Back-to-school shopping can be a real drain on your budget. With all of the necessary supplies (and now, all of the expensive electronics!) and school clothes, the costs can really add up. When you’re on a tight budget, the back-to-school shopping experience can easily push you over your limit.
Thankfully, families can get help with their budget through the use of credit cards. Many moms and dads are surprised to learn that credit cards can help with their back-to-school shopping. Here is a breakdown of how credit cards can help as well as an overview of three credit cards that make top grades.
Getting the most out of gas credit cards
Parents are always busy but the back-to-school season seems to kick that busyness into high-gear. Between sports tryouts, swim lessons, clothing shopping, school supply shopping and all of the regular errands, the family car accrues quite a bit of extra mileage during the last month of summer (and really all year round!).
Gas credit cards can help families cash in on all of the extra miles and the gas that is needed during the back-to-school season. These cards provide cash back for purchases made at gas stations, making it so each time you fill up the gas tank, you are getting some extra cash back in your wallet.
 | | - 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 10.99% - 19.99%*
- 2% automatically at gas stations and restaurants all year long*
- Plus, up to 20% Cashback Bonus at popular online retailers when you shop through Discover.com
- Discover is ranked #1 in customer loyalty--16 years in a row! (2012 Brand Keys Customer Loyalty Engagement Index report)
- 24/7 access to a U.S.-based Account Manager within 60 seconds
- Great rewards with no annual fee, no rewards redemption fee, and no additional card fee
- *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
| | | | Intro APR for Purchases | Intro APR for Balance Transfer | APR as low as | Annual Fee | 0% for 15 months | 0% for 15 months | 10.99% - 19.99% (Variable) | $0 |
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Cashing in on cash back credit cards
While many gas cards only provide bonus cash back rewards for gas station purchases, cash back rewards cards typically provide consumers with rewards for all of their purchases. And, as seasoned moms and dads know, there are hundreds of dollars worth of purchases at the beginning of each school year. If your student plans on joining a sports team or participate in clubs, you can bet that those expenses will increase as the school year kicks-off.
| | - Earn $100 cash back after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of Cardmembership
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, flexibility to pay over time
- Get 3% cash back at supermarkets, 2% cash back at gas stations and department stores, and 1% cash back on all other purchases
- NO spend minimum, NO enrollment, and NO rotating rewards categories
- Get a $25 Referral Bonus for each friend or family member who is approved for the Card
- No annual fee, flexibility to pay over time
| | | | Intro APR for Purchases | Intro APR for Balance Transfer | APR as low as | Annual Fee | 0% for 12 months | - | 17.24% - 22.24% (Variable) | $0 |
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Giving credit to the new collegiate
Sending your child off to college can be a stressful experience. Parents want to make sure their “baby” has everything they need. They spend hours gathering supplies for the dorm room and apartment but one area that is often neglected is their child’s personal finances. Before you send your son or daughter off to college, you’ll want to make sure they have the ability to purchase the items they need.
One way to ensure your student is able to make those purchases and have some independence is by helping them apply for a student credit card. These cards are specifically designed for students. And if you take the time to educate your student about responsible credit card usage, it can be a great learning tool.
| | - Experience Discover's great reward program. Earn $20 Cashback Bonus®* when you make your 1st purchase within 3 months of approval
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months, then the variable standard purchase APR of 12.99% - 18.99%*
- 5% Cashback Bonus® in categories that change like gas, restaurants, department stores and more. Limitations apply*
- Up to 1% unlimited Cashback Bonus on everything else you buy.
- $0 Fraud Liability- you will not be responsible for unauthorized charges
- No Annual Fee
- Text and Email Alerts
- *Click apply to view rates, fees, rewards, limitations and other important information
| | | | Intro APR for Purchases | Intro APR for Balance Transfer | APR as low as | Annual Fee | 0% for 6 months | - | 12.99% - 18.99% (Variable) | $0 |
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