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Side-by-side

Bilt Obsidian vs Citi Custom Cash

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Bilt Obsidian comes from Bilt / Cardless at $95/yr; the Citi Custom Cash from Citi 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 ObsidianCiti Custom Cash
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus$200 Bilt Cash$200 cash back
Bonus value (est.)$200$200
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$1,500 in 6 mo
IssuerBilt / CardlessCiti
Card categorytravelcashback
Best earning category (Dining_or_groceries)3x1x
Transfer partnersbiltciti-ty
Headline benefits
  • $100 Bilt Travel hotel credit
  • Pick 3x dining OR groceries
  • $300 Bilt Dining partner credit
  • $120 Lyft credit (via Bilt Cash)
  • 5% on top category
  • Auto-selected monthly
  • No annual fee
  • Convert to TY Points
Read the full review
Bilt Obsidian
$95/yr · $200 Bilt Cash
Read the full review
Citi Custom Cash
$0/yr · $200 cash back

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 Custom Cash

Genuinely clever. 5% on whichever category you spent most on each month, capped at $500/month. Earns $25/month = $300/year effortlessly. Pairs with Premier to convert to transferable ThankYou Points.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Bilt Obsidian or Citi Custom Cash?
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 Citi Custom Cash?
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 Custom Cash's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Bilt Obsidian and Citi Custom Cash?
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 Custom Cash first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Obsidian: $0 spend in 0 months. Citi Custom Cash: $1,500 in 6 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.