Target often attracts shoppers with enticing promotions that include free gift cards when you purchase qualifying items. It’s a fantastic way to save money, but understanding how these deals are processed at checkout can sometimes be confusing. This article breaks down how Target gift cards are sold as part of these promotional offers, ensuring you know exactly what to expect when you see “free gift card” deals.
When you take advantage of a “free gift card” offer at Target, it’s not exactly free in the traditional sense. Instead, Target applies an instant discount to the qualifying item you’re purchasing. This discount is 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. Don’t worry, though! The sum of these two amounts will always equal the original price of the qualifying item, maintaining the advertised promotional value.
Let’s illustrate with an example: Imagine a promotion that says, “Buy a $30 product and get a free $10 Target GiftCard.” At checkout, you won’t be charged $30. Instead, the system will apply a $10 discount to the $30 item, reducing its price to $20. Then, you’ll see a separate charge of $10 for the Target Gift Card. Adding these two amounts ($20 + $10) gives you the original $30 price of the item. Essentially, you’re paying $30, but receiving a $30 item and a $10 gift card, effectively getting a $10 bonus.
For online purchases on Target.com or through the Target app, the process might appear slightly different initially. You might notice two separate authorizations and charges on your payment method. This is because Target’s system processes the sale of the gift card only when the qualifying item is either picked up (for Order Pickup or Drive Up) or when it ships. Despite these two transactions, the total amount charged will always match the original order total.
If you use Target’s Order Pickup or Drive Up services, keep in mind that your promotional gift cards, along with any other promotional items, will be processed and shipped separately. Expect them to arrive within 5-7 days after you complete your pickup transaction. For orders placed directly on Target.com or the Target app, the gift cards and promotional items will ship after your qualifying purchase has shipped. If your free Target GiftCard is an electronic version (email or mobile), you’ll typically receive it shortly after your pickup is completed or your item ships.
It’s important to remember that these gift card promotions cannot be applied to previous purchases. And if you need to return an item purchased as part of such a deal, Target has a specific policy regarding the return of free gifts or gift cards, which you can find more information about on their help pages. Understanding how Target Gift Cards Sold within these promotions work helps you confidently shop Target deals and maximize your savings.
