Head-to-head · 🇺🇸 United States

American Express Platinum vs Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard

Side-by-side comparison across fees, rewards, welcome bonuses, and eligibility.

US
Premium
American Express
American Express Platinum
AMERICAN
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

CriterionAmerican Express PlatinumWells Fargo Bilt Mastercard
Annual fee
·
$695
No annual fee
Joining fee
=
None
=
None
Top reward rate
5% (travel)
·
3% (travel)
Base reward rate
=
1%
=
1%
Forex markup
=
No FX fee
=
No FX fee
Welcome bonus
=
80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 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
·
720
670
Editorial rating
4.6/5
·
4.5/5

Benefits compared

American Express Platinum

  • 5x points on flights booked direct or via amextravel
  • Centurion Lounge + Priority Pass + Delta SkyClub access
  • $200 annual airline fee credit + $200 Uber Cash
  • $200 hotel credit + $189 CLEAR credit
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold + Hilton Honors Gold status
  • 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 Platinum vs Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard: which is better?

It's a true tie — pick the one whose boost categories match your spend. American Express Platinum 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 Platinum 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 Platinum: 80,000 Membership Rewards points after $8,000 in 6 months. Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard: No welcome bonus — value lives in rent payments.