The Best Credit Cards for Back-to-School Shopping

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Sales tax holidays are great, but they only go so far, and not every state has one.

A solid cash-back credit card, on the other hand, is available everywhere and useful whether school’s in session or not.

So while you’re stocking up on all the school essentials, take a moment to learn whether you could be saving more.

Check out these great card offers and see if any make the grade.

Citi Double Cash

Why we like it: We’ve called this “The Best Cash-Back Credit Card for Everyday Use” since it earns 1% cash back on every purchase, then earns another 1% cash back when you pay for those purchases. If you want the peace of mind that you’re earning good cash-back rewards on everything, with no gimmicks or expiration dates, this is your card.

Plus, for a limited time, you can earn points worth $200 in cash back when you make $1,500 in purchases in your first six months as a cardmember.

What to know:

• $200 cash back when you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
• Get a total of 2% cash back on every purchase.
• No limits or caps on cash back.
• No confusing categories; everything earns cash back.
• No annual fee.

Note: This card offers 18 months of 0% introductory APR on balance transfers.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

Why we like it: 5% cash back exactly where you want it? Try to beat that. Plus there’s an introductory offer of $200 when you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases in the first four months of card membership.

What to know:

• $200 introductory bonus after spending $1,000 on eligible purchases within 120 days of opening your account.
• 5% cash back in two categories you choose each quarter, on up to $2,000 in total eligible purchases.
• 5% cash back on travel reservations booked through the Rewards Travel Center.
• 2% cash back on one everyday category, including gas, groceries or restaurants.
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
• No annual fee.

Note: This card has a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.

Chase Freedom Flex

Why we like it: The Chase Freedom Flex card offers strong cash-back rewards in several categories and turbo-charges your rewards in seasonal bonus categories. You get a 0% introductory APR offer on purchases for 15 months, plus earn a $200 bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first three months with the card. It’s a solid card on its own, but also pairs well with the rewards of Chase Freedom Unlimited.

What to know:

• 5% cash back on travel-related purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, including hotels, flights, car rentals and cruises.
• 5% cash back on purchases in seasonal bonus categories, up to $1,500 each quarter.
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery).
• 3% cash back on drugstore purchases.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No annual fee.

Citi Custom Cash

Why we like it: You get 5% cash back in the category you spend the most on, which can vary from month to month without any effort on your part — no rotating categories or card juggling required. Eligible categories include restaurants, grocery stores, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, live entertainment and certain travel and transit.

What to know:

• Get $200 in cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first six months.
• Earn 5% cash back in your top eligible spending category on up to $500 each month, with 1% cash back after.
• Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months.
• 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 15 months.
• No annual fee.

Note: Cash back appears as ThankYou Points, which can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, Amazon purchases or travel rewards.

Whatever you need in a credit card — whether it’s a balance transfer, reward points, cash back or a low interest rate — you can find it with our credit card search tool. Click here to search for the plastic that best fits your needs.