14 Secrets for Shopping at Target

Target customers are known for their loyalty, and for good reason. Once they get a feel for the store and its website, Target shoppers realize that there are at least a dozen ways to save real money that newbies might not know about. Target likes to give back to its customers; you just have to know the inside tricks.

Like many retailers, Target has its own credit card, but the REDcard is something else. It links to your existing debit card, so you don't have to apply for a credit card, open a new account, or have a lender check your credit. By connecting REDcard to your debit card, you save 5 percent every time you shop.

All you need to do is download the Target app, join Circle, and you'll earn 1 percent back every time you visit a store. You'll also get occasional discounts on products that you purchase frequently, plus a birthday surprise and a chance to help local nonprofits benefit from Target corporate donations.

Target's Cartwheel used to be a standalone app, but it's since been folded into the main app — which is worth downloading if you shop at Target regularly. Stay up to date with weekly sale announcements, then use the app at the store to scan products for surprise savings of 5 to 50 percent. Link it to a Target REDcard account for tap-and-go payments at checkout and other special offers.

If you buy something at Target and then see it on sale somewhere for a lower price in the next two weeks, Target will reimburse you for the difference upon request through its price-matching program. This is true whether you see the cheaper item in a competitor's local print ad, on the website of a select competitor, or on Target.com.

Target shoppers would be wise to train their eyes to look for red stickers — those are reserved for clearance items, according to the shopping blog All Things Target. When you see one, check the upper-right-hand corner — that's where the tag shows the percent savings.

Bullseye's Playground is Target's name for the highly visible discount bins at the front of Target stores. They're filled with stuff mostly priced between $1 and $5, and they're a browser's delight. Check there for the cheapest seasonal items, like back-to-school supplies and holiday goods. Don't live near a store? Bullseye's Playground is online, too.

If your family burns through essentials such as facial tissue or Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, then Target Restock is worth checking out. Just link your debit card or REDcard to your account to get free next-day delivery on hundreds of staples that you buy on a regular basis. Plus, Target offers regular discounts, such as a $5 gift card when you spend $25 or more on laundry products.

If you don't need those staples this very minute, Target will still encourage you to subscribe for delivery of everyday items. With a little planning on your part, you can schedule regular shipments of everything from pantry staples to diapers and cosmetics. Link your debit or REDcard for a 5 percent discount on every purchase, plus an additional 5 percent off and free shipping.

Like so many corporations today, Target is eager to show off its "green" bona fides. Aside from touting the use of sustainable cotton in its clothing and reduced packaging on its boxed products, Target gives shoppers 5 cents for each reusable bag they bring instead of using a new store bag.

If you do your shopping online, there are two ways you can get free shipping from Target. First, simply spend $35 — that's enough to qualify for free shipping on most orders. The other way is to pay for any order, no matter how much you spend, with a Target REDcard or another Target credit card.

If a sale item you want is out of stock, Target will give you a rain check, which is good for 30 to 45 days, depending on your state. There are some exclusions, but rain checks are good at any store, and Target offers substitutes whenever possible if the original item never comes back in stock.

Target is among the stores that accept online coupons, from manufacturers and other valid sites, that customers print at home. The coupons must have a barcode that can be scanned. Target will not accept coupons that have been photocopied or otherwise reproduced (which means you can't print out a dozen copies of that Sunday circular). The retailer also doesn't accept coupons for free items that don't require a purchase.

According to All Things Target, different days bring different discounts at Target. Shop for electronics and accessories on Monday; women's clothing and pet food on Tuesday; men's clothing and health and beauty items on Wednesday; housewares and sporting goods on Thursday; and auto supplies, cosmetics, jewelry, and hardware on Friday.

You can use coupons on your phone to get discounts when you shop at Target, provided the coupon can be scanned by a cashier at checkout. Mobile coupons are good only in stores, but if they come with a promo code, you can use them at Target.com.