The 6 Best Credit Cards for Teachers [September 2023]
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What To Look for in a Credit Card for Teachers
If you’re a teacher, chances are you aren’t getting reimbursed for these supplies you have to buy.
But what you can do is concentrate on your shopping habits and credit card portfolio to get as much back as possible.
Teachers generally make the largest expenses at office supply stores, so finding a card that has office supply stores as a bonus category will be instrumental to your rewards optimization.
Beyond that, the next best thing to do is get the best credit cards for general, non-bonused spending.
The 3 Best Personal Cards for Teachers
1. Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card (Most Popular, No Annual Fee)
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.
When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.
Don’t forget too, there’s 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
Pros
- 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
- 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
- 1.5% back on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- Earn big on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Everyday bonus on dining and drugstores
- Straightforward cash-back on all other purchases
- Ability to pool points
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!
- Enjoy 6.5% 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; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year).
- After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on Chase travel purchased through Ultimate Rewards®, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% 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!
- Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24%.
- 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, real-time alerts, and more.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Card Categories
Rewards Center
- Benefits of the Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Chase Freedom Unlimited Requirements and Credit Score
- Car Rental Benefits of the Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Chase Freedom Flex
- Chase Freedom Unlimited vs Sapphire Preferred
- Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Best 0% Interest Credit Cards
- Best Everyday Credit Cards
- Best Credit Cards for Bills and Utilities
- Best Instant Use Credit Cards
The Freedom Unlimited card offers hefty cash-back rewards with an easy path to transferable rewards.
To start off this card earns up to 5% cash-back:
- 5% cash-back on travel booked through the Ultimate Rewards travel portal
- 3% cash-back on dining
- 3% cash-back on drugstores
- 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases
The most useful aspect of this card, at least for teachers, is the 1.5% cash-back.
Hot Tip: This card also comes with a 0% introductory APR perk (regular APR, as indicated in the table above, applies after the introductory period), purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, secondary auto rental collision damage insurance, fraud protection, and other benefits.
2. Citi® Double Cash Card
Citi® Double Cash Card
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!
Citi® Double Cash Card
Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!The Citi® Double Cash Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!
This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.
Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.
Pros
- Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
- Flexible redemption options
- No annual fee
Cons
- No bonus categories
- 3% foreign transaction fees
- Lack of premium travel benefits
- 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.
- Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, 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).
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
Card Categories
Rewards Center
This tremendous credit card is surprisingly rewarding when used properly. What we mean by that is if you use the Double Cash card to earn flat cash-back, you’ll be missing out on the most value.
Normally, your Double Cash card earns 2% cash-back — 1% when you purchase and 1% when you pay off your bill — with no caps.
But interestingly, if you have a ThankYou Rewards credit card like the Citi Premier® Card or Citi Prestige® Card (no longer open to new applicants), you can convert your rewards at a ratio of 1% to 1x ThankYou Points.
That means you can effectively earn 2x transferable points on all purchases with absolutely no caps! That’s unheard of!
You’ll get an introductory flexible pay date, fraud protection, zero liability for unauthorized purchases, a late fee pass, and Citi Private Pass event ticket access.
3. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThe Platinum Card® from American Express
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
This card is undoubtedly the #1 card for luxury travel benefits. From the best lounge access (of any card) to statement credits, to complimentary elite status, you can’t go wrong.When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card® from American Express.
Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.
Pros
- The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
- 5x points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year)
- 5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
- Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit)
- TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
- Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
- Access to Amex International Airline Program
- No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)
Cons
- $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
- Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
- $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: See Pay Over Time APR
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Card Categories
Rewards Center
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- American Express Platinum Military Benefits
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The last personal card we will talk about is the Amex Platinum card. This card is the best product in the world for luxury travel and lifestyle perks.
The Amex Platinum card also earns 5x points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or on Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year), as well as 5x points per $1 spent on prepaid hotels booked via Amex Travel.
The card is also packed with statement credit opportunities, including up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, up to $100 Saks credit (distributed as 2 $50 statement credits), up to $200 in Uber Cash, $189 CLEAR credit, up to $300 Equinox credit, up to $240 digital entertainment credit, and $100 Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit. Note that some benefits require enrollment through your American Express account.
But what’s most impressive is the laundry list of travel perks and lifestyle benefits:
- Access to Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection
- Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, and Priority Pass lounges
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment
- Complimentary Avis, Hertz, and National rental car elite status
The 3 Best Business Cards for Teachers
If you’re a teacher and can qualify for a small business credit card, you’ll open up a whole new world of possibilities!
Let’s take a look at our best business credit cards for teachers.
1. Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.
When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.
Pros
- Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
- Travel insurance and purchase protection
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No annual fee
Cons
- Spending caps in bonus categories
- Low points earning outside of bonus categories
- 3% foreign transaction fees
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Card Categories
Rewards Center
- Chase Ink Business Cash $900 Welcome Bonus Offer
- Benefits of the Chase Ink Business Cash
- Ink Business Cash vs Ink Business Preferred
- Ink Business Cash vs Ink Business Unlimited
- Best Chase Business Credit Cards
- Best Business Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
- Best 0% APR Business Credit Cards
- Best Credit Cards for Car Rental Insurance
The Ink Business Cash card is our favorite business credit card for teachers, thanks to excellent ongoing bonus categories.
First of all, this card’s rewards can be converted entirely to Ultimate Rewards points if you have an Ultimate Rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. The ratio is 1% to 1x points.
Also, the credit card boasts a generous 0% introductory APR benefit for purchases. Regular APR, as shown above, will apply after the introductory period.
Then, maximize your rewards by earning as follows:
- 5% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent every account anniversary year in combined purchases on these categories
- Office supply stores
- Internet, cable, and phone services
- 2% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent every account anniversary year in combined purchases on these categories
- Gas stations
- Restaurants
- 1% cash-back on all other purchases
So if you frequently make office supply runs as a teacher, then you can potentially earn 5% cash-back, which is convertible to 5x Ultimate Rewards points and worth a 10% return on spending!
Also, enjoy primary rental car insurance when renting on business, roadside dispatch, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and employee cards at no additional cost.
2. Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.
If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.
Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Pros
- 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- Earn flexible rewards
Cons
- 3% foreign transaction fee
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Card Categories
Rewards Center
- The Ink Business Unlimited $900 Welcome Bonus Offer
- Benefits of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
- Ink Business Cash vs Ink Business Unlimited
- Ink Business Preferred vs Ink Business Unlimited
- Best Business Credit Cards with No Annual Fee
- Best Chase Business Credit Cards
- Best Business Credit Cards for Multiple Employees
- Best 0% APR Business Credit Cards
- Best Credit Cards for Car Rental Insurance
The Ink Business Unlimited card allows you to earn elevated rewards without bonus categories.
You’ll earn a flat 1.5% cash-back on all your purchases with no caps or bonus categories needed.
Also, there’s a 0% introductory APR promotion to help you deflect interest fees on any carried balances for a while. After the introductory period, the regular APR indicated in the table above will apply.
After that, enjoy purchase protection, extended warranty, primary car rental insurance when renting on business, employee cards at no additional cost, and more.
Your 1.5% cash-back can be transformed into 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points with the right credit card, such as the Ink Business Preferred card or Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
3. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Terms Apply / Rates & FeesThe Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.
With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).
The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.
Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.
Pros
- 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
- Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
- No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
Cons
- No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
- No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Card Categories
Rewards Center
Our favorite Amex business card for teachers is the Amex Blue Business Plus card that earns 2x Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on everyday business purchases with no bonus categories, up to $50,000 per calendar year.
The Amex Blue Business card offers also extends a 0% introductory APR benefit to new cardholders (regular APR, as shown in the table above, will apply after the introductory period), as well as employee cards at no additional cost, extended warranty, and access to Amex Offers. Also, this is one of the only no-annual-fee cards that offers direct access to a transferable rewards program without needing a different credit card (see rates and fees).
Final Thoughts
Teachers’ best personal credit cards will generally be limited to cards that offer the best rewards on everyday purchases.
However, if you can apply for a business credit card, holding the Ink Business Cash card is your absolute best bet, thanks to the potential to earn 5x Ultimate Rewards points on office supply stores!
Happy teaching!
The information for the Citi Prestige® Card has been collected independently by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.