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 Obsidian
Both are travel travel cards. The The Platinum Card from Amex comes from American Express at $895/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 The Platinum Card from Amex is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($3,300 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Obsidian's. Get the The Platinum Card from Amex first; revisit the Bilt Obsidian after you've earned that bonus.
| Feature | The Platinum Card from Amex | Bilt Obsidian |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $895 | $95 |
| Sign-up bonus | 175,000 points | $200 Bilt Cash |
| Bonus value (est.) | $3,500 | $200 |
| 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 Obsidian
$95/yr · $200 Bilt Cash
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, The Platinum Card from Amex or Bilt Obsidian?
- The The Platinum Card from Amex has the bigger bonus, 175,000 points, worth roughly $3,500, versus $200 Bilt Cash (~$200) on the Bilt Obsidian.
- Is the The Platinum Card from Amex's $895 annual fee worth it compared to the Bilt Obsidian?
- 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 Obsidian at $95/yr trades some perks for a lower commitment.
- Can I have both the The Platinum Card from 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 The Platinum Card from Amex or the Bilt Obsidian 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 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.