Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs Bilt Blue
Both are travel travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Bilt Blue from Bilt / Cardless at $0/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
For most people the American Express Gold Card is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,900 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Blue's. Get the American Express Gold Card first; revisit the Bilt Blue after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Bilt Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 100,000 points | $100 Bilt Cash |
| Bonus value (est.) | $2,000 | $100 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Bilt / Cardless |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Prepaid_hotels_amex) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | bilt |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 100,000 points
Read the full review
Bilt Blue
$0/yr · $100 Bilt Cash
Editorial take: Bilt Blue
The no-fee entry tier of Bilt 2.0, launched February 7, 2026 by Cardless. Flat 1x earn (no bonus categories — those live on Obsidian and Palladium). Best for renters who want the no-fee anchor + full transfer partner access without paying $95+. The 5-transactions-per-cycle minimum from legacy Bilt is gone, and Rent Day still doubles everyday earn on the 1st.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Bilt Blue?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus, 100,000 points, worth roughly $2,000, versus $100 Bilt Cash (~$100) on the Bilt Blue.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Bilt Blue?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Bilt Blue's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Bilt Blue?
- 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 American Express Gold Card or the Bilt Blue first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Bilt Blue: $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.