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PayPal Cashback Mastercard vs PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Both are well-respected travel cards. The PayPal Cashback Mastercard comes from Synchrony at $0/yr; the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed Credit Union at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
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 | PayPal Cashback Mastercard | PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | $200 cash back | Not advertised |
| Bonus value (est.) | $200 | - |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $500 in 3 mo | - |
| Issuer | Synchrony | PenFed Credit Union |
| Card category | cashback | travel |
| Best earning category (Paypal_purchases) | 3x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | None | None |
| Headline benefits |
Read the full review
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
$0/yr · $200 cash back
Read the full review
PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
$95/yr ·
Editorial take: PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, PayPal Cashback Mastercard or PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The PayPal Cashback Mastercard has a public bonus ($200 cash back, worth roughly $200), while the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card doesn't advertise one right now.
- Is the PayPal Cashback Mastercard's $0 annual fee worth it compared to the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- The PayPal Cashback Mastercard has no annual fee, so the question is whether the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's $95 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card's benefits to clear $95 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the PayPal Cashback Mastercard.
- Can I have both the PayPal Cashback Mastercard and PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (Synchrony and PenFed Credit Union) 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 PayPal Cashback Mastercard or the PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. PayPal Cashback Mastercard: $500 spend in 3 months. PenFed Pathfinder Rewards Visa Signature Card: no published min spend. 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.