Bilt Rewards: The Traveler’s Deep Dive into Earning Points on Rent (and Beyond)

Welcome to the world of travel rewards, where your largest monthly expense—rent—can finally earn the points and perks it deserves. Bilt Rewards has changed the game by making it possible to earn valuable travel rewards on rent payments without paying the typical credit card processing fee. For renters and travelers alike, this program is one of the most unique and powerful ways to build a meaningful points balance.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to earn, maximize, and redeem Bilt Points for serious travel value.

What Is Bilt Rewards and Why Is It Revolutionary?

Bilt Rewards is a free loyalty program designed primarily for renters, but its earning structure and impressive list of travel partners make it just as appealing for non-renters.

At the center of the program is the Bilt World Elite Mastercard®, a $0-annual-fee credit card that earns points on rent and everyday purchases.

Here’s what makes Bilt different:

🔹 No-Fee Rent Payments

Bilt allows you to pay rent through its platform using the Bilt Mastercard **without** the typical 2–3% processing fee normally charged for credit card rent payments.

🔹 Premium Points Currency

Bilt Points transfer to a large roster of airlines and hotels—many at a 1:1 ratio—giving you access to some of the most valuable award programs in the world.

🔹 $0 Annual Fee

Most travel cards offering similar benefits cost $95 or more. Bilt packs a premium rewards ecosystem into a no-fee card.

Earning Bilt Points

While Bilt is known for rent, the card’s earning structure across other categories is where many members build serious point balances.

🏠 Rent

* 1× point per dollar

* Up to 100,000 points per calendar year

* Must pay rent through Bilt’s platform using the Bilt Mastercard

* Must meet the 5-transaction rule (explained below) to earn full points

🍽 Dining

* 3× points at restaurants, bars, and cafés

✈️ Travel

* 2× points on flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises booked directly or through the Bilt Travel Portal

🚗 Lyft

* 5× points on Lyft rides when accounts are linked

🛒 All Other Purchases

* 1× point

🚨 The 5-Transaction Rule

To earn points in any category—including rent—you must make at least **five purchases per statement period** with the Bilt Mastercard.

Failing to hit five transactions means:

* You will **not earn** points on general spending

* You will **not earn** full points on rent

This is the most common mistake new users make—so hit five transactions early each month.

Rent Day: Your Monthly Points Booster

On the first day of each month, Bilt offers **Rent Day**, a rotating set of bonuses and promotions that often include:

* Increased earning multipliers

* Transfer bonuses to selected travel partners

* Limited-time challenges or promotions

Because Rent Day promotions change frequently, it’s best to mention examples rather than fixed multipliers.

**Pro Tip:** If you’re planning a transfer, check Rent Day first—transfer bonuses can be massive.

Redeeming Bilt Points: The Best Options for Travelers

Bilt is one of the most flexible points programs, offering multiple high-value redemption paths.

1. ✈️ Transfer to Airline & Hotel Partners (Best Value)

This is where Bilt shines. Most transfers occur at a **1:1 ratio**, unlocking access to dozens of airlines and hotels across all three major alliances.

Popular Airline Partners

* American Airlines (via Atmos Rewards)

* United Airlines

* Air Canada

* Turkish Airlines

* British Airways

* Cathay Pacific

* Emirates

* Virgin Atlantic

…and more.

Hotel Partners

* World of Hyatt (a traveler favorite for outsized value)

* Marriott Bonvoy

* IHG One Rewards

* Accor (may transfer at a different ratio)

Transfer partners and ratios can change, so it’s always best to check current rates before transferring.

2. 🌐 Bilt Travel Portal

If you prefer to book paid fares or hotels, the Bilt Travel Portal offers:

* **1.25 cents per point** in value

* Booking through an Expedia-powered interface

* Useful for airlines with no transfer partner

This acts as a strong “floor value” for your points.

3. 🏡 Redeem Points Toward a Home Down Payment

A unique feature among rewards programs:

* **Points worth 1.5 cents each**

* Applies toward a down payment on a home

* Requires participating lenders and verification steps

This is one of the only ways renters can turn everyday spending into meaningful home-buying assistance.

Travel Benefits of the Bilt Mastercard

Despite having no annual fee, the Bilt Mastercard includes several benefits usually found on premium travel cards:

🌍 No Foreign Transaction Fees

Pay abroad without the typical 3% surcharge.

🧳 Trip Cancellation & Interruption

Coverage up to $5,000 per traveler when using the card to pay for your trip.

⏱ Trip Delay Insurance

Up to $200 per day (maximum of $1,800) for delays of 6+ hours.

🚗 Primary Rental Car Insurance

Covers theft and damage when declining the rental company’s insurance.

📱 Cell Phone Protection

Up to $800 per claim with a low deductible when paying your phone bill with the card.

The Traveler’s Strategy

For maximum value:

✔ Pay your rent with the Bilt Mastercard through the Bilt app

✔ Make at least 5 transactions each month

✔ Use the card for dining and travel to earn bonus categories

✔ Watch Rent Day for transfer bonuses

✔ Transfer points to partners like Hyatt and Air Canada for premium travel redemptions

With smart planning, your monthly rent check could become your next business-class flight or luxury hotel stay.