It can be easy to rack up a big bill once you finally get to the Target checkout counter. The minute you walk into the retail giant, you are surrounded by brilliant design, fun lifestyle items, discount tags, and fresh brands.
Shoppers are loyal to Target, even if its price points are slightly higher than those of competitors such as Walmart. But those somewhat higher prices shouldn’t condemn you to wasting money at Target.
If you aren’t taking advantage of every opportunity to save money at Target, your wallet may be suffering a hit. Here are some foolish ways people waste money at Target.
Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account
Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1
With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!
This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.
Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.
Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today
Not purchasing Target store-brand items
You may have noticed Target’s house brands while browsing the aisles. Target owns items with the labels Up&Up, Boots & Barkley, A New Day, Everspring, Cat & Jack, and Good & Gather.
These labels offer the same quality as brand names for a fraction of the price, helping you get ahead financially.
If you aren’t purchasing at least a few of the items under these labels as household staples, you may want to reconsider.
Not signing up for Target Circle
Target Circle is one of the most beloved retail rewards systems. This is because the rewards offer so much to members.
Your purchases earn you cash back, and Target Circle members also get coupons. Your free membership allows you to search and access individualized deals.
Buying too many things at Bullseye's Playground
Bullseye’s Playground used to be known as Target’s dollar section. The retailer then expanded its offerings to $3 and $5.
Now, you can find an array of budget-friendly decor, toys, organizational items, and more in Bullseye’s Playground, which is named after Target’s mascot, Bullseye the Dog.
However, since this is the first stop in the store, it can be pretty alluring. If you're not careful, your spending can add up quickly.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
Not buying gift cards when they are 10% off
Target hosts a special event twice yearly that you shouldn’t miss: In April and December, Target offers gift cards for 10% off during a single day.
This deal is available exclusively to Target Circle members. It is worth signing up for Target Circle just to cash in on this sale alone.
Not shopping for clearance items
Don’t miss out on the clearance racks and end caps at Target. There, you'll find many clearance items.
Many of these products are perfectly new but just slightly out of season.
Trending Stories
Not taking advantage of big sale days
Big sales are important to pay attention to as well. Most Target locations run sales on baking items leading up to the holidays, and health and fitness items usually go on sale around the beginning of the year.
Spending money at the in-store Starbucks
It can be tempting to seek a little caffeine boost before a big day of shopping at Target.
However, if you are trying to save cash, avoid purchasing anything at a Target Starbucks. Instead, brew up some coffee at home and get your caffeine fix that way.
Not using coupons
In addition to Target Circle coupons, the retailer accepts manufacturer coupons. Don’t pass up these great ways to save a little extra.
Not asking for a price match
Target has a price-match guarantee. You can request a price match at the time of purchase or up to 14 days after your purchase.
Keep this in mind next time you eyeball something and want to make sure you get the best price.
Stop overpaying when you shop online
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!2
Not using a shopping browser extension
Before you purchase something on the Target website, use browser extensions — such as Honey and Rakuten — to earn cash back on your purchases.
Not considering a Target Circle Card
Target’s highly praised RedCard has been rebranded as the Target Circle Card. It offers credit, debit, and reloadable card options and saves users an extra 5% on everyday purchases.
You also get free two-day shipping, additional sales and discounts, and access to no-rush returns.
Not using the registry program
Not only can you make a Target wish list for your upcoming nuptials, but there are also baby and community registries.
If you use the Target wedding registry, every item left on your registry after the big day is available to you for purchase at 15% off.
Not using the electronics trade-in program
Take your used technology to a Target to determine if it qualifies for the Tech Trade-In program. If your items are selected for trade-in, you'll receive an electronic gift card.
Not minding markdown days
Target is widely known for its consistent markdown schedule. For example, shoppers say Monday is the day new tech, accessories, baby supplies, or kids' clothing is usually discounted.
Tuesday covers women’s clothing, food, and pet supplies. Wednesday is health and beauty, lawn care, furniture, and men’s clothing.
On Thursdays, housewares, sporting goods, decor, toys, and shoes are usually updated. On Fridays, hardware, jewelry, auto wares, and cosmetics are marked down.
Keep in mind that this is not the official schedule, but shoppers in the know swear that this is when these items are marked down.
Not shopping off-season
If you want to save on a particular item, consider shopping for it during the off-season. Want a swimsuit? They will be on deep discount at the end of the summer, and you can stock up for next season.
Not bringing a reusable bag
Help the environment and save money with each trip to Target: The retailer will give you a 5-cent discount for every reusable bag you bring to the checkout.
Using your own bags will aid the environment and boost your bank account.
Bottom line
Target can be a wonderful place to save more on everyday essentials. But to get the most bang for your buck, don’t overlook the ways to save on this list.
Keep your eyes peeled to get the best prices on your next Target adventure.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.