Discover the Target RedCard benefits – and whether or not it’s worth having!
A few years ago, I signed up for the Target REDcard.
Each time I check out in the store, I use it. It gets me 5% off everything I purchase. Why wouldn’t I?
When the cashier explained that having a REDcard would automatically earn me 5% off of EVERY purchase I make at Target, I was hooked! Ever since Target significantly lowered their grocery prices a few years ago, I started doing a lot more of our everyday shopping there. I’d say I easily spend $2,000 of our yearly food budget at this store. 5% on $2,000 is nothing to sneeze at!
I didn’t even need to know about the other perks because I’m horrible about redeeming perks or taking advantage of special discounts that require you to shop online.
I am just an expert at shopping at Target! LOL
Pros and Cons of Having a Target REDCard
Reasons to Use a Target Red Card
- Automatic 5% discount. The discount can be stacked with current sales promotions, Target store coupons, ibotta rebates, AND manufacturer coupons for maximum savings.
- Free Shipping at Target.com without having to meet the $50 minimum purchase amount (pretty sure about that one)
- Target will donate an amount equal to 1% of your REDcard purchases to a local school of your choice
- Debit card option removes credit card hesitations
- Like to pay with cash? You can’t get the Red Card discount that way. I ask each time hoping the answer will be different, but it’s always a big NO.
- You are not good with credit cards (you tend to spend more than you make and/or take forever to pay off your balances)
- Another debit or credit card to keep track of. There’s something to be said for simplicity in finances.
Are Target REDcards Worth It to You?
After going through this exercise, I’ve decided to continue using my debit REDcard. Emphasis on the DEBIT.
If you would like to sign up for one as well, you can SIGN UP HERE or click on the image below…make sure to choose the DEBIT option!
I personally shy away from credit cards because I feel like they encourage me to overspend. So the benefit of getting 5% off doesn’t outweigh this negative for me.
My REDcard is tied to my checking account, and I wouldn’t overspend using that card any more than I would overspend with a regular debit card in hand. It just doesn’t make any sense to do so.
The no cash thing kinda bothers me when I’m being good about cash envelope budgeting, but not enough to make me forfeit an extra 5% off. 🙂
What do you think? Do you like the Target REDcard? If you have one, do you use the debit card or credit card option?
Whether or not you turn this portion of your personal finances over to Target is a personal decision…I’d love to hear your opinion on this!
Mary says
Lena, Check into YNAB(You Need a Budget). This program is like electronic envelopes. All the money stays in your account but you are able to keep track of what you spend in each category. When hubby and I got this back in March, it was a huge turning point in out lives and marriage. It is so easy I spend about fifteen minutes separating money and paying bills each week.