Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Bilt Obsidian Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Bilt Obsidian Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Bilt Obsidian Card?

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Bilt Obsidian Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Bilt Obsidian Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Bilt Obsidian Card?

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.

Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Bilt Obsidian Card?

Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.

What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Bilt Obsidian Card doesn't?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.

Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Bilt Obsidian Card?

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

American Express Gold Card vs Bilt Obsidian Card

The Bilt Obsidian Card ($95/yr) is better for everyday value, while the American Express Gold Card ($325/yr) is worth it for frequent travelers who can use its premium perks. Here's the full comparison.

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Bilt Obsidian Card

Cardless

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

$95

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

200 cash

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Bilt Obsidian Card
Dining	4X	3X

Category-by-Category Winner

Both cards win in 3 categories each — it comes down to which categories matter most to you.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Lyft

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1X

Walgreens

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr — that's $230 more than the Bilt Obsidian Card ($95/yr). To justify that gap, you need to extract at least $230 in annual value from the card's higher earn rates and benefits.

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $230 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on dining and grocery stores, the American Express Gold Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Bilt Obsidian Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Gold Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Bilt Obsidian Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Bilt Obsidian Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Bilt Obsidian Card?: Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Bilt Obsidian Card — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Cardless cards

Editorial disclosure: The analysis on this page is based on publicly available card data and is updated regularly. CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. Last updated: May 2026.

American Express Gold Card vs Bilt Obsidian Card

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Bilt Obsidian Card

Cardless

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

$95

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

200 cash

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Bilt Obsidian Card
Dining	4X	3X

Category-by-Category Winner

Both cards win in 3 categories each — it comes down to which categories matter most to you.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Lyft

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1X

Walgreens

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $230 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on dining and grocery stores, the American Express Gold Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Bilt Obsidian Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Gold Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Bilt Obsidian Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Bilt Obsidian Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Bilt Obsidian Card?: Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Bilt Obsidian Card — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Cardless cards

American Express Gold Card vs Bilt Obsidian Card

American Express Gold Card

American Express

Bilt Obsidian Card

Cardless

Fees & Welcome Offer

Annual Fee

$325

$95

Welcome Bonus

60,000 Flex point

200 cash

Earn Rates

Category	American Express Gold Card	Bilt Obsidian Card
Dining	4X	3X

Category-by-Category Winner

Both cards win in 3 categories each — it comes down to which categories matter most to you.

Dining

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Grocery Stores

American Express Gold Card earns 4X vs 3X

Flights

American Express Gold Card earns 3X vs 1X

Lyft

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 3X vs 1X

Travel

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1X

Walgreens

Bilt Obsidian Card earns 2X vs 1X

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. Whether that justifies the fee depends on how often you use these benefits.

Bottom line: The $230 difference is moderate. If you spend consistently on dining and grocery stores, the American Express Gold Card's higher earn rates and benefits can easily cover the gap.

What You Give Up

Choosing one card means missing out on these benefits from the other.

The Bottom Line

The Bilt Obsidian Card has a lower annual fee ($95 vs $325), making it the more accessible option.

The American Express Gold Card justifies its higher fee with premium perks like travel credits.

Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want solid rewards with a lower cost of entry. Choose the American Express Gold Card if you travel frequently and can maximize its premium benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Express Gold Card worth the higher annual fee?: The American Express Gold Card costs $325/yr vs $95/yr for the Bilt Obsidian Card. The higher fee and travel credits that can offset the cost for frequent travelers.
Which card earns more rewards, the American Express Gold Card or Bilt Obsidian Card?: Both cards earn 1X on everyday purchases. The difference is in bonus categories — check the earn rate comparison above for a full breakdown.
What benefits does the American Express Gold Card have that the Bilt Obsidian Card doesn't?: The American Express Gold Card offers travel credits. The Bilt Obsidian Card focuses more on earn rates than premium perks.
Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Bilt Obsidian Card?: Choose the Bilt Obsidian Card if you want lower fees and solid rewards. Pick the American Express Gold Card if you spend enough to justify the $325/yr fee through its premium benefits and higher earn rates.

Related Comparisons

Amex Blue Cash Everyday vs Amex Gold Amex Gold vs Amex Platinum Amex Gold vs Bank Of America Customized Cash Amex Gold vs Capital One Venture X

Explore More

American Express Gold Card — Full Review All American Express Cards

Bilt Obsidian Card — Full Review All Cardless Cards

Browse all comparisons →Browse all card categories →

Official issuer pages: American Express cards · Cardless cards

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+3x points on your choice of dining or grocery (up to $25K/year on grocery)
+2x points on travel
+Earn up to 1x points on rent and mortgage with no transaction fees
+$200 Bilt Cash welcome bonus upon approval (no spending required)
+$100 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit ($50 semiannually)

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−$95 annual fee plus $50 per authorized user
−Complex earning structure for housing rewards (requires spending tiers or Bilt Cash redemption)
−Bilt Cash expires at year-end with only $100 rollover
−Grocery bonus category capped at $25K/year spending
−Hotel credit requires 2-night minimum via Bilt Travel portal

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+3x points on your choice of dining or grocery (up to $25K/year on grocery)
+2x points on travel
+Earn up to 1x points on rent and mortgage with no transaction fees
+$200 Bilt Cash welcome bonus upon approval (no spending required)
+$100 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit ($50 semiannually)

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−$95 annual fee plus $50 per authorized user
−Complex earning structure for housing rewards (requires spending tiers or Bilt Cash redemption)
−Bilt Cash expires at year-end with only $100 rollover
−Grocery bonus category capped at $25K/year spending
−Hotel credit requires 2-night minimum via Bilt Travel portal

Pros & Cons

Pros

+4X points on dining worldwide - industry leading
+4X at U.S. supermarkets up to $25k/year
+$424 in annual credits offset $325 fee
+No foreign transaction fees
+Transfer to 20+ airline and hotel partners

+3x points on your choice of dining or grocery (up to $25K/year on grocery)
+2x points on travel
+Earn up to 1x points on rent and mortgage with no transaction fees
+$200 Bilt Cash welcome bonus upon approval (no spending required)
+$100 annual Bilt Travel hotel credit ($50 semiannually)

Cons

−$325 annual fee with no waived first year
−4X grocery excludes Costco, Walmart, Target
−No lounge access included
−Limited non-food spending categories
−Amex acceptance less universal than Visa/MC

−$95 annual fee plus $50 per authorized user
−Complex earning structure for housing rewards (requires spending tiers or Bilt Cash redemption)
−Bilt Cash expires at year-end with only $100 rollover
−Grocery bonus category capped at $25K/year spending
−Hotel credit requires 2-night minimum via Bilt Travel portal

American Express Gold Card vs Bilt Obsidian Card

American Express Gold Card

Bilt Obsidian Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

What You Give Up

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

American Express Gold Card vs Bilt Obsidian Card

American Express Gold Card

Bilt Obsidian Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

What You Give Up

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

American Express Gold Card vs Bilt Obsidian Card

American Express Gold Card

Bilt Obsidian Card

Fees & Welcome Offer

Earn Rates

Category-by-Category Winner

Is the Fee Difference Worth It?

What You Give Up

The Bottom Line

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Comparisons

Explore More

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?

Benefits & Features

Pros & Cons

Which Card Is Right for You?