Do You Earn Rewards on Driving School and Traffic School?

The short answer: Yes, at your base rate. Driving schools, driver education, and court-ordered traffic school code as educational services, which is not a bonus category, so a flat-rate card earns the most. Online traffic-school platforms almost always take cards, while some local driving schools may prefer other payment.

How driver education codes

A driving school or traffic-school provider rings up under an educational-services category code, outside the usual bonus buckets, so most cards earn their base rate. This is the same treatment as tutoring and lessons. A court-ordered fee paid to the court itself, rather than a school, would code as a government payment instead.

Online versus in-person

Online traffic-school and defensive-driving platforms take cards readily, where you earn the base rate. In-person driving schools usually accept cards too, though a small local instructor might prefer cash or an app. Confirm the payment method if earning rewards matters to you.

The best card for driving school

Since driver education has no bonus category, a strong flat-rate card earns the most. The amounts are modest, so value points at a flat 1 cent and use a reliable everyday card from best cash back cards.

Frequently asked questions

Does traffic school earn credit card rewards?
Yes, at your base rate. Driving and traffic school code as educational services, which is not a bonus category, so most cards earn the base rate.
Can I pay for online traffic school with a card?
Yes. Online traffic-school and defensive-driving platforms take cards readily, and you earn your base rate on the fee.
What card is best for driving school?
A strong flat-rate card, since driver education has no bonus category and the amounts are modest.

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Bryce Casson

Written by Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. About the author and how we rank cards.