Introduction – Is the Payboo Card Worth It?
Are you tired of seeing an extra 5-10% tacked onto your B&H Photo bill thanks to sales tax?
The Payboo credit card promises a clever solution: instant tax refunds at checkout. But before you apply, let’s answer the real question—does it live up to the hype, or are there hidden catches?
Designed specifically for B&H shoppers, the Payboo card eliminates sales tax on every purchase, effectively giving you an automatic discount. No waiting, no paperwork—just a lower total when you check out. Sounds perfect for photographers, videographers, or anyone buying pricey gear, right?
But here’s the catch: it’s only useful if you shop at B&H frequently. Compared to general rewards cards (like the Amazon Prime Card), its benefits are narrow.
So, is it worth it?
In this 2025 Payboo card review, we’ll break down how it works, its pros and cons, and who should—or shouldn’t—sign up.
Let’s dive in.
What Is the Payboo Credit Card?
The Payboo credit card is a store card issued by B&H Photo in partnership with Synchrony Bank. Unlike regular credit cards, its biggest perk is instant sales tax refunds—meaning if you buy a $2,000 camera, you’ll save $160 (on an 8% tax rate) right at checkout. No forms, no waiting.
But there’s a catch: it’s only useful at B&H. While other store cards (like Amazon’s or Best Buy’s) offer rewards anywhere, Payboo’s tax refund only works at B&H Photo—online or in-store.
Key features:
✔️ No annual fee
✔️ 5% back in rewards on B&H purchases (separate from the tax refund)
✔️ No foreign transaction fees (handy for international shoppers)
If you’re a filmmaker, photographer, or tech enthusiast who shops at B&H often, this card could save you hundreds. For everyone else? There are better options.
How Payboo’s credit card Tax Refund Works
Here’s the magic: When you check out at B&H using your Payboo card, the system instantly removes your local sales tax from the total: no rebates, no waiting—just immediate savings.
Example:
- Without Payboo: $1,000 laptop + $80 tax = $1,080
- With Payboo: $1,000 laptop = $1,000 (tax refunded automatically)
The refund appears as a credit on your statement, and it works for both online and in-store purchases. Just note:
- This only applies to B&H purchases
- The refund amount depends on your local tax rate
Simple? Yes. But here’s the fine print—let’s talk limitations next.
Payboo Credit Card Benefits (Beyond the Tax Refund)
The instant tax refund is Payboo’s headline perk, but it’s not the only reason to consider this card. Here’s what else makes it stand out:
✔ 5% Back in Rewards
Earn 5% in B&H Reward Certificates on every purchase—stacked on top of your tax savings. That’s an extra $50 back on a $1,000 order.
✔ No Annual Fee
Unlike premium travel cards, Playbook won’t cost you a dime to keep in your wallet.
✔ Special Financing Offers
Frequently offers 0% APR promotions on big purchases (like cameras or lenses), helping you split costs interest-free.
✔ No Foreign Transaction Fees
A rare perk for a store card—great if you’re a traveler or international shopper.
Best for: Frequent B&H shoppers buying high-ticket items. If that’s you, the savings add up fast.
Payboo Credit Card Drawbacks & Hidden Costs
Before you apply, know these key limitations:
✖ B&H-Only Usefulness
The tax refund only works at B&H – useless for everyday spending. General rewards cards (like Chase Freedom) offer more flexibility.
✖ Low Credit Limits
Many users report surprisingly low limits ($500-$1,500), even with good credit.
✖ Rewards Redemption Hassles
Your 5% rewards come as B&H certificates, not cash back. You must spend them at B&H within 12 months.
✖ Return Complications
If you return an item, the tax refund gets clawed back, sometimes creating statement credit confusion.
Bottom Line: Fantastic for regular B&H shoppers, but too niche for most.
Payboo vs. Top Alternatives – Which Wins?
Payboo shines for B&H loyalists, but how does it stack up?
📌 Amazon Prime Card
• 5% back at Amazon (vs. Payboo’s B&H-only rewards)
• No tax refund, but more versatile
📌 Best Buy Card
• Similar rewards (5%-6%), but also no tax break
• Better for tech buyers who shop elsewhere
📌 General Cashback Cards
• 2% flat-rate cards (like Citi Double Cash) work everywhere
• No tax magic, but simpler rewards
Verdict: Payboo wins for big B&H purchases, but diversifying with another card gives more flexibility.
Real User Experiences – What Reddit & Forums Say
Are you curious about what actual cardholders think? Here’s the unfiltered truth from Payboo Credit Card users:
👍 The Good
• “Saved $300+ on camera gear taxes!”
• “Instant refund works exactly as promised.”
👎 The Complaints
• “Credit limit stuck at $500 despite 750 scores”
• “Rewards certificates expired before I could use them.”
💡 Pro Tip
Many recommend using Payboo only for big B&H purchases, pairing it with a general rewards card for other spending.
Final Verdict – Who Should Get the Payboo Card?
The Payboo card is a no-brainer for frequent B&H shoppers – the tax savings alone can justify it. But for most people? There are better options.
Get It If You:
✔ Regularly spend $1,000+/year at B&H
✔ Buy high-tax items like camera gear
✔ Can pair it with a general rewards card
Skip It If You:
✖ Rarely shop at B&H
✖ Want flexible cash back
✖ Need a high credit limit
Bottom Line: Niche but powerful – when used right, it’s like getting an automatic discount on every purchase.
