Hi, I’m Ben Rose—CashbackHQ’s in-house cashback expert and founder. Like many of you, I’ve been feeling the pinch during this back-to-school season. Between fresh kicks for gym class, a new laptop for my middle-schooler, and enough pencils to stock a small office, the costs really add up.
In fact, according to a July 2025 survey by NerdWallet, families are looking at an average spend of around $741—and WTOP pegs that closer to $858 once tech is factored in (WTOP News). So let’s talk about how to save some serious money.
Why Everything Costs More in 2025
It’s not your imagination—things really are pricier this year. Inflation’s a big part of the story, but so are supply chain hiccups and schools asking for more tech gear than ever.
- Over half of parents find back-to-school shopping financially stressful.
- Roughly 63% plan to rely on credit cards—and they’re hoping for cashback or points to soften the blow.
- Many (myself included) are ditching old shopping habits to chase better deals.
Hack #1: Shop Tax-Free (Yes, Really)
One of the easiest ways to save is to take advantage of your state’s tax holiday. For my fellow Virginians, it’s August 1–3. If you’re in Maryland, mark August 10–16 on your calendar.
These events waive state sales tax on certain school supplies, clothing, and backpacks. Stack this with a cashback portal and a rewards card, and you’re in solid savings territory.
Hack #2: Use the Right Card (I’m Loving Rakuten’s Amex)
If you use Rakuten, the new Rakuten American Express® Credit Card is a must-have. Here’s what I like about it:
- 4% cashback on Rakuten purchases
- 5% back at Rakuten Dining spots
- 2% back on everyday groceries and dining
- 1% back on everything else
You’ll also get a $25 welcome bonus after your first $500 spend, and a $30 referral bonus for bringing in a friend. Not bad.
Where I’m Seeing the Best Cashback This Year
🍽️ Meal Kits
Let’s face it, nobody wants to cook after a full day of work and school. These meal kit deals are incredible:
- HelloFresh: Up to 65% cashback on Rakuten
- Green Chef: Up to 50% cashback
- Blue Apron: Flat $30 cashback on TopCashback
👟 Activewear & Apparel
My kids grow faster than I can keep up. Here’s where I’ve scored some wins:
- Alo Yoga: 11% cashback via RebatesMe + $40 bonus
- Adidas: 13% cashback via TopCashback
- Puma, Under Armour: Around 10% back on several portals
Track real-time cashback on apparel
🔐 Digital Tools for College Students
VPNs are a no-brainer for campus Wi-Fi. I’ve helped several parents snag deals like:
- PureVPN: 130% cashback on TopCashback (yes, that’s more than you spend!)
- ExpressVPN: Up to 85% back
Ben’s 5-Step Cashback Stack
- Start with a great card. I rotate between Rakuten Amex and my Citi Double Cash.
- Open a cashback portal in a clean browser tab—no plug-ins running that might interfere.
- Apply a promo code. I check Honey or store apps like Target Circle.
- Shop during bonus events. I look for tax-free weekends or Rakuten’s Big Give Week.
- Let your kids help. Mine love trying to “beat” my cashback total each year. It’s fun—and educational.
Real Example: My $100 Back-to-School Cashback Stack
Here’s how I saved over $100 on just two orders:
- HelloFresh: $100 meal kit order
→ $65 back from Rakuten
→ $4 back from Rakuten Amex
→ Final: $31 - Alo Yoga: $120 order for back-to-school clothes
→ $13.20 cashback
→ $40 new user bonus
→ $2.40 from my card
→ Final: $64.40
Final Word from Ben
I get it—back-to-school shopping can feel overwhelming. But with a little planning and the right tools, it’s totally possible to turn a spending spree into a savings opportunity.
Don’t shop blindly. Use tax holidays, take advantage of credit card promos, and always run your purchases through a cashback portal.
And when in doubt, check live rates and compare rewards at CashbackHQ.com. That’s what I do.
FAQs
🛒 How do cashback sites work?
Retailers pay sites like Rakuten or TopCashback a commission for sending traffic. When you buy, the cashback site gets paid—and they share a cut with you.
Common mistakes to avoid
💳 Can I stack credit card rewards and cashback?
You bet. It’s called double-dipping. You earn cashback from the portal and rewards from your credit card in the same transaction.
🗓 What are the tax holiday dates for 2025?
- Virginia: August 1–3
- Maryland: August 10–16
See you out there—and happy deal hunting!
