Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States
American Express Gold vs Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard
Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.
US
American Express
American Express Gold
AMERICAN
EXPRESS
EXPRESS
Wins 2 of 10
US
Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard
Wins 2 of 10
Verdict
It's a true tie — neither dominates. Pick the one whose boost categories match where you actually spend.
Side-by-side
| Criterion | American Express Gold | Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | · $325 | No annual fee |
| Joining fee | = None | = None |
| Top reward rate | 4% (dining) | · 3% (travel) |
| Base reward rate | = 1% | = 1% |
| Forex markup | = No FX fee | = No FX fee |
| Welcome bonus | = 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months | = No welcome bonus — value lives in rent payments |
| Fee waiver threshold | = No waiver | = N/A (no fee) |
| Min income | = — | = — |
| Min credit score | · 700 | 670 |
| Editorial rating | 4.6/5 | · 4.5/5 |
Benefits compared
American Express Gold
- 4x points at restaurants worldwide (incl. Uber Eats)
- 4x at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year)
- 3x on flights booked direct or via amextravel.com
- $120 annual dining credit ($10/mo at select partners)
- $120 annual Uber Cash
- No foreign transaction fees
Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard
- 1x points on rent (up to 100K points/year, no transaction fee)
- 3x on dining
- 2x on travel
- 1x on everything else
- Transfer to 14 airline + hotel partners
- No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees
FAQ
›American Express Gold vs Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard: which is better?
It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Gold wins on 2 criteria, Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard on 2.
›Can I get both?
Yes — if your credit profile supports it, holding both is the optimal play. Use American Express Gold for its best categories, Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard for its best categories. Just watch the combined annual fees against your spend.
›Which one has the better welcome bonus?
American Express Gold: 60,000 Membership Rewards points after $6,000 in 6 months. Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard: No welcome bonus — value lives in rent payments.