I Saved Nearly $200 at Target in Last 12 Months With 5 Simple Moves

Ever since the pandemic, groceries and everyday goods have gotten much more expensive. Yet, I have saved nearly $200 at Target by taking advantage of perks.

This is by only shopping at the store on an average of twice per month. While prices may vary by store, you can still apply these tips yourself and maximize your savings.

Download Target App

The most important move to save money at Target is downloading the app and joining the retailer’s Circle rewards program.

Here you will get exclusive deals not available to the rest of the public. You can search for your favorite items and see what’s on sale and prices before entering your local store. Plus, you can place orders.

According to my Circle benefits account, I have saved a total of $189.39 over the last 12 months.

Target Debit Card

If you find yourself a regular at Target, signing up for its Target Circle Debit Card is a no-brainer. Why? Because it gives you a five percent discount on almost all store purchases and can be added to your Circle account.

Also, signing up for the card will not affect your credit score or come with annual fees. Additionally, you get some more perks like five percent off Starbucks shops that are located in Target stores, an extra 30 days to return unwanted products and a five percent discount on gift cards for dining, travel and others.

By just using the Target Circle Debit Card, I saved $40 in the last 12 months. You can apply for Target’s Debit or Credit Card online.

Buy Store Brand Products

The next tip should apply to just about every grocery store you visit. Look for private label products – Target sells its own under multiple brands including Good & Gather, Market Pantry and up&up.

It’s a good way to ditch brand loyalty and save money. In fact, making the switch can shave between 25 and 30 percent off your grocery bill, according to Consumer Reports.

Wallet Deals

Aside from unlocking exclusive deals through Circle, you’ll also notice a wallet section of the app. Included are deals that you’ll need to apply to your shopping cart.

The biggest offerings that I have found the most savings with are spending $50-$60 on a single order store-wide and getting $10 or $5 off after spending $40 on groceries. With my experience, these deals pop up usually 2-3 times each month, so take advantage of them. That’s on top of the other savings, such as using the card and the exclusive deals in the app.

Every Sunday, Target loads new deals in the wallet section – so check them out every week. Outside of groceries, you can score discounts on various other categories from home to personal care goods.

Pick Up Your Orders

When placing an order through the app, keep in mind that if you choose same-day delivery, it’ll come with a fee. For those who don’t have a Target Circle 360 Membership, expect to pay $9.99.

That’s quite the premium. But there’s one way to bypass it and still take advantage of the savings on Target Circle: opt for curbside pickup. This is a great option if you have a store close by and a car.

The only thing you might be charged for is reusable bags to store items. But this will cost just cents extra compared with $10 door delivery.

Combining all of these savings can make a big difference in your monthly grocery and household costs. The two most important savings will come from the wallet and Target Circle deals inside the app.

Although I’m not a weekly shopper at the store, it’s made a big difference for me, with nearly $200 in savings over the past year alone.