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Is Target Overcharging You at the Register? 5 Reasons You Need to Double Check Your Receipt

Savvy shoppers know what to look for before they leave the store.

By Amanda Machado , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Oct. 9, 2026

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The rising cost of everything from coffee to candy makes scouting the best deals crucial if you want to stretch your Target budget further in today's economy. You see a sale sign and jump to snag the budget-friendly bargain. But what happens when the register scans the items at $1, $5, or even $10 more?

While price mismatches are an industry-wide issue, Target has a history of overcharging customers on certain items. And that's why you need to double-check your receipt before leaving the store.

From multi-million-dollar lawsuits over inaccurate pricing to lax store practices, here's what you need to know to save money at the big red bullseye retailer.

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Outdated price tags

Unlike other retailers that have switched to digital displays, Target's employees still need to change the tags manually.

What happens when an older sign sticks around? You could see a price that is no longer available. While sale dates are typically listed, the fine print is often tricky to read. Add in constantly changing prices, and you have a recipe for a potential mismatch problem.

In some cases, customers do report Target giving them the lower price on the tag. Redditor Unfair_Management695 picked up a rug that was marked $13. When it scanned at $50, the cashier called the manager. According to this shopper, the manager "came back and told the cashier to honor it."

Keep in mind, different stores and regions may have different policies.

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Online and app prices

The online or app price may differ from what you may see in a Target store. One Target subreddit user complained about this practice, positing, "Every item I purchased today in-store was different than the online Target price. I price matched every single item. I assume that's as painful for employees at the cashier as much as it is painful for me to waste my time."

A news story from WMAR Baltimore found that the difference between local Target in-store and online prices differed anywhere from a few dollars to more than $100. Luckily, as the Redditor pointed out, you can price-match with Target.com deals.

Per Target's price match policy, "We'll match the price if you buy a qualifying item at Target and then find the identical item for less at Target.com, in Target stores or with a Target Circle deal." One note of caution: Remember, policies constantly change. Just because Target price matches their own online store today doesn't mean they will continue the practice tomorrow.

Misplaced items

Always check the product's name on the price tag before you take it to the register. Shoppers often pick up an item and put it back on the wrong shelf. Failure to match the item to its tag accurately could cause problems at checkout.

Target is not completely to blame in this type of situation. That said, the retailer's employees should periodically conduct a storewide inventory assessment to identify misplaced merchandise.

One conscientious consumer recently reported on Reddit, "Sometimes when I am shopping, I notice wrong items in the wrong places. If the item's correct shelf is nearby, I return it to the right place, but more often I am in a hurry, and I just group them all and leave them on the emptiest shelf within reach, so at least they are all in one place, and hopefully the store employees can put them back."

Target Circle deals

Target Circle offers exclusive discounts that make shopping on a budget easier. Customers who sign up for this service can save on a rotating selection of items each day. To use Target Circle, simply download the app and scan your barcode (or enter your phone number) at checkout.

While the deals are real, what happens if you see the BOGO, percentage-off, or free gift card offer sign and don't sign up for Circle rewards? Even though Target advertises these discounts in the stores, the promotions are only available to members.

While you do need to create a Circle account to access the extra perks, you don't need to pay for the privilege. Circle is a free service for customers.

Target's geofencing and bait-and-switch

Retailers like Target are subject to lawsuits alleging everything from price changes in mobile apps to bait-and-switch tactics.

In 2022, the superstore paid $5 million to settle a California lawsuit alleging it used "geofencing." Geofencing is a practice in which businesses identify a customer's location and adapt their app (e.g., by changing prices) to match. Target denied any wrongdoing, reportedly claiming errors were the result of old promotional signs.

That same year, Target was hit with another class-action lawsuit. The Ohio-based claim alleged that Target advertised items at one price on the shelf and then charged a different price at checkout, resulting in customers paying five to 20% more.

Target isn't the only retailer that has faced (or will face) these types of suits. It's important to note that settling a lawsuit is not an admission of guilt.

Bottom line

Price inaccuracies at the register are a retail hazard that isn't unique to Target. It's a common issue that happens for a variety of reasons. In that respect, the superstore isn't really scamming customers out of money.

Along with Target, popular chains like Kroger, 7-Eleven, and Circle K have all made headlines after allegedly overcharging shoppers. That's why local Weights and Measures inspectors frequent these types of stores to look for potential errors.

Don't forget — avoid wasting money and always double-check (or even triple-check) your receipt. This solid advice doesn't just apply to your next Target haul. Keep an eye out for discrepancies every time you shop at any retailer.

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