Target Circle credit card basics
| Credit card issuer | TD Bank |
| Credit card type | Cash back, Store Credit Card |
| Annual fee | $0 |
| Rewards rate | 5% off your eligible purchases at Target (in store and online) |
| Intro bonus | Get $50 in Circle Rewards when you spend $50 on your Circle Credit Card within the first 60 days following approval. |
| Recommended credit score | Excellent, Good |
| Foreign transaction fee | N/A |
Who is the Target Circle credit card good for?
The Target Circle Card makes sense only if you shop at Target stores or Target.com. The 5% discount applies both online and in-store, so if you make purchases in either location, you'll likely benefit from having this store card.
Because the Target Circle Card has a $0 annual fee, you don't necessarily need to shop at Target all the time to get value from it. It won't cost you anything to have this store card, so infrequent Target shoppers can still hold onto it and use it when needed.
Of course, frequent Target shoppers will get the most value out of the Target Circle Card. If Target is your preferred store, you can take advantage of the 5% discount every time you shop there. And you're more likely to benefit from the increased return time and free shipping on items from Target.com.
Target Circle Card benefits and perks
- Generous savings: Get 5% off your eligible purchases at Target (in store and online) when you pay with your Target Circle Card. If you combine this benefit with offers from Target Circle and other Target cashback secrets, you can save loads of money while shopping at Target. The 5% back also applies to specialty gift card purchases, in-store Starbucks purchases, Target subscription orders, and Shipt deliveries from Target.com. Plus, cardholders can save 10% on hotel stays booked through Hotels.com until December 31, 2020.
- No annual fee: With a $0 annual fee, it's easy to save more money without worrying about an annual cost.
- Free standard shipping: Standard shipping is free on Target.com purchases when you pay with your Target Circle Card. If you upgrade your shipping method, shipping fees will apply. You may also receive free two-day shipping on eligible items.
- Extended return policy: Receive 30 additional days to return products you've purchased with your Target Circle Card at Target stores or Target.com. This does not include Target Optical purchases or non-returnable items.
- Circle Card exclusive extras: Cardholders receive exclusive offers and gifts. These offers can vary between Circle Card holders and may include special items or discounts or early access to certain products.
Drawbacks to the Target RedCard credit card
- No rewards: Although this credit card offers 5% back on your Target purchases, you don't earn any rewards from purchases with the Target Circle Card. If you want to earn cash back or points, a flexible rewards credit card would be a better option.
- No intro APR: Average credit card interest rates tend to run high, which makes credit cards with introductory APR (annual percentage rate) offers a real deal. Unfortunately, the Target Circle Card isn't a 0% APR credit card, so it does not have an intro balance transfer or purchase APR offer.
- Only works at Target: The Target Circle Card only works for purchases at Target stores and Target.com. You would need a separate credit card to make purchases elsewhere.
- Exclusions: The Target Circle Card's 5% discount does not apply to eye exams at Target Optical, Target gift cards, prepaid cards, prescriptions, Shipt membership fees, or gift wrap for Target.com purchases.
Other credit cards to consider
If you want to earn lucrative rewards from a broader range of purchases, consider a more flexible cashback credit card, such as the Citi Double Cash® Card(Rates and fees) or U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card.
Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash isn't restricted to purchases from a specific merchant. You can use it wherever Mastercard is accepted and earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
This is one of the best cards for earning everyday cash back, and it's also excellent for building credit and staying motivated to keep your balance paid off.
U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card
Likewise, you can use the U.S. Bank Cash+ wherever Visa cards are accepted. This card earns 5% cash back on two categories you choose (up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases each quarter) and on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Center; 2% cash back on one everyday category, like gas stations/EV charging stations, grocery stores, or restaurants; and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. In the past, 5% bonus categories have included wireless purchases, streaming services, home utilities, gyms and fitness centers, and more; 2% everyday categories have included gas stations, grocery stores, and more.
FAQs
Is the Target Circle card a credit card or debit card?
Target Circle cards are available as either credit card or debit cards. Both receive the same valuable benefits of 5% off Target purchases (in-store and online) and free standard shipping on hundreds of thousands of eligible items at Target.com. The Target Circle debit card also links to your existing checking account and allows for cash withdrawals of up to $40 at checkout.
Is the Target Circle card worth it?
If you shop very regularly at Target stores or Target.com, a Target Circle card could be worth it. Target Circle credit cards, the Target Mastercard, and Target Circle debit cards all offer 5% off every Target purchase (in-store and online), free shipping at Target.com, and an extra 30 days for returns and exchanges.
Target credit cards don't have annual fees, but you should still consider whether it's worth adding a new credit card to your credit history before applying.
What credit score do you need for a Target Circle credit card?
To qualify for the Target Circle credit card, you should ideally have good or excellent credit.
Can I use my Target Circle card anywhere?
The Target Circle credit card is a closed-loop card or store card, which means it can only be used for purchases at Target stores in the U.S. and at Target.com. As a card issued in partnership with Target, it's designed to help you save money on purchases with the retailer.
If you want the option to save at Target but also shop elsewhere, consider the Target Mastercard instead. This card offers the same benefits, plus the ability to make purchases outside of Target and earn cash back on qualifying transactions.