How to Cancel Target Circle Earnings in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

Target Circle is a free loyalty program that lets shoppers earn 1% back on purchases, unlock deals, and redeem rewards at Target stores or online. Unlike a paid subscription, there’s no fee to “cancel” it—but if you’re searching for how to cancel Target Circle earnings, you might want to stop accumulating rewards, redeem them fully, or ditch the program altogether. As of March 11, 2025, Target keeps it simple, though the process depends on your goals. This guide will walk you through opting out, managing earnings, and avoiding unwanted rewards. Let’s dive in!

What Are Target Circle Earnings?

First, let’s clarify: Target Circle earnings aren’t a subscription—they’re rewards (1% of eligible purchases) credited to your account as digital cash. You can redeem them on future Target purchases, but they expire after one year if unused. “Canceling” could mean:

• Stopping earnings by leaving the program.
• Redeeming all earnings to zero out your balance.
• Disconnecting your account to avoid tracking.

We’ll cover all angles to match your intent.

Why Cancel Target Circle Earnings?

Why opt out? Maybe you don’t shop at Target often enough to use rewards, or you’re tired of managing expiration dates. Perhaps you’re simplifying your digital life or prefer cash over store credit. Whatever your reason, Target lets you control your participation—no fees, no fuss.

Step 1: Check Your Earnings Balance

Before making moves, see what you’re working with:

1. Log In: Visit target.com/circle or open the Target app and sign in.
2. View Earnings: Go to “Target Circle” > “Earnings” (on the app, tap the Circle tab).
3. Note Details: Check your current balance and expiration dates (e.g., “$5.23 expires March 31, 2025”).

If you have earnings, decide whether to redeem them first—otherwise, they’ll vanish if you fully exit.

Step 2: Redeem Earnings to Zero Out (Optional)

Want to “cancel” by clearing your balance?

1. Shop Online: Add items to your cart at target.com.
2. Apply Earnings: At checkout, under “Payment,” select “Target Circle Earnings” and apply your full balance.
3. In-Store: At the register, scan your Target app’s barcode or give your linked phone number—tell the cashier to use all earnings.

Example: If you have $3.50, buy something small (like a $4 item) and cover the rest with cash or card. Your earnings reset to $0.

Step 3: Stop Earning Rewards Without Deleting

If you want to keep your Target account but stop earning Circle rewards:

• Unlink Your Phone Number: In the app, go to “Account” > “Manage Phone Number” > “Remove.” This prevents earnings from in-store purchases tied to your number.
• Don’t Sign In Online: Shop as a guest at target.com—no login, no earnings.
• Skip Deals: Avoid scanning the Circle barcode or applying offers, which trigger rewards.

This isn’t a full “cancel,” but it halts new earnings while keeping your account active.

Step 4: Opt Out by Deleting Your Target Account

To fully “cancel” Target Circle earnings and stop participation:

1. Log In: Go to target.com or the app.
2. Account Settings: Click your profile > “Account” > “Delete Account” (on the app, it’s under “Settings”).
3. Confirm Deletion: Follow prompts—Target will ask why (e.g., “Not using it”). Submit the request.
4. Wait: Account deletion takes up to 30 days; you’ll get an email when it’s done.

Note: Deleting your account erases all earnings, order history, and saved payment methods. It’s permanent—only do this if you’re sure.

Step 5: Verify You’re Out

After redeeming or deleting:

• Check Earnings: Log in (if you kept the account) to confirm your balance is $0 or the program’s inactive.
• Test a Purchase: Buy something small without signing in—ensure no rewards accrue.
• Email Confirmation: For account deletion, watch for Target’s goodbye email.

If earnings still appear, contact support (see below).

What Happens After You “Cancel”?

• Redeemed Earnings: Your balance hits zero, and you stop tracking rewards.
• Account Deletion: No more Circle earnings, deals, or account access—back to guest shopping.
• Unused Earnings: If you delete without redeeming, rewards expire instantly—no refunds.

Tips to Cancel Target Circle Earnings Easily

1. Redeem First: Use earnings on essentials (e.g., toothpaste, snacks) before opting out.
2. Time Expirations: Check dates—redeem before rewards vanish naturally.
3. Guest Mode: Shop without logging in to avoid future earnings hassle-free.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Forgetting Earnings: Deleting your account without redeeming wastes rewards—check your balance first.
• Linked Cards: If your credit card’s tied to Circle (rare), unlink it under “Payment Methods.”
• App Glitches: Update the Target app—older versions might hide options.

Alternatives to Target Circle

After opting out:

• Walmart Rewards: Earn cash back at Walmart (no membership needed).
• Rakuten: Get cash back at Target and other stores via a browser extension.
• Cash: Skip rewards programs entirely—pay and go!

FAQs: How to Cancel Target Circle Earnings

• Can I cancel Target Circle without deleting my account? Not fully, but you can stop earning by not signing in or linking your number.
• What happens to my earnings if I delete my account? They’re gone—no cash value, no transfer.
• Is Target Circle a paid subscription? No, it’s free—canceling just means opting out of rewards.

Final Thoughts

“Canceling” Target Circle earnings isn’t a one-click process since it’s not a subscription, but you’ve got options: redeem and stop, unlink and avoid, or delete and ditch. As of March 11, 2025, Target’s system is flexible—choose what fits your needs. Done with rewards? Enjoy shopping your way. Questions? Drop them below—I’ll help you sort it out!