To maximize rewards hacking and minimize overspending, draw on the power of gift cards by buying one for the amount of your school supply budget. Can I use credit cards combined with gift cards to save even more? And if you're smart about where you buy the gift card, you can also earn more cash-back rewards. You won't be able to go over the limit, helping you control your spending.

As of right now, many of the biggest VPN providers, including some of CNET's top picks listed in this guide.  Should I be worried about consolidation in the VPN industry? We saw the latest example of this trend in February when . The recent trend of consolidation in the VPN industry isn't showing signs of slowing down.

However, Mullvad's straightforward approach to pricing is a breath of fresh air, especially with so many other VPN providers concocting ever-more convoluted pricing structures. If you're not satisfied with the service, you can get a refund within 30 days of purchase. Mullvad costs about $5 a month, whether you want to use it for a month, a year or a decade -- and you're never locked into a long-term subscription plan.

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While its interface is user-friendly and its speeds are thrilling, spending time with Hotspot is going to leave your wallet a little lighter than you might prefer. Its current price is higher than its nearest competitors, its speeds slightly slower and its privacy more questionable. If you're looking for a VPN purely on the grounds of speed, we still recommend passing on Hotspot until it improves.

There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year. APR14.99% - 25.99% Variable

Intro Purchase APR0% for 15 months

Recommended Credit Good/Excellent

Reward Rates

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. After that, up to $41. Annual Fee$0

Additional Details

Intro Balance Transfer APR0% for 15 months

Balance Transfer APR14.99% - 25.99% Variable

Balance Transfer Fee 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*

Late Payment Fee None the first time you pay late. Foreign Transaction Fees None

Rewards & Redemption Details

Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places each quarter like Amazon.com, grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations and when you pay using PayPal, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically. Card Highlights

Intro OfferIntro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match - only from Discover. For example, in October through December, you can earn 5% cash back (on up to a combined $1,500 in spending for the fiscal quarter, then 1%)  and digital wallets purchases -- helpful categories for just about any school needs. The flagship rotating rewards category typically includes brands that many shoppers already use for their school necessities. You could turn $150 cash back into $300. And the welcome offer will make your rewards for the first year even better. Our Take

The Discover it® Cash Back* offers some flexibility for your school spending. Earn 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases - automatically.

And if you're using the free version of its product, it shares that information -- along with even more finite data, including your MAC address and specific phone identifier -- with advertising companies. With its premium product, it gathers and retains much more information about users than most other VPNs. We're also not thrilled about the amount of user data Hotspot collects, and its privacy policy.

For each eligible purchase you make at a merchant that is not in a gas or dining category, you earn rewards at a rate of 1% of the eligible purchase amount. Annual Fee$0

Additional Details

Late Payment Fee Up to $41

Rewards & Redemption Details

Save 5% in store and online at Target

For each eligible purchase you make in gas or dining merchant categories, you earn rewards at a rate of 2% of the eligible purchase amount. Our Take

The REDcard credit card* can earn you 5% off your purchases online, in-store and at Starbucks located within Target stores. For each eligible purchase you make at a merchant that is not in a gas or dining category, you earn rewards at a rate of 1% of the eligible purchase amount. This can come in handy particularly if you're furnishing an apartment or a dorm room. Among them is free shipping for most Target.com purchases and an extra 30 days for returns.  The card comes with plenty of perks that regular Target shoppers can make use of, long after the school season is over. Card Highlights

Intro OfferGet a coupon for $40 off a qualifying purchase over $40 when you are approved for a debit or credit RedCard in-stores and at Target.com between 09/18/22 - 10/08/22

APR25.15% Variable

Intro Purchase APRN/A

Recommended Credit Good/Excellent

Reward Rates

Save 5% in store and online at Target

For each eligible purchase you make in gas or dining merchant categories, you earn rewards at a rate of 2% of the eligible purchase amount.