Bilt Rewards has rapidly emerged as one of the most innovative loyalty programs in the financial services industry, offering a unique proposition for renters to earn valuable rewards on their largest monthly expense—without transaction fees. With an impressive array of transfer partners and flexible redemption options, Bilt has established itself as a major player in the transferable points ecosystem. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about earning and maximizing Bilt Rewards points.
Bilt Rewards is a loyalty program designed to revolutionize how renters interact with their largest monthly expense. Founded on the premise of allowing people to earn rewards on rent payments without transaction fees, Bilt has created an ecosystem that helps renters maximize returns on their spending while potentially paving the way to homeownership.
Bilt Points are valued at approximately 1.8 cents each, making them competitive with other major transferable points currencies. The program is accessible to all renters, though having the Bilt Mastercard significantly enhances earning potential.
The cornerstone of Bilt Rewards is the ability to earn points on rent payments:
Bilt makes it easy to pay rent even if your landlord isn’t a Bilt Rewards Alliance partner. You can have Bilt send a check on your behalf, use your landlord’s online payment portal, or process payments through Venmo—all with no transaction fees when using the Bilt Mastercard.
On the first day of each month (“Rent Day”), Bilt offers enhanced earning opportunities:
When using the Bilt Mastercard (and making at least 5 transactions per statement period), you’ll earn:
Note: You must make at least 5 transactions per billing statement to earn points for that period.
Referring friends to the Bilt Mastercard can be lucrative:
Bilt members with Silver status or higher earn “interest” in the form of additional points on their Bilt points balance. The interest rate is based on the national savings rate published by the FDIC and varies by status tier.
One of Bilt’s strongest features is its impressive lineup of transfer partners. Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to most partners, with a minimum transfer of 2,000 points (1,000 for Silver status and above):
Transfers are typically processed almost instantly, allowing for quick booking when award space becomes available.
The Bilt Rewards Travel Portal, powered by Expedia, allows you to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities using your points. Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed through the portal.
Bilt offers unique options for those looking to transition from renting to owning:
While these options provide flexibility, they typically offer lower value per point compared to travel transfers.
Bilt Rewards has four status tiers, which you can earn by accumulating points or through eligible spending:
Status is valid for the remainder of the calendar year in which it’s earned plus the entire following year. Note that rent payments don’t count toward the eligible spend requirement for fast-track status qualification.
The Bilt Mastercard, issued by Wells Fargo, is the cornerstone of the Bilt Rewards ecosystem. While you can participate in Bilt Rewards without the card, having it significantly enhances your earning potential.
Important note: You must make at least 5 transactions per statement period to earn points (see Rewards & Benefits).
How does Bilt Rewards stack up against other major transferable points programs?
Overall, Bilt Rewards compares favorably with other major transferable points programs, particularly for domestic travelers. The ability to earn points on rent without fees gives it a unique advantage that no other program can match.
For maximum flexibility, consider maintaining balances in multiple transferable points programs:
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