Learn About Target Circle Membership Options

Understanding Target Circle Membership Levels

Target Circle is Target's membership program that provides different tiers of benefits to shoppers. The program currently offers three main membership levels: Target Circle (the free tier), Target Circle 360 (the paid premium tier), and Target Circle Card (which ties membership to a Target credit card). Each level offers distinct perks and features designed for different shopping patterns and preferences.

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The free Target Circle membership serves as the foundation. Members receive access to Circle offers, which are personalized deals displayed in the Target app and on Target.com. These offers change regularly and vary based on shopping history and preferences. Free members also earn one percent back on all Target purchases made with the Circle membership, which accumulates as a Circle Cash reward that can be used on future purchases at Target.

Target Circle 360 is the premium paid membership option, costing $99 per year or $9.99 per month. This tier includes all free Circle benefits plus additional perks. Members receive free unlimited same-day services, including same-day delivery on eligible orders, Drive Up service, and Order Pickup with no order minimum. Circle 360 members also earn five percent back on Target purchases when they use the Target Circle Card, compared to the standard one percent for other payment methods. The membership also provides early access to Target's major sales events like the annual Circle Week deals.

Target Circle Card members receive benefits tied to using Target's branded credit card. These members earn five percent back on all Target purchases regardless of which tier they're on, making the card itself a significant earning tool. The card offers additional perks like birthday rewards and exclusive card-holder sales throughout the year.

Practical takeaway: Consider your shopping frequency and preferred service methods when choosing between free and paid membership. If you use same-day services regularly or shop at Target frequently, the premium tier may offer better value. If you shop occasionally, the free tier still provides meaningful discounts through personalized offers.

How Target Circle Offers and Personalization Work

Target Circle's offer system uses data from your shopping patterns to show deals that match your purchasing habits. When you join Circle, Target begins tracking which product categories you buy, brands you prefer, and price points you typically spend. This information helps the system recommend offers that have higher chances of being relevant to you personally.

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The Circle app and Target.com display these personalized offers in a dedicated section. These aren't random discounts—they're selected based on your profile. For example, if you frequently purchase baby products, you'll see more Circle offers for diapers, formula, and children's items. If you buy organic groceries regularly, relevant organic offers appear in your Circle. This targeted approach means the deals you see are theoretically more useful than generic store-wide promotions.

The number and types of offers available change throughout the month. Target typically refreshes its Circle offers regularly, giving members new deals to explore. Some offers provide percentage discounts (like 20 percent off), while others give dollar amounts off purchases (like $5 off when you spend $20). Certain offers require minimum purchases, while others apply to any quantity of a product.

Circle Cash rewards accumulate differently depending on membership tier. Free members earn one percent back on all purchases, while Circle 360 members using the Target Circle Card earn five percent back. This means a $100 purchase earns either $1 or $5 in rewards depending on membership level and payment method. Circle Cash doesn't expire and can be used on any future Target purchase, applied at checkout either in-store or online.

Practical takeaway: Review your Circle offers regularly through the app before shopping. Set aside time weekly to check what deals match your typical purchases, and plan your shopping around these offers. Even small personalized discounts add up over time, especially if you're a regular Target customer.

Comparing Target Circle to Competitor Loyalty Programs

Target Circle operates in a competitive landscape with other major retailers offering their own membership and loyalty programs. Understanding how Circle compares to similar programs helps shoppers make informed decisions about where to focus their shopping and which memberships might provide the most value.

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Walmart Plus is a direct competitor, costing $98 per year or $12.98 per month. Like Circle 360, Walmart Plus includes free same-day delivery and discounted fuel at Walmart gas stations. However, Walmart Plus offers broader service coverage since Walmart has more locations nationwide than Target. Walmart Plus members also get free shipping with no minimum order requirement, and access to an expanded selection of rollback (discounted) prices throughout the store.

Amazon Prime, while not a direct Target competitor, serves a similar function for online shopping. At $139 per year or $14.99 per month, Prime offers free two-day shipping on millions of items, streaming services, and other benefits. Amazon doesn't focus on in-store deals like Target does, but covers a vastly larger product selection through its online marketplace.

Kroger's loyalty program and other grocery-focused memberships offer different value propositions. These programs emphasize food and household goods discounts rather than the broader retail focus of Target Circle. Local and regional retailers often have their own programs with varying benefits.

Target Circle's main advantages include its integration with same-day services at a lower price point than some competitors, the personalized offer system, and the option to earn rewards without a paid membership. The free tier removes barriers to entry, allowing customers to experience benefits before committing money. The Circle Card's five percent cashback matches or exceeds other retail credit card rewards.

Practical takeaway: Evaluate your shopping habits across retailers. If you shop at Target regularly and use same-day services, Circle 360 may provide better value than subscriptions to competing programs. If you shop across multiple retailers equally, spreading memberships strategically based on shopping frequency at each location maximizes overall savings.

Same-Day Services and Convenience Features

Target's same-day services represent a major component of Circle membership value, particularly for the paid Circle 360 tier. These services allow customers to receive or pickup items without waiting for shipping, a significant convenience for urgent needs or last-minute shopping.

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Same-day delivery brings purchases directly to your home on the day you order, for qualifying items and locations. Target partners with third-party delivery services to fulfill these orders, and Circle 360 members receive unlimited free same-day delivery with no minimum order requirement. Free Circle members can also use same-day delivery but may face order minimums or delivery fees depending on their location. The service operates within Target's distribution network, so availability depends on local fulfillment center locations and item stock levels.

Drive Up allows customers to order online and pick up purchases from their vehicle in a Target parking lot. This service eliminates the need to enter the store and navigate aisles. A staff member brings your purchase to your car at a designated time. Drive Up is free for all Circle members regardless of tier, with no order minimum. This service has seen significant adoption since its expansion, as it provides convenience for busy shoppers, parents with young children, and those seeking contactless transactions.

Order Pickup (sometimes called in-store pickup) lets customers order online and collect their purchases at the Target guest services desk or pickup location. Like Drive Up, this is free for all Circle members and has no minimum order requirement. Order Pickup differs from Drive Up because you enter the store, but it still eliminates the need to browse and personally collect items from shelves.

Circle 360 members receive early access to Target's major sales events and Circle Week, an annual multi-day sale featuring significant markdowns across categories. Early access means these members shop deals before they become available to other shoppers, increasing the likelihood of finding desired items in stock.

Practical takeaway: If you have an unpredictable schedule or frequently make same-day purchases, calculate whether the $99 annual Circle 360 cost is offset by delivery fees you'd otherwise pay. For regular users of same-day services, the paid membership typically pays for itself within the first few months.

Earning and Redeeming Circle Cash Rewards

Circle Cash is the rewards currency within Target Circle. Members earn this currency on qualifying purchases, and it accumulates in an account viewable through the Target app or website. Understanding how earning works across different membership tiers helps shoppers optimize their reward accumulation strategy.

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All free Circle members earn one percent back on every Target purchase made with the membership. This applies regardless of payment method—whether you pay with cash, debit card, credit card (from any issuer), or a gift card. To receive the reward, you must have your membership scanned or use