Target Just Announced a New Loyalty Program with Some Awesome Perks

When you walk into Target, you might as well throw that shopping list away. No matter how hard we try, we always end up walking out with a full cart and a long receipt. But this week, the superstore is made us all feel a little better about our spending tendencies by launching a new loyalty program.

The rewards initiative, called Target Circle, will launch nationwide on October 6, the company announced in a news release. If you have an account on Target.com, Cartwheel, or Target RedCard, you don't have to do a thing to be a part of the program—you'll be automatically enrolled. For everyone else, you can sign up at Target.com or the next time you go through the checkout line.

Now, let's talk perks. As a member, for every purchase you make, you'll earn 1 percent to redeem later. (RedCard members will continue to earn 5 percent.)You'll also receive benefits tailored for your Target tastes, including "big savings you shop most often and a special birthday treat." Participants also get early access to special sales throughout the year. Along with all the goodies for yourself, you'll also be helping others by signing up for Target Circle. Every time you shop at the retailer, you'll be able to vote on where Target allocates its charitable donations, which includes about 800 nonprofit organizations. To ensure you get your rewards, there ways to earn. You can give your phone number or scan the Wallet app in store, shop online with a Target.com account, use your Target RedCard, or enter your receipt on the dashboard.

Image courtesy of Target.

"Our guests are at the center of everything we do, and we’re always looking for new ways to create even easier, more rewarding shopping experiences that give them another reason to choose Target more often," Rick Gomez, executive vice president and chief marketing and digital officer, said. "We worked directly with guests to develop Target Circle, and the program includes the benefits and perks that they told us were most important to them, from earning on every Target trip to having the opportunity to help Target make a positive impact within their local communities."

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Oh, and perhaps the best part about the program? It's completely free. Yes, you don't have to spend a single penny to join—which just gives you more money to put toward your next haul. There will be even more incentives on the way, as the company notes it will "continue to enhance Target Circle, dreaming up even more personalized, relevant ways to make every Target Run easier and more fun." With the kick-off date just a few weeks away, we're already dreaming of what to buy first, such as the store's beloved $2 body lotion or an item from its spooktacular Halloween line. See you in the checkout line!