Our pick for an Amex card for use with PayPal: Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Up to 6%
Cash back
- Industry-leading cash back on everyday purchases
- Large welcome offer for a cashback card
- Intro APR on purchases
You can use credit cards from all major providers, but you may pay a fee depending on the transaction.
Credit card type | Accepted at PayPal |
---|---|
American Express | ✅ |
Visa | ✅ |
Mastercard | ✅ |
Discover | ✅ |
PayPal’s cobranded credit cards can be solid financing options. With the PayPal Cashback Mastercard®, you’ll earn 2% cash back on every purchase. And the PayPal Extras Mastercard® offers 2x points on PayPal purchases.
As alternatives, look for cards that offer solid flat-rate rewards on every purchase.
Though Amex credit cards are valid for PayPal transactions, watch out for fees.
Typically goods-and-services payments through PayPal aren’t classified as cash advances.
However, your card provider may charge a fee if you use PayPal for a transaction typically associated with cash advances — such as buying chips at a casino.
Sending money to family and friends may or may not trigger a cash advance. If you’re worried about cash advance fees or APRs, contact your card provider.
What you need to know about cash advance interest rates
With an American Express card, you’re unlikely to earn significant elevated rewards through PayPal spending. Still, a few cards can help you earn decent cash back or travel rewards.
When comparing which Amex cards work well with Paypal, look at the cashback or rewards value per dollar spent, as well as the annual fee, welcome offer value, and associated fees when using an Amex card through Paypal. The Amex cards below show a sampling of cards that provide value for purchases made through Paypal.
This is a great Amex product you can use with PayPal. You’ll earn a solid 1.5% cash back on your purchases.
Most of your PayPal purchases probably won’t fall in this card’s elevated-rewards categories. But you’ll still earn a solid 3x points on eligible purchases.
Earn a solid base rewards rate of 2x points on eligible purchases. Though the card costs $450 a year, it offers high-class travel benefits (see rates & fees).
You can use your American Express card with PayPal. Consider only using it when paying for products or services to avoid paying a transaction fee.
If you’re sending money, you’ll pay a transaction fee of at least 2.9%. Also, watch out for potential cash advance fees and interest rates.
Flat-rate cashback cards are typically the best choice for PayPal transactions. You can find many of them for no annual fee.
A safety net for interrupted or canceled trips.
You can pay off your purchases in two ways.
Use it for reward redemptions and reimbursement for eligible purchases.
Return eligible items within 90 days of purchase even when the retailer won’t take them back.
There’s no official maximum — but watch out for the 5/24 rule.
American Express doesn’t offer secured credit cards, but other larger providers do.
Enjoy four lounges and a steakhouse with your membership.
Use your credit card without swiping or dipping it.
Simplify your credit card payments, account monitoring and reward points tracking.
Nearly every American Express credit card offers rewards.