Target is rolling out a new rewards program—here’s everything we know about it

As if we need another reason to feed our Target addiction. The home of the red bullseye will launch its new Target Circle rewards program nationwide on Oct. 6. And it includes some new perks for users with no membership fee.

For those who haven’t wanted to add another credit card to their wallet but love earning rewards, the new program will allow for that. Target Circle members will get 1% back on all of their purchases (as compared to 5% with the RedCard credit or debit card, which cardholders will still earn.)

Other Target Circle bonuses: early access to sales, personalized sales offers based on your purchases and 5% off a shopping trip on your birthday. You’ll be able to direct votes to various U.S. charities, to determine where Target gives back locally.

Target’s making it easy to join, too. Simply create a target.com account, share your phone number with the cashier at checkout or get approved for a RedCard.

If you already have a Target.com account or RedCard or use the Cartwheel app, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Target Circle. Speaking of Cartwheel, the in-store offers app is being folded into the new rewards branding as “Target Circle offers.”

Six test markets have already been using the Target Circle program with good results, and Target shopper feedback went into the new rewards system’s development.

“Our guests are at the center of everything we do, and we’re always looking for new ways to create even easier, more rewarding shopping experiences that give them another reason to choose Target more often,” said Rick Gomez,  Target’s executive vice president and chief marketing and digital officer, in a press release. “We worked directly with guests to develop Target Circle, and the program includes the benefits and perks that they told us were most important to them, from earning on every Target trip to having the opportunity to help Target make a positive impact within their local communities.”

One wonders if the “Target effect” may kick into higher gear now that we know we can earn rewards, even if it’s just 1%, towards our future purchases.