PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® earns 3% on PayPal purchases and 1.5% on everything else, with no annual fee. Its regular APR is 18.74%–33.49% variable. Rates and terms come from NerdWallet, our verified data partner with direct issuer relationships.
Is the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® worth it?
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® earns 3% on PayPal purchases and 1.5% on everything else. We source these rewards and terms from NerdWallet, our verified data partner with direct issuer relationships. These figures carry our ◆ Partner data label — we did not pull them from the issuer ourselves.
The card has no annual fee. Its regular APR is 18.74%–33.49% variable.
The honest caveats: rewards, fees, and APR are partner-supplied and can change, and the regular APR is variable. A rewards card only pays off if you pay the balance in full — interest at these rates quickly erodes any cash back. Confirm current terms on the issuer’s own site. This is not financial advice.
How does a rewards credit card work?
A rewards credit card earns a percentage back on what you spend, which the issuer credits as cash back, points, or miles. You pay no interest if you clear the statement balance each month; carry a balance and the variable APR applies. The card reports your payment history to the credit bureaus.
What does the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® cost if you carry a balance?
Carrying a $1,000 balance at the 18.74% minimum APR costs roughly $187 a year in interest. That is why a rewards card only pays off if you clear the statement balance every month — interest at this rate quickly outruns any rewards.
Illustrative estimate based on the figures on this page, not an offer. Your results will differ.
What are the pros and cons of the PayPal Cashback Mastercard®?
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® stands out for earns 1.5%–3% cash back — earns 3% on PayPal purchases and 1.5% on everything else, though rates and terms are partner-supplied — not fetched from the issuer ourselves.
- Earns 1.5%–3% cash back — earns 3% on PayPal purchases and 1.5% on everything else
- No annual fee
- Rewards and terms supplied by our verified data partner
- Rates and terms are partner-supplied — not fetched from the issuer ourselves
- Regular APR is 18.74%–33.49% variable once any intro period ends
- Rewards value depends on your spending fitting the card's categories
Who should get the PayPal Cashback Mastercard®?
The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® is best for cardholders who want cash back that fits their spending.
- Cardholders who want cash back that fits their spending
- People comparing rewards cards from major issuers
- Anyone who wants a no-fuss rewards card
How does the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® compare?
Among the 15 cash-back credit cards we track, the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® ranks #14 with a money8020 score of 82/100.
| Product | Score | Tier | Provider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Freedom Flex® | 100 | Essential | JPMorgan Chase |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited® | 100 | Essential | JPMorgan Chase |
| Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express | 99 | Essential | American Express |
| Citi Double Cash® Card | 99 | Essential | Citibank |
| Discover it® Cash Back | 99 | Essential | Discover |
See all cash-back credit cards, ranked →
Common mistakes to avoid with a rewards credit card
- Carrying a balance — interest at the regular APR quickly erases any rewards.
- Chasing a sign-up bonus with spending you cannot pay off in full.
- Missing the intro-APR deadline and getting hit with the full variable rate.
- Overlooking an annual fee that outweighs the rewards for your spending.
Key takeaways
- PayPal Cashback Mastercard® earns a money8020 score of 82/100, ranking #14 of 15 cash-back credit cards.
- Earns 1.5%–3% cash back — earns 3% on PayPal purchases and 1.5% on everything else
- Carrying a $1,000 balance at the 18.74% minimum APR costs roughly $187 a year in interest.
- Best for cardholders who want cash back that fits their spending.
- Rate and terms sourced from our verified data partner, NerdWallet.
Frequently asked questions about the PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
Does the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® have an annual fee?
Per NerdWallet, our data partner, the card has no annual fee. It earns 1.5%–3% cash back and carries a 18.74%–33.49% variable regular APR (as of 05/30/2026). Terms can change — confirm current details on the issuer's site. This is not financial advice.
What rewards does the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® earn?
Per NerdWallet, the card earns 3% on PayPal purchases and 1.5% on everything else. Rewards rates and categories can change; confirm with the issuer.
Will applying for the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® hurt my credit score?
Applying triggers a hard inquiry, which can dip your score a few points temporarily. Used responsibly — paying on time and keeping balances low — the card builds your credit over time.
Do the rewards on the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® expire?
On most cards, rewards do not expire while the account is open and in good standing, though terms vary. Redeem regularly and check the issuer's rewards policy.
Sources
We sourced these figures from our verified data partner and independently confirmed the provider’s regulator status, last checked May 30, 2026. Primary sources: