Bilt Mastercard® Review: Top Perks, Transfer Partners & Redemptions
Hey wannabes, jet setters, and travel hackers, did you know the Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn points on rent? Having dabbled with it, I'm excited to share its perks, including how I redeemed 25k Bilt points for a Premium Economy flight on Japan Airlines (JAL).
I absolutely believe the Bilt Mastercard® is essential for renters, as it rewards you for rent. Let me take you on a journey that provides a deeper dive into its benefits, including transfer partners and how to utilize your points.
Key Takeaways
- Earn points on rent payments with the Bilt Mastercard®.
- Explore various transfer partners for redemption flexibility.
- Discover the top perks that make this card unique.
- Learn from my experience redeeming 25k points for Premium Economy (It was amazing).
- Understand the card's benefits for renters and homeowners.
What is the Bilt Mastercard®?
The Bilt Mastercard® is made for renters and gives special benefits for those who pay rent. You can earn rewards on rent payments, unlike most credit cards. There are also special activities and offers that are only available to cardholders through the Bilt app. In all honesty, this card is perhaps one of the strongest no-fee travel credit cards out there.
Card Basics and Overview
The Bilt Mastercard® is meant for renters. It has a simple rewards system. You can earn points on rent payments and use them for travel, gifts, paying rent, the Bilt Collection, cash back, or even to pay your student loan.
The card is easy to use, and you can even track your rewards and manage your account with ease through the Bilt App.
Rewards Multipliers
1. Earn Points on Rent - With No Fees
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Pay rent via check, ACH (Automated Clearing House), or Bilt's payment portal and earn 1x point per $1, with no transaction fees(when paying through the Bilt app/payment portal).
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You can earn up to 100,000 points per year just on rent.
2. Strong Bonus Categories (Up to 5x Points)
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5x on Lyft (3x base + 2x when linked on Lyft with Bilt)
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3x on dining (Neighborhood Dining can earn 2x or more on top of the base earned)
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2x on travel (flights, hotels, car rentals)
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2x on other transit (taxis, subway, rideshares)
- 1x on rent + all other purchases
Annual Fee, APR, and Credit Requirements
Unlike other premium travel cards (e.g., Chase Sapphire Preferred® or American Express® Gold Card), the Bilt Mastercard® has a
$0 annual fee
while still offering
transferable points with similar multipliers
.
This card has a competitive APR within a variable rate of 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24%. This shouldn't be a problem, as you should always be paying off your balance each month. This allows you to receive maximum value from the points you earn.
To have higher chances of receiving the Bilt Mastercard®, you may need a good credit score, over 700+, to be approved, but I've also heard people with lower scores receive approval as well. It is always good to note, you should not apply for a card if you are not confident in your approval odds.
The Bilt App and Digital Experience
The Bilt App makes managing your card easy. You can track rewards and make payments right from your phone. It's known for being accessible and convenient, but how is it different from other banking apps?
BiltProtect
The app allows users to pay rent through the Bilt Mastercard® and earn points on those payments. This is primarily why you would want to utilize this app. It comes with a neat feature, BiltProtect, allowing users to pay rent from their bank account and still earn points on rent payments, making it a convenient way to earn rewards without using their credit line.
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The app provides a clear and easy-to-follow process for tracking rent payments, from printing the check to deposit by the landlord, and even automating payments.
Neighborhood Benefits
Discover exclusive discounts and bonus point earning opportunities at local businesses through the Neighborhood Benefits program.
"Rent Free" Game
The Bilt Rent Day game, also known as "Rent Free", is a fun and engaging feature within the Bilt app that provides members with a chance to win various prizes, including having their rent paid for a month. The game itself consists of you guessing what other Bilt members' answers are for those questions. An example of this is, "What is the most popular mobile app used by Bilt users?". The best part is that the show is entertaining and always has a famous guest, like last rent day, June 1st, hosting Roy Wood Jr.
Transfer Partners
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The Bilt Mastercard is my top pick for earning and using points. It has great perks and many transfer partners. This makes it perfect for those who want to get the most from their rewards, and with new transfer partners being added occasionally, you'll never run out of value.
Bilt will normally have transfers at a 1:1 ratio, with an exception for ALL (Accor Live Limitless) which normally transfers at a 3 Bilt points to 2 Accor points ratio.
| Program | Best For |
|---|---|
| Aer Lingus AerClub (Avios) | Short-haul flights in the U.S. & Europe |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | Star Alliance flights, great for international business class |
| Air France/KLM Flying Blue | Flights to Europe, frequent transfer bonuses |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | Domestic U.S. & partner awards (e.g., Qatar Qsuites) |
| British Airways Executive Club (Avios) | Short-haul flights (especially with distance-based pricing) |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | Flights to Asia on Cathay or partner airlines |
| Emirates Skywards | Luxury flights on Emirates (but high fuel surcharges) |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Flights to Hawaii |
| Iberia Plus (Avios) | Cheap flights to Spain & Europe |
| Japan Airlines (JAL Mileage Bank) (NEW) | Premium cabins to Japan & Asia |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards (NEW) | Domestic U.S. flights, Companion Pass eligible |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | Cheap business class to Europe via Star Alliance |
| United MileagePlus | Flexible U.S. & international travel |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Sweet spots like ANA business class to Japan |
Hotel Transfer Partners
| Program | Best For |
|---|---|
| World of Hyatt | High-value luxury & boutique hotels |
| IHG One Rewards | Budget-friendly global stays |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Wide selection, but lower value than Hyatt |
| Hilton Honor | World-class luxury, boutique & budget hotels |
| Virgin Red | Luxury Cruises & Hotels centered on fun |
| Accor Live Limitless | International luxury & budget-friendly hotels |
Bilt Status Tiers
Blue Status
Silver Status
Gold Status
Platinum Status
How I Turned 25,000 Bilt Points into 50,000 Alaska Miles
In 2023, Bilt ran a limited-time 100% transfer bonus to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, meaning 25,000 Bilt points transferred to 50,000 Alaska miles, and their miles are valuable (1.3 - 1.5¢ each) and can be used for:-
Cathay Pacific business class to Asia (50K miles one-way)
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Japan Airlines premium economy cabins
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Emirates & American Airlines awards
Bilt occasionally offers 30-100% bonuses (past ones include Virgin Atlantic, Flying Blue, and Aeroplan ) and they are normally different for each tier.
Additional Redemption Options
The Bilt Credit Card has many ways to use your points. You can choose from different options. This makes it easy to get value from your points.
Travel Bookings Through the Bilt Portal
You can use your points to book travel through the Bilt portal. It's easy to find and book flights, hotels, and cars, making planning trips simple.
The Bilt portal is easy to use. You can search and book travel with many providers. This gives you lots of choices for your trips.
Amazon and Other Merchandise Options
You can also use your points for merchandise on Amazon. It's simple to browse and buy items and is an option for everyday needs or gifts.
While it might not always be the best value (0.7¢ a point), it's handy. It lets you use your points for things you need or want.
Fitness Classes and Experiences
Bilt cardholders can use points for fitness classes and experiences. This includes yoga, running events, and more. It's a fun way to use your points.
Using points for fitness classes is a great way to improve your life. It's a unique way to enjoy your rewards. You can make lasting memories.
Comparison with General Travel Cards
General travel cards reward you for travel in many ways. Let's look at how the Bilt Mastercard® compares:
The Bilt card is great for rent rewards, but general travel cards do offer more ways to earn and higher rates on travel and dining.
| Card Name | Earning Rate on Travel | Annual Fee | Travel Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Credit Card | 2x (transferable to travel partners) | $0 | Travel insurance |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 2x on travel, 5x Chase Travel | $95 | Travel insurance |
| Citi Premier Card | 3x on travel, 10x Citi Travel | $95 | Travel insurance |
The Bilt Credit Card is great for renters. But, if you travel a lot or eat out, a general travel card might be better.
Who Should Get the Bilt Credit Card?
Renters who want to earn points without buying things are perfect for the Bilt Mastercard®. This card rewards renters for their monthly rent making it a unicorn amongst the credit card space.
Ideal User Profiles
The Bilt Mastercard® is great for renters who pay a lot each month. People who want a card that rewards rent payments will like it. They'll also enjoy the flexibility in rewards.
Frequent travelers can use their points to fly or stay in hotels making their rewards go further. The card is also good for those who want to earn rewards in other ways such as dining, fitness, Lyft, and putting all spend on a single day (rent day).
Who Should Consider Alternatives
Even though the Bilt Mastercard® has many benefits, some might look elsewhere. For example, those who are looking for cashback options might find better deals elsewhere such as the Citi Double Cash (up to 2% cash back), Citi Custom Cash (up to 5% cash back), or the U.S. Bank Savor (up to 4% cash back) cards dependent on those conditions being met.
Remember, the Bilt Mastercard's® perks rely on its points system, so if you don't like earning or using points, this card might not be for you.
Conclusion: Is the Bilt Mastercard Worth It?
After looking at the Bilt Mastercard's® features and benefits, 110% yes, I think it's great for renters. It has special rewards and perks.
The card lets you earn points on rent. It also has many transfer partners and flexible redemption options. This makes it a good choice for earning more rewards to get you to where you want to be.
It is always important to note if the benefits match your financial situation and your goals as a traveller.
In short, the Bilt Mastercard® is an amazing choice for people renting and even some not. It offers great rewards and benefits with the coveted Hyatt transfer partner and amazing transfer bonuses. Whether it's worth it depends on your financial habits and goals.
FAQ
What are the benefits of using the Bilt Mastercard for rent payments?
The Bilt Mastercard® gives rewards for rent payments. This makes it great for those who pay rent. You can earn points on your rent, which can be used for travel, merchandise, or other rewards.
How do I redeem my Bilt Rewards points?
You can use your Bilt Rewards points through the Bilt app or website. You can swap your points for airline or hotel partners. Or, you can book travel or get merchandise and experiences.
What are the transfer partners available with the Bilt Mastercard?
The Bilt Mastercard® has many transfer partners. This includes big airlines and hotels. You can swap your points with partners like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.
Is the Bilt Mastercard worth it for someone who doesn't travel frequently?
The Bilt Mastercard® might be good even if you don't travel much. You can use your points for merchandise or experiences. But, if you don't travel or earn rewards in other ways, you might want to look at other cards.
How do I achieve higher Bilt Rewards status tiers?
To get higher Bilt Rewards status tiers, earn more points or meet spending needs. Higher tiers give more benefits, like earning more points or special rewards.
Can I redeem my Bilt Rewards points for cash or statement credits?
The Bilt Mastercard® doesn't offer cash redemption directly. But, you can get statement credits or other rewards through certain options.
What is the annual fee for the Bilt Mastercard?
The Bilt Mastercard® has no annual fee. This makes it appealing for those who want rewards without extra costs.
How do I report issues or concerns with my Bilt Mastercard?
For issues or concerns with your Bilt Mastercard®, contact Bilt's customer service. You can reach them through the app, website, or phone.
