Whether you’re stocking your home office as a remote worker or just trying to score the best deals on school supplies this year, Office Depot should definitely be on your radar. But before you start filling your cart, you’ll need to sign up for Office Depot Rewards.
Their rewards program is free, so there’s no reason to not claim your extra 2% – 5% back in rewards every time you shop. Plus, there are other rad bonuses, like member-only saving events, birthday freebies, a recycling program, free two-day shipping, and even getting paid to write online reviews for the stuff you buy.
In case you’re just getting started with the Office Depot rewards program, here’s your complete guide to all the best benefits so you don’t leave any extra money on the table.
For more smart shopping tips and savings hacks, text HACKS to 57299 or download the KCL app.
1. Sign up for Office Depot Rewards to unlock their sale prices and special offers.
All you’ve gotta do is join Office Depot Rewards (for free). Then, you’ll unlock tons of exclusive savings events throughout the year. In the past, we’ve seen deals like 20% back in rewards for purchasing things like ink, toner, and printer paper.
And now through Sept. 30, 2023, teachers with an Office Depot Rewards account can get 30% back in rewards on any regular-priced purchases in-store. You’ll just need to show your teacher ID at checkout.
That’s assuming you’ll actually use those 30% rewards at Office Depot in the coming months, of course. But with back-to-school season upon us, that should be easy peasy.
TIP: We regularly see this 30% back in rewards offer pop up for teachers in the summer and fall.
2. Get 2% back in rewards on (almost) every purchase you make.
On top of exclusive savings events, your rewards account will get you 2% back in rewards on each and every purchase at Office Depot. Well, almost every purchase. There are a few exclusions.
Here are the purchases that won’t earn your 2% back in rewards:
- Marketplace items from a third-party seller
- Delivery fees
- Postage
- Gift cards (you won’t get 2% back, but you will get exclusive offers from time to time)
- Pre-paid cards
- Services (like printing and shredding)
Related: We rounded up all the reasons to shop during Office Depot back-to-school sales.
3. Or earn 5% back in rewards if you spend at least $500 in a year.
If you spend $500 or more at Office Depot over a 12-month period (that’s the equivalent of spending about $42 a month), you’ll get upgraded to VIP status. There are a ton of different benefits when you’re VIP, not the least of which is getting your base rate “cash back” on every purchase bumped up to 5% instead of the usual 2%.
TIP: Staples Classroom Rewards also gives you 5% back in rewards — but without the minimum spend requirement.
4. VIP members also get free two-day shipping.
Move over Amazon! If you’re a VIP member, one of the added benefits of Office Depot Rewards is that you’ll get free two-day shipping on every order. There are some logical exceptions, though. Like, you can’t claim this benefit on bulk orders or for shipping furniture or other large items. But if you’re just loading up on school supplies for your kids and need it fairly quickly, it’s fair game.
5. Rack up an extra $6 per month for reviewing your purchases.
This is a really unique feature of Office Depot Rewards — they’ll actually pay you to review their products online!
When you leave a review with your Office Depot Rewards account, you’ll earn $2 for each review. You can claim this offer up to three times per month, for a grand total of $6 in rewards each month. That could be an extra $72 each year for your efforts.
6. Get up to $20 per month when you recycle your ink cartridges.
As an Office Depot Rewards member, you’ll get paid $2 in rewards for every ink or toner cartridge you recycle — regardless of whether or not you’ve reached VIP status. You can trade in your old cartridges up to 10 times per month, which lets you earn a grand total of up to $20 in rewards every month.
Now, you’ve gotta be ethical about it. Office Depot isn’t gonna pay you for mangled or damaged cartridges. But if it can truly be reused, you can claim the payout.
Related: Get paid for your good deeds at even more retailers — these stores reward you for recycling.
7. Keep an eye out for extra savings during your birthday month.
I bet you didn’t think an office supply store would be out here issuing birthday freebies, but here they are! If you’re a VIP member, Office Depot will send you extra rewards offers for your big day, so be sure to log into your account during your birthday month to see your bonus.
8. Access your rewards certificates on the second Monday of the month — and use them within 60 days.
Office Depot issues your Office Depot Rewards in the form of certificates. Your certificate will get loaded to your account on the second Monday of every month. There is a minimum — you’ll only be issued a certificate once your rewards reach at least $3. If your balance is under $3, you’ll have to wait to get a certificate until you’ve built up your stash a little more.
But that’s kind of a good thing. Because you only have 60 days to use your certificate before it expires, so you won’t necessarily be able to hoard the savings for one massive purchase. You’ll have to use your rewards within that two-month time frame.
What happens if you return something you bought with a rewards certificate?
This is a frequently asked question with Office Depot Rewards. If you paid with a rewards certificate and return the item, you will get a refund check sent to you within 3 – 4 weeks.
TIP: Depending on how you time your Office Depot shopping trip, you could use the rewards you earn during back-to-school clearance sales to get free stuff during Office Depot Black Friday. It’s all about strategizing your shop!
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