If you’re a regular Target shopper, you’ve probably been offered the chance to join the Target Rewards Program. With 13 million new members joining in 2024 alone, many shoppers are recognizing the value of this loyalty program. But is it worth it for you? In this blog, we’ll tell you all you need to know about the benefits of the Target Rewards Program and how it can work for you. From earning 1% back on every purchase to receiving exclusive deals and birthday rewards, this program offers more than just basic savings.

We’ll also explain how Target Circle 360, the paid membership option, offers even greater perks, including same-day delivery and extended return windows.

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Target Rewards Program: What You Need to Know

Launched in 2019, the Target Rewards Program enhances your shopping experience by offering rewards, exclusive deals, and perks, including free shipping. The program is designed to make shopping more enjoyable by delivering personalized offers that cater to your needs. Currently, the program offers two subscription tiers, each providing distinct benefits to enhance your Target experience:

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How Target Circle Builds Customer Loyalty

Target Circle is a crucial component of Target’s strategy to foster customer loyalty. It’s a simple yet effective way to offer personalized rewards that keep customers coming back. Instead of sending out broad, one-size-fits-all promotions, Target Circle tailors deals based on each shopper’s habits. This makes the shopping experience more valuable.

This approach goes beyond just saving money. It’s about creating a shopping experience that feels unique to you. By offering personalized discounts, the program helps boost satisfaction, encourages repeat visits, and strengthens long-term loyalty.

Now, let’s take a look at the benefits you can enjoy as a member.

Read: IKEA Family: Guide to Unlocking Exclusive Rewards & Perks

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Target Circle Free Membership Benefits

With perks like earning rewards on purchases and accessing exclusive deals, Target Circle enhances your experience in ways that feel personal and meaningful. The program not only helps you save, but it also offers unique benefits that make each visit more enjoyable.

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Here are the core benefits of Target Circle:

1. Members earn 1% back on all Target purchases. These rewards can be redeemed for future purchases or applied to eligible items.
2. Once you’re signed in, deals are automatically applied at checkout, making your shopping experience seamless and ensuring you don’t miss out on savings.
3. You’ll receive bonus offers, such as 20% off select categories, tailored to your shopping habits, making the deals more relevant.
4. Members get a special birthday gift: a 5% discount on one purchase, adding an extra touch of appreciation to your membership.
5. You can vote for your favorite local charity to receive a donation from Target, helping to give back to your community with every purchase.

With these benefits, Target Circle makes shopping feel more rewarding. And if you want to elevate your experience even further, Target Circle 360 offers premium perks designed to bring even more value to your shopping routine.

Read: Referral vs. Affiliate Programs: Which One Works Better for eCommerce?

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Target Circle 360 (Paid Membership) Features

For those looking to elevate their Target shopping experience, Target Circle 360 offers a range of premium perks designed to enhance convenience and savings. This membership is ideal for frequent shoppers seeking added value from every visit.

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Here are the core benefits of Target Circle 360:

1. Target Circle 360 is a paid membership that includes unlimited same-day delivery and free two-day shipping on most items, making shopping faster and more convenient.
2. At $99 per year, this plan is ideal for frequent shoppers who want faster delivery and additional perks that make the shopping experience even more rewarding.
3. Members get unlimited free same-day delivery on orders over $35. This perk is powered by Target’s acquisition of Shipt in 2017, ensuring quick, convenient delivery right to your door.
4. Target Circle 360 members benefit from extended return windows, giving you more time to make decisions on your purchases and making returns easier and hassle-free.

With these benefits, Target Circle 360 takes your shopping to the next level. For even more savings and perks, the Target Circle Card adds extra value to every purchase.

Read: Hyper-Personalization: How U.S. Brands Are Redefining Loyalty Programs in 2025

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Target Circle Card Details

The Target Circle Card offers even more ways to save, providing you with access to exclusive perks that make your shopping experience even more rewarding. Replacing the previous RedCard, this updated card features several enhancements designed to maximize savings and convenience.

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Here is all you need to know about it:

1. The new Target Circle Card offers various payment options, including Debit, Credit, and Mastercard. 
2. It continues the core rewards program, allowing you to earn savings on every purchase, no matter how you pay.
3. Cardholders get an extra 5% off on eligible purchases, stacking savings with the benefits of the Target Circle membership, making every purchase more affordable.
4. Enjoy free shipping on eligible items, along with discounted rates for the Target Circle 360 premium membership ($49 annually), adding even more value to your shopping experience.
5. Cardholders receive extended return periods and free shipping, which makes the card especially appealing for those who shop at Target regularly and want the flexibility to return items with ease.

To make the most of your Target Circle Card, here’s how you can maximize your rewards and enjoy even more savings.

Read: A Beginner’s Guide to Implementing an AI-Powered Loyalty App on Your Shopify Store

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How to Maximize Target Circle Rewards

To get the most out of your Target Circle membership, it’s essential to understand how to maximize your rewards. Here are a few simple ways to maximize your savings:

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1. Applying Rewards Toward Future Purchases

You can easily apply your 1% cash back toward future purchases, whether shopping in-store or online. Simply toggle your Target Circle earnings in the app at checkout to redeem your rewards.

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2. Option to Accumulate Rewards for Significant Savings

Instead of using your rewards right away, you have the option to accumulate them over time. This allows you to save up for bigger discounts or even significant savings on larger purchases.

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3. Ensuring Timely Redemption Before Expiration

Keep track of your rewards, as they expire one year from the date of purchase. Make sure to redeem them before they expire so you don’t miss out on valuable savings.

Maximizing your Target Circle Rewards can help stretch your dollar further and make your Target shopping experience even more rewarding.

Read: Last-Minute Holiday Loyalty Campaign Ideas That Work

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Evaluation of Target Rewards Program

The Target Rewards Program offers clear value for shoppers, but it’s essential to consider how it compares to other options and whether it aligns with your shopping habits. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you:

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Value Assessment for Regular Target Shoppers: 

• For frequent shoppers, Target Circle’s 1% rewards and automatic deal application provide significant savings. 
• The program becomes even more appealing during Target Circle Week and seasonal events.

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Comparison with Other Retail Loyalty Programs: 

• Compared to programs like Amazon Prime and Walmart+, Target Circle offers a blend of free and premium options, making it more flexible and appealing for different types of shoppers.

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First-Year Discounts and Special Offers: 

• New members can enjoy exclusive first-year perks, including special discounts during events like Circle Week and Deal of the Day specials, which are particularly prevalent during the holiday season.

If you shop at Target frequently or want a rewards program that adapts to your shopping style, Target Circle is a solid choice with opportunities for significant savings.

Read: IKEA Family: Guide to Unlocking Exclusive Rewards & Perks

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Why Loyalty Is the Real Growth Engine

Price brings customers in, but it’s the experience that keeps them coming back. It’s the difference between a one-time shopper and a lifelong customer. That’s what programs like Target Circle get right: they’re not bribing customers to return; they’re building habits, relationships, and relevance.

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That loyalty isn’t random; it’s built on a few smart moves:

• Psychology, not just perks. When customers earn rewards, they're not just saving, they’re investing. A 1% return may seem small, but it's part of a behavioral loop: shop, earn, return, repeat. That’s habit formation at work.
• Progress keeps people engaged. From birthday coupons to tiered benefits, well-built loyalty programs play on a simple truth: people like to see progress. They like to feel known. Generic discounts can’t match that feeling.
• Retention compounds. If acquisition is about volume, retention is about velocity. Loyal customers don't just convert, they buy more often, spend more over time, and bring in others through word of mouth.

So while rewards might look like a line item on a P&L, they’re actually a lever for growth. And more importantly, they’re how modern brands compete in a world where attention is scarce and switching costs are low.

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Want to create that kind of compounding loyalty for your Shopify store?

If you’re building for long-term customer relationships, tools like Nector.io can help make that happen, not just with discounts, but with systems that reward every meaningful action. Whether it’s tier-based programs, gamified campaigns, or coins redeemed right at checkout, Nector is built to keep your best customers close.

Book a demo to see how your loyalty strategy could look with Nector.

Read: Supercharge Your Business with Nector's Partnership Program

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Final Thoughts

Target Circle gets one thing right: rewards work best when they feel personal. From 1% cash back to birthday perks and community donations, it’s a loyalty program that understands the value of building ongoing relationships, not just driving the next purchase. As customer expectations shift, these programs highlight a simple truth: people stick around when they feel valued, not just when they’re getting a deal.

Whether it’s through seamless rewards, exclusive deals, or meaningful touchpoints, the goal is the same: keeping customers connected and coming back. Brands that lead with loyalty see the difference in revenue, retention, and reputation. Tools like Nector.io are built to help you get there.