Moneyzine
/Credit Guides /eBay Credit Card Review

eBay Mastercard Review: Cashback & Rewards

eBay Mastercard Review: All you need to know about cashback, rewards, and any extra fees.
Lauren Bedford
Author: 
Lauren Bedford
Derek Sall
Editor: 
Derek Sall
18 mins
November 30th, 2023
Advertiser Disclosure
eBay Mastercard Review: Cashback & Rewards

If eBay is your number one choice for bargain buys—it’s about time you got rewarded for all the money you’ve been forking out.

The eBay Mastercard has no annual fee and gives you a chance to earn points on everyday purchases. But with high-interest rates and no intro offer the card might not be the pat on the back you’ve been looking for.

Keep reading for the full scoop on eBay’s Mastercard benefits and drawbacks—

This article will show you:
  • How eBay Mastercard works.

  • All its pros and cons.

  • How the eBay card compares.

Read more:

How Does the eBay Mastercard Work?

Whether you’re looking for home decor, electronics, or a neon green wig—the eBay Mastercard can be a great way to earn rewards on your purchases.

When you use the eBay Mastercard, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for rewards like eBay vouchers and statement credits.

And the points are pretty generous. You’ll earn 5x points per dollar spent on eBay, as well as 2x points per dollar spent on gas and dining and 1x points per dollar spent elsewhere.

This can add up quickly, especially if you’re no stranger to online shopping.

Because of its Mastercard label, you’ll also get a load of extra perks like fraud protection, price protection, and extended warranties on certain purchases to give you some peace of mind.

Something that doesn’t bring peace? Fees.

The eBay Mastercard has a high-interest rate if you carry a balance—so don’t forget to pay off your card in full each month to avoid paying extra charges.

There are also balance transfer and foreign transaction fees to watch out for.

Long story short—the eBay Mastercard can be a great option for frequent eBay users with good credit who want to earn rewards on their purchases.

Just be sure to read up on the fees and restrictions (more on that below) before applying to make sure the card is the right fit for you.

How to apply to the eBay Mastercard?

To apply for the eBay Mastercard, follow these steps:

  1. Visit ebay.com and click “Sign in” in the top left corner of the page.

  2. Enter your login information or create a new account if you don’t have one.

  3. Go to the eBay Mastercard page and click “Apply Now.”

  4. Fill out the application form with your personal information, including your full name, address, and Social Security number.

  5. Submit the application and wait for a decision.

I’m afraid you’ll have to slam those brakes if you have a low or non-existent credit score. The eBay Mastercard requires a score of at least 630, so be sure to check your credit or boost your score before applying.

eBay Mastercard: Quick Summary Review

DETAIL

METRIC

SCORE

APR

24.74%–31.74% variable

1/5

Annual fee

$0

5/5

Intro offer

No intro offer

3/5

Rewards (standard)

  • 3x points per $1 spent on gas, restaurants, and groceries

  • 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases

4/5

Rewards (maximum)

  • 5x points per $1 spent on eBay purchases

5/5

Overall rating

3.5/5

eBay Mastercard Fees

The eBay Mastercard has your back with no annual fee, but there’s also a high variable APR to keep you on your toes.

Here’s a complete breakdown of all the fees you need to know—

ANNUAL FEE

$0

Processing fee

N/A

Monthly maintenance fee

N/A

APR

24.74%–31.74% variable

APR for cash advances

N/A

Balance transfer fee

3%–5%

Cash advance fee

N/A

Foreign transaction fee

3%

Late fee

N/A

Minimum interest charge fee

$2

Returned payment fee

N/A

Overlimit fee

N/A

Additional card fee

N/A

eBay Mastercard: Pros & Cons

Fees are usually at the front of your mind when choosing a card—but they aren’t the only factors to keep in mind.

Let’s uncover all the pros and cons of the eBay Mastercard—

  • No annual fee.
  • Generous rewards program.
  • Mastercard benefits.

Pros: What We Like

No annual fee

The eBay Mastercard won’t slap you with an annual fee, which is music to the ears of anyone who hates extra expenses.

The average annual fee for a credit card can reach $110. By avoiding that charge, you’ll have more cash in your pocket for that rainbow-colored pot to keep your plant happy.

Generous rewards program

The eBay Mastercard offers a generous rewards program that lets you earn points on your purchases.

Let’s break it down for you:

  • Earn 3x points for every $1 spent on eBay in a year.

  • Earn 2x points per $1 spent on gas, restaurant, and groceries.

  • Earn 1x points for every $1 spent on all other Mastercard purchases.

  • Earn 5x points for the rest of the year after spending $1,000 on eBay in a single year.

How can you use these points?

Every 1,500 reward points are worth $10, which you can use to purchase from eBay (and only eBay).

But just a heads up—Reward Points expire in 24 months if they’re not used within that time frame, so don’t wait too long.

Also, if you make a return, it can take up to two billing cycles for the value of the Reward Points to be credited back to your account.

For avid eBay users, the rewards program could definitely be worth your time and cash—but if you don’t spend enough in a single year, you’ll be left with a handful of points heading in one direction: expiration.

Mastercard benefits

The eBay Mastercard comes with a range of extra benefits, including global services, travel perks, and identity theft protection.

If you lose your card or it gets stolen, you can give Mastercard a call, day or night.

They’ll cancel your account and take care of you with an Emergency Card Replacement. And you won’t be without your card for too long as it should arrive the next day.

You can also rest easy knowing your identity is in safe hands with Mastercard’s Identity Theft Protection, which includes:

  • Monthly Risk Alerts.

  • Identity Monitoring.

  • Online Monitoring Dashboard.

  • Single Bureau Credit Monitoring.

Cons: What to Consider

High APR

The eBay Mastercard may be great for rewards, but it comes with a big downside—a high variable APR.

With rates ranging from 24.74% to 31.74% (depending on your creditworthiness), carrying a balance can cause your wallet to take a hit.

And to put those figures into perspective: The average APR for credit cards is around 24.14%, so you’ll be forking out much more than standard cards if you let your interest build up.

No 0% intro APR

Looking for a card with a 0% intro APR? Sorry to burst your bubble, but the eBay Mastercard isn’t it.

With this card, you’ll start building up interest from the moment you make a purchase. So if you’re thinking of carrying a balance for a while, be prepared to pay the piper with interest charges.

Points are only redeemable on eBay

If you’ve made it this far, I’m guessing you’re probably an eBay fan. If that’s the case, only being able to redeem your points for eBay purchases might not be so bad.

However, if you prefer more freedom with your spending, you might find yourself trapped in a box.

Despite using the card anywhere to earn points, you can only use those points to buy items from eBay. That means you can’t convert points into cash, crypto, or whatever floats your boat.

Good credit is required

To get your hands on an eBay Mastercard, you’ll need to have good credit. If your credit score is less than stellar, they might not approve you.

Although eBay isn’t the most transparent about its credit score requirements, you’ll have a better chance of getting approved with a score of 630 or higher.

When you apply, eBay will also do a hard inquiry into your credit report, which can temporarily hurt your score. So make sure your credit is up to par before you send off your application.

Follow our credit-building tips to boost your chances of approval.

eBay Mastercard: Your Questions Answered

What’s the minimum eBay Mastercard credit score?

The minimum recommended credit score for the eBay card is at least 630. So it's typically designed for those with fair to excellent credit (580–850). As your credit score represents your creditworthiness, you have a better chance of getting accepted with a higher score.

But credit scores aren’t the only factor issuers consider—your income, debt-to-income ratio, and credit history can all play a role too.

And even if you meet the credit score requirements, there’s still no guarantee of approval.

So before you apply, do your homework and check your credit score for free with sites like Credit Karma.

If your score is lower than 580, it’s not game over—there are steps you can take to improve your credit, like paying down debt or making on-time payments.

How many eBay purchases to earn points?

Every time you purchase on eBay, you’ll earn points based on the amount you spend.

You can earn 5x points per dollar spent on eBay purchases, which can quickly build up if you’re a regular eBay shopper.

For example, if you spend $100 on eBay, you’ll earn 500 points. Once you’ve reached 1500 points, you can redeem it for $10 when you checkout.

That means you’ll need to spend at least $3,000 to get $100 at checkout—and you’ll need to do it in a year before your points expire. You’ll earn more than 3% back on your spending.

That’s a hefty amount—but if you’re already spending that much, it could be worth signing up. Just don’t fall into the trap of buying things you don’t need to get those extra points.

How do eBay cashback and rewards work?

To earn eBay cashback and rewards, you’ll need to use the eBay Mastercard to make purchases on eBay.com and at other retailers.

Here’s how it works:

  • 5x rewards: You’ll earn 5x rewards points for every dollar spent on eBay.com. For example, if you spend $100 on eBay, you’ll earn 500 points.

  • 3x rewards: Earn 3x rewards points for every dollar spent on gas, dining, and groceries.

  • 1x rewards: You’ll earn 1x rewards points for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

Once you hit 1,500 points, you can redeem them for $10 at checkout.

Just be aware that some purchases might not be eligible for rewards if they’re from a non-participating seller. Always check the fine print.

And while you’re at it, remember to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid those pesky interest charges. The aim is to earn extra cash, not lose it.

What is the eBay Mastercard customer service number?

Whether you’ve got a bone to pick or just need some help, here’s all the contact information for the eBay Mastercard:

Customer Service is available 24/7, so you can call anytime on 1-844-435-0237.

And if talking on the phone strikes you with fear, you can sign in and chat with a live representative from 9:00 AM–9:30 PM EST, seven days a week.

Just make sure you have your account information handy, as well as any questions or issues you might have. It’ll help speed things up.

And you might need to come equipped with some patience too. In 2021, a J.D. Power study, ranked Synchrony Bank ninth out of eleven for customer satisfaction, with a score below average.

How do I make eBay credit card payments?

Making eBay credit card payments is easy.

Here’s how you can do it:

  • Online: Log in to your eBay Mastercard account and select the “Payments” tab. You can then make a one-time payment or set up recurring payments.

  • Phone: Call the phone number listed on the back of your card to make a payment over the phone. Be sure to have your account information ready.

  • Mail: You can also make a payment by sending a check or money order to the address listed on your billing statement.

Make those payments on time and in full each month to avoid the dreaded extra charges. Not only will this boost your credit score, but it’ll also give you peace of mind. And if you’re the forgetful type, just set up automatic payments to make sure you never miss a beat.

If you need help managing your finances, try out our free monthly budget tracker.

How Does the eBay Mastercard Compare?

You might be a frequent eBay shopper, but it isn’t the only online shopping platform out there—and it’s not the only one offering rewards cards either.

Let’s compare the heavyweights of online shopping to see how they stack up against eBay’s offerings—

EBAY MASTERCARD

AMAZON VISA CARD

PAYPAL MASTERCARD

APR

24.74%–31.74%

18.99%–26.99%

19.74%–31.74%

Min. credit score

580

670

670

Rewards

5x rewards points for every dollar spent on eBay.com

3x rewards points for every dollar spent on gas, dining, and groceries

1x rewards points for every dollar spent on all other purchases

3% cashback at Amazon, Whole Foods, and Chase Travel

2% at gas stations, restaurants, and local transit

1% on all other purchases

3% cash back on PayPal purchases

2% on all other purchase

Is the eBay Mastercard Worth It?

So, do you tick all the boxes for an eBay Mastercard?

Here’s who would be best suited for the eBay card:

  • Frequent eBay shoppers.

  • Those who want cashback rewards.

  • People with good credit.

If you love shopping on eBay and want to snag some sweet rewards, this card could be a great option.

With 5x points per dollar spent on eBay, plus bonus points for gas, dining, and groceries, you can really rack up the rewards.

But we can’t overlook the downsides—with a high variable APR and no 0% introductory APR, carrying a balance can get expensive fast. And you’ll need good credit even to be considered for this card.

Before you seal the deal, weigh the pros and cons, compare it to other credit cards, and make sure it’s the best choice for you.

FAQ

What is the eBay credit card?
Can I get eBay Mastercard pre-approval?
What is eBay Mastercard’s annual fee?
How do I access my eBay account?
Where can I find eBay reviews?
What is the eBay card balance?
How to activate the eBay Mastercard?
What bank owns eBay Mastercard?

Sources

See all

Related Content

  • Best Free Debt Snowball Spreadsheet for Excel to Download
    Debt is like a kiddie swing at your local playground—fun to get into, but a nightmare to get out of. The temporary fix with years of consequences.
    November 18th, 2024
  • Best Financial Tools
    Here at Moneyzine, also provide resources for those looking to invest, save, and build wealth. From trading app recommendations to a practical car lease calculation spreadsheet, we cover a wide spectrum of financial topics to meet your diverse needs.
    November 18th, 2024
  • The below investment apps have been researched, reviewed, confirmed, vetted, re-vetted, and then ranked based on eight categories: account minimum, trading costs, account fees, selection, ease of use, sign-on bonus, education, and customer service. These are the investment apps that made the grade.
    April 17th, 2024
  • LifeAndMyFinances Acquisition
    Big News: LifeAndMyFinances has been acquired by Moneyzine.
    December 5th, 2023
  • Passive Income
    December 15th, 2023

Contributors

Lauren Bedford
Lauren is a published content writer and journalist. In the last five years, she has written about a range of subjects, including business, technology, and finance. She was born in June 1994 in the UK, but relocated to Barcelona five years ago. Initially covering topics like business and technology, Lauren is now dedicated to her position as a personal finance journalist and is always keen to keep learning and evolve as a finance writer.
Derek Sall
Derek has a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's in Business. As a finance manager in the corporate world, he regularly identified and solved problems at the C-suite level. Today, Derek isn't interested in helping big companies. Instead, he's helping individuals win financially — one email, one article, one person at a time.
Moneyzine 2024. All Rights Reserved.