Money-Saving Tip: Target Debit Card

photo credit: The Frugal Find

Did you know that in addition to a credit card, Target also offers a debit card? I'm not sure how new this is, but I researched it, and got one. It's really awesome and an easy way to save money at one of my favorite places to shop for clothes on clearance, new snacks I want to try, home decor, and more! Who doesn't like something at Target?! Here's the deal for the debit card:

• It connects directly to your checking account. Bring in a blank check to set up the card.
• Get 5% savings on every total purchase! Whatever is ringed up is included, even sale and clearance items, which means saving MORE money! Don't forget to use the Target Cartwheel app at checkout to save EVEN more!
• You can get out cash from your checking account when you check out, up to a certain amount, which saves you an extra trip to the bank.
• 1% of the 5% saved can be designated toward a school. Go to your account online to choose a school, otherwise I don't think it will go to any school.
• Get free shipping on anything on Target's website when you pay with the Target debit card.
• Get an extra 30 days to return items.
• When you pay with your debit card, your purchase can be looked up in the system for returning something if you forget or lose your receipt. Isn't it the case that you can never find the receipt you need when you want to return something?! Even if you're a receipt collector!!

That's it! Simple! No fees or catches!

Some of you may be aware of the scam on Target customers last fall/winter. I visited Target and paid with the Target debit card during that time while my husband paid with our credit card because he neglected to set up the debit card when he got it. I got a letter and email from Target about the problem with instructions for taking care of any charges I didn't make. However, our credit card company sent us brand new cards with a whole new number on it and no explanation as to why they did this. I had to call them to find out why we got new cards! Having just changed all of our online and auto payment information a few months ago after moving, we had to do it all over again because we got cards with completely new numbers. My point is, it was easier to deal with the Target scam since I had the Target debit card.

Interested in getting your own Target debit card? Already have one?