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Side-by-side

Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature vs PayPal Cashback Mastercard

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature comes from Bank of America at $95/yr; the PayPal Cashback Mastercard from Synchrony at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,400 more in estimated value) than the PayPal Cashback Mastercard's. Get the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature first; revisit the PayPal Cashback Mastercard after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAtmos Rewards Ascent Visa SignaturePayPal Cashback Mastercard
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus80,000 points + Companion Fare$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)$1,600$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$4,000 in 4 mo$500 in 3 mo
IssuerBank of AmericaSynchrony
Card categoryairlinecashback
Best earning category (Alaska_hawaiian)3x1x
Transfer partnersNoneNone
Headline benefits
  • $99 Companion Fare annually
  • 80K + Companion Fare welcome offer
  • 3x on Alaska & Hawaiian
  • No foreign tx fees
    Read the full review
    Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature
    $95/yr · 80,000 points + Companion Fare
    Read the full review
    PayPal Cashback Mastercard
    $0/yr · $200 cash back

    Editorial take: Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature

    The current Atmos Rewards Ascent card replaces Alaska's legacy Visa Signature. The Companion Fare alone justifies the $95 fee, book a paid Alaska or Hawaiian ticket, take a partner along for $99 + tax. Easy three-figure value at the West Coast / Asia-via-Alaska routes Alaska reaches.

    Editorial take: PayPal Cashback Mastercard

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature or PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
    The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature has the bigger bonus, 80,000 points + Companion Fare, worth roughly $1,600, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the PayPal Cashback Mastercard.
    Is the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
    At $95/yr, the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the PayPal Cashback Mastercard's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature and PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bank of America and Synchrony) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
    Should I get the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature or the PayPal Cashback Mastercard first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature: $4,000 spend in 4 months. PayPal Cashback Mastercard: $500 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

    Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.