Best Credit Card for Office Supplies in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Capital One Spark Cash Plus

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Capital One Spark Miles for Business

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Office Supplies

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Whether you're stocking up on sticky notes and printer ink or investing in ergonomic chairs for the team, using the right credit card for office supplies can turn these everyday expenses into valuable rewards.

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It's easy to get drawn in by a massive welcome offer, but don't lose sight of the card's long-term value. Pay close attention to the annual fee and any spending caps on bonus categories, as these factors can significantly eat into the rewards you earn from your business purchases.

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Key Factors

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• Rewards Rate:Prioritize cards that offer a high rewards rate—whether it's cash back, points, or miles—specifically for purchases at office supply stores.
• Annual Fee:Weigh the card's annual fee against the rewards you anticipate earning to ensure the card provides a net positive value for your business.
• Welcome Offer:A generous welcome offer can provide a substantial initial boost, but make sure the required spending to earn it is achievable for your business.
• Spending Caps:Check for any annual or quarterly caps on bonus categories, as high spending can quickly exceed these limits and reduce your earning potential.
• Redemption Value:Consider how you plan to use your rewards, as the value of points and miles can vary significantly depending on whether you redeem them for travel, cash back, or statement credits.
• Business Protections:Look for benefits like purchase protection and extended warranty, which can safeguard your investments in new office equipment and supplies.

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What to Watch Out For

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One common pitfall is choosing a card based on a high rewards rate for office supplies without checking if your preferred vendors, like Amazon or big-box stores, actually qualify for the bonus category. It's also easy to be swayed by a large welcome offer, only to find that low spending caps on bonus rewards diminish the card's value over time, especially if you make frequent or large equipment purchases.

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Decision Flow

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• If your spending is concentrated at office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot, zero in on a business card that offers a high rewards multiplier for that specific category. Pay close attention to any annual spending caps on bonus rewards to ensure they align with your purchasing volume.
• If you buy supplies from a wide range of merchants, including Amazon, Costco, or Walmart, a card with a high flat-rate reward on all purchases is often more valuable. This approach saves you from the headache of checking whether a particular store qualifies for a bonus category.
• If you prioritize simplicity and straightforward value, a cash back card is an excellent choice. The rewards can be easily redeemed as a statement credit, directly reducing your monthly expenses without the complexity of navigating travel portals or transfer partners.
• If you are planning a large one-time purchase, such as new office furniture or computer equipment, look for a card with a substantial welcome offer. Meeting the minimum spending requirement with your large purchase can provide a significant return. Alternatively, a card with a 0% introductory APR period can help you finance the expense over time without interest.
• If you are a savvy traveler looking to maximize value, a card that earns transferable points might be the best long-term play. While it may not have the highest earning rate on office supplies, the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners can yield a far greater value than simple cash back.

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Maximize Your Return with Office Supplies

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To get the most out of every dollar you spend on office supplies, here are a few strategies to keep in your back pocket.

• Choose the right card: Use a business credit card that offers a high rewards rate specifically for purchases at office supply stores.
• Stack with shopping portals: Before making an online purchase, click through a cash-back or points-earning shopping portal to earn additional rewards on top of what your credit card offers.
• Leverage gift card racks: Purchase gift cards for other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations from an office supply store to effectively earn bonus rewards on spending in non-bonused categories.
• Activate card-linked offers: Check your credit card account for special offers from retailers like Staples or Office Depot, as activating these can provide extra statement credits or bonus points.
• Redeem for maximum value: Avoid redeeming your hard-earned points for merchandise; instead, transfer them to high-value airline or hotel partners or opt for a direct cash-back redemption to ensure the best return.

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Supercharge your Rewards with Kudos

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Kudos is a free app that automatically selects your best card at checkout, helping you maximize rewards and unlock hidden perks on every purchase. Get started for free.

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Other Things to Consider

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Beyond just rewards rates, consider your specific shopping habits. If you source most of your supplies from a single retailer like Staples or Office Depot, a store-specific card might offer superior discounts or financing options. Regardless of the card you choose, disciplined financial management is paramount; always aim to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges that can quickly erase the value of any rewards you've earned. While using cash or Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans can help control spending, they lack the robust purchase protections, fraud liability, and rewards-earning potential that make a well-managed business credit card an invaluable tool for your company.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What kind of rewards should I look for in a credit card for office supplies?

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You should prioritize cards that offer high reward rates specifically at office supply stores or provide a strong flat-rate return on all purchases. Some business credit cards also offer flexible bonus categories that can be set to office supplies for a specific period.

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Are business credit cards better than personal cards for office supply purchases?

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Business credit cards are generally a superior choice because their reward structures are often tailored to business spending, including office supplies. They also provide the significant benefit of keeping your business and personal expenses separate for cleaner bookkeeping.

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Do I need a separate credit card just for office supplies?

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While not essential, dedicating one card to office supply purchases can be a smart strategy to maximize your rewards and simplify expense tracking. It is particularly useful for businesses with consistent and significant spending in this category.

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