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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
From computers to crayons: 5 of the best credit cards to use for school supplies
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
July 29, 2026 • 7 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
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By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
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Quick summary
Back-to-school shopping can be a significant annual expense, making it an opportunity to maximize rewards through strategic card use.
Different cards offer standout benefits for purchases at online retailers, supermarkets, office supply stores and Amazon, allowing shoppers to tailor their approach based on where they shop most.
Some cards provide flexible perks that can help offset costs, while others are strong choices for purchases that do not fit into specific bonus categories.
Targeted offers and shopping portals can provide additional savings or rewards, but require enrollment before use.
What to consider
Eligibility for certain business cards may extend to individuals without a traditional business, but requirements vary.
Targeted offers and promotions can differ by card and user, so checking available deals before shopping is recommended.
Some rewards are capped by annual or category spending limits, and redemption options may differ by card.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed comparison of which card types are best suited for specific back-to-school purchases and how to stack additional offers for maximum value.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Back-to-school season is here, and it’s important for you (or your kids) to have the right supplies. That back-to-school list can sometimes run into the hundreds or thousands of dollars, from laptops and notebooks to school lunch groceries.
Best for office supply store purchases: (see rates and fees)
Best for U.S. supermarket purchases:
The information for the Prime Visa has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as $200 cash back* after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
*Cash back is received as Reward Dollars that can be redeemed for a statement credit or for other select options.
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Why we likeit: The Blue Cash Everyday stands out because it earns 3% back in the following categories (on eligible purchases for each category on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%):
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening, plus receive a $300 credit to use on hotel and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel in the first cardholder year.
Why we likeit: The Venture Rewards offers at least 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, translating to a 3.7% return on every dollar spent, per TPG's September 2026 valuations.
It’s a strong option for purchases that don’t fall into a bonus category on another card.
Annual fee: $0, but you will need to be an Amazon Prime member ($14.99 monthly or $139 for the year)
Welcome offer: Receive a $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval, exclusively for Prime members.
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Why we likeit: If your family has a Prime subscription, you should consider the Prime Visa card. This card offers 5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.
If you're planning to make significant purchases on Amazon, consider applying for this card. Amazon sells nearly everything from A to Z, so it's bound to have items on your back-to-school list.
Welcome offer: Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Why we likeit: Even if you don't own your own business, you may be eligible for a business card like the Ink Business Cash.
This card offers a generous 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases). Whether you are buying simple supplies or a computer, 5% is a significant saving.
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you are eligible for as high as 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)
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Why we likeit: Whether it's buying groceries for your kids' lunches or dinner at a fast-food place on a busy night, the Amex Gold can help you rack up valuable points on your purchases.
With this card, you can earn 4 points per dollar spent when shopping at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) or eating at your favorite restaurants worldwide (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Earn 15% cash back on Tommy Hilfiger (up to $25 back)
Earn 10% cash back on Lands' End (up to $50 back)
Earn 10% cash back on Lululemon purchases (up to $30 back)
What you may be targeted for could vary, but it's worth taking a look at your eligible cards before you go shopping. You have to enroll in these offers before you can use them.
The back-to-school season is underway. With supplies and essential expenses looming for many households, now is the time to plan a strategy to help make the most of those costs.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
