Editorial take: The Platinum Card from Amex
The granddaddy of premium cards with Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and a mountain of credits. The $895 fee stings, but if you use even half the credits, you come out ahead.
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Side-by-side
The Platinum Card from Amex vs PayPal Cashback Mastercard
Both are well-respected travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/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 The Platinum Card from Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($3,300 more in estimated value) than the PayPal Cashback Mastercard's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the PayPal Cashback Mastercard after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | PayPal Cashback Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $12,000 in 6 mo | $500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Synchrony |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | None |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$895/yr · 175,000 points
Read the full review
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Editorial take: PayPal Cashback Mastercard
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, The Platinum Card from Amex or PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus $200 cash back (~$200) on the PayPal Cashback Mastercard.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
- Premium cards like the The Platinum Card from Amex ($895/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $895+ of those credits, the math works. The PayPal Cashback Mastercard at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex and PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express 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 The Platinum Card from Amex or the PayPal Cashback Mastercard first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. The Platinum Card from Amex: $12,000 spend in 6 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.