Teachers help build the future of our country, often at their own expense. But while teachers are forced to rely on their own resources in an era of big bank and airline bailouts, there are practical steps they can take to maximize their savings for things like back-to-school shopping. Here are some of our top picks for best credit cards for teachers and aides doing back-to-school shopping.
At a Glance
Why Opt for Cash Back?
In many instances, teachers will find their best value in a cash back credit card. Cash back is one of the best credit card rewards thanks to its versatility – be it statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, travel, or even as a deposit into an eligible deposit account.
Here are a few tricks to finding your ideal cash back credit card:
| The Most Important Things to Look for: | ||
| Rewards categories | Just as you wouldn’t wear clothing in a size that’s not your own, you want to find the cash back rewards categories that fit you best. If you have an extended commute around the city that includes going to work, running errands, and picking the kids up from practice, a card that grants cash back on gas will likely earn you lots of cash back. | |
| Redemption options | Statement credits are a popular option, as are gift cards to big chain retailers and supermarkets, or a direct deposit into your bank account. Some cards give you the option of having a physical check mailed back to you if you want a paper trail of your rewards payouts, whereas others may give you the option to pay the funds forward to the charity of your choice. | |
| APR | The introductory interest rates offered by some cards are often a big selling point to new applicants. Once that period is over, though, the card’s regular APR may be too high to handle if you regularly carry over balances between billing cycles. You can offset this by paying off your balance in full each month or signing up for a credit card that has an APR that your budget can afford. | |
| Annual fee | It’s fairly common to find a cash back credit card that doesn’t charge an annual fee, but it may be tougher to find one with benefits as good as one that does. If you don’t want to pay too high of an annual fee or miss out on benefits that serve you best, the trick is to find a card with perks that outweigh the cost. Always check the annual fee and don’t get saddled with a card that won’t offer you enough value. | |
The Best Back-to-School Shopping Credit Cards for Teachers
So, what are the best credit card options for teachers looking to maximize their savings when back-to-school shopping? Here are some of our favorite options:
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
Prime Visa
- 19.99% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.99% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.74% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Prime Visa offers cardholders impressive rewards on all Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases, as well as elevated cash back at gas stations, drug stores, restaurants, transit, commuting, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Instant Amazon.com gift card on approval
- Earn 5% Back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, plus 5% Back on purchases made through Chase Travel.
- Earn 2% Back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, plus 2% Back on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
- Earn 1% Back on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- No annual fee
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: N/A
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.99% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.74% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Minimum Deposit Required: N/A
- You frequently shop at Amazon or Whole Foods
- You have an existing Amazon Prime membership
- You want a card with no foreign transaction fees and Visa concierge services for your travel plans
- You want a flexible rewards program, including savings at gas stations dining
- You want the excellent customer service Amazon is known for
When it comes to buying the types of supplies teachers need, there are few retailers better suited for the job than Amazon. In a SheerID study, 39% of K-12 teachers cited Amazon as their preferred shop for everything they need for the classroom. That’s because there seemingly isn’t anything you can’t find on Amazon, often with free same or next-day shipping on orders over $25.
The Prime Visa credit card from Chase is an excellent option should you be looking for a new credit card for your back-to-school shopping. The card charges no annual fee but does require an Amazon Prime subscription to get the maximum rewards. That annual cost is $139 per year ($14.99 per month), but it provides many bonus features, including access to Prime Music, Prime Books, Prime Video services, Amazon Fresh groceries, free shipping, and more.
An active Prime membership also entitles you to more rewards on eligible purchases. Here is how the Amazon Prime Visa compares with the Amazon Visa, which does not require a Prime subscription:
| Prime Visa | Amazon Visa | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Prime membership required? | Yes | No |
| Rewards | Earn 5% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases | Earn 3% back on Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market purchases |
| Earn 5% back on purchases made through Chase Travel | Earn 3% back on purchases made through Chase Travel | |
| Earn 3% back on purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and drug stores | Earn 2% back on purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and drug stores | |
| Earn 2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshares | Earn 2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshares | |
| Earn 1% back on all other purchases | Earn 1% back on all other purchases | |
| Annual fee | No annual fee | No annual fee |
What makes the Prime Visa such a great back-to-school shopping option is the welcome bonus of an Amazon gift card upon approval. New accounts earn a $100 Amazon.com gift card on approval – perfect for adding a little more spending power to your classroom budget.
Bilt Mastercard
Bilt Mastercard
Bilt Mastercard
- 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Bilt World Elite Mastercard is a unique rewards credit card from Wells Fargo that lets users earn 1X on monthly rent payments, 3X on travel, 2X on dining, and offers impressive perks including Lyft and DoorDash statement credits – all for no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 1X points on rent payments (up to 50,000 points each calendar year)
- Earn 2X points on travel
- Earn 3X points on dining
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.49%, 24.49%, or 29.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Introductory fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, for 120 days from account opening. After that, up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5
- Cash Advance APR: 29.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You rent and want to earn rewards on your monthly rental payments
- You’re a member of Bilt Rewards
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
There aren’t any teacher-centric categories with the Bilt Mastercard from Wells Fargo, but the card still provides teachers with plenty of incentives for using this rewards card for back-to-school shopping. The Bilt Mastercard is the world’s first “rent credit card,” meaning teachers (or anyone) can earn points that they can apply towards their rent, towards a future down payment, or for the usual awards like travel booking, statement credits, and more.
The Bilt Mastercard earns the following rewards on purchases:
- 1X points per $1 on rent payments (up to 50,000 points each calendar year)
- 2X points per $1 on travel
- 3X points per $1 on dining
Given how much the average teacher must outlay to equip their classrooms, a card like Bilt offers a great way to pay yourself back for spending your hard-earned money on your students. Bilt even lets you pay rent if the Blackstone Group, the parent company of Bilt Rewards, doesn’t operate your apartment or landlord. If your apartment doesn’t accept credit cards or you rent outside the Bilt Rewards Alliance of landlords, simply pay through Bilt’s mobile app, and the company will mail a physical check to your landlord.
Finally, Bilt’s Rent Day makes saving even more of a breeze. On the first of every month, Bilt Members can maximize their earnings and rewards in various ways as part of Bilt’s Rent Day Offers, including double points on all eligible purchases (including rent).
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide to Bilt Rent Day
TD Double Up Card
TD Double Up Card
TD Double Up Card
- 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The TD Double Up Visa Card is a no-annual-fee 2% cash back card from TD Bank. The card also offers an introductory 0% APR on balance transfers, a $150 statement credit bonus after meeting minimum spend requirements, and more.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Earn up to 2% cash back on all purchases
- 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers
- Regular Purchase APR: 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 19.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 30.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- You already bank with TD Bank
- You prefer statement credits to travel or merchandise awards
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
- You’re looking for a credit card that can earn additional cash back
Sometimes all you need to maximize your rewards is an unlimited cash back card, like the TD Double Up. The card earns an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. The Double Up removes the concerns for confusing merchant category codes (MCCs), instead offering straight cash back on all purchases with no hassles.
New accounts can also take advantage of two simple-yet-fantastic welcome offers:
- Earn $100 Cash Back in the form of a statement credit when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days after account opening, and
- Enjoy 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles after account opening, with a variable APR afterward.
If there was a drawback to the Double Up, it’s the limited reach of the bank. TD Bank primarily operates in the Eastern United States and does not allow applications outside its “footprint,” which covers the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metropolitan D.C., Carolinas, and Florida areas. In these areas, cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (unlimited 1.5% back and more) or Citi® Double Cash Card (1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases) might make more sense.
Simon® American Express® Credit Card
Simon® American Express® Credit Card
Simon® American Express® Credit Card
- 21.24% to 31.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
At a Glance
The Simon® American Express® Credit Card is a unique retail credit card that lets you maximize your rewards at the mall and anywhere else Amex is accepted. The card, from digital-first fintech Cardless, earns up to 5% cash back on all Simon Mall purchases – all for no annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earn 5% at any Simon Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlet in the U.S.
- Earn 1% on all your other card purchases
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% to 31.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- You love to shop – either in-person or online – for a wide variety of products
- You’re brand-loyal to the type of stores you find in the mall
- You prefer card rewards in the form of statement credits
- You do’t want to pay an annual fee
Back-to-school shopping concerns more than just pens, pencils, erasers, and books. Teachers must also prep their outfits for the upcoming school year – especially as lesson plans and grading can take up significant time. The Simon® American Express® Card from Cardless is a unique retail credit card if you want to maximize your savings at the mall without limiting your options.
Cardholders earn up to 5% cash back rewards by shopping at participating merchants at Simon Mall properties. Interestingly, this 5% category isn’t just on in-store purchases but also applies to online shopping with the following brands:
| Aeropostale | Brooks Brothers | Eddie Bauer | Forever 21 |
| Reebok | JCPenney | Nautica | Lucky Brand |
Cardholders also earn 3% back on in-store purchases at other retailers found at Simon Mall, with the 3% and 5% back categories capped at the first $10,000 in combined spending per calendar year. They also earn 1.5% back on mobile wallet purchases (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.), in-person gift card purchases at a Simon Center, and 1% back on all other purchases. These categories include clothing stores, department stores, luxury goods, furniture, and electronics.
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
- 14.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 14.99% to 29.99% Balance Transfer APR
At a Glance
The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® offers no fees, low rates, cash back, and credit lines up to $25,000 in one unique package. The card provides the flexibility and predictability consumers need to pay down balances and get debt-free quickly.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- $200 bonus after opening a Rewards Checking Plus account and making 3 debit card transactions*
- Unlimited cash back on payments: 3% on Home, Auto, and Health categories and 1% on everything else after you make payments on your purchases
- No annual fee
- Combine the flexibility of a credit card with the predictability of a personal loan
- No touch payments with contactless technology built in
- See if you qualify in minutes without hurting your credit score
- Great for large purchases with predictable payments you can budget for
- Mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere
- Relax knowing you’re protected against unauthorized transactions with Visa’s Zero Liability Policy
- *To qualify for the welcome bonus, you must open and fund a new Rewards Checking account and make 3 qualifying debit card transactions from your Rewards Checking account within 60 days of the date the Upgrade Card account is opened. To qualify, debit card transactions must have settled and exclude ATM transactions. Please refer to the applicable Upgrade Visa® Debit Card Agreement and Disclosures for more information. Your Upgrade Card and Rewards Checking account must be open and in good standing to receive a bonus. If you have previously opened a Rewards Checking account or do not open one as part of this application process, you are not eligible for this welcome bonus offer. Welcome bonus offers cannot be combined, substituted, or applied retroactively. The bonus will be applied to your Rewards Checking account as a one-time payout credit within 60 days after the 3rd qualifying card purchase.
- Regular Purchase APR: 14.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% to 29.99%
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Up to 5%
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 3%
- You struggle to pay off your credit card balances
- You want to earn up to 3% cash back on purchases
- You can reliably pay off your statement balances to earn cash back for your purchases
- You have a desire to get debt-free quickly
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
The Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® is great if you really are looking to maximize rewards in set categories, including your everyday life. The Triple Cash allows cardholders to earn up to 3% back on purchases in select categories, namely “Home,” “Auto,” and “Health” categories, with an unlimited 1% back on all other purchases.
Those “Home” categories include various eligible charges, including A/C repair, upholstery cleaning, furniture, appliances, home supplies, and more. And, since “Health” includes things like shopping at Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid, you can be sure you are getting your best rewards when buying supplies for back-to-school.
Like its sibling, the Upgrade Visa® credit card, the cash back rewards program with the Triple Cash Rewards Visa is slightly different from that of other issuers, meaning you’ll get your rewards when you pay off those purchases each month. This condition ensures that you remain responsible for paying off your debt, which can go a long way toward developing healthy money habits.
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