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Side-by-side

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex vs Bilt Obsidian

Both are travel travel cards. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes from American Express at $650/yr; the Bilt Obsidian from Bilt / Cardless at $95/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($900 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Obsidian's. Get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex first; revisit the Bilt Obsidian after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureDelta SkyMiles Reserve AmexBilt Obsidian
Annual fee$650$95
Sign-up bonus100,000 miles$200 Bilt Cash
Bonus value (est.)$1,100$200
Min spend to unlock bonus-$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBilt / Cardless
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Travel)3x2x
Transfer partnersNonebilt
Headline benefits
  • SkyClub access
  • First/Comfort+ companion cert
  • 100k miles bonus
  • Centurion access
  • $100 Bilt Travel hotel credit
  • Pick 3x dining OR groceries
  • $300 Bilt Dining partner credit
  • $120 Lyft credit (via Bilt Cash)
Read the full review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex
$650/yr · 100,000 miles
Read the full review
Bilt Obsidian
$95/yr · $200 Bilt Cash

Editorial take: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex

Only worthwhile if you actually use Delta SkyClubs, the access alone is worth the fee for frequent Delta flyers. The upgraded companion cert (can be used on First/Comfort+) is a big perk over the standard Platinum version.

Editorial take: Bilt Obsidian

The headline tier of Bilt 2.0, launched February 7, 2026 by Cardless after the Wells Fargo era ended. Strongest for renters who eat out (or buy groceries) and use Lyft. The $100 hotel credit pays back most of the AF if you stay 2+ nights anywhere on the Bilt Travel portal. Pair with the no-fee Blue if you want a no-AF anchor too.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or Bilt Obsidian?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex has the bigger bonus, 100,000 miles, worth roughly $1,100, versus $200 Bilt Cash (~$200) on the Bilt Obsidian.
Is the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex's $650 annual fee worth it compared to the Bilt Obsidian?
Premium cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex ($650/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $650+ of those credits, the math works. The Bilt Obsidian at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
Can I have both the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex and Bilt Obsidian?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Bilt / Cardless) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both, they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
Should I get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex or the Bilt Obsidian first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: no published min spend. Bilt Obsidian: $0 in 0 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.

Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time, confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.