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School is starting again for many students in the U.S. Whether you're heading back to the classroom yourself or you're helping your children prepare for the new school year, putting your shopping expenses on the right credit cards can help you earn extra rewards or cash back. This is money you need to spend, so you might as well get something for it.
Back-to-school shopping looks different for every family. Young kids might need colored pencils and shoes to replace the ones they've outgrown, and college students might need a laptop and furniture for their campus dorm rooms.
But no matter what's on your list, these credit cards can help you earn more rewards on many of your biggest back-to-school purchases.
Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card lets you choose two categories that earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in combined eligible purchases per quarter. Eligible 5% categories include clothing stores and department stores, making it a great option for many online back-to-school purchases (though purchases at superstores like Target and Walmart only earn 1% back).
- Earn a $200 bonus after spending $1,000 in eligible net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the two categories you choose, 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center, 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas or groceries), 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
- No annual fee
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in eligible net purchases each quarter on the two categories you choose
- 5% cash back on prepaid air, hotel and car reservations booked directly in the Rewards Travel Center
- 2% cash back on one everyday category (like gas or groceries)
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
Alternatively, consider these two cards:
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice (then 3%), automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and unlimited 1% on all other purchases. If you're a BofA Rewards™ program member, you can earn 10%–75% more cash back on every purchase
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, on eligible purchases for each category (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), and 1% cash back on other eligible purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
And if you're going to shop online, don't forget to click through a shopping portal, such as Rakuten, or one associated with your airline of choice. It's an easy way to earn extra cash back, points, or airline miles.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
Best Credit Card for Shopping at Target
The Target Circle™ Card has no annual fee and provides a 5% discount on eligible Target purchases when you pay with your card. The discount doesn't apply to prescriptions or gift cards but does apply to things like school supplies, clothing, and dorm room decor.
Best Credit Cards for Amazon Purchases
With the Prime Visa, you'll earn 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, plus 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
- Unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Unlimited 2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Unlimited 2% back at restaurants and at gas stations
- Unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
If you aren't an Amazon Prime member, consider these other cards instead:
- Amazon Visa: Earn 3% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market.
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Earn 3% cash back with U.S. online retailers (on up to $6,000 in annual purchases, then 1% back).
Best Credit Cards for Computer Purchases
The best card for buying a new computer depends on where you shop.
- If you're purchasing directly from Apple: The Apple Card earns 3% Daily Cash on eligible purchases made directly with Apple.
- If you're shopping online: Check out our recommendations for Amazon and online shopping above.
- If you're buying from another electronics retailer, such as Best Buy or Costco: Skip ahead to our “Best Credit Card for Books and Everything Else” section for our recommendations on the best cards for everyday purchases. (If you're shopping at Costco, remember that the warehouse only accepts Visa credit cards in-store.)
- If you're shopping at Dell: The The Business Platinum Card® from American Express could be worth considering. In addition to earning rewards on eligible purchases, it offers up to $1,150 in annual Dell statement credits, which can help offset the cost of a new computer or other technology for the upcoming school year. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
(Terms apply)
- As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Learn more.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 01/2026.
- See how you can unlock over $4,000 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
- Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
- Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $219 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
- Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Platinum Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
- Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
- Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
- Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That's up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
- 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on other eligible purchases
- Terms Apply.
- Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.
- Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.
- 2X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.
Best Credit Cards for School Supplies
For shopping at an office supply store like Staples or Office Max/Office Depot, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (Rates & Fees) is hard to beat. It earns 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year.
- Earn
$750$1,000 when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first four months after account opening - Earn 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 in combined spend
- Earn 2% cash back on dining and gas each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 spent in combined spend.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
- Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- As a Chase cardmember, you'll be automatically checked for a credit line increase at least every 6 months.
- Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership.
- No Annual Fee
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
- 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas each account anniversary year
- 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
And for those who don't qualify for a business credit card, consider these alternatives:
- Use your card with the best rate of return on “other spending.” You can find recommendations in the “everything else” section below.
- If you're buying school supplies at a grocery store, see the recommendations below.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Office Supplies
Best Credit Cards for Groceries
With the American Express® Gold Card, you'll earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X).. Since most supermarkets also stock school supplies this time of year, it's a great option for earning rewards while filling both your shopping cart and your pantry.
(Terms apply)
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount - all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You'll know upfront exactly how much you'll pay.
- $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide.§ *Eligible charges vary by property.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind - backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
- 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through amextravel.com
- 2X Membership Rewards® points on cruises booked and paid through amextravel.com
- 1X on other eligible purchases
Other cards to consider include:
- Citi Strata Premier® Card (Rates & Fees): Earn 3 Points per $1 spent on Supermarkets.
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1%).
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card: Earn 3% Cash Back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services.
- Instacart Mastercard®: Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases, and on Chase Travel purchases.
Related: Best Credit Cards for Groceries and Supermarkets
Best Credit Cards for Protecting Your Purchases
If you're buying expensive items like computers, tablets, or furniture for your new apartment, consider using a credit card that includes valuable purchase protections. These benefits can provide peace of mind if something goes wrong after you buy.
Two of the most valuable protections include:
- Purchase protection: This benefit covers damage or theft of items you recently purchased with a credit card offering this perk. Coverage is usually for 90 or 120 days, and each individual card will have limits to the coverage amount. These are the best credit cards for purchase protection.
- Extended warranty: This benefit adds an extra year onto a manufacturer's warranty, extending coverage on things like laptops, printers, phones, and other expensive items you care about protecting. These are the best credit cards for extended warranty benefits.
Best Credit Cards for Sign-Up Bonuses
When you're working on your back-to-school shopping, this could be an excellent time to earn a new credit card welcome bonus. Purchasing a new laptop or bedding for your dorm room could help you earn several hundred dollars of cash back or tens of thousands of points from a welcome bonus.
Here are the best credit card welcome bonuses available this month.
Best Credit Card for Books and Everything Else
Not every back-to-school purchase fits neatly into a bonus category. Whether you're shopping at Walmart, your campus bookstore, a local hardware store, or somewhere else entirely, you'll often come out ahead by using the credit card in your wallet that offers the highest return on everyday purchases.
Paying Tuition With a Credit Card
While it's not part of your back-to-school shopping, you might be wondering if using credit cards for tuition is possible. Many schools allow this, but you should consider a few things first. Will you pay off your bill entirely, or will you need time? The interest accruing on your credit card might negate any value from the rewards you earn along the way.
Additionally, consider whether your school (or your child's school) charges fees for credit card payments. If so, that might cost more than what the rewards are worth. Earning a large sign-up bonus from this semester's tuition payments (or several bonuses if you're making multiple payments!) might be the only time the fees are worth it. Ensure you do the math.
Bottom Line
No two students have the same back-to-school shopping lists, but every family can benefit from using the right credit cards for these purchases. Depending on what's in your wallet, you can earn extra points and miles to fund future travels or put extra cash back in your pocket.
Now could be a great time to earn a sign-up bonus on a new credit card, as well. Heading back to school can involve significant expenses; with a little planning, you can maximize rewards along the way.
Page Contents
- Best Credit Cards for Online Shopping
- Best Credit Card for Shopping at Target
- Best Credit Cards for Amazon Purchases
- Best Credit Cards for Computer Purchases
- Best Credit Cards for School Supplies
- Best Credit Cards for Groceries
- Best Credit Cards for Protecting Your Purchases
- Best Credit Cards for Sign-Up Bonuses
- Best Credit Card for Books and Everything Else
- Paying Tuition With a Credit Card
- Bottom Line
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Rates & Fees), Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (Rates & Fees), American Express® Gold Card (Rates & Fees), and Citi Strata Premier® Card (Rates & Fees)
