CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard vs PayPal Cashback Mastercard
Both are well-respected travel cards. The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard comes from Citi at $0/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.
These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.
| Feature | CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard | PayPal Cashback Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | Not advertised | $200 cash back |
| Bonus value (est.) | - | $200 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | - | $500 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | Citi | Synchrony |
| Card category | travel | cashback |
| Best earning category (Travel) | 2x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | aadvantage | None |
| Headline benefits |
Editorial take: PayPal Cashback Mastercard
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard or PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
- The PayPal Cashback Mastercard has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
- The CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard has no annual fee, so the question is whether the PayPal Cashback Mastercard's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the PayPal Cashback Mastercard's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard.
- Can I have both the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard and PayPal Cashback Mastercard?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Citi 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 CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard or the PayPal Cashback Mastercard first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard: no published min spend. 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.
