Quick summary: Target Circle is free and you should definitely get it. Walmart+ is $98 per year but with gas discounts and grocery delivery it can pay for itself in 6 months. Using both together is the smartest strategy.
Target Circle: Free, Why Wouldn't You Get It?
Target Circle is a free loyalty program. When you sign up, you earn points from your purchases, get access to individual product discounts, and there is a birthday benefit. No annual fee at all.
- 1% of purchases accumulates as points
- On weekends, 5-20% special offers come up (check through the app)
- With Target RedCard, 5% extra discount (debit or credit card)
- 5% extra in your birthday month
Target Circle 360 ($99/year)
The paid membership. A direct competitor to Walmart+. Same-day delivery, Shipt integration, and Starbucks discount included. If you do grocery shopping at Target and use delivery, it has value.
Walmart+: Does It Pay for Itself in 6 Months?
Walmart+ is $98 per year (or $12.95 monthly). The benefits to calculate:
| Benefit | Annual Savings (average) |
|---|---|
| Gas discount (~10 cents per gallon) | $50-120 (assuming 1 fill-up per week) |
| Grocery delivery fee ($35+ orders) | $60-100 (1 delivery per week) |
| Walmart+ member deals | $20-50 |
| Total | $130-270 |
If you order from Walmart once a week and fill up gas once a week, Walmart+ pays for itself in about 4-5 months.
Who it is not worth it for: If you do not have a car, the gas discount is zero. If you shop little at Walmart, it is hard to cover the membership fee. For people living in the city who use Instacart or Amazon Fresh, Walmart+ does not offer a special advantage.
Target RedCard: Consider This Separately
Target's own debit and credit card, the RedCard, gives you 5% discount on all your Target purchases. No annual fee. If you visit Target 2+ times a month, definitely apply.
- Debit RedCard: Connects directly to your bank account. Does not require credit history.
- Credit RedCard: 5% discount + if added to Target Circle 360, you get the highest savings.
Which Combination Makes the Most Sense?
| Shopping Profile | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Grocery at Walmart + I have a car | Walmart+ ($98/year) + Target Circle (free) |
| I shop a lot at Target | Target RedCard + consider Circle 360 |
| Already have Amazon Prime | Walmart+ for grocery, get Target Circle free |
| Budget is tight | Only Target Circle (free) |
Practical tip: Walmart+ usually has a 30-day free trial. Use gas and grocery delivery heavily during that period, then do the math. If the savings add up, continue. If not, cancel. Set a reminder before the auto-renewal, I would say.
Disclaimer: Prices and benefits mentioned in this article are valid as of early 2026. Program terms may change. Some Amazon links in this article are affiliate links. Your price doesn't change. I only recommend products I actually use or have personally tested.
