target Circle Debit Card, which is linked to your existing checking account just like any other debut card. You get all the same perks as Target Circle credit card holder, above, but you can’t spend above your checking account balance.
Benefits
- All of the benefits of a Target 360 membership.
- No monthly or annual fees.
- Discounts and deals on products.
- No bills.
- No credit check.
- Free two-day shipping.
Requirements
- Must have a valid checking account to connect.
Best For: People who want Target Circle benefits without a credit card.
6. Bullseye Playground
One of the easiest ways to save at Target is by shopping their Bullseye Playground in-store. This section is typically at the front of the store near the entrance and has a wide variety of trinkets and items you can shop, all ranging from $1 to $5. From back-to-school essentials to mugs to home decor, you can grab anything that catches your eye. Don’t have time to shop in-store? You can also shop online.
Benefits
- All items $5 or less.
- Available in-store or online.
- Ever changing selection of products, which may differ store to store.
Requirements
- None.
Best For: In-store and online shoppers.
7. Registries and Wish Lists
Whether you’re heading off the college, preparing to say “I do” or welcoming a little one, creating a Target Registry or Wish List is a great way to find unexpected savings. After creating it, you can add your must-have items for family, friends, guests and loved ones to purchase as a gift. It’s easy for both you and them and they can qualify for free two-day shipping, same-day delivery, price match guarantee and take advantage of order pickup and drive-up pickup.
For wedding and baby registries, shoppers will receive a 15% off storewide Target Circle offer that is redeemable eight weeks before your expected due date or the week before your wedding event. Other benefits like 15% off registry completion, a free welcome kit with over $100 in samples and 20% off on over 20 deals are also available for all registries. We’re not saying you should, but people do sometimes get together with friends and create registry circles…
Benefits
- 15% wedding and baby registry offer.
- Free welcome kit with samples.
- Extra 15% off registry completion bonus.
- Special 20% off deals.
Requirements
- Create and shop from a registry or wish list.
Best For: Shoppers celebrating a big occasion.
8. Weekly Ads
Save big during back-to-school season, holidays and even weekly by browsing Target’s Weekly Ad. From deals on clothing to cleaning supplies to groceries to tech, these weekly ads are like the gift that keeps on giving. The ad features the best deals of the week, usually in the same category (like back-to-school) so you can save on your must-have items. A new lineup is posted every Sunday.
Benefits
- Seasonal weekly deals and discounts.
- Preview of next week’s deals to add to your cart
Requirements
- Browse Target’s Weekly Ad to see which discounts are available
Best For: Weekly Target shoppers.
9. In-Store Sales and Clearance Items
While each section varies by store, sale items are typically located in the back of the store, on end caps or on top shelves. Just look for the large yellow clearance stickers to see which items are discounted. Then, you’re browsing, make sure to check out the labels on each item to see if it’s discounted. If you are still unsure, ask an employee to scan the item or walk over to one of the scanners to do a price check yourself. You can also shop Target’s clearance and sale items in-store.
Shopping out-of-season items in person is also a good way to score. After Halloween, lots of candy, string lights and more will be on sale or clearance; while after Christmas and Thanksgiving you can score deals on decor, trees, ornaments and more. Since back-to-school season is coming up, make sure to check back in-store around the end of August or beginning of September when those school-related items, as well as summer clothing and accessories, start to get marked down,
Benefits
- Score discounts while shopping in-store.
- Find discounts in-person that are not available online.
- Find items that might be out of stock online.
Requirements
- Shop in person.
Best For: In-store shoppers.
10. Homepage savings
Head to the Target.com homepage and scroll down to a selection of limited time “Can’t Miss Savings.” You can shop all of their featured categories to narrow your search down even more. From discounts on kitchen and dining items to floorcare to select video games, you can score the best items for you and the whole family!
Benefits
- Deals only found via the Target.com homepage.
- Limited time and one-off deals
Requirements
- Online only.
- Many deals require free Target Circle 360 membership.
Best For: Online shoppers.
11. Target Clearance
You’ll find major discounts on shoes, toys, beauty items and more by shopping the clearance section online or in-store. From under-$10 and under-$20 items to holiday clearance and more, check the section to find your must-have items that were just sold at full price months ago.
Benefits
- Major discounts on products.
- Under-$20 items to shop.
- Shop items under $10.
- Grab holiday clearance items for next year and items that were recently sold at full-price.
Requirements
- None.
Best For: Stocking up.
12. Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are arguably two of the best shopping days of the year, so check back right before both holidays to see which deals are running. From tech to toys to kitchen appliances, it’s the perfect time to save on your wish list and get some holiday shopping in early.
Black Friday sales usually start a few days before Thanksgiving and end on or right after Black Friday; while Cyber Monday sales tend to go on for a two to three days, usually starting after Thanksgiving and ending on December 2nd. Target releases Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals closer to the date, so check back before Black Friday and Cyber Monday to see what’s available.
Benefits
- Biggest sales of the year.
- Includes many popular items and brands.
- Both online-only and in-store-only deals.
Requirements
- Only available twice a year.
Best For: Seasonal deals.
13. Target Circle Week
Every year, Target runs several Target Circle Week deals, a week-long shopping event where Circle members can get exclusive discounts from brands like Shark, Beats, Nespresso, Cuisinart and more. Earlier this month, the event ran from July 6 to 12, and when you sign up for Target Circle, you’ll receive notifications about the next Target Circle Week event.
Benefits
- Exclusive deals on major brands.
- Access to Target Circle perks.
- Access to automatic deals on top of Target Circle Week discounts.
Requirements
- Free Target Circle membership required.
Best For: Target Circle Members.
14. Groupon and Rakuten Deals
Coupon sites including Groupon and Rakuten frequently have Target deals, coupons and promo codes. Groupon offers promo deals like up to 20% off on baby gear at Target and weekly promo codes. Rakuten offers 1% cash back when you shop with it, and new members get to enjoy a $10 bonus. Plus, they share major deals, including up to 70% off clearance apparel, deals on floorcare items like Bissell and more.
Benefits
- Regular and weekly deals on products at Target,
- 1% cash back,
- $10 bonus when you join Rakuten,
Requirements
Best For: Couponers and deal hunters.
15. Target Trade-In Tech Program
Trade in your used electronics for a Target eGiftCard by taking advantage of the trade-in program. You can trade in devices like mobile phones, tablets, video game consoles, speakers and more. Just head to Tradein.target.com, search the catalog, answer a few questions about your device and ship it in.
Benefits
- Trade in your used devices and electronics for a gift card.
- Get rid of older electronics.
Requirements
- Must trade in items via the Target Trade-in website.
Best For: Target tech shoppers, shoppers wanting to get rid of their old tech.
16. Trade-in Car Seat Event
Calling all parents! Shoppers who trade in their old car seats will receive a 20% off Target Circle coupon that you can use towards a new car seat, strollers and select baby gear. Just check the Target website or app to see when the next car seat trade-in event is and exchange it to shop in-store or online.
Benefits
- Trade-in your old car seat for a 20% off Target Circle coupon,
- Use your coupon towards your next baby gear, stroller or car seat purchase,
Requirements
Best For: Parents and baby registry shoppers.
17. Price Match Guarantee
With Target’s Price match guarantee, you can request a price match on an identical eligible Target product or Target Plus product that you are either buying now, or bought in the past 14 days. Target just discontinued price matching against competitors, but you can still price match against both online prices and the store you bought it in. If you purchased in person, bring the item or your receipt if you’ve already purchased it, and have an employee price match it for you. You can also do price matching for online orders by chatting with them online or phoning a live agent at 1-800-591-3869.
Items that are on clearance, closeout, liquidation or refurbished are not eligible for price match. Price match also cannot be used on items that you received using a promotional Target eGiftCard for; items purchased with coupons; or products purchased in-store with a lower price from a different location.
Benefits
- Protects you against price drops for 14 days after purchase.
- Shoppers can price match in-person or online.
Requirements
- Bring the item or receipt to a Target cashier, guest services or an employee to check for price matching.
- Contact Target using chat or phoning an agent for online orders.
- Must match against online, or the store you bought it in.
- Must be identical item, including color and size, and some promotions are ineligible.
Best For: People who track prices and sales.
Up to 50% off Select Toys.
Home Sale.
