10 Tips for Saving Big at Target

There’s a reason why everyone loves shopping at Target. There’s also a reason why it’s practically impossible to leave the store with just one item in your shopping cart. Target has everything. Yes, everything you need and everything you didn’t realize you needed until you stepped foot into the store. Groceries? Check. Electronics? You bet. Clothing? Yes. Sporting goods? Oh, yeah. From toys and plants to furniture and beauty products, Target is your one-stop shop for nearly everything you could imagine—and more. So if you’re on the Target side of the Target vs Walmart debate, this guide is for you!

Whether you’re browsing online or shopping in person, it’s easy to start racking up items in your cart. Yes, you definitely need that item right now, and you will probably need that other item sometime soon. Keeping up with the latest fashion lines, like Altuzarra for Target? Why not? That’s when it’s good to know how to save money at Target. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to score Target savings and we’ve got all the best-kept secrets, so you can get more and spend less. Check out our Target tips guide to help keep more money in your pocket on your next Target shopping spree.

1. Check Out Coupons.com

First and foremost, check out our list of Target coupons at Coupons.com, both on the website and in the Coupons.com app. You’ll find all sorts of Target savings on items, including personal care products, clothing, and more. We offer coupon codes that you can use at Target.com for other items, such as toys and electronics, along with free shipping codes, too. To save on groceries, take advantage of both printable and digital coupons on the website and in the app. To get cash back, simply upload a photo of your receipt in the app or on our website, and you’ll earn money on certain purchases.

2. Apply for a REDCard

If you’re an avid Target shopper, then getting a REDcard simply makes sense. When you sign up for a REDcard debit or credit card, you receive 5% off every in-store and online purchase. You also receive perks like free two-day shipping, 5% off Target subscription services, and an extra 30 days for returns. They also offer REDcard exclusives, such as 10% off on the anniversary of signing up with Target emails and 10% off select hotels when you book on Hotels.com. What’s more, the store offers additional discounts when you sign up during a certain time frame. For example, right now for a limited time, when you get approved for a REDcard, you’ll earn $40 toward a future purchase.

3. Join the Target Circle Loyalty Program

The new Target Circle loyalty program invites you to save even more. If you currently have a REDcard or a Target account, you’re already in the Circle. There are no membership fees, and every time you shop at the store you get 1% off your next purchase. If that wasn’t great enough, on your birthday, you’ll earn 5% off your purchase, too. The loyalty program promises hundreds of deals and special perks for members.

4. Explore Target Circle Offers

If you loved the money-saving Cartwheel app, don’t worry–while the app no longer exists, the Cartwheel discount features are now called Target Circle offers, and they’ve been rolled into the Circle Loyalty Program. You’ll still receive the same perks, such as 5 to 50% off select items. When you’re in the store, you can use your smartphone to scan the barcode on the sales item to unlock the discount and share it when you check out. You can also see if certain items have Target Circle offers when you go into the “My Store” feature and scan the barcode for that specific item.

5. Browse Target Weekly Ads

Another way to save at Target is to check out the store’s weekly ads. Each week, Target promotes certain specials and deals that are available for a seven-day stretch. You can browse the weekly coupons online and save them to your “quick list,” so they’re easily accessible when it’s time to shop. If you prefer to have hard copies of the coupons, most weekend newspapers include them. You might even find one-day deals, so you’ll want to act fast. For the best selection, check out the coupons on Sunday when they go live.

6. Combine Your Coupons

Target has a generous coupon policy, which allows you to combine one Target coupon, one Target Circle offer, and one manufacturer coupon per item. This lets you score additional savings on all your items. In most cases, if you have a percentage-off discount, that will be applied first, followed by the dollar-off manufacturer discount. It may feel like cheating, but it’s totally allowed.

7. Follow Special Sales

Keep an eye on special sales throughout the year. For example, the store hosts Target Deal Days, one of their biggest sales of the summer. In 2019, the sale lasted for two days on July 15 and 16, in which they offered 30 to 40% off discounts on select furniture, small appliances, toys, sporting goods, and more. You’ll also want to mark your calendar for Black Friday and Cyber Monday—the Friday and Monday after Thanksgiving. Black Friday presents major doorbusters in the store, while Cyber Monday offers huge price cuts on online purchases. These offer great ways to save at Target, especially if you’re doing your holiday shopping early.

8. Take Advantage of Price Matching

When it comes to Target savings, not everyone knows about their Price Match Guarantee. The company will price match a qualifying item if you find it for a cheaper rate on Target.com, in Target print ads, or on specific competitors’ print ads or websites. You can request a price match at the time of purchase or within 14 days of buying your item.

9. Know Where to Look in The Store

Sometimes simply knowing where to look is a great way to save money at Target. When you venture into the store or browse online, make a beeline for Target Dollar Spot (Bull’s Eye Playground). Here you’ll find low prices on a variety of items, from party supplies and trinkets to notepads and arts and crafts. The majority of the items are priced $5 and lower, so you can snag some great stuff without breaking the bank. Another prime place to look is at the end caps of aisles in the store. Often, this is where Target will feature additional discounts or items on sale.

10. Get a Free Gift Card with The Trade-In Program

If you have old electronics, such as phones, consoles, or tablets laying around that you don’t use anymore, you could get money for them through the Target trade-in program. Simply find and appraise your electronics through the site, receive a pre-paid shipping label, send your item to the store, and you’ll receive a Target gift card for the agreed-upon price. It’s pretty much free Target money in exchange for getting rid of something you don’t even use anymore.

Whether you’re looking to buy a lot or only an item or two, it’s easy to save money on your Target purchases. Follow our Target tips to keep help more money in your pocket.