Target's gift card sale returns this weekend with 10% off discount. Here's how to save.

Kelly Tyko, USA TODAY
·3 min read

The once-a-year chance to save on Target gift cards returns this weekend.

For two days, get 10% off Target store gift card purchases up to $500 for a maximum savings of $50. The annual gift card sale starts Saturday and continues through Sunday.

But to get the gift card discount, available in-store and online, you have to be a member of Target Circle, Target’s loyalty program. (Here's a guide on how to save with the free program.)

The discount can be used for one in-store or online transaction per Target Circle account, according to the offer details. Gift cards purchased online can be shipped as physical cards or sent via email or text.

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Target warns that increased "shipping volume may cause delays for physical gift cards" and said for faster delivery, email and text gift cards are available.

The mobile options are usually received in four hours, Target explains on individual gift card pages, but can also be scheduled for delivery "any date in the next 3 months."

♦Shopping tip: The gift cards don't have to be used as gifts. You can use them yourself and add the cards to the Target app to redeem at checkout in stores or online. The gift cards can also be used with Target Circle to earn 1% on nearly every purchase.

Gift cards continue to be popular holiday gifts

Year after year, gift cards have been one of the most popular and requested holiday gifts.

According to the National Retail Federation's annual holiday survey, 46% of shoppers plan to buy gift cards, which is expected to total $28.1 billion in spending, the highest since $29.9 billion in 2018.

Shoppers plan to buy an average of three or four cards this year with an average $48.92 per card, the survey found, including restaurant cards (32%), department store cards (26%), bank-issued gift cards (26%) and coffee shop cards (20%).

♦Shopping tip: Target's RedCard credit and debit card offers a 5% discount on purchases every day, including on gift cards for Starbucks, Chipotle, Disney, Apple and more. Target store gift cards are excluded from the cardholder perk.

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Target gift card discount

Here are some of the exclusions of the discount listed on the Target Circle offer, which can be saved to accounts early:

  • Limit one offer per guest to purchase Target GiftCards online or in stores.

  • The transaction can include multiple Target GiftCard items up to $500 ($50 maximum discount).

  • Offer excludes Visa Gift Cards, Mastercard Gift Cards, American Express Gift Cards and gift cards issued by other retailers such as dining, lifestyle and entertaining gift cards.

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Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko. For shopping news, tips and deals, join us on our Shopping Ninjas Facebook group.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Target gift card sale 2021: Save on gift cards Dec. 4-5 with Circle