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How Does the Target Circle Card’s 5% Discount Work?

The Target Circle Card’s 5% discount can reward eligible Target spending, but split payments and exclusions matter. Here’s how its returns, shipping, and credit options compare.
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Target RedCard is now called the Target Circle Card. Its main draw remains a 5% discount on eligible Target purchases—not a general-purpose cash-back rate. The discount applies only to the portion of a split purchase charged to the Circle Card, and important exclusions apply. Target also offers extra return time and shipping benefits; the credit-card version may come with other rewards depending on which account Target approves.

How the Target Circle Card’s 5% discount works

Target counts its debit card, credit card, and Target Mastercard as Circle Cards for the published 5% discount at Target stores and Target.com. It is a discount at Target, not cash back on all spending.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

If you split payment between a Circle Card and another method, the 5% discount applies only to the amount paid with the Circle Card. Target calculates the discount on eligible purchases after other discounts and after subtracting the value of promotional Target GiftCards received in the transaction. For example, if an eligible $100 purchase is split evenly between a Circle Card and another payment method, the discount applies to the $50 charged to the Circle Card—not the full $100. Target can change or discontinue program benefits; see its current card page and program rules for terms.

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Purchases that do not qualify

The exclusions are broad enough that shoppers should not assume every Target transaction earns the discount. Target’s rules exclude, among other things:

#1 Best Overall
Amazon eGift Card - Amazon Logo
  • Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.
  • Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
  • Redeemable towards millions of items store-wide at Amazon.com or certain affiliated websites.
  • Available for immediate delivery. Gift cards sent by email can be scheduled up to a year in advance.
  • No returns and no refunds on Gift Cards.
  • Target GiftCards and certain prepaid or restricted gift cards
  • Prescriptions, over-the-counter items behind the pharmacy counter, Target clinic services, Target Optical eye exams, and protection plans; Target says glasses and contact lenses do qualify
  • Target Circle 360 and Shipt membership fees
  • Prior purchases, payments to a Target credit account, cash reloads, and cash advances
  • Indiana alcohol purchases
  • Wireless protection purchases, carrier deposits, and gift wrapping
  • Taxes, shipping, delivery, handling, and other fees or charges

The full list can change, so check Target’s current exclusions and program rules for a specific purchase.

What else comes with the card?

30 extra return days

Eligible Circle Card purchases receive 30 additional days beyond the item’s standard return period. Exceptions include Target Optical purchases, non-returnable items, contract mobile phones, and certain online SNAP purchases paid with EBT and a Circle Card. The extra time does not override an item’s other return restrictions.

Rank #2
MasterCard Physical Gift Card – $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
  • Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
  • This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
  • Double check if the URL/website is genuine before entering card details online. Do not provide any gift card details (example: claim code) to someone you do not know or trust. There are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
  • If you believe that your Card has been lost or stolen, notify Mastercard immediately by calling 1-833-791-7288. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
  • Use your Mastercard Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Mastercard debit cards are accepted, including online. Your Amazon.com Balance cannot be used to purchase Mastercard gift cards.

Shipping on Target.com

Target advertises free standard shipping on Target.com purchases and free two-day shipping on eligible items. Two-day shipping depends on the item, market, ZIP code, and order cutoff; check the product page and delivery estimate at checkout rather than assuming a particular order qualifies.

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A lower Target Circle 360 membership price

Saving a Circle Card to a Target Circle 360 membership can reduce the stated price from $99 per year to $49 per year, or from $10.99 per month to $4.99 per month, subject to membership terms. This is a separate membership benefit: Circle 360 fees themselves do not receive the 5% discount.

Rank #3
Visa Physical Gift Card $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
  • Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
  • This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
  • To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
  • To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
  • Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.

Circle Credit Card vs. Target Mastercard

Target distinguishes its Target Circle Credit Card from its Target Mastercard. Both are credit products, and Target’s Mastercard adds rewards on some spending outside Target. Target says Mastercard holders earn 2% on dining and gas and 1% elsewhere outside Target; it describes those rewards as exclusive to the Mastercard, not the debit card.

Applicants do not simply choose or automatically receive the Mastercard. Target says it considers applicants for the Mastercard based on creditworthiness and considers them for the Target Circle Credit Card if they do not qualify for the Mastercard. The issuer named for the credit application is TD Bank, USA, N.A. Review the terms for the specific account offered before accepting it.

Rank #4
Visa Physical Gift Card $100 (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee)
  • Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
  • This card is non-reloadable. No cash or ATM access. Funds do not expire. If available funds remain on your card after the valid thru date has passed, please call customer service for a replacement card. A one-time purchase fee applies at the time of checkout. No fees after purchase.
  • To access your card information safely, type the complete website address shown on your Gift Card (MyGift.GiftCardMall.com) directly into your browser's address bar. Don't use search engines or shortened versions of the website address, as these may lead you to fake or fraudulent sites. Do not provide any Gift Card details (example: Card Number) to someone you do not know or trust. If you believe you've reached an illegitimate website, contact cardholder service at 1-888-524-1283. Be cautious of phishing sites, there are a variety of scams in which fraudsters try to trick others into paying with gift cards.
  • To report your Lost or Stolen Physical Visa Card, call Customer Service 24/7 at 1 (888) 524-1283 to cancel your Gift Card as soon as you can. You will be asked to provide the Gift Card number and other identifying information.
  • Use your Visa Gift Card in the U.S. everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted, including online.
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Costs, the current offer, and what to verify

Target’s card page states there are no annual or monthly fees. It currently advertises $50 in Target Circle Rewards after at least $50 in qualifying purchases within 60 days of credit-card approval, subject to terms. This is a conditional credit-card offer, not a debit-card offer, and promotions can change.

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The current APR is not established by the card-benefits information cited here. Before applying, check Target’s live rates-and-fees disclosure for the offered account. Do not treat the 5% discount as a reason to carry a balance: borrowing costs can outweigh purchase savings, and the relevant rate depends on the terms disclosed for the account.

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Ulta Beauty Physical Gift Card - $25
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  • The beauty of Ulta Gift Cards? Everything – Redeemable online or in-store on both products and services.
  • Shop the latest in Makeup, Skin Care, Fragrance & Hair Care at Ulta Beauty!
  • Physical gift cards are delivered active via mail.

Is the Target Circle Card worth applying for?

The card is most compelling for shoppers who regularly buy eligible items at Target, can charge those purchases to the Circle Card, and pay any credit-card balance according to its terms. Its return window, shipping benefits, and discounted Circle 360 membership can add value if you use them. The 5% discount is less useful for spending concentrated in excluded categories or for purchases paid with another method.

Before applying, compare the offered account’s APR and terms with the value you realistically expect from eligible Target purchases and benefits. If you want rewards outside Target, the Target Mastercard’s stated dining, gas, and other rewards are relevant—but approval for that version is not guaranteed. Existing RedCard holders do not need to apply solely because of the name change: Target says they can continue using their cards and keep the same benefits.

What if I already have a RedCard?

Target says there is nothing existing RedCard holders need to do: the name changed to Target Circle Card, and current cardholders can keep using their cards with the same benefits. The transition does not itself require a new application.

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Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Amazon eGift Card - Amazon Logo
Amazon eGift Card - Amazon Logo
Amazon.com Gift Cards never expire and carry no fees.; Multiple gift card designs and denominations to choose from.
$50.00
Bestseller No. 2
MasterCard Physical Gift Card – $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
MasterCard Physical Gift Card – $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
Bestseller No. 3
Visa Physical Gift Card $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
Visa Physical Gift Card $200 (plus $6.95 Purchase Fee)
Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
$206.95
Bestseller No. 4
Visa Physical Gift Card $100 (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee)
Visa Physical Gift Card $100 (plus $5.95 Purchase Fee)
Gift Cards are shipped active and ready for use.
$105.95
Bestseller No. 5
Ulta Beauty Physical Gift Card - $25
Ulta Beauty Physical Gift Card - $25
The Perfect Present: Give the Joy of an Ulta Beauty Shopping spree.; The possibilities are endless when you give an Ulta Beauty gift card.
$25.00

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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