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Side-by-side

Bilt Obsidian vs Mastercard Black Card

Both are travel travel cards. The Bilt Obsidian comes from Bilt / Cardless at $95/yr; the Mastercard Black Card from Barclays (Luxury Card) at $699/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 ObsidianMastercard Black Card
Annual fee$95$699
Sign-up bonus$200 Bilt CashNo public welcome offer
Bonus value (est.)$200$0
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$0 in 0 mo
IssuerBilt / CardlessBarclays (Luxury Card)
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)
  • $200 airline credit
  • $100 dining credit
  • Priority Pass Select
  • 1.5cpp cash back, 2cpp airfare
Read the full review
Bilt Obsidian
$95/yr · $200 Bilt Cash
Read the full review
Mastercard Black Card
$699/yr · No public welcome offer

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: Mastercard Black Card

The mid tier of the Barclays Luxury Card lineup. The $200 airline + $100 dining credits offset $300 of the $699 AF before lounge value, and the 1.5cpp cash-back rate is the best of the Luxury Card tiers. Still hard to beat Sapphire Reserve or Venture X on transferable-points flexibility, but the all-stainless body and concierge appeal to some.

Common questions

Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Bilt Obsidian or Mastercard Black Card?
The Bilt Obsidian has the bigger bonus, $200 Bilt Cash, worth roughly $200, versus No public welcome offer (~$0) on the Mastercard Black Card.
Is the Bilt Obsidian's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the Mastercard Black Card?
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 Mastercard Black Card's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
Can I have both the Bilt Obsidian and Mastercard Black Card?
Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bilt / Cardless and Barclays (Luxury Card)) 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 Mastercard Black Card first?
Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Obsidian: $0 spend in 0 months. Mastercard Black Card: $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.