How to Cancel Target Circle Earnings: A Detailed Guide

Last Updated: 14 March 2025

Target Circle is Target’s loyalty program, designed to reward shoppers with earnings—typically 1% back on purchases—that can be redeemed on future buys. Unlike traditional subscriptions with monthly fees, Target Circle itself is free, but its “Earnings” feature ties into your shopping habits, and some users may want to stop accumulating or using these rewards for various reasons. Canceling Target Circle Earnings isn’t about ending a paid plan but rather opting out of the program or disabling its tracking. This 1,000-word guide will walk you through how to effectively “cancel” or manage your Target Circle Earnings, ensuring you’re in control of your rewards.

What is Target Circle Earnings?

Target Circle is a free loyalty program that automatically applies 1% earnings on eligible purchases (in-store or online) when you use a linked account, phone number, or scan the app’s barcode at checkout. Earnings accrue in your account and can be redeemed as discounts on future orders—think of it as digital cashback. There’s no subscription fee, but some premium perks (like Target Circle 360, a paid delivery service) might confuse users. This guide focuses on “canceling” the basic Earnings feature by opting out of the program or stopping its use, as that’s the closest match to your request.

Why Cancel Target Circle Earnings?

Since it’s not a paid service, “canceling” Target Circle Earnings usually means you want to stop earning or using rewards. Reasons might include:

Privacy Concerns: You might not want Target tracking your purchases.
Simpler Shopping: Avoiding rewards can streamline checkout.
Unused Earnings: If you never redeem them, they might feel pointless.
Account Cleanup: You could be closing or resetting your Target account.
Confusion: Some mix it with Target Circle 360 and want out entirely.

While you can’t “cancel” earnings without leaving the program, you can opt out or manage how they’re applied. Here’s how.

How to Cancel or Opt Out of Target Circle Earnings Online or via App

Since Target Circle Earnings are tied to your account, “canceling” means either stopping participation or deleting your account. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Log In to Your Target Account

Open the Target app on your phone or visit Target.com on your browser. Tap “Sign In” (in the app menu or top right on the website) and enter your email/phone number and password. If you’ve forgotten your login, use “Forgot Password” to reset it. You need account access to manage Target Circle, so this is essential.

Step 2: Access Target Circle Settings

In the app, tap the profile/account icon (bottom right), then select “Target Circle” or “Rewards.” On the website, click your name (top right), choose “My Target,” then find “Target Circle” under your account options. This page shows your earnings balance, past rewards, and program status.

Step 3: Explore Opt-Out Options

Target Circle doesn’t have a direct “Cancel Earnings” button since it’s a free perk, but you can stop participating:

Stop Using It: Don’t scan the app barcode or link your phone number at checkout—earnings won’t accrue without identification.
Manage Preferences: Look for “Settings” or “Preferences” in the Target Circle section. You might find options to toggle off rewards tracking or notifications, though this varies by update.

If you want to fully “cancel” earnings, you’ll need to exit the program by deleting your account (Step 4).

Step 4: Delete Your Target Account to End Earnings

To completely stop Target Circle Earnings, delete your Target.com account:

In the app: Go to “Account,” then “Settings,” and select “Delete Account” (might be under “Privacy” or “Manage Account”).
On the website: Click your name, go to “Account,” scroll to “Delete My Account,” and follow prompts.
You’ll be asked to confirm via email or a code. Note: This erases all account data, including earnings, order history, and saved payment methods.

Step 5: Verify Cancellation

After deleting, try logging in—if you can’t, your account (and earnings) are gone. Target may email you to confirm (check your inbox or spam). If you just stopped linking your account (not deleting), test it by shopping without scanning; no earnings should appear in the app.

Alternative: Contact Support to Opt Out

If you don’t want to delete your account but still want to “cancel” earnings:

Phone: Call 1-800-440-0680 (Monday–Friday, 7 AM–10 PM CST; weekends 9 AM–6 PM). Ask to opt out of Target Circle or disable earnings tracking. They might unlink your phone/email from the program.
Chat: In the app or on Target.com, go to “Help” (under account), select “Contact Us,” and use live chat to request opting out.
Email: Submit a request via target.com/help, explaining you want to stop Target Circle Earnings.

Support can’t “cancel” earnings without removing you from the program, but they can adjust how it’s linked to your account.

Timing and Earnings: What to Know

Existing Earnings: If you delete your account, unused earnings vanish—no cash value, no refunds.
Ongoing Use: Earnings only accrue when you identify yourself at checkout (via app, phone, or email). Stop doing this, and they stop piling up.
Trials: If you meant Target Circle 360 (a paid service), cancel that separately under “Memberships” before its trial ends.

Post-Cancellation: What Happens?

If you delete your account:

Earnings and Target Circle access end immediately.
You can still shop at Target, but without rewards or account perks. If you just stop linking:
Earnings pause, but past rewards remain until they expire (usually 1 year). Reactivating is easy—create a new account or relink your info if you change your mind.

Troubleshooting Issues

No Opt-Out Option?: Earnings are automatic with Target Circle; deletion is the only full stop.
Login Trouble?: Verify you’re using the right account if you’ve got multiple.
App Glitches?: Update the app or try the website if it’s buggy.

Before You Cancel: Key Tips

Redeem Earnings: Use any balance first—check “Target Circle” for your total.
Consider Pausing: Just don’t scan at checkout if you’re unsure about fully quitting.
Check Linked Plans: If you have Target Circle 360, cancel that separately.

Why Cancel Properly?

Stopping earnings the right way—whether by unlinking or deleting—prevents unwanted tracking and keeps your shopping simple. Target Circle’s free nature means there’s no financial loss, but you gain control over your data.

Extra Target Circle Insights

Value Check: If you shop often, 1% back adds up—rethink before opting out.
Privacy Tip: Use a burner email for a new account if you return.
No Fees: Unlike paid plans, there’s no cost to ditch this.

Final Thoughts

“Canceling” Target Circle Earnings means opting out of the program or deleting your account: log in, adjust settings, or wipe it all clean. Whether you’re dodging rewards or simplifying life, this guide ensures you’re covered. Need help? Target’s support is a call away. Enjoy shopping on your terms!