【2024.5 update】The cash back on non-PayPal purchases with this card has dropped from 2% to 1.5%. New cards are already at that rate. Existing cards will be affected starting August 1.

Starting on August 1, 2024, Eligible Purchases made using your card but not through PayPal checkout will now earn unlimited 1.5% cash back.

The good news is that Eligible Purchases made when you check out with PayPal will always earn unlimited 3% cash back. Plus, you’ll still earn additional cash back by saving offers in the app and on PayPal.com before you shop.

Introduction to Synchrony PayPal Cashback

The Synchrony PayPal Cashback card is a co-branded card for your personal PayPal account and Synchrony Bank. You need to log in to your PayPal account to access the online banking interface.

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Full review

Synchrony PayPal

A must-have card for PayPal fans!

  • Welcome bonus: N/A
  • Rewards: 3% on purchases made through PayPal; 1.5% on all other purchases
  • Redemption: Redeem for cash back directly
  • Annual fee: $0
  • Apply now>>

Drawbacks

  • Synchrony Bank is a small bank, and its service is fairly average. It is recommended that you have some credit history before applying, and do not be surprised if the credit limit you receive is low
  • Using this card overseas can easily trigger fraud alerts, and the process of clearing the fraud hold is rather troublesome; it is recommended to avoid large purchases when spending abroad
  • Logging in to online banking from mainland China requires a VPN. KKU uses Express VPN
  • PayPal currently does not allow this card to be added to Apple Pay.

My personal experience

I applied for this card remotely while I was in mainland China. At the time, there was no sign-up bonus. I was approved instantly, with a $6,000 limit. I originally planned to use it long-term outside the U.S. as a Citi Double Cash alternative, but it felt average:

  • There is no button in the online banking site to set travel notifications. If you need one, you can call customer service or use online chat
  • Small WeChat payments were fine. How small counts as small? My feeling is to keep it under $20 if possible
  • After one Didi ride of about 170 yuan, the card was frozen. The online banking interface showed: There is an issue with your account, Please contact Customer Service at 1-866-300-6432. You will not be able to make purchase with your card until you contact customer service。 I called, they asked a bunch of questions, but still would not lift the freeze. I finally said I was not going to deal with it anymore. The rep quickly said they would mail something to my home address, and I could reply after receiving it. I ended up not bothering with it. Honestly, ridiculous.
  • For overseas spending, there are plenty of other cards that can replace it. Whether to apply depends on your own situation

Things to note

  • This card sometimes has targeted sign-up bonuses. If you are not in a hurry to apply, you can wait and see whether a link shows up
  • Application requirement: You cannot already have the Synchrony PayPal Cashback credit card. You can only apply with your U.S. PayPal account.
  • After clicking the links above, you will need to log in to your PayPal account, and then you will be redirected to the application page. Please check the offer shown on your own screen carefully.
  • In theory, you can only apply for one card per PayPal account. It is recommended that you apply only if needed and not force it
  • Be careful when trying to maximize PayPal offers. It is recommended that you apply based on the offer you receive, and save a screenshot before applying in case they go back on it. YMMV
  • If you are in mainland China, you will need a VPN to access the application page. Recommended VPN: Express VPN

Application links