MASTERCARDMastercard World
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
- Annual Fee
- $0
- Highest rate (conditional)
- Up to 3% (Direct)
At a Glance
- Annual Fee
- $0
- Authorized User Fee
- $0
- Foreign Transaction Fee
- 3%
- Network
- Mastercard World
- Rewards Currency
- Cash
- Point Valuation
- 1¢ (cash back)
- Credit Required
- Good to Excellent
Earning Rates
- 3%
Paypal
3% cash back when you checkout with PayPal
- 1.5%
All Other
1.5% cash back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted
Benefits & Perks
Insurance & Protections
1 protectionsZero Liability on unauthorized transactions
You won't be held responsible for unauthorized transactions made in store, online, or via mobile device.
Program & Transfers
Cash Back Rewards
Currency: Cash back dollars
Point Value: 1 cpp
Range: 1–1 cpp
Reviews & Analysis
Pros and Cons
Pros
- +No annual fee
- +3% cash back when using PayPal checkout
- +Cash back can be transferred to your PayPal account about three days after each purchase
- +Mobile wallet support (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)
- +Can add up to 6 authorized users earning 1.5%
- +Mastercard ID Theft Protection
- +Zero liability protection
- +Stackable with merchant offers
Cons
- -Only 1.5% on non-PayPal purchases (reduced from 2% in Aug 2024)
- -Must use PayPal checkout to earn 3% (not just the card)
- -Cash back tied to PayPal ecosystem
- -No welcome bonus
- -3% foreign transaction fee
- -Higher APR range (18.49%-33.24%)
- -Less competitive with flat 2% cards like Citi Double Cash
Who It's Best For
Best For
- PayPal ecosystem users who checkout with PayPal frequently
- Those who want cash back paid into a PayPal balance
- Simple cashback earners who dislike category tracking
- People who want to add multiple authorized users
Not Ideal For
- International travelers (3% foreign transaction fee)
- Those who rarely use PayPal checkout (only 1.5% on card swipes)
- People seeking higher flat-rate cashback (was 2%, now 1.5%)
- Those who prefer traditional check/statement credit redemption
- Cardholders wanting category bonus flexibility
Details & Terms
Application Rules
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Account required | You need an active PayPal account in good standing to apply, and rewards are redeemed through that account. |
Payment Terms
| Purchase APR | 18.49%–33.24% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 33.24% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% |
| Authorized User Fee | $0 |
Media & Resources
Card Design
Evidence Sources
| Source | Verified | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Paypal Official | — | Paypal Official |
| WalletHub | — | WalletHub |
| Bankrate | — | Bankrate |
| RewardsCC API | — | RewardsCC API |
| Paypal Official | — | Paypal Official |
| Paypal Official | Paypal Official: Multiple card facts | |
| Paypal Official | Paypal Official | |
| Synchrony Financial | — | Synchrony Financial |