American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points have long been the gold standard in the credit card points world, valued at 2 and 2.05 cents each by The Points Guy (TPG). These programs are known for their extensive transfer partner lists, making them highly sought after. However, the points and miles landscape is evolving with more credit card issuers launching competitive rewards programs.
Enter Bilt Rewards. It's a game-changer in the rewards space (pun intended) — enabling you to earn points on rent payments. Considering the significant expenditure on rent for many, this is a substantial perk. Despite being new to the arena, Bilt Rewards has already aligned with notable transfer partners like American Airlines AAdvantage and World of Hyatt.
Bilt points are valued at an impressive 2.05 cents each, and savvy users can extract even greater value. Let's dive into the Bilt Rewards loyalty program, exploring how to maximize your point earnings and redemptions.
Earning Bilt Rewards Points
1. Paying Rent
- At Bilt Rewards Alliance Properties: Earn 250 points per on-time rent payment through Automated Clearing House or non-Bilt cards, up to 3,000 points/year.
- With the Bilt Mastercard®: Earn 1 point/dollar on rent (up to 100,000 points/year), either online or via check mailed by Bilt to your landlord.
2. Bilt Mastercard® Earnings
- Dining: 3 points/dollar.
- Travel: 2 points/dollar.
- Rent Payments: 1 point/dollar (up to 100,000 points/year).
- Other Purchases: 1 point/dollar.
- Note: Use the card at least five times per statement period to earn points.
3. Bilt Dining
Earn 5 points/dollar at Bilt Dining restaurants in 20 major markets. Link any Visa, Mastercard, or American Express to the program for additional earnings.
4. Bilt Travel Portal
Powered by Expedia, earn 1 point/dollar on flights, stays, rentals, and activities. Bilt Mastercard holders earn 2 points/dollar.
5. Referrals
Refer friends for 2,500 points per referral, with bonus points for every five referrals.
6. Lyft
Link your accounts to earn 2 points/dollar on rides.
7. SoulCycle
Earn up to 10 points/dollar on classes booked through the Bilt app.
Elite Status in Bilt Rewards
Bilt offers four status tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, each with its own set of perks like bonus points on leases, home ownership concierge access, and more.
Redeeming Bilt Rewards Points
While there are various redemption options, the best value often comes from transferring points to airline and hotel partners. Bilt's impressive array includes exclusive options like American Airlines AAdvantage. Transfers are typically at a 1:1 ratio, and most are processed instantly.
Transfer Partners Include:
- Aer Lingus AerClub
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- American Airlines AAdvantage
- Avianca LifeMiles
- British Airways Executive Club
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
- Emirates Skywards
- Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
- Iberia Plus
- IHG One Rewards
- Marriott Bonvoy
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- United Airlines MileagePlus
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- World of Hyatt
Less Valuable Redemptions
Avoid redeeming points for Amazon purchases, shopping in the Bilt Collection, fitness classes, or rent payments, as these offer lower value per point.
Medium-Value Options
Consider using points towards a down payment on a home or for travel bookings through the Bilt travel portal.
The Bottom Line
Bilt Rewards is shaping up as a formidable player in the rewards landscape, especially for renters. With its unique earning opportunities, valuable transfer partners, and straightforward redemption options, Bilt Rewards is a program that merits attention from both renters and non-renters alike.
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