Target Circle: Everything you need to know about Target's revamped cards and loyalty program

You probably don't need another reason to shop at Target, but the popular retail chain is giving you one anyway. Or three, to be exact.

Building on the popularity of the Target RedCard debit card, the Target RedCard credit card and the Target Circle loyalty program, Target is streamlining and improving its loyalty offerings. It's bringing all three under the Target Circle umbrella.

As of April 7, Target has reintroduced its loyalty program with a suite of membership options to suit all shoppers. The good news is that if you already have a Target RedCard or Target Circle membership, you don't have to do anything to benefit from the program changes.

Now that these changes have taken effect, you may be interested in upgrading your membership. So, here's everything you need to know about each offering.

The information for the Target RedCard debit card and RedCard credit card have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Target Circle

Target Circle is Target's free loyalty program. You can create an account online to access exclusive sales, personalized deals and additional members-only perks like free Apple trial subscriptions throughout the year.

In its previous state, members had to add Target Circle offers to their account via the Target app, but the program just got a major upgrade. Now, deals will be applied to your account automatically at checkout, so you don't have to search for applicable offers before you shop.

Members will also continue to receive exclusive partner perks like free trials and reward program partnerships, with the added bonus of earning new Target Circle Rewards.

Target Circle Card

The debit and credit versions of the Target RedCard are now the Target Circle Card. Both versions still earn an extra 5% off every purchase every day. Additionally, the cards come with an extended return window and free two-day shipping on most items from Target's website.

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Because Target Circle Card members also receive Target Circle benefits, you can stack the 5% savings with your automatically applied Target Circle deals.

The information for the Target Circle card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Store vs. cash-back credit cards: Which one should I get?

The debit card version of the Target Circle Card is linked directly to your checking account, and purchases are deducted automatically. If you have the credit version — the Target Circle Card credit card from Mastercard — you'll earn 2% back on dining and gas station purchases and 1% back on all other purchases in addition to your 5% savings on Target purchases. This all comes without an annual fee.

You can redeem the cash back you earn from the Target Circle Mastercard as a Target gift card. To redeem your rewards, you must earn a minimum of $10.

Target Circle 360

The newest addition to the Target Circle family is Target Circle 360, Target's version of a paid shopping membership service, with same-day delivery as one of the most lucrative benefits.

Members receive unlimited same-day delivery on orders over $35, free two-day shipping on most items from Target's website and an extra 30 days to return items alongside all the other benefits of being a Target Circle member. Members can also access more than 100 additional retailers via the Shipt Marketplace.

Related: The best credit cards for online grocery delivery services, including Instacart and Amazon Fresh

Target Circle 360 has an annual fee of $99, but Target is offering a promotional price of $49 for the first year if you sign up by May 18. Target Circle cardholders can enjoy the $49 annual fee anytime.

For comparison purposes, Shipt and Instacart both carry a $99 annual membership fee. Walmart+ has a slightly lower fee of $12.95 per month ($89 per year), but there are ways to get it for free. For example, those who hold The Platinum Card® from American Express can get up to $155 per year ($12.95 per month plus applicable taxes, excluding any Plus Up Benefits) in statement credits toward a Walmart+ membership, essentially wiping out the cost of the service (subject to auto-renewal; enrollment required).

Which shopping delivery service makes the most sense for you likely depends on where you tend to shop. If you frequently shop at Target, paying just $49 for the convenience of a full year of grocery delivery may seem like a small price worth paying.

Target Circle Card alternatives

Though Target's perks are appealing if you shop there often, there are other cards available that can probably net you more cash back than you can earn with the Target Circle Mastercard, including:

• Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees): Earns 2% back on all purchases (1% as you buy and 1% as you pay), no matter where you shop
• Prime Visa (see rates and fees): Has no annual fee and a similar earning structure to the Target Circle Card if you prefer Amazon over Target
• Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees): Earns 5% back on quarterly rotating categories, on up to $1,500 each quarter you activate. For more cash back opportunities, earn 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases and 1% back on all other purchases

Bottom line

If you shop at Target, signing up for a free Target Circle membership is practically a no-brainer. If you want to add a Target debit or credit card to your wallet, saving money and earning rewards is now easier than ever. Finally, shoppers who have been looking for Target's alternative to Walmart+ and other same-day delivery services now have exactly what they've been waiting for.

You can learn more about each new offering on the Target Circle website.

Related reading:

• Best cash-back credit cards
• The best store credit cards
• The best credit cards for Amazon purchases