The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Thursday, July 2, 2026

7 Best Credit Cards for Teachers (2026)

Best Credit Cards For Teachers
Brittney Mayer

Writer: Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer, Credit Analyst

Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.

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Lillian Guevara-Castro

Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro, Senior Editor

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.

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Ashley Fricker

Reviewer: Ashley Fricker

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Ashley Fricker, Senior Editor

Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.

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If you’re an educator, finding the best credit cards for teachers can help ease the up-front costs that are often necessary for a fully functioning — and effective — classroom. We’ll take a look at some of these cards in the article below.

Between classroom supplies, snacks, and professional development purchases, the average teacher spends as much as $1,000 of their own money each school year. For a new teacher, that could mean as much as 3% of your entire income spent on things that would be provided in other professions.

While changes in policy and funding are slow to happen, you can reduce your out-of-pocket classroom expenses with the smart use of credit card rewards. You can earn big rewards on every field trip, ice cream party, and a box of tissues simply by using the right credit card for your purchases.

Cash Back | Travel | 0% Intro APR | Dining | Grocery Stores | No Annual Fee | Store Cards

Best “Cash Back Rewards” Credit Cards for Teachers

While not the biggest earners, unlimited cash back credit cards are a good option for the teachers who’d rather spend their time worrying about grades and lesson plans than getting every last point from their credit card rewards.

With unlimited cash back cards, you’ll earn the same rewards on every new purchase, regardless of where or what you buy, with no limits on the number of rewards you can earn. Enjoy no-fuss redemption for a statement credit.

1

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
Regular APR 18.99% - 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Unlimited® was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers a tiered cash back rewards rate on travel, dining, and drugstore purchases, and a flat-rate cash back on all other purchases. Combine this with an easily attainable signup bonus, all topped off with an intro-APR offer on new purchases, and this is a card that works well in anyone’s wallet.

2

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • For a limited time, earn a one-time $250 cash bonus once you spend $500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
  • Earn unlimited 3% cash back at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®), on dining, entertainment and popular streaming services, plus 1% on all other purchases
  • Earn 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases
  • Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • No rotating categories or sign-ups needed to earn cash rewards; plus cash back won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how much you can earn
  • 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months; 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
  • Top rated mobile app
Intro (Purchases) 0% for 12 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% for 12 months
Regular APR 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent, Good

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card let’s you earn 3% cash back on common spending categories like dining and groceries, and your rewards will never expire as long as your account remains open. The card also offers introductory APR terms for purchases and balance transfers, all with no annual fee.

3

Citi Double Cash® Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
  • Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time. Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
  • Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
  • If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
  • There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) 0% 18 months on Balance Transfers
Regular APR 17.49% - 27.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

While the Citi Double Cash® Card advertises unlimited 2% cash back, it’s not all awarded at once. You’ll earn 1% when you make a purchase, then the other 1% cash back when you pay off your balance.

Best “Travel Rewards” Credit Cards for Teachers

Similar to their students, many teachers look forward to summer break as a time to get out of the classroom and enjoy some well-earned relaxation. If you like to spend your summers traveling the world, then a good travel rewards credit card is a surefire winner.

Although there are a number of co-branded travel cards that offer special airline or hotel perks, the most versatile travel rewards cards are those that offer points or miles that can be redeemed on nearly any travel expense, free from blackouts or brand restrictions.

4

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • Earn a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Top rated mobile app
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $95
Credit Needed Excellent, Good
5

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
  • Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
  • Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
  • Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Top rated mobile app
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 19.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $395
Credit Needed Excellent
6

Capital One Venture Business

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • Earn a one-time welcome bonus of 100,000 miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
  • Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
  • Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
  • Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
  • $95 annual fee
  • Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
  • Top rated mobile app
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 24.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $95
Credit Needed Excellent

If you’re interested in getting the most value out of your travel rewards, look for cards that allow points transfers to hotel and airline partners. This allows you to turn your flexible rewards into branded loyalty points that can unlock big-value redemptions.

Best “0% Intro APR” Credit Cards for Teachers

For new teachers, a small starting salary, big classroom costs, and the nearly inevitable student loan payments can all mean a strict budget that doesn’t have room for things like interest fees.

With a good intro-APR credit card offer, however, you can make interest-free purchases for 12 months or more. Plus, you’ll even earn rewards on those interest-free purchases if your card offers cash back, points, or miles.

7

BankAmericard® credit card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.6/5.0
BankAmericard® credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • New! 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 14.99% - 25.99% will apply. A 5% fee applies to all balance transfers. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
  • No annual fee.
  • No penalty APR. Paying late won't automatically raise your interest rate (APR). Other account pricing and terms apply.
  • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 5% of the amount of each transaction)
Regular APR 14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good
8

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

Our Review »
  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
  • No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
  • Select your card design option when you apply – the Customized Cash Rewards design, or the limited-time FIFA World Cup 2026™ design.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 17.49% - 27.49% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 5%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
  • This offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 5%)
Regular APR 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

9

Citi Strata℠ Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • Earn 20,000 bonus Points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months; after that, the variable APR will be 18.49% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
  • Earn 3 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent in an eligible Self-Select Category of your choice (Fitness Clubs, Select Streaming Services, Live Entertainment, Cosmetic Stores/Barber Shops/Hair Salons, or Pet Supply Stores). Choose your eligible Self-Select Category on Citi Online or by calling customer service. The default Self-Select Category is Select Streaming Services.
  • Earn 5 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals and Attractions booked on Citi Travel® via cititravel.com; earn 3 ThankYou Points for each $1 spent at Supermarkets, on Select Transit purchases, and at Gas & EV Charging Stations.
  • Earn 2 ThankYou® Points for each $1 spent at Restaurants; earn 1 ThankYou® Point for each $1 spent on All Other Purchases.
  • No Annual Fee
Intro (Purchases) 0% 15 months on Purchases
Intro (Transfers) 0% 15 months on Balance Transfers
Regular APR 18.49% - 28.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.

Be sure to look at the specific details of your intro-APR offer before making purchases. While some offers apply to both new purchases and balance transfers, others may only apply to one transaction type.

Best “Dining Rewards” Credit Cards for Teachers

From end-of-semester pizza parties to field trip dinners, teachers can find themselves paying for any number of large meals over the course of the school year. And let’s not discount the nights eating take-out to finish grading that last round of papers.

Putting those purchases on one of our top credit cards for bonus dining rewards can net you at least 4% cash back on every dine-in or take-out meal, putting a little more room in the food budget.

10

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.7/5.0
  • Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
  • Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
  • $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® every 4 years
  • Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
  • Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 20.24% - 28.74% Variable
Annual Fee $795
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Sapphire Reserve® was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.

While you’d need to be a really big eater to make up the Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s annual fee on dining rewards alone, a healthy restaurant habit paired with the card’s annual travel credit can make short work of that fee. For some teachers, this card is a good all-in-one option for school-year meals and summertime travel alike.

11

Discover it® Cash Back

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 15 months
Regular APR 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

Although you’ll only earn bonus rewards on restaurant purchases up to one quarter each year with the Discover it® Cash Back, during that activated quarter, you’ll get a top cash back rate on qualifying restaurant purchases. Quarterly spending limits apply.

12. Uber Visa Card

The Uber Visa Card from Barclays is a solid choice for cash back restaurant rewards, offering an unlimited 4% cash back on dining purchases, including sit-down, take-out, and UberEATS.

Uber Visa Card

  • Earn 4% cash back on dining purchases, including restaurants, takeout, bars, and UberEATS
  • Earn 3% cash back on hotel & airfare, 2% for online purchases
  • Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases

Don’t forget about the card’s other perks, either. Flights and accommodations for long-distance conferences or summer-break getaways can earn 3% cash back, and online purchases net a cool 2% cash back.

Best “Grocery Store Rewards” Credit Cards for Teachers

One of the biggest expenses for teachers is office supplies, but few consumer credit cards offer office supply store bonus categories. This means a card with good grocery store rewards is usually the next best thing to keep your classroom stocked.

In fact, your local grocery store is a great place to find just about everything you need for a classroom, from pens and binders to snacks and tissues. Especially when you can earn as much as 6% cash back on your grocery store purchases.

13. Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express has the highest grocery store category bonus on the market, offering a huge 6% cash back on the first $6,000 in grocery store purchases each year. While the card does come with a $95 annual fee, you can easily make it back with the rewards from only $31 in groceries each week.

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

  • Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $6k a year) & on select U.S. streaming services
  • Earn 3% cash back on U.S. gas station and transit purchases
  • Pay a $95 annual fee

The secondary bonus categories of the American Express Blue Cash Preferred are also worth mentioning, as they offer 6% on select streaming services, plus 3% cash back for gas and transit, which can come in handy for field-trip fuel-ups.

14

Chase Freedom Flex℠

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
  • 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
  • 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 19.24% - 27.99%.
  • No annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
Regular APR 19.24% - 27.99% Variable
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Flex℠ was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.

The Chase Freedom Flex℠ offers bonus cash back on rotating category purchases each activated quarter subject to a spend limit. Chase has offered grocery stores as a bonus category the last four years running, so you can likely count on at least one quarter of bonus cash back on grocery store purchases each year.

15

Discover it® Cash Back

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 15 months
Regular APR 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good

As with the Chase Freedom Flex℠, the Discover it® Cash Back card offers quarterly rotating bonus rewards categories that offer bonus cash back when activated for purchases made in categories that change every three months. Grocery stores and wholesale stores have both been featured in years past.

Best “No Annual Fee” Credit Cards for Teachers

With so much of your salary going toward the classroom, throwing extra money at seemingly frivolous expenses, like credit card annual fees, can seem downright ridiculous.

But while some annual fees may be worth paying, there are a huge number of quality rewards credit cards available that will offer good rewards rates without charging you a huge annual fee — or any annual fee at all.

16

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.8/5.0
  • Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR on Purchases 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 15 months
Regular APR 18.99% - 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Good/Excellent

Additional Disclosure: Non-Monetized. The information related to Chase Freedom Unlimited® was collected by CardRates and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this product/card. Product details may vary. Please see issuer website for current information. CardRates does not receive commission for this product.

17

Discover it® Cash Back

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.9/5.0
  • INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
  • Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Redeem cash back for any amount. No annual fee.
  • Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. Then 17.49% to 26.49% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
  • Terms and conditions apply.
Intro (Purchases) 0% Intro APR for 15 months
Intro (Transfers) 0% Intro APR for 15 months
Regular APR 17.49% - 26.49% Variable APR
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Excellent/Good
18

Capital One Platinum Credit Card

CardRates Expert Rating ★★★★★ 4.5/5.0
  • No annual or hidden fees. See if you're approved in seconds
  • Be automatically considered for a higher credit line in as little as 6 months
  • Help build your credit through responsible use of a card like this
  • Enjoy peace of mind with $0 Fraud Liability so that you won't be responsible for unauthorized charges
  • Monitor your credit score with CreditWise from Capital One. It's free for everyone
  • Get access to your account 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with online banking from your desktop or smartphone, with Capital One's mobile app
  • Check out quickly and securely with a contactless card, without touching a terminal or handing your card to a cashier. Just hover your card over a contactless reader, wait for the confirmation, and you're all set
  • Pay by check, online or at a local branch, all with no fee - and pick the monthly due date that works best for you
  • Top rated mobile app
Intro (Purchases) N/A
Intro (Transfers) N/A
Regular APR 28.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee $0
Credit Needed Average, Fair, Limited

Of course, don’t assume that because there is no annual fee there are no fees at all. Carrying a balance from month to month will still incur interest fees (unless you have an active 0% APR offer), and non-purchase transactions, like cash advances, will still come with their own fees, as well.

Best “Store Rewards” Credit Cards for Teachers

Although there are many open-loop credit cards that can help you maximize rewards in most of your favorite stores, sometimes the best year-round savings can be had with a closed-loop store credit card.

Of course, these cards are only usable at their associated stores, which limits their usability. But with those offering 5% rewards for branded purchases, it may be worth keeping one or two of these unitaskers in your wallet.

19. Amazon.com Store Card

If you need it, Amazon.com likely has it, making the Amazon.com Store Card a useful option for nearly any Amazon Prime customer. Note that only Amazon Prime members actually earn rewards with this card, so while the card has no annual fee, you’ll need to pay for Prime membership to get the most use out of it.

Amazon.com Store Card

  • Receive special financing on eligible Amazon.com orders of $149 or more made with your card
  • Amazon Prime members also get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases
  • Pay no annual card fee (Prime fee may apply)

Both cardholders with and without Prime membership do qualify for the card’s deferred financing options on orders over $149, but be sure to pay off your purchases in full before the promotional period expires or you’ll be charged interest on your entire purchase.

20. Target REDcard

The Target REDcard can be a good way to save on any number of items, from classroom essentials to after-lunch snacks.

Target REDcard

  • Get 5% off your total purchase at checkout for eligible in-store or online Target purchases
  • Receive exclusive deals and discounts
  • Pay no annual fee

Unlike most rewards cards, the Target REDcard doesn’t earn rewards that are redeemed later. Instead, you’ll get an instant 5% off at the register for every qualifying purchase.

21. Staples® More Account — Personal

A Staples® More Account can go a long way to helping you save on office supplies, offering 5% back on your Staples purchases. Rewards are earned as Staples Rewards®, however, which are only redeemable at Staples.

Staples® More Account — Personal

  • Earn 5% back as Staples Rewards® on in-store and online Staples purchases
  • Receive free next-day delivery on orders over $49.99
  • Pay no annual fee

If you need to make a big purchase, perhaps something like upgrading your personal computer, your Staples® More Account also comes with special financing on orders over $299. Keep in mind that the financing is deferred, so you’ll need to pay off your full purchase before the end of the financing term to avoid paying interest on the entire amount.

Do You Have an A+ Credit Card?

For the typical teacher, teaching is more than a simple job — it’s a calling. Unfortunately, that calling often comes with extra costs to keep the classroom — and its students — properly outfitted.

And, until the inherent policy and funding issues are addressed, it’s often up to teachers to make it work.

With a little organization and a handful of quality credit cards, you can not only earn rewards on your regular personal spending, but also maximize the rewards you earn on classroom-related expenses, taking some of the bite out of your budget.

Of course, no amount of rewards can make up for high interest fees, so be sure to keep your budget on track to avoid a costly test of your finances.

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