Target often attracts shoppers with enticing promotions, especially deals that include a free Target GiftCard when you purchase qualifying items. However, the way Target processes these gift cards at checkout and online might seem a bit confusing at first glance. This article breaks down exactly how Target Gift Card Activation works when it’s part of a promotional offer, ensuring you understand your charges and when to expect your gift card.
When you take advantage of a “free gift card with purchase” deal at Target, the transaction is structured to reflect the promotion’s value clearly. Instead of simply adding a free gift card to your cart, Target applies a discount to the qualifying item. This discount is precisely equal to the value of the gift card you’re set to receive. Simultaneously, you’ll see a separate charge for the gift card itself, at its full value.
Let’s illustrate with an example: Imagine a promotion offering a “$10 Target GiftCard when you buy a $30 item.” At checkout, you won’t just pay $30 and get a free $10 gift card added on. Instead, the system will discount the $30 item down to $20. You will then see a separate charge of $10 for the Target GiftCard. Add these two charges together ($20 + $10), and you’ll see the total is still $30 – the original price of the qualifying item. This method ensures the promotion is accurately applied while clearly showing the value of both the item and the gift card.
For online purchases, including orders placed on Target.com or via the Target app, you might notice two separate authorizations or charges on your payment method. This is because Target’s system processes the gift card portion of the transaction only when the qualifying item is actually processed for pickup or shipping. Initially, you might see an authorization for the full order amount, and then another reflecting the split charges as described above once your order is being fulfilled. Rest assured, these two transactions combined will always equal the original total amount of your order.
The delivery timing of your Target GiftCard depends on how you choose to receive your order. If you opt for Order Pickup or Drive Up, the promotional gift cards are typically processed and shipped separately within 5-7 days after you complete the pickup transaction. For orders placed directly on Target.com or through the Target app that are shipped to your address, the gift card will not be shipped until after your qualifying purchase has shipped.
If your promotion involves receiving a digital Target GiftCard (sent via email or mobile), the delivery is even quicker. You can expect to receive your e-gift card shortly after you complete your Order Pickup or Drive Up, or once your qualifying item has shipped for online orders.
It’s important to remember that these gift card promotions generally cannot be applied to previous purchases. Always ensure the promotion is active at the time of your purchase to take advantage of the offer.
If you need to return the qualifying item, and you received a gift card as part of the promotion, Target has a clear policy on how returns are handled. You can find detailed information on returning items purchased with a gift card promotion on Target’s help pages. here for information about returning a free gift or gift card.
