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American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited vs Bilt Palladium

Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited comes from American Express at $295/yr; the Bilt Palladium from Bilt / Cardless at $495/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

These cards are close on the fundamentals (similar bonus value, similar fee). The right pick depends on which category you spend the most in and which transfer partners best fit your travel goals.

FeatureAmerican Express Graphite Business Cash UnlimitedBilt Palladium
Annual fee$295$495
Sign-up bonus$1,500 cash back50,000 Bilt Points + $300 Bilt Cash + Bilt Gold status
Bonus value (est.)$1,500$1,125
Min spend to unlock bonus$50,000 in 6 mo$4,000 in 3 mo
IssuerAmerican ExpressBilt / Cardless
Card categorybusinesstravel
Best earning category (Amex_travel_flights_prepaid_hotels)5x1x
Transfer partnersNonebilt
Headline benefits
    • $400 Bilt Travel hotel credit
    • $200 Bilt Cash bonus
    • Priority Pass + 2 guests
    • All Obsidian-tier benefits
    Read the full review
    American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited
    $295/yr · $1,500 cash back
    Read the full review
    Bilt Palladium
    $495/yr · 50,000 Bilt Points + $300 Bilt Cash + Bilt Gold status

    Editorial take: American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited

    Editorial take: Bilt Palladium

    Bilt 2.0's top tier ($495 AF), launched February 7, 2026 by Cardless. Stacks $400 hotel + $200 Bilt Cash + the Obsidian benefit set + Priority Pass with 2 guests. For Bilt loyalists who already hit the rent-day game hard, the math works; for everyone else, Obsidian is plenty.

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited or Bilt Palladium?
    The American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited has the bigger bonus, $1,500 cash back, worth roughly $1,500, versus 50,000 Bilt Points + $300 Bilt Cash + Bilt Gold status (~$1,125) on the Bilt Palladium.
    Is the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited's $295 annual fee worth it compared to the Bilt Palladium?
    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 Palladium's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the American Express Graphite Business Cash Unlimited and Bilt Palladium?
    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 Palladium 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 Palladium: $4,000 in 3 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.