Target Circle and Walmart Cash, Explained Simply
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Circle. Circle Card. Circle 360. Walmart Cash. Walmart+.
It's a lot of names for "save a little money." Here's what each one actually does, what's free, and which ones are worth your time.
Target Circle (free)
This is Target's free rewards program. Sign up in the Target app or at checkout with your phone number.
Weekly deals: hundreds of offers in the app. Add them and they come off at checkout.
Earn rewards: about 1% back on eligible purchases, saved to use later.
Birthday reward: a one-time discount around your birthday.
Community giving: your purchases earn votes for local nonprofits.
Easier returns: your purchases are saved, so you don't need the paper receipt.
Worth it? Yes. It's free. Just scan your app every time.
Target Circle Card (the old RedCard)
A Target payment card. It comes as a debit card linked to your checking account, a Target credit card, or a Mastercard.
5% off most Target purchases, in store and online.
Free shipping on most Target.com orders.
Extra return time on many items.
Worth it? If you shop Target often, the debit version gives you the 5% without a credit card. If you choose the credit version, pay it off every month. Interest wipes out 5% fast.
Target Circle 360 (paid)
Target's paid membership, like Walmart+.
Free same-day delivery on orders of $35 or more, through Shipt.
Free 2-day shipping on Target.com.
Extra return days and early access to some sales.
As of November 2026, it's $99 a year, and Circle Card holders pay less. Check the current price on Target's site before you join.
Worth it? Only if you'd use same-day delivery a couple of times a month. Same math as our Walmart+ guide.
Walmart Cash (free)
Walmart Cash is Walmart's rewards money. You don't need Walmart+ or a credit card to earn it.
How to earn it:
Look for a Walmart Cash offer on eligible items in the app or on Walmart.com.
In the Walmart app, tap Walmart Cash to see every eligible item.
In store, scan the item with the app, tap to get the offer, and scan your app's code at checkout.
Forgot to scan? You may be able to upload your receipt in the app.
How to use it:
Online or in the app: tap Apply next to your Walmart Cash balance at checkout.
In store: scan your app at checkout and choose Walmart Cash, then pay the rest your usual way.
Bigger balances can be cashed out at the customer service desk. Bring your ID.
Worth it? Yes. It's free money on things you'd buy anyway. Check the app before you shop.
Quick side-by-side
Free and worth it for everyone: Target Circle, Walmart Cash.
Free, but it's a payment card: Target Circle Card. Great if you pay in full.
Paid, only if you use delivery a lot: Target Circle 360, Walmart+.
A 5-minute setup
Download the Target app and the Walmart app.
Sign in to Target Circle with your phone number.
Open Walmart Cash in the Walmart app and look at this week's offers.
Before every shop, add Target Circle deals and check Walmart Cash items.
Scan your app at every checkout. Every time.
Real life bottom line: the free programs (Target Circle and Walmart Cash) are worth five minutes of setup. The paid memberships only pay off if delivery saves you real time every month.
More like this
See my favorite finds: shop my Walmart storefront and my Amazon storefront, or find me on Pinterest and Instagram.
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