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Side-by-side

Bilt Obsidian vs USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

Both are well-respected travel cards. The Bilt Obsidian comes from Bilt / Cardless at $95/yr; the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards from USAA 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 ObsidianUSAA Preferred Cash Rewards
Annual fee$95$0
Sign-up bonus$200 Bilt Cash$250 cash bonus
Bonus value (est.)$200$250
Min spend to unlock bonus$0 in 0 mo$1,000 in 3 mo
IssuerBilt / CardlessUSAA
Card categorytravelcashback
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)
    Read the full review
    Bilt Obsidian
    $95/yr · $200 Bilt Cash
    Read the full review
    USAA Preferred Cash Rewards
    $0/yr · $250 cash 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: USAA Preferred Cash Rewards

    Common questions

    Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, Bilt Obsidian or USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    The USAA Preferred Cash Rewards has the bigger bonus, $250 cash bonus, worth roughly $250, versus $200 Bilt Cash (~$200) on the Bilt Obsidian.
    Is the Bilt Obsidian's $95 annual fee worth it compared to the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards's, pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
    Can I have both the Bilt Obsidian and USAA Preferred Cash Rewards?
    Yes, since they're from different issuers (Bilt / Cardless and USAA) 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 USAA Preferred Cash Rewards first?
    Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. Bilt Obsidian: $0 spend in 0 months. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards: $1,000 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.