Earlier this year, Target expanded its Target Circle loyalty program with a paid membership. Shoppers can sign up for a Target Circle 360 membership on a monthly or annual basis — but is joining worth the cost?
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According to Target’s website, Target Circle 360 costs $10.99 per month, $99 if you pay annually or $4.99 per month for verified college students.
It also comes with several perks, including unlimited Same Day Delivery orders to multiple addresses with a $35 order minimum, access to dozens of retailers through the Shipt Marketplace, free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items and no-rush returns with an extra 30 days off.
If you have a Target Circle 360 membership already, there are several reasons why cutting the service could actually save you money.
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It Can Help You Avoid Unnecessary Spending
Once you join Target Circle 360, you may feel the need to spend more than you typically would to get your money’s worth from the service, or to hit that $35 minimum. Plus, there’s also the recommended 20% tip for the shopper.
Mackenzie Filson, a writer at The Kitchn, reviewed her experience with Target Circle 360 and found that she may have spent more than she would have at popular discount retailers, but she did like shopping for coupons and circle deals.
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All the Benefits May Not Be Worth It
Unless you’re a frequent Target shoppers who regularly use same-day delivery, a Circle 360 membership may not be worth the extra money.
Jamie Killin, a writer at Business Insider, also tried the Target Circle 360 and found the membership left much to be desired. During the first month, she used the delivery service three times and still ended up shopping in the store twice. Killing wrote that there were still specific grocery items, such as produce and meat, that she preferred to get at other stores.
If you live near a Target, you can take advantage of curbside pickup. This is a contactless service with no fee or tip. You can order items from the Target app and someone will bring them out to your vehicle.
You Can Get the Same Deals With a Free Target Circle Membership
Target also has a free membership — Target Circle.
“I’m a firm believer that the free Target Circle membership is a must, even for casual Target shoppers,” Killin wrote. “It gives me instant deals and cash back and has been one of my favorite store-rewards programs since it launched. So far this year, I’ve saved over $55 through the program by shopping sales and deals.”