Target gift cards are a popular choice for gifts, and understanding how they work, especially within promotions, is essential. Often, Target runs promotions where you receive a free gift card when you purchase a qualifying item. It’s important to understand how these promotions are processed at checkout, both online and in-store, and whether these gift cards have an expiration date.
When you take advantage of a “free gift card” offer at Target, the transaction might look a little different than expected. Instead of simply adding a free gift card to your purchase, Target applies a discount to the qualifying item equal to the value of the gift card. Then, you are charged separately for the value of the gift card itself. The sum of these two charges will always equal the original price of the qualifying item.
For example, if you buy a $30 item and get a “free $10 Target GiftCard,” you’ll see a charge of $20 for the item and another charge of $10 for the gift card. The total is still $30, which is the expected price of the qualifying item. This method ensures that the promotional terms are correctly applied.
If you are shopping online at Target.com, you might notice two separate authorizations or charges on your payment method. This is because Target’s system processes the gift card part of the transaction when the qualifying item is picked up or shipped. Don’t worry; these two transactions combined will always match your original order total.
For those using Order Pickup or Drive Up services, patience is key. Promotional gift cards are typically shipped 5-7 days after you complete your pickup. If you placed a regular order on Target.com or through the Target app, the gift card will ship after your qualifying purchase ships. If your free gift card is an email or mobile version, you’ll usually receive it shortly after your pickup is done or the item ships.
Now, addressing the crucial question: Do Target Gift Cards Expire? The good news is that Target GiftCards generally do not have expiration dates. This means you can hold onto them until you are ready to use them, without worrying about losing their value over time. This policy makes Target GiftCards a reliable and flexible gifting option. While physical gift cards and eGiftCards typically don’t expire, it’s always wise to double-check the terms and conditions printed on the card or detailed in the email, just in case there are specific promotional gift cards with different terms.
It’s also good to know Target’s policy on returns when a free gift card is involved. Generally, if you return the qualifying item, you may also need to return the gift card or have its value deducted from your refund. You can find detailed information on Target’s website about returning items purchased as part of a gift card promotion.
In conclusion, Target gift card promotions are a great way to save money. Understanding the billing process and knowing that Target GiftCards usually do not expire provides clarity and confidence when taking advantage of these deals. Enjoy your Target shopping and your gift cards!
