Bilt Rewards lets you earn points on rent — something that was previously impossible without paying credit card fees. For renters, this is a game-changer.
But Bilt is more than just rent rewards. The program has quietly built one of the best transfer partner portfolios in the industry. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is Bilt Rewards?
Bilt is a rewards program centered around the Bilt Mastercard, which allows you to:
- Earn points on rent with no fees (up to 100,000 points annually)
- Earn points on everyday spending (3x dining, 2x travel, 1x everything else)
- Transfer points to 15+ airline and hotel partners
The catch? You need to make at least 5 transactions per month to earn points. But even buying a coffee counts.
The Bilt Mastercard
Annual Fee: $0
Earning Rates:
- 1x on rent (up to 100,000 points/year)
- 3x on dining
- 2x on travel
- 1x on everything else
Rent Day (1st of each month):
- 2x points on dining
- 2x points on travel (instead of 1x)
- Double points on rent at Bilt Alliance properties
No foreign transaction fees.
Transfer Partners
This is where Bilt shines. Their transfer partner list rivals Chase and Amex:
Airlines
- United MileagePlus (1:1)
- American Airlines (1:1)
- Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1)
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue (1:1)
- British Airways Avios (1:1)
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1)
- Emirates Skywards (1:1)
- Iberia Plus (1:1)
- Turkish Miles&Smiles (1:1)
- Virgin Atlantic (1:1)
- Alaska Mileage Plan (1:1)
- Icelandair (1:1)
Hotels
- World of Hyatt (1:1)
- IHG One Rewards (1:1)
- Marriott Bonvoy (1:1, but poor value)
Best Ways to Use Bilt Points
1. Transfer to Hyatt (Best Hotel Value)
Hyatt consistently offers the best points-to-value ratio for hotels. See our complete Hyatt guide for why Hyatt beats other hotel programs.
- Category 1: 5,000 points/night
- Category 2-3: 8,000-12,000 points
- Category 4: 15,000 points
- Park Hyatt properties: 25,000-40,000 points
Value: 1.5-2.5¢ per point
2. Transfer to Virgin Atlantic for ANA Flights
As covered in our Japan award flights guide, Virgin Atlantic offers sweet spot pricing to book ANA:
- ANA Business: 60,000 miles
- ANA First: 110,000 miles
See my ANA First Class booking guide for exactly how to find availability and book.
3. Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan
Aeroplan has some of the best partner award charts:
- Lufthansa First: 70,000 points one-way
- EVA Air Business: 75,000 points one-way
- No fuel surcharges on most partners
4. Transfer to United for Domestic Flights
United has decent saver availability on domestic routes:
- Domestic one-way: 12,500-25,000 miles
- Good for last-minute bookings
Rent Payment: How It Works
Bilt Alliance Properties
If your building is in the Bilt Alliance network (2M+ units), rent payments are automatic and you may earn extra points on Rent Day.
Any Landlord
For non-Alliance properties:
- Link your bank account
- Add your landlord’s info
- Bilt sends a check or ACH to your landlord
- No fees (Bilt covers the cost)
Important: You must make 5 transactions per statement period to earn rent points.
Earning Strategy
Monthly Checklist
- Make 5 small transactions (coffee, etc.)
- Pay rent through Bilt
- Use card for dining (3x)
- Stack on Rent Day (1st) for 2x on dining
Annual Earning Potential
Example: $2,000/month rent + moderate spend
| Category | Annual Spend | Rate | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent | $24,000 | 1x | 24,000 |
| Dining | $6,000 | 3x | 18,000 |
| Travel | $3,000 | 2x | 6,000 |
| Other | $5,000 | 1x | 5,000 |
| Total | 53,000 |
That’s enough for 3-5 free Hyatt nights or a round-trip domestic flight annually — just from normal spending.
Bilt Points Valuation
TPG valuation: 2.05¢ per point (one of the highest for any program)
My take: Bilt points are worth 1.8-2.2¢ when transferred to strong partners like Hyatt, Virgin Atlantic, or Aeroplan. Don’t waste them on the Bilt portal.
Rent Day Perks
Every 1st of the month:
- 2x on dining (instead of 3x — wait, that’s actually less… check current terms)
- Exclusive offers and games in the app
- Transfer bonuses occasionally available
Common Questions
Is there a credit check?
Yes, it’s a credit card. Requires good credit (700+).
Can I pay rent to anyone?
Yes, but Bilt Alliance properties are easiest. Non-Alliance works via check/ACH.
What if my landlord doesn’t accept checks?
You may be able to set up ACH. Contact Bilt support for options.
Do points expire?
No, as long as your account is open and in good standing.
Can I transfer points to someone else?
No, Bilt points are non-transferable.
Bilt vs. Other Cards
| Feature | Bilt | Chase Sapphire Reserve | Amex Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rent earning | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Annual fee | $0 | $550 | $250 |
| Dining bonus | 3x | 3x | 4x |
| Transfer partners | 15+ | 14 | 21 |
| Best for | Renters | Premium travelers | Foodies |
Verdict: If you pay rent, Bilt should be in your wallet. It’s free and unlocks earning on your biggest monthly expense.
Pro Tips
- Set up autopay for a small recurring charge to hit your 5-transaction minimum
- Check Rent Day offers — transfer bonuses appear occasionally
- Don’t hoard points — transfer to partners for best value
- Stack with referral bonus — 50,000+ points for referring friends
Bottom Line
Bilt turned a $0 annual fee card into one of the most valuable programs for renters. If you pay rent, you’re leaving money on the table by not using Bilt.
The transfer partners are excellent. The earning is free. The points are valuable.
Sign up, make 5 transactions a month, and start earning on the expense you’re already paying.
Related reads:
- World of Hyatt: Best Hotel Program
- Transfer Partners Explained
- How to Book Award Flights to Japan
- Best Credit Cards for Points 2026
Already using Bilt? Share your best redemption in the comments!
💬 Comments
Have questions or thoughts? Join the discussion below!