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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Bilt Blue

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($1,400 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Blue's. Get the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited first; revisit the Bilt Blue after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedBilt Blue
Annual fee$295$0
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash back$100 Bilt Cash
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$100
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBilt / Cardless
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNonebilt
Headline benefits
    • $0 annual fee
    • 1x everywhere, no caps
    • Up to 1.25x on rent
    • Rent Day 2x on the 1st
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    Bilt Blue
    $0/yr · $100 Bilt Cash

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Bilt Blue?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus $100 Bilt Cash (~$100) on the Bilt Blue.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Bilt Blue?
    At $295/yr, the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited 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 Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or the Bilt Blue first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited: $50,000 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.