PayPal Cashback Mastercard

The PayPal Cashback Mastercard is a cash back card designed for anyone seeking decent cash back rewards and no annual fee. It offers 3% cash back on PayPal purchases and 1.5% cash back on everything else: no rotating categories, nothing to keep track of. However, you won’t get a welcome bonus or a 0% introductory APR, and it’s a little skimpy on other rewards.

Our Rating

3.8/5.0

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

0% Intro on Purchases

None

Reward Rate

1.5% to 3%

0% Intro on Balance Transfers

None

Editorial Review

How Does the PayPal MC Compare?

This PayPal Cashback Mastercard compares well to other cards that offer a simple cash back reward structure. Cash back never expires, and there are no limitations on how much you can earn.

Who is the PayPal MC best for?

If you shop online frequently and often use PayPal, you will enjoy the simple cash back reward that the PayPal Cashback Mastercard offers. However, this card does come with an 19.49% to 34.24% APR, so be careful to pay it off each month, if possible. 

Who would do better with a different card?

If you carry a balance, the APR is high, so you might want to consider a card with a lower APR if you have good credit. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card card offers unlimited 2% cash back on purchases. If you’re planning a major purchase, it also offers a 0% introductory rate on purchases for 12 months from account opening.  

If you don’t mind keeping track of categories, the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express can earn you up to 6% cash back at the grocery store and 6% cash back on streaming services. Everyone shops at grocery stores, and these days, most people have at least two or three streaming services. There is a spending cap on these rewards, though. It also offers a 0% introductory rate on purchases for 12 months.  

The Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card card also carries no annual fee, and you can earn up to 3% cash back. Plus, there’s a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months. 

Features & Benefits

SecurityEMV Chip Enabled, Fraud Monitoring, Zero Liability, Identity theft protection
Contactless PaymentsTap to Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay, PayPal
BenefitsPurchase Protection, 24/7 customer service
Travel PerksNone

Rewards

1.5% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
3% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn 3% on Eligible Purchases you make using your Card Account through your PayPal account

Interest Rates & Fees

Annual Fee$0
Foreign Transaction Fee3% of each transaction.
Regular APR19.49% to 34.24% (V) APR

What Credit Score Is Required to Get the PayPal Cashback Mastercard

The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use numerous factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.

Lowest Approved Credit Score: 650

Average Approved Credit Score: 789

App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved01/19/2023
825
Not Provided
$20,000
Approved04/14/2023
650
Not Provided
$7,500
Approved09/29/2023
708
TransUnion
$6,500
Approved02/02/2024
778
Equifax
$9,000
Approved02/02/2024
805
Experian
$9,000
Approved02/02/2024
821
Experian
$9,000
Approved02/02/2024
824
Equifax
$9,000
Approved02/02/2024
844
TransUnion
$9,000
Approved02/02/2024
850
TransUnion
$9,000
Approved12/30/2023
789
Not Provided
$8,500

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 3% cash back
Cons
  • No welcome bonus
  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit

What Are the Best Alternatives?

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Rating

4.9

Rewards Range

2%

Annual Fee

$0

Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Rating

4.5

Rewards Range

1%-6%

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card

Rating

4.5

Rewards Range

1% -10%

Annual Fee

$0

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