Card comparison · Cardless vs American Express
Bilt Obsidian vs Amex Gold
The Bilt Obsidian ($95 annual fee) ranks #18 and the Amex Gold ($325) ranks #2 of the 294 credit cards we score. Here they are side by side, from our card database.
Side by side
| Bilt Obsidian | Amex Gold | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Cardless | American Express |
| Annual fee | $95 | $325 |
| Welcome offer | $200 Bilt Cash when you apply and are approved. | Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards Points after $8,000 spend in 6 months. |
| Rewards |
|
|
| Intro APR | purchases 12 months | — |
| Ongoing APR | 26.74%-34.74% variable | — |
| Balance transfer fee | — | — |
| Foreign transaction fee | None | None |
| Our overall score | 65 (#18 of 294) | 80 (#2 of 294) |
| Grocery ranking | #4 of 57 | #3 of 57 |
| Dining ranking | #1 of 67 | #3 of 67 |
| Travel ranking | #16 of 47 | #11 of 47 |
| Apply now | Apply now |
Offers, fees and APRs are shown as stored in our database and can change at any time; terms apply. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying. Not financial advice. Partner links, where they exist, never change the order. Affiliate disclosure.
Which one fits you
- Higher overall score: Amex Gold (80 vs 65). Our score weighs rewards value, fees, the welcome offer and APR; see how we score cards.
- Lower annual fee: Bilt Obsidian, by $230 a year ($95 vs $325). The pricier card has to earn at least $230 more in rewards or credits you actually use to come out ahead.
- Grocery: Amex Gold ranks higher in our grocery ranking (#3 vs #4 of 57).
- Dining: Bilt Obsidian ranks higher in our dining ranking (#1 vs #3 of 67).
- Travel: Amex Gold ranks higher in our travel ranking (#11 vs #16 of 47).
- 0% intro APR on purchases: Bilt Obsidian (12 months; Amex Gold has none in our data).
How we compared them
Every figure comes from our card database (checked against each issuer’s site) as of October 21, 2026 and is shown as stored, without our own estimates. Ranks use our overall score and, for categories, the score each category ranking is built on. Neither card can pay to rank higher, and partner links never change a score or an order. Terms apply; confirm current terms with the issuer before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bilt Obsidian better than the Amex Gold?
By our overall score the Amex Gold ranks higher (80 vs 65), but the better card is the one that fits your spending: compare the rewards rows above with where you spend most, and whether you'd use enough of the higher-fee card's benefits to cover its fee.
Which has the lower annual fee, Bilt Obsidian or Amex Gold?
The Bilt Obsidian: $95 vs $325, as stored in our database.
What are the welcome offers on the Bilt Obsidian and Amex Gold?
Bilt Obsidian: $200 Bilt Cash when you apply and are approved. Amex Gold: Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards Points after $8,000 spend in 6 months. Offers change often; terms apply.
Which is better for everyday categories like dining, groceries or travel?
Grocery: Amex Gold ranks higher in our grocery ranking (#3 vs #4 of 57). Dining: Bilt Obsidian ranks higher in our dining ranking (#1 vs #3 of 67). Travel: Amex Gold ranks higher in our travel ranking (#11 vs #16 of 47).