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Side-by-side

Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) vs USAA Rewards American Express

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) comes from Bilt / Wells Fargo at $0/yr; the USAA Rewards American Express from USAA 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)USAA Rewards American Express
Annual fee$0$0
Sign-up bonusClosed to new applicants2,500 USAA Rewards points
Bonus value (est.)$0$25
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerBilt / Wells FargoUSAA
Card categorytravelrewards
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
    USAA Rewards American Express
    $0/yr · 2,500 USAA Rewards points

    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: USAA Rewards American Express

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) or USAA Rewards American Express?
    The USAA Rewards American Express has the bigger bonus, 2,500 USAA Rewards points, worth roughly $25, 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 USAA Rewards American Express?
    The Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo) has no annual fee, so the question is whether the USAA Rewards American Express's $0 fee is justified by its perks. If you'll use enough of the USAA Rewards American Express'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 USAA Rewards American Express?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bilt / Wells Fargo and USAA) 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 USAA Rewards American Express first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Mastercard (legacy, Wells Fargo): $0 spend in 0 months. USAA Rewards American Express: $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.