When it comes to saving money on major purchases, many budget-conscious shoppers rely on options like layaway, payment plans, and rain checks to help them get the items they need without breaking the bank. But what about Target? As one of the most popular retailers in the country, many customers wonder if Target offers any of these money-saving programs.
The short answer is that Target does not have a traditional layaway program where you can reserve items and pay for them over time before taking them home. However, that doesn‘t mean you‘re out of options if you need some extra time to pay. Target has partnered with several "buy now, pay later" services to give customers the ability to split up payments on larger purchases.
How Target‘s Payment Plans Work
While you can‘t put items on hold at Target and pay them off gradually before picking them up, you can take advantage of installment payment plans through Target‘s partnership with Affirm, Klarna, and Quadpay (also known as Afterpay).
Here‘s how it works:
-
When shopping online at Target.com, you‘ll see the option to pay with Affirm, Klarna or Quadpay at checkout if your purchase meets the minimum amount (usually $100).
-
If you choose one of these options, you‘ll be directed to the third-party site to quickly set up an account and apply.
-
Once approved, the installment provider will pay Target the full purchase amount upfront. You then pay them back in interest-free installments over the agreed-upon time period, usually 6-8 weeks.
-
You‘ll receive your Target merchandise right away, just as if you paid in full, while getting the flexibility to spread out payments.
-
The installment provider, not Target, will manage your payments and send you reminders when they‘re due.
The biggest advantages of these plans is that they‘re fee-free and don‘t require a credit check in most cases. You can also manage everything right from the partner‘s app. The main drawback is that you‘re on the hook for making your installment payments to a separate company, not Target.
What Items Are Eligible for Installment Payments?
Target‘s installment payment options can be used on the vast majority of items sold and shipped directly by Target. This includes everything from clothing and beauty products to furniture, appliances, home goods, toys, and electronics.
However, there are a few noteworthy exceptions:
- Items sold by Target Plus Partners (third-party sellers)
- Target gift cards
- Prescriptions and over-the-counter pharmacy items
- Certain regulatory restricted products like spray paint
- A small selection of high-end electronics and designer goods
When shopping on Target.com, you‘ll see the eligible payment options listed on the product page and again at checkout. If Affirm, Klarna, or Quadpay aren‘t listed, then that particular item can‘t be purchased with installments.
The Ins and Outs of Target‘s Rain Check Policy
We‘ve all been there — you see an amazing sale price advertised in Target‘s weekly ad, but when you get to the store, that item is completely sold out. That‘s where rain checks come in handy.
Target offers rain checks for most items featured in its weekly print and digital sales ads. If an advertised item is out of stock at your local store, you can request a rain check slip from the Guest Services counter. This slip guarantees you the same sale price for that exact item once it‘s back in stock, typically for a period of 30-45 days (though this can vary by location).
Some important things to keep in mind with Target rain checks:
-
You must request the rain check in-person at Guest Services, not over the phone or online.
-
Rain checks are provided on a case-by-case basis at the store manager‘s discretion. Not all sale items are guaranteed to be rain check eligible.
-
Target does not offer substitutions or equivalent items. The rain check only applies to the specific out-of-stock item in the size and color advertised.
-
Rain checks never include a "buy one, get one" (BOGO) offer. You‘ll get the sale price but won‘t receive the freebie or extra item.
-
Target doesn‘t allow you to combine a rain check with other coupons or discounts on the same item. It‘s one or the other.
-
Clearance, closeout, and "as-is‘‘ items are not eligible for rain checks, nor are Target.com online exclusives.
-
Certain regulated items like alcohol and adult-only items may not qualify for rain checks per local laws.
If an item you‘ve received a rain check for becomes available again, Target will not contact you. It‘s up to the shopper to keep checking back in to redeem their rain check before it expires. If the item sells out again before you return, your rain check should still be honored for another 30 days in most cases.
Other Ways to Save Money at Target
Beyond installment payments and rain checks, there are plenty of other ways to stretch your dollar at Target. One of the best is to sign up for a Target RedCard, which is available as either a debit or credit card.
With the Target RedCard, you‘ll save 5% on almost all purchases both in-store and online, with the exception of prescriptions, Target gift cards, and certain restaurants and eye centers within Target stores. RedCard holders also get free 2-day shipping on most items, an extended 30-day return window, and exclusive bonus discounts throughout the year.
Another easy way to save is by using Target‘s free app, Target Circle. With Circle, you earn 1% back as a reward to redeem later on future Target runs. You‘ll also get access to hundreds of digital coupons, in-store service discounts, and a birthday surprise each year.
Finally, don‘t forget these tried-and-true Target money-saving tips:
- Check the weekly ad for the latest sales and promotions
- Look for additional Circle offers in the app before shopping
- Scan item barcodes in the app to see if there are any hidden Circle deals
- Stock up on household staples and pantry items when they go on sale
- Shop end-of-season clearance for savings up to 70% off
- Compare prices and potentially price match against competitors like Amazon, Walmart and Best Buy
- Opt for Target‘s budget-friendly in-house brands when available
- Stack coupons and RedCard discounts to maximize savings
The Bottom Line
While Target may not have a traditional layaway program, the store‘s partnership with installment payment providers and generous rain check policy still give shoppers plenty of flexibility to make major purchases more manageable. By taking advantage of these options, along with other savings strategies like the RedCard and Target Circle rewards, you can keep more money in your pocket without sacrificing on the Target experience you love.
