Target Circle 360
Last week, I mentioned that I wasn’t a Target Circle 360 member, simply opting for the modest benefits from the Target Circle Mastercard. Apparently, Target read that article. Of course that’s what happened. Because days later, I noticed I was targeted for a free subscription to Target Circle 360. And it wasn’t just a free month promo; Target offered me a whole year on them. Even better, the requirement to trigger the offer was remarkably simple. Here’s the deal, how I efficiently satisfied the requirement, and why I bothered in the first place.
A Free Year of Target Circle 360
In between viewings of outstanding Olympics coverage and the mediocre Super Bowl pregame show only saved by the Alcatraz setting, I flew by the Target app. I quickly noticed this in the Wallet section:
- Get a free year of Target Circle 360 when you spend $199
- Offer expires 28 Feb
- Exclusions in Offer FAQ: Alcohol, Target GiftCards, Visa, American Express and Mastercard gift cards/prepaid cards, CVS pharmacy, clinic, and Target Optical. See the Target Circle program rules for complete list of excluded items.
- In store, online, same day, and delivery orders are valid for this promo.
Additionally, I noticed that the $199 doesn’t need to be in one transaction. Spend toward this requirement is cumulative through 28 Feb.
How I Obtained This Free Target Circle 360 Membership
I carefully read through the above exclusions and additional ones in the terms and conditions fine print. While Target and Visa/Amex/MC gift cards did not participate, I saw no mention of third-party gift cards. I conservatively assumed they may work to trigger this deal. Even better, my family and I needed certain gift cards, anyway. If the experiment worked, great! If not, I got my data point while getting 5% off gift cards with my Target Circle Mastercard I had already planned to buy.
After a substantial break, we’re returning to Disney Parks this coming summer (more on that in future articles). We’re stacking up Disney fun money in a variety of ways in preparation, including discounted gift cards from a selection of retailers. I picked up $225 in gift cards which I calculated would cost $213.75 after the 5% savings. My closest store didn’t have variable Disney cards, plus we’d easily use the bit of extra beyond $199.
I scanned my Target barcode at self checkout and paid with my Target Circle Mastercard. After completing the transaction, I immediately refreshed the app and noticed my Free Target Circle 360 membership was ready to be activated. (Technically, it’s a purchase which costs $0.)
I only noticed this offer when signed into my Target account, so it may be, um, targeted (I know, too easy). That said, if it is, I expect plenty of Target shoppers are. A couple MtM Diamond members mentioned they’ve also triggered this same offer with third-party gift card purchases in the past.
So Why Bother?
Admittedly, I didn’t need much incentive to pursue this, since again, we needed more Disney gift cards, anyway. But Circle 360 membership offers a few unique benefits to these Target shoppers:
- Same-Day Delivery: Members get free same-day delivery ($35 minimum) from Target and several other stores, including Lowe’s, CVS, PetSmart, Petco, Office Depot/OfficeMax, and 7-11.
- Monthly Freebies: Choose from a selection of gifts and exclusive discounts onthe first of every month. Some go fast, apparently. Two of the four February options are already out of stock. The remaining options this month are $5 coupons for a Good Little Garden bouquet or A New Day apparel.
- Early Sale Access
- Free, fast shipping and extended return options, although these appear to be the same benefits available to Target Circle debit and credit cardholders.
The first perk alone made pursuing free Target Circle 360 worth it for us. We’re happy to have another same-day delivery option with Target similar to what we already have with “free” Walmart+ membership from Amex. Inevitably, we’ll take advantage of monthly freebies, too, when they fit our wants/needs. Beyond these two benefits, I’m not expecting anything else substantial from the membership, but I’d be happy for Target to prove me wrong here.
An annual Target Circle 360 subscription normally costs $99, and Target Circle cardholders can obtain it for $49. A monthly membership is $10.99.
Conclusion
Target Circle 360 membership doesn’t offer the level of benefits its Walmart competitor does, such as free Paramount+/Peacock, Burger King perks, and gas station savings. But same-day delivery is the primary benefit we and many others are interested in, anyway. We certainly wouldn’t pay out of pocket for Target Circle 360, but we’ll take a free year for buying some gift cards we were planning to pick up, regardless. I expect many other Target shoppers would agree.
Have you held a Target Circle 360 subscription? What’s been your favorite part of this membership?
