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Side-by-side

Bilt Obsidian vs Chase Freedom Unlimited

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Bilt Obsidian comes from Bilt / Cardless at $95/yr; the Chase Freedom Unlimited from Chase 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 ObsidianChase Freedom Unlimited
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus$200 Bilt Cash$200 bonus
Bonus value (est.)$200$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$500 in 3 mo
IssuerBilt / CardlessChase
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Dining_or_groceries)3x1x
Transfer partnersbiltchase-ur
Headline benefits
  • $100 Bilt Travel hotel credit
  • Pick 3x dining OR groceries
  • $300 Bilt Dining partner credit
  • $120 Lyft credit (via Bilt Cash)
  • 1.5% everywhere
  • 5% on travel via Chase
  • 3% dining + drugstores
  • Free if paired with Sapphire
Read the full review
Bilt Obsidian
$95/yr · $200 Bilt Cash
Read the full review
Chase Freedom Unlimited
$0/yr · $200 bonus

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.

Editorial take: Chase Freedom Unlimited

The best no-fee cash back card in the Chase family. Stack it with a Sapphire and your cash back converts into transferable Ultimate Rewards points, a free upgrade most people miss. Note: Cell phone protection is on Freedom Flex, not Freedom Unlimited.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Bilt Obsidian or Chase Freedom Unlimited?
The two cards offer comparable sign-up bonuses around $200. Pick based on which earning categories you actually use.
Is the Bilt Obsidian's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Freedom Unlimited?
At $95/yr, the Bilt Obsidian is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Chase Freedom Unlimited's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Bilt Obsidian and Chase Freedom Unlimited?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bilt / Cardless and Chase) 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 Obsidian or the Chase Freedom Unlimited first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Obsidian: $0 spend in 0 months. Chase Freedom Unlimited: $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.