Understanding the employee discount structure is a frequent point of inquiry for individuals exploring career opportunities or current Target team members. Target extends a savings program to its workforce as part of its compensation and benefits package. This benefit offers tangible savings on the wide array of products available in Target stores and online. This article details the mechanics of the Target employee discount, covering the standard rate, additional savings opportunities, and eligibility requirements.
The Standard Employee Discount Percentage
The base discount offered to Target team members across all employment statuses is 10% off eligible merchandise. This percentage applies broadly to the vast majority of products sold, providing a uniform savings rate for employees. The standard discount is applied regardless of whether the purchase is made in a physical store location or through the company’s e-commerce platform.
The 10% reduction is automatically applied to both Target-owned brands and national brand merchandise. This includes private label items such as Up & Up, Archer Farms, or Good & Gather. The discount is calculated based on the item’s current selling price before any taxes or other coupons are factored into the final transaction.
Using the Discount: Rules and Exclusions
While the 10% discount applies widely, there are specific limitations on the types of purchases that qualify. Major exclusions involve the purchase of gift cards, including Target gift cards and those for third-party retailers. This limitation prevents the misuse of the benefit for cash equivalents.
Products from specific premium electronics brands, such as Apple products, are generally excluded due to vendor agreements. Prescription medications and items processed through the in-store pharmacy are also not eligible for the standard discount. The benefit is designated for the employee and their immediate household members only, and misuse can lead to disciplinary action.
Additional Employee Perks and Savings Opportunities
Target provides methods for team members to increase their savings beyond the standard 10% rate. The primary way to achieve deeper discounts is by combining the employee benefit with the savings offered through the Target RedCard. When an employee uses their RedCard, they receive an additional 5% off their purchase, allowing the total discount on eligible items to reach 15%.
Employees also have access to an increased 20% discount on select healthy living categories. This higher rate specifically applies to fresh and frozen produce. Additionally, the company occasionally offers temporary, increased discount periods, often coinciding with major holiday shopping seasons, which temporarily raise the base employee discount above 10%.
Who is Eligible for the Target Employee Discount?
Eligibility for the employee discount extends across the entire spectrum of Target’s workforce, encompassing full-time, part-time, and seasonal team members. The benefit is granted to individuals hired for temporary holiday or specific project coverage, not just those in permanent roles. New hires typically receive their personalized discount information after a short processing period following their start date.
The use of the discount is limited to the individual employee and their immediate dependents or household members. The benefit is tied directly to the employee’s account and is intended for personal use only. While spouses or partners living in the same residence can utilize the card, the primary account holder remains responsible for its proper use.
How Employees Apply Their Discount
Utilizing the employee discount during an in-store transaction relies on a unique employee identifier. Team members are issued a physical discount card that must be scanned at the point of sale before the transaction is finalized. Alternatively, the employee can link their unique identification number to the Target mobile application. Presenting the digital barcode generated within the app serves the same function as scanning the physical card.
For purchases made through the Target website or app, employees must first link their employee ID to their personal Target.com account profile. This linking process ensures the system recognizes the user as an eligible team member before checkout. Once connected, the 10% discount is automatically calculated and displayed in the cart summary for all qualifying items. The discount is applied before any RedCard savings are factored into the total.

