Target’s Paid Membership: 5 Things to Know About Circle 360

Target officially launched a new paid membership called Circle 360 on April 7, 2024. They basically rebranded the entire Target Circle program to include a paid tier, offering unlimited free same-day delivery to members.

Other changes came with this launch. For example, the Target RedCard got a new name (just "Circle Card" now), and all Circle members (including the free tier) get to save with the best Target Circle deals automatically.

No doubt, the paid program aims to steal subscribers from Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus and give us additional ways to save money at Target. But will loyal shoppers consider switching?

Here's what we know about Circle 360 and what Target's new paid membership entails:

1. Target's paid membership program launched on April 7, 2024.

Target officially launched their Circle 360 membership on Sunday, April 7, 2024.

Members of the paid program get free unlimited same-day delivery in as little as one hour, pushed through the Target Shipt delivery service. Other benefits include free two-day shipping and extended time for returns.

2. Circle 360 normally costs $99 a year, but during special promotions, it drops as low as $49 for the first year.

Without a deal, it costs $99 per year to upgrade your membership to Target Circle 360. If you have a Target Circle Card, you'll lock in the $49 price no matter what (if you choose to upgrade).

But if you don't have the Target Circle Card, you'll pay a discounted rate if you sign up during special promotions like these:

• Target Circle Week (July 7 - 13, 2024): $49 for the first year

• Target Teacher Discount (July 14 - Aug. 24, 2024): $49 for the first year

• Target Student Discount (starting July 14, 2024): $4.99 per month for verified students

3. Circle 360 is $40 cheaper than Amazon Prime and costs about the same as Walmart+.

Of course, Target’s new paid membership is a direct nod to Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus. The whole point of Circle 360 is to win over subscribers and bring in more revenue through the program. 

Here’s how it compares to Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus at first glance:

Target Circle 360 Membership: $99 a year

• Free same-day delivery

• Free two-day shipping

• Extended Return Period

• Support from "preferred shoppers"

Amazon Prime Membership: $139 a year

• Free 1-2 day shipping

• Streaming services

• Amazon Music

• Prime Wardrobe

• Subscribe & Save

Walmart Plus Membership: $98 a year

• Free shipping

• Free delivery from store

• Paramount+ streaming

• Travel perks

• Returns from home

• Gas savings

4. The Target RedCard is now the "Target Circle Card."

Say goodbye to the Target RedCard.

But don’t panic — the main benefits of Target’s RedCard (like 5% off purchases) are still the same. Plus, you can still sign up for the credit card, debit card, or reloadable account for free.

Target Circle cardholders can join the paid membership for $49 a year, even though the regular price is $99 a year. But you aren't required to upgrade if you don't want to.

5. All Target Circle members get automatic discounts.

The days of having to add Target Circle Offers to your “list” is over.

Your Target Circle deals now automatically apply to purchases. This means you don't have to go hunting for the best deals every week.

Plus, you don't have to “save” or “add” them to your account to get the deal. Your savings will automatically apply at checkout.