Head to head

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card vs. PayPal Cashback Mastercard

Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

Chase

PayPal Cashback Mastercard

Synchrony

At a glance

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card and PayPal Cashback Mastercard split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card wins on travel insurance and foreign transactions; PayPal Cashback Mastercard wins on first-year math and annual fee.

Pick the PayPal Cashback Mastercard if year-one math is your priority; take the PayPal Cashback Mastercard if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.

Who wins what

2 vs 2 (1 tie)
  • First-year math PayPal Cashback Mastercard

    PayPal Cashback Mastercard wins on bonus value minus annual fee.

  • Annual fee PayPal Cashback Mastercard

    PayPal Cashback Mastercard is $149 cheaper to keep.

  • Earning ceiling Tie

    Same peak earning rate.

  • Travel insurance Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

    Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card carries built-in travel insurance.

  • Foreign transactions Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card

    Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.

By the numbers

Annual fee
$149
Free
Welcome offer (typical value)
First-year net
$-149
+$0
Peak earning rate
Top categories
Airfare, Groceries, Dining
PayPal Purchases
Lounge access
No
No
Travel insurance
Yes
No
Elite status
No
No
Foreign transaction fee
None
3.00%
Reward currency
Southwest Rapid Rewards
PayPal Cash Rewards

Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.