21 Secrets to Saving Money at Target (2026)

Trying to make the most of secrets saving money target? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.

Key Takeaways

• I am a Huge Fan of Shopping at Target and there’s nothing I love more than Saving Money at Target!
• In fact, Target is one of my favorite stores because weather you use coupons or not there are some fantastic ways to save that don’t require...
• We post new Target Deals every week so make sure you check out our Target Deals Page for all the latest deals!

I am a Huge Fan of Shopping at Target and there’s nothing I love more than Saving Money at Target! In fact, Target is one of my favorite stores because weather you use coupons or not there are some fantastic ways to save that don’t require a lot of time investment. We post new Target Deals every week so make sure you check out our Target Deals Page for all the latest deals!

I’ve put together a HUGE list of some of my favorite ways to save money at Target! Hopefully a few of these are new to you and will help you save even more at one of my favorite stores!

21 Secrets to Saving Money at Target

1. Know the Weekly Markdown Schedule

This is sometimes in debate because it’s different depending on your store manager, but the general consensus is these categories are marked down on these days. So if you see an item you’re watching on clearance head to Target around noon on these days to see what new markdowns are in the department. Also, remember the schedule doesn’t apply to holiday items, those are typically marked down on a different schedule.

Monday: Electronics, accessories, kids’ clothing, books, baby, and stationery

Tuesday: Domestics, women’s clothing, pets, and food items

Wednesday: Men’s Clothing, Toys, Health and Beauty, and Garden

Thursday: Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Decor, and Luggage

Friday: Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry

Target Marks things down in order 15, 30, 50, 75, 90% - If you find something marked down 30% off try checking the next day it’s being marked down on the schedule above to get the best shot at the items freshly marked 50% off. Remember, not all items are marked down every week, but in general this is the best way to score the best deals!

Download the Free Printable Target Clearance Schedule Here

2. Search the End Caps

One of the best methods for shopping just about any store is to stick to the perimeter of the store, You’ll frequently find this is true of Target. You can frequently find Clearance Items piled on End Caps so make sure you scope out your stores frequent clearance locations and check them frequently for the best deals!One word of caution- Don’t be fooled by those big red signs, I frequently skip clearance at 15-30% off unless it’s something I really need because prices frequently drop lower or I can get better deals by using coupons & the Target Cartwheel App.

3. Sign Up for a Red Card

I’m not normally one to recommend Credit Cards but Target has a DEBIT Card option of their Red Card with all the same benefits that make it well worth signing up for so make sure you check it out. Here are some of the benefits of having a Red Card:

Save 5% off EVERYTHING, Every Day - No Seriously, No Coupons Needed, No limits on how much or how frequently you can save. I estimate I save around $5-$10 per week depending on how much I am buying that week, that really adds up fast!

Simple Returns - You get 90 days to return anything bought with your Red Card and you don’t even have to have a receipt they can scan your card and look up your recent purchases.

Free Shipping - Get FREE Shipping with No Minimum on Everything on Target.com!

You can sign up for a Target Debit Card Here to see if you qualify, you’ll start saving 5% on everything every time you use your card! It’s so simple and the savings really add up! I have an entire post on How to Save 5% at Target here.

4. Shop Weekly Deals Online

Target.com has had some amazing deals over the last year, Each week they offer a new weekly deal. If you have a Target Red Card you can also get FREE Shipping with No Minimum which makes grabbing these deals online so much easier! You can see all of the Weekly Deals Online Here.

5. Print Target Store Coupons

You can print Target Store Coupons directly from the Target Website. Typically new coupons are released on Sunday’s so you might check the website before you hit the stores.

6. Use Your Phone for Additional Coupons

Target sends out Mobile Coupons every other week, these coupons are typically valid for 2 weeks and you just click the link in the text message then show the barcode to your cashier to redeem the coupons at checkout.Text the word OFFERS to 827438 to start receiving coupons via text messages.

You will also see signs around the store with words you can text to 827438 for additional coupons. There are frequently Cartwheel Coupons and Mobile Coupons for things like Clothing and Household Items that rarely have manufacturer coupons so this is a excellent way to save on Clothing for the entire family!

7. Stack for Big Savings

Target allows what’s known as “Stacking” This is using a Target Store Coupon (Or mobile coupon) with a Manufacturer Coupon! If you have an item priced at $2 and you have a $1 Manufacturer Coupon + a $1 Target Coupon you’ll get your item for FREE! This is one of the best ways to save big at Target!

I have an entire video on the different types of Target Coupons & Where to find them here.

There are 5 Different ways to save a Target that you can combine for big savings , > Total Purchase Coupons + Target Coupons + Cartwheel + Manufacturer Coupons + Gift Cards! Get all the details here.

8. Use Coupons on Store Brand Items

Target is one of the few stores that issues coupons for their Store Brand. You can save Big on the Up & Up Brand Products by stacking Target Store Coupons with the Sale prices. I have personally had excellent luck with these products.

TIPS FROM THE PROSTarget just recently extended it’s return policy on store brand items, you can now return Store Brand Items for up to 1 year after the purchase. I know that’s a long time to keep up with receipts, but don’t forget if you use your Red Card they can look up your purchase and you don’t have to worry about finding your receipt.

9. Use the Cartwheel Collections

Download the Cartwheel App to save Big at Target! This app has hundreds of coupons including coupons for things like Milk, Eggs and Bread! You can stack Cartwheel coupons with manufacturer and store coupons for Huge Savings!

I have a Video Here on How to Save Money with the Target Cartwheel App and my FAVORITE Collections to check out each week.

TIPS FROM THE PROS Click on Collections and look at the “Hot Deals” Collection and “Weekly Ad” Collections to find the best cartwheel coupons available!

10. Scan your Items with Cartwheel

Did you know that when you download the Cartwheel App you can scan every item before you put it in the cart. When you scan an item using the Cartwheel App it will automatically tell you if there are any coupons available for that product, this is a excellent way to find hidden savings you might not know about.

11. Download the Target App

If you don’t want the extra cost of Mobile Coupons being sent by Text Message make sure you download the Target App and tap on “Mobile Coupons” To sign up to receive coupons directly in the app!

12. Shop the Holiday Clearance

Target has a HUGE Holiday Clearance after each of the major holidays, this is one of the best times to purchase ahead for next year.Here’s the Holiday Clearance Schedule followed by most stores:

1 Day after the Holiday: 50% off Goods, 30% off Candy & Food Items

3-4 Days after the Holiday: 75% Goods, 50% Candy & Food Items

1 Week after the Holiday: 90% off Goods, 75% off Candy & Food Items

13. Target Toy Sales Twice a Year

The Target Toy Clearance is one of the BEST times to stock up on Birthday Gifts and Christmas Gifts. Typically we see the Toy Sale in January (after Christmas) and July (Clearing the shelves before new toys arrive). When you start to see the sale hit 15-30% off start checking back every few days.

Typically the prices drop to 50% and then 75% off which is when you’ll find the best deals!The Last Week in July (Around the 25th - 30th) Typically on Wednesday or Thursday is the Best Time to Shop the Target Toy Clearance and stock up for Christmas!

14. Stock Up with Gift Card Deals

Target frequently offers FREE Gift Card Deals when you make select purchases. These are a excellent way to stock up + Don’t forget you can use your Store Coupons, Manufacturer Coupons and Cartwheel coupons on these items to lower your out of pocket! The more savings you stack the less you pay!

Check out these 6 Most Commonly Asked Questions & Answers to help you get started if you’ve never purchased these gift card deals before!

TIPS FROM THE PROSI always keep 1 or 2 Target $5 Gift Cards in my purse, I only spend these when I know I’ll be earning one on the same transaction that

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check secrets saving money target against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at passionforsavings.com.