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Back-to-school shopping with points and cashback is one of my favorite ways to save each year. One minute it’s bare feet and pool days, and the next you are rushing to get new backpacks, fresh markers, and shoes that actually fit.
If you have to spend the money anyway, why not earn points or cashback while you do it? Over the years, I’ve learned how to layer cashback portals, card offers, and flexible point strategies so our back-to-school shopping with points and cashback quietly earns us free travel. And once you see how easy it is to stack a few tools, you’ll never shop the old way again.
If you’re just getting started with points, my Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles is a great place to start.
Step-by-Step Approach
1. Start With a Cashback or Points Portal
We all shop online, and earning more points is as simple as adding one more step: go to a portal first. Even better if they are offering a bonus!
If you’re not using a site like Rakuten, you’re leaving money on the table. It’s as simple as signing up. Then all you do is shop through their site instead of the direct store sit. You just click through their site before shopping at places like:
- Old Navy
- Target
- Staples
- Carter’s
- Adidas
- Office Depot
Depending on the week, you might see 5–15% cashback, and that’s just for shopping through Rakuten! If your account is set up to earn points instead of cash, that’s even better. (If you want to dive deeper into how I use Rakuten for points, here’s my full Rakuten strategy.)
2. Layer It with the Right Credit Card
Next comes the double dip. Use a card that earns high rewards on online purchases, office supply stores, or shopping categories.
You don’t need to overthink this—just use a card that earns either:
✅ Flexible points that can be used for future travel
✅ Cashback you’ll actually use (think grocery credit or statement credit)
Here’s a list of cards I recommend for stacking rewards.
Every dollar adds up, so if you have to spend the money anyway, might as well earn a vacation out of it. If you’re curious how these strategies fit into broader point goals, check out How to Afford a Vacation Anywhere.
3. Activate Offers From Your Card’s Portal
A lot of people forget this step, but it’s so easy.
Within each cards app, they will include bonus shopping offers. This is easy to see within Capital One for example.
Do you see how on the bottom of the image it’s on “offers” instead of home screen? So you just navigate to the offers page of your app and then click on what applies to you.
Each offer page per portal will look slightly different, but you get the idea. By taking this simple step you get even more benefit!
I check mine before I shop and load any offer that fits. You don’t have to remember anything other than to click “add.” The discounts apply automatically at checkout.
One More Approach: Discounted Gift Cards
This one takes a tiny bit more effort, but it’s worth it.
If you have a card that earns bonus points at grocery stores or warehouse clubs, you can often earn those points by buying gift cards to places like Target, Walmart, Amazon, or Staples. Then you use that gift card for your school shopping. It’s a small thing, but it’s an extra way to turn everyday spending into travel or cashback.
Make the Most of Every Dollar
You work hard to earn your money, so why not make that money work for you in the best way possible? Back-to-school shopping with points and cashback is going to happen. The supplies list will keep growing. But, if you’re intentional with how you shop, you can:
- Earn cashback
- Stack points toward fall break or holiday travel
- Save more without changing what you buy
I’ve used this strategy for everything from shoes to Chromebooks. Then I turn those points into free hotel nights! That’s making your money work for YOU.
Want Help Getting Started?
If you want a walkthrough of what card would be best based on your spending, I’ve got a free guide here:
Download the Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles
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