Target’s loyalty program expands the circle, perks

Shopping at Target is now more rewarding – for all shoppers.

Days after shopping at Target. com and some locations became more magical because of new Disney stores opening, the retailer expanded its loyalty program, Target Circle, nationwide.

With the free program, shoppers will earn 1% on every purchase to redeem on a future Target trip. They’ll also get such personalized offers as a birthday discount of 5% and can cast votes to help direct Target’s giving to approximately 800 nonprofit organizations.

However, shoppers with a Target RedCard aren’t eligible to earn 1% when they pay with the store- branded card but will continue to get 5% off purchases and can take advantage of the other Target Circle perks.

Target’s longtime savings tool, Cartwheel, is now built into Circle and still has hundreds of discounts daily.

Sara Skirboll, the shopping and trends expert at RetailMeNot, said the program is a great way for Target to compete with Amazon Prime.

“With no membership fee required, Target shoppers can access these new benefits, like early access to special sales and personalized savings, without any pressure on their wallet,” Skirboll said.

The Minneapolis- based retailer worked with actor Will Smith to surprise shoppers using self- checkout with jokes, pranks and free gift cards.

How Target Circle works

❚ Signing up: All shoppers nationwide with an existing Target. com, Cartwheel or RedCard credit or debit card were automatically enrolled in Target Circle. Shoppers also can join by making a Target. com account or by giving their phone numbers in a Target store.

❚ Non- RedCard loyalty members earn 1% on every Target run to redeem later. RedCard holders still save 5% off purchases made with their Target credit or debit cards.

❚ Earning rewards: To start accruing earnings and votes, scan the Wallet barcode in the Target app or use your phone number at checkout in stores, or log in to their Target. com account when shopping online.

❚ Giving back: All members earn a vote per transaction and cast votes to direct Target’s community giving using the Target app or Target. com.

❚ Redeeming rewards: To redeem the 1%, scan the Wallet barcode in the Target app, give your phone number or log into your account when shopping online. Earnings cannot be redeemed on some items including, adult beverage purchases, dairy product purchases, prescriptions, Same Day Delivery purchases and gift cards.

❚ Birthday reward: With a Target Circle account, you’ll get a reward for 5% off a shopping trip on or near your birthday. Learn more at Target. com/ Circle.

Saving with Circle offers

The Target app, available for Apple and Android, has hundreds of Circle offers, formerly known as Cartwheel offers, from 5% to 50% off in categories such as groceries, clothes, furniture, baby products, health, seasonal.

❚ Download the app at Target. com or directly at the Apple or Google Play app stores. Either create a Target. com account or log in with an existing account.

❚ Everyone can add up to 50 offers on their Circle account whether they are a newbie or super saver.

❚ Search or browse for deals by categories or scan item bar codes with the app. The app also curates personalized offers based on past purchases. Offers can be sorted by newest, highest discount, trending deals or by expiring.

❚ Save offers to your wallet by clicking the plus sign. To delete offers, click on the green check mark.

❚ Many Circle offers can be redeemed on Target Drive Up and instore pickup purchases. The offers note how the offers can be used.

❚ Scanning the main Wallet barcode combines Circle offers, store ad coupons and Target payment options. RedCard shoppers may have additional coupons in the app and those need to be scanned before the Wallet.

TARGET Target Circle is now available nationwide.