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.
If you are looking to earn more points and miles or meet a minimum spending bonus, back-to-school shopping can be a great way to do so. Here are some of the best cards for back-to-school supplies.
The best credit cards for back-to-school shopping
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.
Related: Extra credit: How to pay college tuition with a credit card
Amex Blue Cash Everyday
Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees)
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 in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout.
Why we like it: 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%):
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The card’s earning rate for U.S. online retail purchases can be easily maximized for back-to-school shopping.
To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday.
Apply here: Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express
Capital One Venture Rewards
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
Why we like it: 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 July 2026 valuations.
It’s a strong option for purchases that don’t fall into a bonus category on another card.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Prime Visa
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.
Why we like it: 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.
To learn more, read our full review of the Prime Visa.
Ink Business Cash
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.
Why we like it: 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.
If you’re purchasing a computer from an office supply store, consider using this card. In addition to the cash back, you will also receive purchase and extended warranty protections.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.
Apply here: Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Amex Gold
Annual fee: $325 (see rates and fees)
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.)
Why we like it: 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).
If you are looking for simple school supplies such as pens, pencils or paper, consider using this card to earn valuable American Express Membership Rewards at your local supermarket.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Gold.
Apply here: American Express Gold Card
Check your card offers
If you have an eligible American Express or Chase card, you may have access to targeted offers that provide savings at select retailers.
For instance, I found the following offers on my American Express Platinum Card®:
- Spend $250 or more, earn $50 back on Sony Electronics
- Spend $199 or more, earn $30 back at Bed Bath & Beyond
- Earn 10% back on a single purchase at Dollar General (up to $5 back)
On my Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees), I found these offers:
- 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.
Related: These welcome offers are stealing the spotlight
Bottom line
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.
In addition to using the best credit card, remember to maximize your rewards-earning on school supplies by taking advantage of other programs like shopping portals, Amex Offers, Chase Offers and discount codes.
Related: The best credit cards for college students
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold, click here.
