The back-to-school season has arrived, and it’s essential to ensure you or your children are equipped with the necessary supplies. A typical back-to-school shopping list can easily total hundreds or even thousands of dollars, covering everything from laptops to pens and beyond.
If you’re looking to rack up points and miles or meet a minimum spending requirement for bonuses, back-to-school shopping presents a fantastic opportunity. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best credit cards for purchasing school supplies (along with a bonus card):
Top Credit Cards for Back-to-School Supplies
| Ideal for | Bonus Earnings | |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Cash Credit Card | Office Supply Stores | 5% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services |
| American Express Gold Card | U.S. Supermarkets | 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on up to $25,000 in purchases each calendar year (then 1 point per dollar). Terms apply |
| Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Low Annual Fee | 6% cash back on the first $6,000 of purchases made at U.S. supermarkets* |
| Prime Visa | Amazon Purchases | 5% cash back on all Amazon and Whole Foods purchases |
| Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card/Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | General Back-to-School Purchases | Unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all purchases |
| Citi Double Cash Card | No Annual Fee | Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay) |
*Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.
Detailed Overview of Each Card
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Even if you don’t own a business, you might still qualify for a business card like the Ink Business Cash.
Welcome Offer: Earn $350 in cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn an additional $400 in cash back after spending $6,000 in the first six months.
Earning: This card offers a remarkable 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at office supply stores and for internet, cable, and phone services. Whether you’re purchasing basic supplies or a computer, this card provides excellent savings.
Annual Fee: $0.
Why We Like It: If you’re buying a computer from an office supply store, consider using this card. You’ll receive cash back as well as purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
Many people don’t realize they can apply for a business card, but freelancers and those with side businesses can also qualify.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Ink Business Cash.
Apply here: Chase Ink Business Cash
Prime Visa
If your family has an Amazon Prime subscription, the Prime Visa card is worth considering.
Welcome Offer: Receive a $100 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval.
Earnings: This card provides 5% cash back on all purchases at Amazon and Whole Foods.
Annual Fee: None, but you must have an Amazon Prime subscription to qualify.
Why We Like It: If you’re making substantial purchases on Amazon, consider this card. The site that sells everything from A to Z is likely to have items on your back-to-school shopping list. Additionally, the card includes purchase protection and extended warranty benefits.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Prime Visa.
Apply here: Amazon Prime Visa
American Express Gold Card
Whether you’re buying groceries for your children’s lunches or ordering fast food on a hectic evening, the Amex Gold Card can help you earn valuable points on your purchases.
Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership; higher offers may be available via CardMatch, but not everyone will qualify for the same offers.
Earnings: With the American Express Gold Card, you can earn 4 points for every dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) or 4 points for every dollar spent dining at eligible restaurants (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Annual Fee: $325 (see rates and fees).
Why We Like It: If you’re purchasing basic school supplies, such as pens or paper, this card allows you to earn valuable Membership Rewards at your local supermarket. Plus, you’ll receive up to $240 in annual dining statement credits at select restaurants ($10 monthly) and up to $120 in Uber Cash each calendar year ($10 monthly), making the card’s perks outweigh the annual fee. Enrollment is required for select benefits—terms apply.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Capital One Venture Rewards and Venture X Rewards
Both the Capital One Venture Rewards and Venture X cards provide valuable benefits; your choice depends on your preferred annual fee.
Welcome Offers: Both the Venture Rewards and Venture X cards feature the same welcome offer: earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening an account.
Earnings: Earn a minimum of 2 miles per dollar on every purchase.
Annual Fee: $95 for Venture Rewards; $395 for Venture X Rewards.
Why We Like Them: Both cards deliver a minimum of 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, translating to a significant return on your spending. Either card can fill in the gaps for your back-to-school shopping needs if they are already in your arsenal.
To learn more, visit our full reviews of the Venture Rewards and Venture X.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards
Learn more: Capital One Venture X
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express
If you prefer cash back over points, the Blue Cash Preferred card is an excellent choice.
Welcome Offer: Receive $250 back as a statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first six months.
Earnings: Earn 6% cash back on your first $6,000 of U.S. supermarket purchases each year (then 1%).
Annual Fee: $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees).
Why We Like It: Offering an incredible 6% cash back on the first $6,000 spent at U.S. supermarkets each year (then 1%), among other rewards, this card is a strong low-annual-fee option that will help boost your cash returns on back-to-school shopping.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Blue Cash Preferred.
Apply here: Blue Cash Preferred
Citi Double Cash Card
If you prefer simplicity, the Citi Double Cash Card may be your best bet.
Welcome Offer: Earn $200 cash back after spending $1,500 in the first three months.
Earnings: Enjoy unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases—1% at the time of purchase and another 1% when you pay.
Annual Fee: $0.
Why We Like It: The Citi Double Cash is one of the best no-annual-fee credit cards available, effectively providing 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when buying and 1% when paying). If you’re looking for an affordable card to enhance your back-to-school savings, this is a top choice.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
Apply here: Citi Double Cash
Utilizing Dell Statement Credit with the Business Platinum Card from American Express
If you have The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, you can enjoy a statement credit for eligible purchases made at Dell.
You’ll receive up to $400 in annual statement credits for eligible purchases from Dell in the U.S. This is broken down into up to $200 for U.S. Dell purchases from January to June and another $200 from July to December. Enrollment may be required for certain benefits—terms apply.
Note that this benefit is currently set to expire on June 30, 2025, so keep this in mind when considering this card.
Related: 10 Items You Can Buy with the Amex Business Platinum’s $400 Dell Statement Credit
Final Thoughts
Back-to-school season is upon us. With various supplies and essential expenses looming, it’s crucial to devise a plan for managing these costs effectively.
In addition to selecting the right credit card, be sure to maximize your rewards by leveraging shopping portals, Amex Offers, Chase Offers, and discount codes to make the most of your back-to-school spending.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Preferred card, click here.
