Why I Love The Bilt Credit Card System
Hey friends, what’s up? Philip here with Points of Phillip, where we talk about credit cards, points, and how to turn your everyday spending into real travel.
I’ve had the Bilt Obsidian in my wallet for exactly one month, and the results have been staggering. I’ve already earned over 12,000 points—and no, I didn’t do any crazy manufactured spending or rent hacks. This was purely from day-to-day swipes.
If you’re trying to decide if the Obsidian deserves a spot in your setup, or if you just want to copy my strategy for the first few months of a new card, you’re in the right place. Let’s jump in.
The "Point Beast": How I Earned 12,000 Points So Fast
While many people loved the original Bilt card for its simplicity with rent, the "Bilt 2.0" ecosystem—specifically the Obsidian—is a total point beast. My secret weapon? The Point Accelerator.
When I was approved for the Obsidian, it came with $200 in Bilt Cash. I immediately flipped that into the Point Accelerator. This feature adds +1 to all your multipliers. Here is how my earning looks right now:
Groceries/Dining: 4x (I chose groceries since my wife and I just had a baby—think diapers, formula, and supplies!)
Travel: 3x
Everyday Spend: 2x (on the first $5,000, with the option to unlock more).
Earning 4x on groceries and 2x on everything else matches or beats some of the most popular cards on the market, like the Venture X or Amex Blue Business Plus. Because I value Bilt points so highly right now, the Obsidian has officially supplanted those cards for my daily spend.
Travel Wins: From Marriott to Rental Cars
We recently took our son, Wales, on his first trip to Atlanta. It was the perfect test for the Obsidian.
I used the card for our Marriott stay (earning 3x Bilt points rather than 6x Marriott points, which I prefer for the flexibility) and our rental car. Even though the Obsidian’s collision damage waiver is secondary in the U.S., I have status with National and Enterprise that covers me, allowing me to comfortably chase that 3x multiplier on the rental cost.
A Quick Personal Note: My Weight Loss Journey
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the competition, I wanted to share a quick update. Many of you know I’ve lost over 100 pounds over the last year and a half. While walking my miniature schnauzer and hitting the gym has been key, I’ve also had help through weight loss shots.
If your insurance doesn't cover these but you’re looking to start your own journey, I’ve included a link in the description/below that can help you find affordable quotes to get started. Now, back to the cards!
Why I’m Checking the Bilt App More Than Amex
For the last year and a half, I’ve been obsessed with American Express. But lately, I’ve noticed I’m opening the Amex app less and the Bilt app more.
Bilt has turned the "credit card game" into something interactive with weekly boosts. For example, last week I earned an extra 250 points just for paying a toll with my Bilt card, and another 250 points for a $25 Walgreens purchase. These "mini-games" make it fun to use the card for small, mundane tasks that usually wouldn't move the needle.
The Power of Redemption: Hyatt, Atmos, and Disney?
The real magic of the Obsidian is what happens when you’re ready to travel.
High-Value Transfers: You can transfer points to partners like Atmos for American Airlines first-class seats (getting 3–4 cents per point) or to Hyatt for incredible resort stays.
The Bilt Portal: If you don’t want to hunt for award availability, the Bilt portal offers a solid baseline of 1.25 to 1.3 cents per point.
The Disney Hack: Here’s a secret superpower—you can book actual Disney property hotels through the Bilt portal. Using Bilt points at 1.25 cents each for a stay at the Grand Floridian or Wilderness Lodge is a total game-changer for families.
Final Thoughts
After just 30 days, the Bilt Obsidian has proven to be a powerhouse. Between the high multipliers on essentials like groceries and the massive flexibility in redemptions, it’s earned its permanent spot in my wallet.
If you’re interested in starting your own points journey (or if you're curious about my 100lb weight loss journey mentioned in the video!), check out the links in the description below to see which Bilt card is right for you.