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Side-by-side

Bilt Obsidian vs Chase Sapphire Reserve

Both are travel travel cards. The Bilt Obsidian comes from Bilt / Cardless at $95/yr; the Chase Sapphire Reserve from Chase at $795/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Chase Sapphire Reserve is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($2,300 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Obsidian's. Get the Chase Sapphire Reserve first; revisit the Bilt Obsidian after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureBilt ObsidianChase Sapphire Reserve
Annual fee$95$795
Sign-up bonus$200 Bilt Cash125,000 points
Bonus value (est.)$200$2,500
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$6,000 in 3 mo
IssuerBilt / CardlessChase
Card categorytraveltravel
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)
  • $300 annual travel credit
  • 8x on Chase Travel
  • 4x on flights & hotels booked direct
  • $500 The Edit hotel credit
Read the full review
Bilt Obsidian
$95/yr · $200 Bilt Cash
Read the full review
Chase Sapphire Reserve
$795/yr · 125,000 points

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 Sapphire Reserve

Recently revamped with over $3,000 in annual credits and perks. If you travel three or more times a year and live near an airport with a Sapphire lounge, this card is a smart choice.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Bilt Obsidian or Chase Sapphire Reserve?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve has the bigger bonus, 125,000 points, worth roughly $2,500, versus $200 Bilt Cash (~$200) on the Bilt Obsidian.
Is the Bilt Obsidian's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Chase Sapphire Reserve?
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 Sapphire Reserve's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Bilt Obsidian and Chase Sapphire Reserve?
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 Sapphire Reserve first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Obsidian: $0 spend in 0 months. Chase Sapphire Reserve: $6,000 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.