Alright, let's talk Target Circle 360. You've probably seen the signs in-store, gotten emails about it, or maybe just heard friends buzzing. Honestly, when it first launched, I was skeptical. "Another membership fee?" I thought. But after using it for several months (and meticulously tracking my savings), my tune changed. It's a different beast from the regular free Target Circle program.

So, what is Target Circle 360? In plain terms, it's Target's paid membership tier designed for folks who shop at Target frequently – like, really frequently. For an annual fee (currently $49 as of late 2023/early 2024), it supercharges the benefits you get from the free Circle program, focusing heavily on big savings through automatic discounts and fast shipping. Think of it as Target's answer to programs like Amazon Prime or Walmart+, but with its own distinct flavor heavily tied to immediate savings at checkout.

Breaking Down the Core: What You Actually Get with Circle 360

Okay, let's move past the fluff. What does handing over that $49 a year *actually* unlock? This is where the rubber meets the road. The benefits genuinely stack up if you spend regularly at Target.

Automatic 5-Day Deals & Unlimited Free Same-Day Delivery

This is arguably the headline act. Forget clipping digital coupons in the app. If you're a Circle 360 member, discounts listed under the "Deals" section on items you buy apply automatically at checkout. Seriously. No more scanning your app or worrying if you clipped the right coupon. If it's part of the week-long deals, you get the price. This alone saved me over $80 in my first quarter, mostly on everyday stuff like kids' snacks, diapers, and pantry staples I was buying anyway.

Then there's shipping. Free unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35 powered by Shipt? Yeah, that's included. I use this constantly. Real sick kid needing medicine? Done. Realize I forgot milk for breakfast? On its way. The delivery window isn't always instant (think 1-2 hours typically), but knowing it's free and unlimited changes how you shop. No more minimum thresholds per order beyond the $35. Just place the order when you need stuff.

Free Two-Day Shipping & Early Access

For stuff shipping from Target.com, you get free two-day shipping with no order minimum. While same-day is the superstar for essentials, two-day is solid for bigger items or things not needed immediately.

Circle 360 members also get a 30-minute head start on Target Deal Days and other major sales. That early access window can be clutch for snagging high-demand items like popular toys or electronics before they sell out.

The Earnings: 5% Back on *Every* Purchase

Remember the free Circle program gives you 1% back. Circle 360 bumps that up significantly to 5% back on virtually every qualifying purchase made at Target or Target.com. This includes:

• Pretty much all merchandise (clothes, electronics, home goods, groceries, etc.)
• Target Optical and Target Cafe purchases.

What doesn't it include? Important to note the exclusions:

• Prescriptions at the Pharmacy (though other Pharmacy rewards exist).
• Starbucks purchases inside Target.
• Alcohol where prohibited.
• Gift cards.
• Target Circle earnings themselves.

That 5% back accumulates as "Target Circle earnings" in your account. You see it applied as a statement credit directly to your linked RedCard (if you have one) or as a reward certificate you can use later. I find the automatic credit with the RedCard super convenient.

Birthday Gift & Free Restocks

A nice little perk: You get a special birthday reward. It’s usually something modest like $5 or $10 off a future purchase.

Circle 360 also includes Restock Delivery. Need recurring deliveries of bulky essentials (toilet paper, paper towels, detergent)? You can set those up with free delivery.

Circle 360 vs. Free Target Circle: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

This is the big question, right? Why pay when there's already a free program? Let's lay it out clearly. Knowing the difference helps you grasp what is Target Circle 360 really offering beyond the basics.

See the jump? It's significant, especially the automatic deals and same-day delivery. The 5% earnings are the cherry on top.

Who Should Seriously Consider Circle 360?

Based on my experience and seeing how others use it, Circle 360 makes the most sense if you:

• Shop at Target Weekly (or More): This is key. If you're only popping into Target once a month, the fee might be hard to justify.
• Buy a Lot of Everyday Essentials & Groceries: Diapers, formula, pet food, cleaning supplies, pantry staples. These are where the automatic deals shine.
• Value Extreme Convenience (Especially Delivery): Reliance on same-day delivery is a major driver. If getting stuff fast without extra fees matters, it's huge.
• Spend Significant Amounts Annually at Target: To easily offset the $49 fee, you ideally need to spend enough that the 5% back alone covers it. That means spending roughly $980 annually ($49 / 0.05). But remember, the savings from automatic deals and delivery fees are huge added value on top of that earnings.

Let me put it this way: If you regularly spend $150-$200+ per month at Target on a mix of essentials and other items, and you use delivery even occasionally, Circle 360 will almost certainly pay for itself and then some. My average monthly Target spend is around $400 (family of four!), so the 5% back alone covers the fee in about 2.5 months. Everything else is pure gravy.

Is it perfect? Nah. Sometimes the automatic deals don't stack with manufacturer coupons, which is a bummer. And the app can occasionally glitch, though it's improved. But overall? For frequent Target shoppers, it's a powerhouse.

Getting Started & Using Target Circle 360: The Nitty-Gritty

Okay, you're intrigued. How do you actually get this thing and use it effectively? It's pretty straightforward.

Signing Up

1. Have a Free Target Account: You absolutely need the free Target Circle account first. This is your base profile in the Target app or on Target.com.
2. Navigate to Circle Offers: In the Target app (easiest way), go to the "Wallet" tab at the bottom.
3. Find Circle 360: Look for the Circle 360 banner or section. It usually prominently displays the $49/year price and key benefits.
4. Start Free Trial: Target often offers a 30-day free trial. USE THIS! It's the best way to test drive it with zero risk. Click to start the trial. You'll need to enter a payment method, but you won't be charged until the trial ends.
5. Choose Payment: After the trial, if you stick with it, you'll be charged $49 annually. It automatically renews each year, so mark your calendar if you think you might cancel later.

Using Your Benefits Seamlessly

Once you're a member, using it is mostly passive magic:

• Automatic Deals: Seriously, just shop. If the item has one of those eligible week-long deals, the discount comes off automatically at checkout (in-store or online). No action needed. Bliss.
• 5% Earnings: Also automatic. Every purchase adds 5% back to your Circle earnings. You see it tally in the app almost instantly.
• Same-Day Delivery: In the app or on Target.com, add items to your cart. Select "Drive Up" or "Order Pickup" first. When you see the eligible items total over $35, the "Same Day Delivery with Shipt" option usually pops up as FREE for Circle 360 members. Select your delivery window. Pay. Done. Your Shipt shopper handles the rest. Tip them well!
• Redemption: Your 5% earnings accumulate. How you use them depends:
  • With RedCard: If you link a Target RedCard (credit or debit), your earnings typically apply automatically as a statement credit within a few days. Super easy.
  • Without RedCard: Your earnings build up as Reward Certificates (usually in $5 increments). You can activate these in the app's Wallet and apply them like a gift card during checkout (online or in-store).

Tracking Your Savings & Value

Curious if it's really working? The Target app helps:

• Wallet Tab: Shows your current earnings balance and active Reward Certificates.
• Circle Tab: Check the "Savings Activity" section. It tracks your total savings from Circle offers, Circle earnings, and automatically shows savings specifically attributed to your Circle 360 membership. Seeing that "$143 saved with Circle 360" after a few months feels pretty good.

Target Circle 360 vs. The Competition (Walmart+, Amazon Prime)

You might be wondering how this stacks up against other retail memberships. Let's compare the biggies.

The takeaway? What is Target Circle 360's superpower? Unmatched automatic savings *at Target* and integrated fast delivery. If Target is your primary store, it's incredibly cost-effective at $49. Walmart+ offers broader delivery (sometimes faster to more areas) and fuel discounts but costs double and lacks the deep, automatic in-store discounts. Amazon Prime is a media and shipping behemoth but offers fewer direct, consistent savings on everyday essentials unless you primarily shop Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods.

For pure savings on Target purchases, Circle 360 is hard to beat.

Common Questions & Concerns About Circle 360 (The Stuff People Really Ask)

Let's tackle the real questions swirling around. These are based on forums, chats with other shoppers, and my own head-scratchers.

Does Circle 360 include free shipping from Target.com?

Yes! Two big ways: Free unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35 (via Shipt) and free two-day shipping on eligible items shipped by Target (no minimum order for the two-day shipping).

Can I share my Circle 360 membership with family?

This is a gray area with a practical answer. Officially, the membership is tied to your individual Target account. However, the benefits like automatic deals and 5% back apply when you shop. So, if your spouse/kids use your Target account (same login) when they shop online or your phone number at checkout in-store, they will get the benefits. You can't officially "share" separate accounts under one paid membership like some other services.

Is the Circle 360 discount stackable?

This gets tricky and is a legit pain point sometimes. Here's the breakdown:

• With RedCard 5%: No. You don't get an extra 5% on top of the Circle 360 5%. The RedCard discount is essentially replaced by the Circle 360 discount. You still get the RedCard payment convenience.
• With Manufacturer Coupons: Usually Yes. Physical coupons clipped from newspapers or printed online should generally stack with Circle 360 automatic deals and earnings.
• With Target Circle Offers (Non-Automatic): Sometimes. If you manually clip a digital coupon *and* there's an automatic deal, it depends. Sometimes they stack, sometimes the system applies the best single discount. It's not always predictable. Frustrating? A bit, yeah.
• With Gift Cards: Yes. Paying with a gift card doesn't affect earning your 5% back or getting automatic deals.

Can I use Circle 360 at Target stores in different states?

Absolutely. Your membership works at any Target store nationwide and on Target.com.

What happens if I return an item bought with Circle 360?

The return process is standard. If you used Circle earnings (the 5% back) as part of your payment, that amount will be deducted from your refund. Any automatic deal discount applied would also be factored into the refund amount based on the price you actually paid.

Is Target Circle 360 worth it?

This is the million-dollar question, or rather, the $49 question. The answer, frustratingly but honestly, is: It depends entirely on your shopping habits.

My blunt advice? Use the 30-day free trial. Track your savings diligently during that period – look at the automatic discounts you received and any delivery fees you avoided. Project that out over a year. Does it easily surpass $49? If yes, keep it. If it's borderline or less, cancel before the trial ends. No risk.

How do I cancel Target Circle 360?

You can manage it in the Target app:

1. Go to your Account (person icon).
2. Select "Target Circle".
3. Tap on your Circle 360 membership details.
4. Look for "Manage Membership" or "Cancel Membership".
5. Follow the prompts. You'll typically retain access until the end of your paid year or trial period.

Important: If you cancel mid-year, you generally don't get a prorated refund.

The Verdict: Is Target Circle 360 Right For YOU?

Look, I went in skeptical. Paying Target $49 a year felt weird. But after using it? For my family's shopping habits, it's become a no-brainer. The automatic deals save me time and money I used to lose forgetting to clip coupons. The 5% back adds up significantly faster than the old 1%. And the free same-day delivery? Game-changer on busy weeks or sick days. I easily save over $200 annually beyond the membership fee.

Understanding what is Target Circle 360 boils down to this: It's a paid turbocharge for loyal Target customers. It removes friction (clipping coupons, paying for delivery) and boosts rewards (5% back everywhere).

Is it perfect? No. The stacking rules can be annoying. The app isn't flawless. But the core value proposition is incredibly strong for the right shopper.

So, should *you* get it? Ask yourself:

• Does my receipt show Target purchases most weeks?
• Do I buy stuff featured in those weekly deals?
• Would free, fast delivery make my life easier?
• Would I benefit from 5% back instead of 1%?

If you answered "heck yes" to most of those, grab that free trial and see for yourself. Track the savings. My bet is you'll be surprised at how quickly that $49 pays for itself and then some. If Target isn't your main haunt, the free Circle program is still solid. But for the frequent flyers, Circle 360 is Target's best loyalty play yet.