Back-to-school shopping is already strenuous on parents’ wallets, and this year, it’s about to get worse.
The federal government’s latest round of tariffs is hitting everyday items families rely on, from pencils to sneakers. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the new tariffs will pile on an estimated $73 million in extra taxes on school supplies and a staggering $1.9 billion on clothing and shoes.
For households already stretched by inflation, childcare costs and rising interest rates, finding clever ways to save on back-to-school shopping is a necessity. These credit cards can help you accumulate rewards to offset the sting of a back-to-school shopping spree.
What Tariffs Mean for Your Back-to-School Bill
Tariffs are essentially taxes on imported goods. When the government slaps them on products like backpacks, sneakers or lunch boxes, retailers often pass those costs directly to shoppers.
This year, with school starting, families could feel the pinch across the board:
- School supplies. Prices on staples like notebooks, markers and calculators are projected to rise, with tariffs adding tens of millions in costs across the sector.
- Clothing and shoes. The $1.9 billion tariff burden is likely to filter down into higher price tags on everything from uniforms to sneakers.
- Food and snacks. Tariffs on certain imports could drive up the cost of packing lunches, too.
The Real-World Impact
Parents are already noticing the overwhelming back-to-school shopping prices. A July survey by Intuit Credit Karma found that nearly 4 in 10 (39%) parents say they can’t afford back-to-school supplies this year—up from 31% last year—while almost half (44%) expect to go into debt to get their kids ready for class.
Sticker shock is hitting families with multiple children the hardest, and many parents are weighing tough trade-offs, from cutting work hours to skipping after-school programs altogether.
The result: a season that’s looking less like a tradition and more like a financial minefield.
How To Push Back Against Higher Prices
Tariffs aren’t going away anytime soon, but families aren’t powerless. The right credit card perks, like cash back on school supplies, rewards on online orders or special financing offers, can help ease the sting of back-to-school spending.
Back-to-school shopping often involves concentrated spending within a short window. These best credit cards for shopping can help take the edge off rising prices:
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card: The Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card earns 6% cash back for the first year in the eligible category of your choice, 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases), and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category and 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs up to the quarterly maximum. One of the choice categories for elevated cash back is online shopping, making it perfect for those back-to-school shopping from the comfort of home. New cardholders can also earn a $200 online cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
- Prime Visa: Available exclusively for Amazon Prime members, the Prime Visa delivers impressive everyday rewards. You’ll earn 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and unlimited 1% back on other purchases. New cardholders also receive a $150 Amazon gift card upon approval with an eligible Prime membership.
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card: The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card keeps it simple by offering a flat, unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases. You can also earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months, which can come in handy after heavy spending during a back-to-school shopping spree.
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible PrimeRead More
Welcome Bonus
Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.49% – 28.24% Variable
Credit Score
Good, Excellent (670 – 739)
- Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
- Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
- Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com with an eligible Prime membership
- Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
- Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
- No annual credit card fee
- No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
- Member FDIC
Bottom Line
Tariffs may be driving up the cost of everything from binders to backpacks, but that doesn’t mean families are stuck paying full freight. By pairing a smart credit card strategy with a high-yield savings account, you can offset some tariff-driven pain and keep more money in your pocket.
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