Office Depot Office Max
Homeschool Discount

Office Depot Office Max Rewards Discount

Office Depot and OfficeMax now run one merged Rewards program โ€” and yes, homeschoolers can still use it. You do not need ID.me, a teaching certificate, or government approval to earn rewards if youโ€™re shopping in-store.

Hereโ€™s what you really need to know:

  • Rewards are earned on what you actually pay (after coupons, discounts, and gift cards).
  • No rewards are earned on things like stamps, gift cards, delivery fees, or tech and shredding services.
  • Bonus Rewards (like 30% back during educator events) are issued the next day.
  • Regular Rewards are added monthly โ€” but only if youโ€™ve earned $3 or more that cycle. If you donโ€™t hit $3 by the end of a calendar quarter, those rewards expire.
  • All rewards are digital only. You must log into your account to access and redeem them โ€” they will not be mailed.

What this means for homeschoolers:

  • You can sign up for a Rewards account. Itโ€™s free and open to all shoppers.
  • You can use a homeschool ID you created yourself (Word, Canva, Excel โ€” whatever works).
  • You can participate in in-store educator events and earn Bonus Rewards, as long as you bring the current coupon and your homeschool ID.
  • You do not need ID.me. It is used for online verification only and specifically excludes uncertified homeschool teachers. Source: ID.me Teacher Eligibility Policy

If a cashier doesnโ€™t understand, you can politely explain: โ€œIโ€™m a homeschool educator. Iโ€™ve used this discount for years (only if you have), and homeschoolers are eligible for educator rewards in-store.โ€


Ways to Earn Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards

  • 2% back year-round: Rewards members earn 2% back on most purchases, including school and office supplies, furniture, and tech.
  • Members-only savings: Get access to exclusive discounts and Bonus Rewards offers โ€” including some with 100% back on featured items like batteries.
  • Ink/toner recycling: Earn rewards for recycling up to 10 cartridges per month (restrictions apply).
  • Product reviews: Earn rewards for up to 3 approved product reviews per month.

Bonus: If you spend $500 or more within a 12-month period, youโ€™ll automatically be upgraded to VIP Rewards, which includes:

  • 5% back on ink & toner, reams of paper, and print center services
  • Free delivery โ€” no minimum
  • Additional VIP-only perks

Visit the Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards page to enroll or check your rewards.


How to Save Money at Office Depot and OfficeMax

Yes, Office Depot / OfficeMax has a price match policy โ€” and sometimes theyโ€™ll even match their own online prices if the in-store price is higher.

For example: last time I shopped there, I needed white-out. The price was lower online than it was on the shelf. When I asked at checkout, they matched their own website price โ€” no hassle. So it never hurts to ask.

They also match competitor prices on identical items from places like Staples, Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon (direct listings only โ€” not third-party sellers). Just show the ad or website listing on your phone at checkout or up to 14 days later.

What they wonโ€™t match: clearance items, out-of-stock deals, holiday doorbusters, marketplace sellers, and anything involving rebates or bundle pricing.

If youโ€™re shopping on a budget โ€” especially for school supplies โ€” knowing about their price match can help you save a little extra, even if youโ€™re not using a coupon that day.


Legacy Info (for those of us whoโ€™ve been at this for a bit)

Back in the early 2000s, homeschoolers were welcomed under the original โ€œStar Teacherโ€ program โ€” no ID.me, no hassle. A homeschool ID you printed yourself was good enough, and for many in-store locations, it still is today. That program gave 5% off every purchase and 15% off all Copy & Print Center services.

While the names and systems have changed, the in-store treatment of homeschoolers as educators has stayed mostly the same. The online process (especially through ID.me) is a different story โ€” and one that currently leaves homeschoolers out. But in person? You still belong.

Enroll for Office Depot OfficeMax Rewards or check your rewards.

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Last Updated on June 13, 2025 by Jodi
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