It is definitely a matter of choice for the user of the card. For cards to use for your paypal account in your situation; since paypal didn't accept your visa, maybe you could try Mastercard this time. Just a personal advice.
american express gives a lot of rewards but visa and mastercards are great for buying, accepted almost everywhere, didnt know paypal doesnt accept visa lol, i verified with a bank account
I agree that AMEX does give better rewards and they also have a good customer support, the only problem is that some companies and payment processors usually only accepts VISA or Mastercard.
I have a mastercard at the moment and I like it. I have 55 days interest free, no yearly charge and I use it on paypal with out any problems. It really depends on what you are looking for yourself. I would take note to reward options as well, not all are what they make out to be.