As the back-to-school season approaches, parents often face the challenge of managing a surge in expenses, from school supplies to new clothes. Finding the right credit card can make a significant difference, turning every purchase into an opportunity to save or earn rewards.
Based on a recent survey by WalletHub, we have rounded up the 12 best back-to-school credit cards for parents.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is ideal for families focusing on grocery and fuel spending. It offers 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on spending up to $6,000 annually and on select U.S. streaming subscriptions) plus 3% back at U.S. gas stations and transit expenses.
Cardholders also receive a $7 monthly credit for eligible streaming services. A generous welcome offer and an annual fee of $95 (waived the first year in some promotions) make it a valuable tool for managing school season budgets effectively.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is perfect for parents seeking simplicity during the back-to-school season. It offers a flat 2% cash reward on all purchases. This straightforward benefit allows consistent earnings on every expense, from school supplies to extracurricular activities. It includes an introductory 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
With a $0 annual fee, this card is a practical, cost-effective choice for efficiently managing school expenses.
Wells Fargo Reflect® Card
The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card is designed for parents planning significant back-to-school purchases. It offers up to 21 months of 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers when minimum payments are made on time.
After the introductory period, the APR shifts to a variable rate of 8.24%, 24.74%, or 29.99%, depending on creditworthiness. Balance transfers made within the first 120 days also qualify for the intro rate, but they come with a balance transfer fee of 5%, with a minimum of $5.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card is perfect for parents who shop at Amazon and Whole Foods, offering 5% back on purchases at these stores and enhancing savings on textbooks and school supplies. Additional benefits include 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores and 1% on other purchases.
An Amazon gift card is often given upon approval, and no annual fee is required, though an Amazon Prime membership is necessary.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card
The U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards™ Visa Signature® Card provides a tailored rewards system, offering up to 6% cash back on two selected categories and 3% on one everyday category, with limits resetting quarterly. This card also features a $250 bonus after spending $2,000 within the first 120 days of opening an account.
While it includes 1.5% cash back on all other purchases, it does have a $95 annual fee starting from the second year and requires excellent credit for approval.
Citi Double Cash® Card
The Citi Double Cash® Card simplifies earning with 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and another 1% as you pay off those purchases. This uncomplicated reward structure is ideal for parents handling various school expenses, as it applies uniformly across all spending categories. Additionally, the card features a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 18 months.
Following this period, the variable APR adjusts to 19.24% – 29.24%, depending on creditworthiness. With no annual fee, this card offers a practical, budget-friendly way for families to manage their finances efficiently.
Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is suitable for those with fair to good credit, providing a steady 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limits.
Additionally, it offers 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, enhancing its value for family trips. This card also features up to 6 months of complimentary Uber One membership statement credits, adding further utility.
With a $39 annual fee and benefits like no foreign transaction fees and the potential for a higher credit line after making timely payments, the Capital One QuicksilverOne is a practical choice for managing daily expenses and beyond.
Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card
The Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card promotes financial responsibility with a cash-back program that starts at 1% and increases to 1.5% after 12 months of on-time payments. It is for individuals with less-than-perfect credit and is notable for its lack of fees; there are no late fees, foreign transaction fees, annual fees, or any other kind of fee.
The variable APRs for this card vary between 18.24% and 32.24%. By considering factors beyond traditional credit scores in its approval process, the Petal 2 card offers broader access and is an excellent resource for managing school-related expenses efficiently.
Target Credit Card
The Target REDcard is indispensable for parents during back-to-school shopping, offering a steady 5% discount on items like uniforms and electronics. It enhances shopping convenience with free 2-day shipping on many items and extended returns for 30 days.
Additionally, new cardholders receive $50 off a future purchase over $50. With no annual fee and a regular APR of 29.95% (V), the REDcard helps parents manage spending effectively, making every purchase more affordable, from daily snacks to essential school supplies.
Kohl’s Credit Card
The Kohl’s Credit Card offers impressive shopping benefits, especially for parents preparing for the school season. Immediately after approval, cardholders save 35% on their first purchase within 14 days. Moreover, by enrolling, you earn 7.5% back in rewards on all qualifying purchases at Kohl’s.
This card enhances your savings with exclusive discounts and access to special promotions, ideal during sales events. It is restricted to Kohl’s and perfectly suited for buying children’s apparel and school essentials.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is ideal for business owners with a $0 annual fee and generous rewards. It offers a $350 bonus for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus an additional $400 after $6,000 in the first 6 months.
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on digital services, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases. With a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months, it is great for managing business and school costs.
Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus
The Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus is excellent for business-owning parents, offering unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases without restrictions. Notably, it includes a one-time $1,200 cash bonus after spending $30,000 within the first 3 months and unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
While there is a $150 annual fee, this can be refunded yearly when you spend at least $150,000. With no preset spending limit and additional bonuses, this card is a powerful ally during busy periods like back-to-school, ensuring maximum returns on large purchases.
