May 5, 2025: Target has changed up its welcome bonus for new cardmembers on all of its cards. Instead of a discount off a future shopping trip, you’ll now get $50 in Target Circle Rewards. For most new cardmembers, this is a better deal than the previous offers. Here’s what you need to know about the new cardmember bonus on the Target Circle Mastercard.
Best bonus: $50 in Target Circle rewards
Annual fee: $0
Best sign-up bonus: Get $50 in Target Circle Rewards when you spend $50 on your Target Circle Credit Card within the first 60 days following approval.
Learn how to apply.
The sign-up bonus on this card is now earned as Target Circle rewards. Previously, it was earned as a $50 off $50 coupon on a future shopping trip.
My take on the welcome bonus changes
I don’t think that there is any downside to these changes for most Target shoppers. You have 60 days to earn the bonus and, since the bonus is now earned as Target Circle rewards, you no longer have to spend $50 in a single trip to redeem your bonus coupon—you can redeem partial amounts in your Target Circle app at checkout.
However, regardless of my feelings on the bonus, if you shop at Target with any frequency, you should have the Target Circle Card in your wallet. The 5% discount you get on most things at Target mean that this card is one of the best cards to use at Target.
Are you eligible to earn the sign-up bonus?
The Target Circle Mastercard terms don’t state anything about being ineligible for the bonus if you’ve ever had the card before. And some people I know have been able to get this sign-up bonus twice (or more!).
But it seems like this has changed. Doctor of Credit reports that Target is cracking down on people who sign up for this card, get the bonus, and cancel it repeatedly. But if it’s been a few years since you had a Target Circle Card (or Target Red Card) then you’re probably fine.
About the Target Circle Mastercard
Annual fee: $0
All information about the Target Circle™ Mastercard has been collected independently by cardsandpoints.com.
The Target Circle™ Mastercard is an essential card for Target shoppers thanks to its 5% discount on almost everything you buy at the store.
Welcome offer
Best sign-up bonus: Get $50 in Target Circle Rewards when you spend $50 on your Target Circle Credit Card within the first 60 days following approval.
Learn how to apply.
The sign-up bonus on this card is now earned as Target Circle rewards. Previously, it was earned as a $50 off $50 coupon on a future shopping trip.
Rewards
- 5% discount every day at Target and Target.com
certain purchases, such as prescriptions, some gift cards, taxes, and alcohol purchases in some states are not eligible for a discount. - 2% on dining.
- 2% on gas.
- 1% on other purchases.
Rewards on non-Target purchases are earned as a Target gift card. The 5% discount on Target purchases is an at-purchase discount that will be reflected on your receipt when you use your card.
Benefits
Target benefits
- Free 2-day shipping on Target.com. Does not apply to orders delivered by Shipt.
- Target Circle Card exclusives and offers. Offers vary by cardholder. Not every exclusive offer will be available to every cardholder.
- More return time. Get an extra 30 days for returns and exchanges at Target.
Bottom line: Get this card if you shop at Target
The Target Circle Card is one of the best cards to use at Target and you should absolutely get the card if you are a frequent Target shopper. Just keep in mind that there are many better options out there for your non-Target spending and that you might want to use a card with an extended warranty benefit for purchases of electronics and other durable goods.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Target Circle Mastercard a credit card?
Yes. The Target Circle Mastercard is a credit card that can be used outside of Target.
Does the Target Circle Mastercard offer 5% cash back?
The 5% rewards of the Target Circle Mastercard are offered as a 5% discount on Target purchases. You will receive your 5% discount at checkout, with no need to worry about cash back.
What happened to the Target RedCard Mastercard?
The Target RedCard Mastercard was rebranded as the Target Circle Mastercard.
Does the Target Circle Mastercard earn cash back?
No. When you use the card at Target, you’ll get a 5% discount on your purchase. If you use the card elsewhere to earn rewards, you’ll receive your rewards as a Target gift card.
