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Bilt Obsidian vs Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

Both are travel travel cards. The Bilt Obsidian comes from Bilt / Cardless at $95/yr; the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select from Citi at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.

Bottom line

For most people the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select is the stronger pick today, the sign-up bonus is meaningfully larger ($640 more in estimated value) than the Bilt Obsidian's. Get the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first; revisit the Bilt Obsidian after you've earned that bonus.

FeatureBilt ObsidianCiti AAdvantage Platinum Select
Annual fee$95$99
Sign-up bonus$200 Bilt Cash60,000 miles
Bonus value (est.)$200$840
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$3,500 in 4 mo
IssuerBilt / CardlessCiti
Card categorytraveltravel
Best earning category (Dining_or_groceries)3x1x
Transfer partnersbiltNone
Headline benefits
  • $100 Bilt Travel hotel credit
  • Pick 3x dining OR groceries
  • $300 Bilt Dining partner credit
  • $120 Lyft credit (via Bilt Cash)
  • Free checked bag
  • Priority boarding
  • 2x on AA + dining + gas
  • First year free
Read the full review
Bilt Obsidian
$95/yr · $200 Bilt Cash
Read the full review
Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select
$99/yr · 60,000 miles

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: Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select

The free checked bag covers the fee on just one round-trip with a partner. Good if you fly AA more than twice a year, otherwise AAdvantage is worth collecting through other means.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Bilt Obsidian or Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
The Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select has the bigger bonus, 60,000 miles, worth roughly $840, versus $200 Bilt Cash (~$200) on the Bilt Obsidian.
Is the Bilt Obsidian's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Bilt Obsidian and Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bilt / Cardless and Citi) 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 Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Obsidian: $0 spend in 0 months. Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select: $3,500 in 4 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.