What Can I Use Bilt Points For?

Bilt Rewards offers a distinctive loyalty program that allows individuals to earn points on their rent payments, a significant monthly expense for many. This program provides a unique avenue for accumulating rewards, distinguishing itself from traditional credit card points systems that typically exclude rent from earning categories. Bilt Rewards transforms a routine payment into a source of valuable points. The program extends beyond rent, offering various ways to earn points on everyday spending, which can then be redeemed for a range of benefits.

Redeeming for Travel

Bilt Rewards points can be used for travel in two primary ways: direct booking via the Bilt Travel Portal or transferring points to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. The Bilt Travel Portal, powered by Expedia, allows members to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and activities directly. When redeeming points through this portal, each point holds a fixed value of 1.25 cents. This fixed value provides a straightforward and convenient redemption option for travel bookings.

Transferring Bilt points to partner loyalty programs can offer higher value, especially for those comfortable navigating reward charts. Bilt has over 20 airline and hotel transfer partners, most offering a 1:1 transfer ratio. Notable airline partners include United MileagePlus, Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, and British Airways Executive Club, while hotel partners include World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors. Transfers are typically in 1,000-point increments, with a minimum of 2,000 points for Blue tier members and 1,000 points for Silver status and above.

Strategic transfers can maximize value, especially for premium travel or specific hotel stays where cash costs are high but award redemption is low. Bilt periodically offers transfer bonuses, particularly on Rent Day (the first of each month), which can increase the value of transferred points. These bonuses have reached up to 200% for certain partners, offering more value than the standard 1.25 cents per point from the Bilt Travel Portal. Once points are transferred to a partner program, they generally cannot be transferred back to Bilt Rewards.

Paying Rent with Points

Bilt Rewards provides a distinctive feature allowing members to use their accumulated points directly toward rent payments. This addresses a significant monthly expense and integrates points redemption into a regular financial obligation. Points redeemed for rent hold a value of 0.55 cents per point. For instance, redeeming 3,636 Bilt points could reduce a rent payment by approximately $20.

Paying rent with points can be managed through the Bilt app or website, where members select the option to apply points to their rent balance. For those using the Bilt Mastercard, the program offers “BiltProtect,” which allows rent payments to be drawn directly from a linked checking account while still earning points, thereby avoiding the use of a credit line. This feature is useful for those who prefer not to have a large rent charge on their credit card statement or who manage finances by keeping credit utilization low.

Whether paying rent directly through a Bilt Alliance property portal or by Bilt mailing a check to a landlord, points earned are 1 per dollar spent on rent, up to 100,000 points annually, with no transaction fees when using the Bilt Mastercard. To earn points on rent and other purchases with the Bilt Mastercard, cardholders need to make at least five transactions per statement period. This rent payment option provides convenience for renters, even if the redemption value is lower compared to travel redemptions.

Using Points for a Home Down Payment

Bilt Rewards offers an innovative option to apply accumulated points towards a home down payment, providing a direct pathway to a significant financial goal. When redeemed for a home down payment, Bilt points are valued at 1.5 cents per point. This valuation makes it one of the higher-value redemption options, especially for those prioritizing homeownership. For example, 100,000 Bilt points could convert into $1,500 towards a down payment.

The process involves working with partners like eXp Realty, with whom Bilt collaborates to facilitate this redemption. Members can earn 1 Bilt point for every $2 spent on the total closing price of a home when working with an eXp real estate agent. To redeem points for a down payment, members complete a form after securing a sales contract but before closing.

This redemption is valid for any real estate transaction across the United States, regardless of property type, lender, or whether it’s a primary residence, second home, or investment property. Converting points into a home down payment offers a unique and long-term financial benefit, setting Bilt Rewards apart from many other loyalty programs.

Other Ways to Use Points

Beyond travel, rent, and homeownership, Bilt Rewards provides additional redemption avenues, though these options generally yield a lower per-point value. Members can redeem points for fitness classes at various studios, including SoulCycle, Rumble, and Pure Barre. This offers an alternative use of points for personal well-being and recreation.

The Bilt Collection offers experiences, curated items, and home decor, providing a lifestyle-oriented redemption category. These redemptions can include unique events or merchandise for members seeking non-travel or non-cash benefits. The value received for these redemptions can vary depending on the specific item or experience.

Points can also be used for everyday purchases, such as statement credits or for shopping on platforms like Amazon.com. However, these redemptions offer the lowest value, with statement credits at 0.55 cents per point and Amazon purchases at approximately 0.7 cents per point. While convenient, prioritizing travel transfers or a home down payment generally provides a more substantial financial return on Bilt points.