Target Circle 360 is a paid membership that costs $99 per year and gives you free shipping, extra discounts, and early access to sales
Target Circle 360 is Target's annual membership program. You pay $99 upfront once a year, and in return you get same-day delivery on most orders, free standard shipping with no minimum purchase, 5% off almost everything you buy at Target, and early access to Target's sale events. It also includes a free Shipt membership (Target's grocery and goods delivery service), which normally costs $99 on its own.
The membership is optional — you can shop at Target without it. But if you shop there regularly or use delivery services, the math on whether it pays for itself depends on how much you actually spend and how often you use the perks. This guide walks through what you get, what it costs over time, and how to figure out if it makes sense for your spending habits.
Key Takeaways
- Target Circle 360 costs $99 per year and includes 5% off purchases, free same-day delivery, free standard shipping, and a free Shipt membership.
- The 5% discount applies to almost all items, including groceries and household goods, so the savings add up fastest if you shop at Target weekly.
- You break even on the membership cost after spending roughly $2,000 per year at Target, assuming you use the 5% discount on most purchases.
- The free Shipt membership is valuable only if you actually use delivery; if you shop in-store or use other delivery services, that benefit may not matter to you.
- Target offers a 30-day free trial of Circle 360, so you can test whether the discounts and delivery speed match your shopping pattern before paying.
The 5% discount and how it stacks with other Target deals
The core benefit of Circle 360 is 5% off almost everything you buy at Target — in-store and online. This discount applies to groceries, household items, clothing, electronics, and most other categories. The main exceptions are alcohol, gift cards, and a few other restricted items, but those are rare.
The 5% discount stacks with Target's weekly sales and clearance markdowns. If an item is already on sale for 20% off, you get the 5% Circle 360 discount on top of that. You also earn Target Circle points (the free loyalty program) at the same time, which give you occasional bonus discounts. This layering is where the real savings happen for regular shoppers.
If you shop at Target once a week and spend an average of $40 per trip, that's roughly $2,000 per year. The 5% discount on $2,000 is $100 — which means you break even on the $99 membership cost. Anything you spend beyond that is pure savings. If you spend more or shop more often, the membership pays for itself faster.
Same-day delivery and free shipping with no minimum
Circle 360 includes same-day delivery on most items through Target's own service (not Shipt). This means you can order online in the morning and have items arrive the same day in many areas. The service is free with membership — normally Target charges $9.99 per order for same-day delivery.
You also get free standard shipping on all online orders with no minimum purchase amount. Standard shipping usually takes 3 to 5 business days. Without Circle 360, Target charges $5.99 for shipping on orders under $35. If you order online even a few times a month, this alone can save you $20 to $40 per year.
Same-day and free shipping are most valuable if you live in or near a city where Target operates delivery. Rural areas and some suburbs may not have same-day service available. You can check whether your address qualifies before you buy the membership.
The included Shipt membership and when it matters
Circle 360 includes a free Shipt membership, which normally costs $99 per year on its own. Shipt is a same-day delivery service that brings groceries and household goods from Target, Kroger, Safeway, and other stores. With the membership, you get free delivery on orders over $35 from participating stores.
This benefit is valuable only if you actually use Shipt. If you prefer to shop in-store, or if you already use a different delivery service like Amazon Fresh or Instacart, the Shipt membership may not change your behavior. But if you use Shipt even once or twice a month, the included membership pays for a significant chunk of the Circle 360 cost.
Shipt delivery times vary by location and demand. During busy periods (holidays, weekends), same-day delivery may not be available, and you may see longer wait times. Check the Shipt app to see which stores near you participate and what delivery windows are typical in your area.
Early access to Target sales and special events
Circle 360 members get early access to Target's major sales events, usually 24 to 48 hours before the general public. This includes events like Target's Deal Days (similar to Amazon Prime Day) and holiday sales. Early access means you can shop popular items before they sell out.
The value of this benefit depends on how much you care about specific items and whether you're willing to plan your shopping around these events. If you regularly hunt for deals on seasonal items or popular products, early access can help you get what you want. If you shop more casually, this perk may not move the needle for you.
How to test Circle 360 with a free trial
Target offers a 30-day free trial of Circle 360. During the trial, you get all the benefits — the 5% discount, free shipping, same-day delivery, and Shipt membership — at no cost. After 30 days, you're charged $99 unless you cancel.
The trial is the best way to figure out whether the membership makes sense for your shopping habits. Use it to track how much you save with the 5% discount, whether you actually use same-day delivery or Shipt, and whether early access to sales matters to you. If you find yourself using the benefits regularly, the membership probably pays for itself. If you don't use the perks much during the trial, you can cancel before the charge goes through.
To start the trial, go to Target.com or open the Target app, find the Circle 360 section, and select "Start your free trial." You'll need to provide a payment method, but you won't be charged during the 30 days. Set a reminder to cancel before day 31 if you decide the membership isn't for you.
Comparing Circle 360 to other loyalty programs and memberships
Target Circle 360 is different from the free Target Circle program. Target Circle is free and gives you access to digital coupons, birthday offers, and the ability to earn points on purchases. You don't need Circle 360 to use Target Circle — they're separate. Circle 360 is the paid tier that adds the 5% discount, free shipping, and delivery benefits on top of what Circle already offers.
If you're comparing Circle 360 to other memberships, consider what you actually use. Amazon Prime ($139 per year) includes faster shipping and video streaming but doesn't give you a percentage discount on purchases. Costco ($60 to $130 per year) gives you warehouse shopping and some discounts but requires a membership card and in-person shopping. Circle 360 is most competitive if you shop at Target regularly and value the combination of discounts, delivery, and included Shipt access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 5% discount work on everything at Target?
The 5% discount applies to almost all items, including groceries, clothing, household goods, and electronics. Exceptions include alcohol, gift cards, and a few other restricted categories. You can check the Target app or website to see which items are excluded before you buy.
Can I cancel Circle 360 anytime, or am I locked in for a year?
You can cancel anytime. If you pay for a full year and cancel partway through, Target does not refund the unused portion. If you want to avoid an annual charge, you can cancel before your renewal date or switch to a monthly plan ($9.99 per month) instead of paying annually.
Does same-day delivery work everywhere, or only in certain areas?
Same-day delivery is available in most cities and many suburbs, but not everywhere. You can check whether your address qualifies by entering your zip code on Target.com or in the Target app. Rural areas and some smaller towns may not have same-day service available.
What happens to my Shipt membership if I cancel Circle 360?
If you cancel Circle 360, your included Shipt membership ends at the same time. You can choose to pay for Shipt separately ($99 per year) if you want to keep using it, but it's no longer free once your Circle 360 membership is gone.
Is the 30-day free trial really free, or are there hidden charges?
The 30-day trial is completely free. You won't be charged during those 30 days. You do need to provide a payment method when you sign up, but Target won't charge it unless you keep the membership past day 30. Set a reminder to cancel before the trial ends if you don't want to be charged.