If you really enjoy perusing the aisles at Target, you’re not alone.
Target is among America’s favorite places to shop. The discount retailer ranks eighth among all U.S. retailers in sales, according to the National Retail Federation.
Shoppers turn to the famous Target bull’s-eye because they aim to save money on everyday purchases. But there are many hidden ways to chip away at Target’s already-low prices.
Following are seven overlooked ways to save at Target.
1. Buy discounted gift cards
Buying gift cards for less than their face value, which you can do at online marketplaces like Cardpool.com and Raise.com, can save you cash every time you use them on a Target purchase.
For example, Cardpool was recently selling Target gift cards for 7.5 percent off their face value.
In essence, if you buy one of those gift cards, it means you are getting an extra 7.5 percent off anything you buy at Target when you use the card. It’s a no-brainer.
To learn more about how discounted gift card sites work, check out “How Unwanted Gift Cards Save Me Hundreds of Dollars a Year.”
2. Sign up for a REDcard
The retail giant offers two REDcards — a debit card and a store credit card. They boast three major benefits:
- An extra 5 percent off purchases in Target stores and at Target.com.
- Free two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items purchased at Target.com.
- An extra 30 days to make returns.
Of course, it’s important to note that every time you open a new credit card account, you risk hurting your credit score slightly. And that is something you need to weigh before signing up for a REDcard, especially if you plan to take out a mortgage or other loan and need your credit score to be in tip-top shape.
But also remember that the drop in your credit score is only temporary, and it may be worth the small ding to your credit if you shop at Target often. We’re talking 5 percent off every purchase here, people.
3. Use a cash-back portal
If you plan to shop at Target online, make sure to stop at your favorite cash-back portal before making any purchases. For example, log on to Ebates.com first, and you’ll generally earn at least an additional 1 percent cash back on your Target purchases.
To learn more about how cash-back portals work, check out “3 Websites That Pay You for Shopping.”
4. Shop clearance first
If you are going to buy something, why not get it at its cheapest price? Hunting around the store for items marked at clearance rates is a fun challenge for some. For others, it’s a headache.
But don’t worry. You won’t have to sacrifice savings if you fall into the latter camp. Savvy buyers can find all of Target’s clearance items on its clearance webpage. You also will find other special offers on the top deals webpage.
5. Use the Target app
Downloading Target’s app can save you money every week. It allows you to see all of Target’s Cartwheel offers — in-store discounts that used to be available through a separate app.
Note that you can boost your savings by combining a Cartwheel offer with a manufacturer’s coupon or a Target coupon — or even all three — according to Target’s coupon policy.
6. Bring a reusable bag
Did you know that every time you shop at Target and carry items out in a reusable bag, you save 5 cents off your purchase? Even better, Target says it gives customers “a 5-cent discount for each reusable bag they use.”
Use 10 bags each week — a conservative estimate if you’re buying groceries and other items for a family of four — and you’ve saved 50 cents. Although that may not sound like much, it adds up to $26 over the course of a year. And you’re helping to protect the environment.
7. Sign up for a gift registry
If you have a big event coming up in your life, sign up for a Target gift registry, and you can earn additional savings on the items you need.
Sign up for a baby registry, and you’ll get a welcome kit with $100 worth of coupons and samples. You’ll also get a 15 percent discount on everything left on your registry after your baby arrives.
Those who use the wedding registry get 15 percent off the items remaining on the registry after the event date.
Finally, the college registry offers a 15 percent discount on remaining gifts.
Do you have other tips for saving at Target? Share them by commenting below or on our Facebook page.
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