Discover it Student Chrome vs. PayPal Cashback Mastercard
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
Discover it Student Chrome
Discover
PayPal Cashback Mastercard
Synchrony
Discover it Student Chrome and PayPal Cashback Mastercard split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
Discover it Student Chrome wins on foreign transactions; PayPal Cashback Mastercard wins on earning ceiling.
Who wins what
1 vs 1 (2 tie)- First-year math Tie
Both cards land within $25 of each other after the annual fee.
- Annual fee Tie
Same annual fee.
- Earning ceiling PayPal Cashback Mastercard
PayPal Cashback Mastercard earns more on its best category (3× vs 2×).
- Foreign transactions Discover it Student Chrome
Discover it Student Chrome has a lower (or zero) foreign transaction fee.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- Free
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- —
- —
- First-year net
- +$0
- +$0
- Peak earning rate
- 2×
- 3×
- Top categories
- Gas, Dining
- PayPal Purchases
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- No
- No
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- 3.00%
- Reward currency
- Discover Cashback
- 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.