Beta

Free during beta. Plus launches at $12/mo or $99/yr on July 1. Annual is locked for 12 months during beta.

Skip to content
RewardZ Travel
All credit cards
Side-by-side

Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) vs PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) comes from Bilt / Wells Fargo at $0/yr; the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card from PenFed at $0/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.

FeatureBilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonusClosed to new applicants15,000 bonus points after $1,500 spend in 90 days
Bonus value (est.)$0$128
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$1,500 in 3 mo
IssuerBilt / Wells FargoPenFed
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Dining)3x3x
Transfer partnersbiltNone
Headline benefits
  • Closed to new applicants (Wells Fargo)
  • Existing cards being migrated
  • Apply for Bilt 2.0 (Cardless) instead
  • 100k pt/yr rent cap (legacy)
    Read the full review
    Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)
    $0/yr · Closed to new applicants
    Read the full review
    PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card
    $0/yr · 15,000 bonus points after $1,500 spend in 90 days

    Editorial take: Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)

    Closed to new applicants. Bilt launched its 2.0 portfolio (Blue / Obsidian / Palladium) on February 7, 2026 with Cardless as the new issuer. Existing Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard holders are being migrated; new applicants should apply for one of the Bilt 2.0 tiers via biltrewards.com.

    Editorial take: PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) or PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    The PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card has the bigger bonus, 15,000 bonus points after $1,500 spend in 90 days, worth roughly $128, versus Closed to new applicants (~$0) on the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo).
    Is the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo)'s $0 annual fee worth it compared to the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    The Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) has no annual fee, so the question is whether the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card's benefits to clear $0 in value annually, it's worth it; otherwise stick with the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo).
    Can I have both the Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) and PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bilt / Wells Fargo and PenFed) 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 Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) or the PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo): $0 spend in 0 months. PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature Card: $1,500 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.