Bilt Mastercard vs Amex Gold Card
Which card is better in 2026? We break down fees, rewards, perks, and point values so you can decide.
Bilt Mastercard
Bilt (Wells Fargo)
Renters who want to turn their biggest expense into travel rewards
Amex Gold Card
American Express
Foodies and grocery shoppers who want maximum everyday earning
| Feature | Bilt Mastercard | Amex Gold Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $250 |
| Welcome Bonus | None (ongoing Rent Day bonuses) | 60,000 Membership Rewards |
| Bonus Value | $0 | $720 |
| Dining | 3x | 4x |
| Groceries | 2x | 4x |
| Travel | 2x | 3x (flights) |
| Gas | 1x | 1x |
| Streaming | 1x | 1x |
| Everything Else | 1x (5x on Rent Day) | 1x |
| Point Value | 1.5 cpp | 1.2 cpp |
Bilt Mastercard Key Perks Best
- Earn points on rent
- No annual fee
- 1:1 transfers to Hyatt, United, AA
- Rent Day double points
Amex Gold Card Key Perks
- $120 dining credit
- $120 Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
- Transfer partners (Delta, ANA, etc.)
The Verdict
Winner: Bilt Mastercard. Bilt wins for renters paying $1,500+/month in rent — those rent points alone outvalue the Amex Gold's higher earn rates on dining and groceries. If you don't pay rent (or own your home), the Amex Gold is the clear winner with 4x on dining and groceries plus $240 in credits. The ideal setup is carrying both.
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Related Comparisons
Bilt wins for renters — no other card lets you earn points on rent with no fees. If your rent is $2,000/month, that's 24,000 points/year from rent alone (72,000 on Rent Days). The CSP wins on the welcome bonus ($750 value) and travel protections, but Bilt's $0 annual fee and rent earning are game-changing.
Read comparisonThe Amex Gold dominates for anyone spending $500+/month on dining and groceries combined. The 4x earn rate in both categories plus $240 in annual credits (dining + Uber) make the $250 fee easy to justify. The CSP wins only if you value Chase transfer partners or want a lower annual fee.
Read comparisonThe Gold Card wins for most people. Its 4x on dining and groceries generates far more points in everyday spending than the Platinum's 5x on flights (which most people book infrequently). Only upgrade to the Platinum if you fly 10+ times/year and will use the lounge access.
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