Target + Costco + Amazon = Major Summer Wins (Here’s How)
When summer rolls around, I feel like my wallet gets invited to a party it never agreed to attend. Between barbecues, road trips, and prepping the backyard for family hangouts, it all starts to add up fast. That’s when I lean hard into my secret weapons: Target Circle, Costco, and Amazon Prime.
These three saviors of savings have helped me stretch my dollar further while still making summer memories worth every penny. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain and spilling all my best strategies to help you save big this summer while still living it up.
Target Circle: Summer Savings Strategies
I’ll never forget the first time I realized the power of Target Circle. I was grabbing snacks for a summer picnic and casually scanned my app at checkout. Boom – instant discounts and unexpected rewards! Target Circle has leveled up even more for 2025, and here’s how you can take full advantage this summer.
1. How Target Circle Works in 2025
Target Circle's revamped program is better than ever, giving you percentage-based earnings on pretty much everything you buy. This summer, they’ve added bonuses like higher rewards for seasonal categories like outdoor gear and groceries. If you’re planning a backyard revamp or need bug spray for camping trips, you’ll want to keep an eye on these.
2. Maximize Those Summer Sales
This year, Target's summer promotions include everything from discounted pool floats to grilling gear. My best tip? Scan the app for weekly deals. I saved an extra 10% on patio lights by stacking a Target Circle offer with a summer promo. The key is to start your shopping with the app so you don’t miss a discount.
3. Combine Target Circle With the RedCard
If you’ve got a Target RedCard, you’re basically doubling up on savings. I use mine to snag an automatic 5% off every single purchase, and when that’s combined with Target Circle rewards, it’s like being paid to shop. Last month, I grabbed sunscreen and lawn chairs for a family barbecue and racked up enough rewards to score $10 off my next trip.
4. Watch for Extra Summer Bonuses
The biggest win comes when special summer categories offer enhanced rewards. This past July, Target Circle had bonus savings on everything beach-related. Whether you’re stocking up on towels, toys, or SPF, these perks add up faster than you’d think!
Costco Membership: Beyond Bulk Savings
Costco is my year-round holy grail of savings, but summer is when it really shines. As stated in Costco's official benefits page, Executive Members earn an annual 2% reward on qualified purchases, including big summer buys like patio furniture, grills, and even Costco Travel.
With rewards that can stack up to $1,250 annually, it’s the perfect season to rack up savings while gearing up for all your sunny adventures. Whether you’re planning summer travel, hosting backyard barbecues, or splashing around in poolside fun, Costco has your back.
1. Executive Membership Perks
If you’re an Executive Member like me, you already know the biggest perk is the 2% annual reward on qualified purchases. But here’s the kicker – summer items like patio furniture, grills, and pool gear are included! I grabbed a new cooler for our last road trip and found myself racking up rewards faster than expected. Plus, those rewards roll in just in time for holiday shopping.
2. Costco Travel for Vacation Deals
Here’s an insider secret that’s saved me hundreds over the years: Costco Travel. Planning a summer vacation? Between discounted rental cars, hotels, and vacation packages, the savings are mind-blowing. I booked a getaway to the mountains last year, and the package deal I found through Costco wiped out other travel sites by a mile.
3. Seasonal Steals in the Aisles
Every Costco member knows the joy of their seasonal inventory drop. From BBQ grills to lounge chairs, I’ve turned my backyard into a mini summer oasis without emptying my bank account. Pro tip? Shop early in the season. Those inflatable pools everyone wants disappear fast, trust me.
4. The Costco App for Bonus Savings
If you’re not using the Costco app, you’re leaving money on the table. One of my favorite features is it highlights limited-time offers that switch up weekly. I’ve snagged everything from popsicles to solar-powered lights just by checking what’s on special.
Amazon Prime: Maximizing Summer Benefits
Did you know Amazon has tips and tricks hiding in plain sight to help you save? Whether it’s Prime Day or everyday summer essentials, Amazon Prime’s rewards add up quickly when you know where to look.
1. Prime Day 2025 Strategies
Prime Day has become my own little summer holiday. First, I prep by creating wish lists for things I need leading up to July. Last year, I got a patio set at 40% off during Prime Day, but only because it was on my list ahead of time. This year, I’m eyeing outdoor speakers and already watching price trends.
2. Subscribe & Save for Summer Staples
If you’re not using Amazon’s Subscribe & Save feature, you’re missing out big time. I use this for repeat summer buys like sunscreen and mosquito repellent. The discounts get deeper with multiple subscriptions, and I set them to arrive right before peak vacation season.
3. Amazon Credit Card Rewards
Amazon Summer is the perfect excuse to pull out that Amazon Prime Rewards Visa card. It gives you 5% back on Amazon purchases, which stacks beautifully when shopping summer categories like backyard grills or beach gear. This year, I racked up enough rewards to splurge guilt-free on a tent for our annual camping trip.
4. Hidden Prime Benefits Perfect for Summer
Amazon Prime’s photo storage has been a lifesaver for documenting summer vacations. Between beach days and hikes, I never have to stress about where to save the thousands of pictures I snap. Also, if you host outdoor get-togethers, Amazon Fresh offers local deals on groceries you’ll need in a pinch!
Cross-Platform Strategies
Now here’s where it gets really fun – combining all three platforms to unlock mega-savings. I call it “smart shopping stack,” and it’s the ultimate summertime hack.
1. Price Comparison Like a Pro
Here’s my rule of thumb: I never buy big-ticket items without checking prices on all three platforms. For instance, when I bought a grill last July, Target had it for 20% off, but Costco’s bundle included a cover and grilling tools. Amazon’s price match policy helped me decide once I saw what perks lined up best.
2. Cashback Apps Are Key
Raise your hand if you’re using cashback apps like Rakuten or Ibotta. Now, use them along with Target Circle or your Costco membership, and you’ve just created a money-saving powerhouse. I once earned cashback for a cooler I bought at Target by simply starting my shopping session through the Rakuten app.
3. Timed Purchases for Sales
Here’s a little-known tip I swear by. Each platform has summer clearance blowout dates where inventory is slashed to make room for fall. Plan your big outdoor gear buys for late July or early August.
4. Stacking Coupons
Yes, you can stack manufacturer coupons with your loyalty rewards. Last summer, I used a $2 off bug spray coupon from my favorite brand, then combined it with double rewards on Target Circle. These small savings stack up surprisingly fast when you’re tackling warm-weather essentials.
Simple Cents!
- Always start your shopping with loyalty apps like Target Circle or Costco’s coupons for easy discounts.
- Prep for Prime Day by creating a clear wish list and monitoring price trends.
- Use cashback apps to turn every dollar spent into future savings.
- Stack manufacturer coupons with in-store rewards for double the impact.
- Stock up on seasonal items early in the season to avoid paying full price later.
Save Like a Pro, Enjoy Like a Champ!
Saving money can feel overwhelming, but thinking strategically can make it simple (and even fun). By taking advantage of loyalty programs, cashback apps, and seasonal promotions, you can stretch every dollar this summer while enjoying yourself guilt-free. You’ve got the know-how to make your budget work for you, so go ahead and make this your most budget-savvy summer yet!
