BILT 2.0 Credit Cards Showdown: Palladium vs. Obsidian | Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast

Join Justin Vacula and frequent co-host Darren for a detailed breakdown of the new BILT 2.0 premium credit cards—the Palladium vs Obsidian—and what they mean for points-and-miles and credit card enthusiasts.

We compare earning rates, welcome offers, annual-fee value, and the real-world usefulness of BILT Cash (including redemption options and potential value pitfalls).

If you’re trying to decide which BILT card is best or whether either one makes sense alongside cards from Amex, Chase, Citi, and other issuers, this episode walks through the pros, cons, and best-use strategies so you can maximize rewards on the spend you already do.

Topics covered:

BILT 2.0 overview: what changed and why it matters

Palladium vs Obsidian: benefits, perks, and who each card fits

Earning structure + where the value actually comes from

BILT Cash explained: redemption options, value, and what to watch out for

Strategy tips, stacking

✅ Subscribe for more: points & miles, credit cards, travel hacks, manufactured spend strategy, and real-world redemption math from the Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to low-cost travel with points & miles

00:45 Battle of the premium BILT 2.0 credit cards

01:19 Meetups + social media updates

02:03 Detailed breakdown of the BILT 2.0 lineup

12:50 Comparing BILT points vs BILT Cash

17:02 BILT Cash redemption options explained

23:55 Upcoming events and conferences

24:55 CardPointers + BILT Cash

26:08 Monthly travel & points meetups

26:40 Redemption strategy

27:34 Maximizing credit card rewards

35:51 Listener questions and tips

47:37 Final thoughts and outro

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