Editorial take: The Platinum Card from Amex
The granddaddy of premium cards with Centurion Lounge access, hotel elite status, and a mountain of credits. The $895 fee stings, but if you use even half the credits, you come out ahead.
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Side-by-side
The Platinum Card from Amex vs Bilt Blue
Both are travel travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/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 The Platinum Card from Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($3,400 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Blue's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the Bilt Blue after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | Bilt Blue |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $0 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | $100 Bilt Cash |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $100 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $12,000 in 6 mo | $0 in 0 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Bilt / Cardless |
| Card category | travel | travel |
| Best earning category (Flights) | 5x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | bilt |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
The Platinum Card from Amex
$895/yr · 175,000 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, The Platinum Card from Amex or Bilt Blue?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus $100 Bilt Cash (~$100) on the Bilt Blue.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the Bilt Blue?
- Premium cards like the The Platinum Card from Amex ($895/yr) earn their fee through credits, travel, dining, lounge access, statement reimbursements. If you'd actively use $895+ of those credits, the math works. The Bilt Blue at $0/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from Amex 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 The Platinum Card from Amex or the Bilt Blue first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. The Platinum Card from Amex: $12,000 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.