Paying rent and earning points? It almost sounds too good to be true, but with the Bilt Mastercard, it’s possible! I’ve been using this no-annual-fee credit card to pay my rent and earn rewards points, which I’ve transferred to travel partners for upcoming adventures. In fact, I recently amassed over 50,000 points, which I transferred to American Airlines for a future booking. Although American Airlines is no longer a transfer partner, the Bilt card still offers incredible value with its other airline and hotel transfer partners. For renters dreaming of a carnival getaway, this card is a game-changer.
Benefits of the Bilt Mastercard
The Bilt Mastercard stands out for its unique features and rewarding benefits. Below, we’ll break down the key perks and why this card might be perfect for you.
No Annual Fee
One of the biggest advantages of the Bilt Mastercard is that it doesn’t charge an annual fee. You can enjoy all the benefits without worrying about an extra cost. For budget-conscious carnival lovers, this card is one of my favorite ways to save while earning rewards.
Pay Rent with No Fees
Renters, rejoice! The Bilt card allows you to pay rent without incurring transaction fees with your leasing property. The card provides a checking and routing number making the payment process seamless. Plus, you earn 1x points on your rent payments, up to 100,000 points annually. This feature alone makes the card a must-have for anyone who rents and wants to earn rewards effortlessly. For homeowners, you will be able to earn on your mortgage later this year.
Rent Day Multipliers
Every first of the month is “Rent Day,” when Bilt cardholders can earn double points on non-rent purchases. Dining earns 6x points, travel earns 4x points, and all other purchases earn 2x points. While rent payments don’t qualify for these bonuses, the extra points on other spending can add up quickly, helping you achieve that next points redemption for your next Caribbean carnival jump.
Earning Multipliers
Here’s a breakdown of the Bilt card’s earning rates:
- 1x Points on Rent: Earn up to 100,000 points per year on rent payments.
- 3x Points on Dining: This includes Bilt’s neighborhood dining partners.
- 5x Points on Lyft: Whether you’re heading to a carnival event or the airport, this is a great way to maximize points.
- 2x Points on Travel: Earn double points when booking through the Bilt Travel Portal.
- 1x Points on Other Purchases: Use the card for everyday expenses and keep the rewards coming.
Transfer Partners
Bilt’s transfer partners make this card a powerful tool for travel enthusiasts. Points transfer at a 1:1 ratio to these hotel and airline partners:
Hotel Partners:
Airline Partners:
- United Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- Emirates
- Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)
- British Airways
- Qatar Airways
- Alaska Airlines
Transferring points to these partners opens up a world of possibilities for your next carnival jump. For example, Hyatt’s properties often offer excellent redemption values, and Qatar Airways is a fantastic choice for luxury international travel.
Elite Status Tiers
Bilt rewards its cardholders with elite status tiers based on point accumulation:
- Blue: Earn up to 25,000 points annually. Benefits include basic earning rates and access to transfer partners.
- Silver: 25,000 to 49,999 points annually. Silver status includes perks like bonus points for referrals.
- Gold: 50,000 to 99,999 points annually. Gold members get even more exclusive offers and higher redemption values.
- Platinum: 100,000+ points annually. Platinum members enjoy VIP-level benefits, including personalized support.
Earning higher status can amplify the value of your points and unlock unique benefits such as interest accrual on points, which perfect for frequent travelers.
My Review of the Bilt Mastercard
When American Airlines left as a transfer partner, I initially questioned the value of the Bilt card. However, the addition of new partners like Alaska Airlines brought fresh opportunities. Since Alaska Airlines partners with American, you can still use points to book American Airlines flights. While this process is a bit complicated, it’s a viable option for those who value flexibility.
For me, the real value lies in Bilt’s hotel transfer partners. I’ve got several stays planned with IHG, Marriott, and Hilton this year, and transferring 20,000 points to these partners earns an additional 5,000 points. This bonus makes the card’s rewards even more appealing.
Another standout feature is the ability to pay rent without fees. For renters like me, this is a huge win. Add in the no annual fee and the ability to earn points for future carnival bookings, and the Bilt Mastercard becomes an essential tool for anyone chasing carnival adventures. This card is definitely a keeper.
Looking ahead, Bilt plans to introduce new benefits in 2025, including earning points on mortgage payments. This expansion will make the card even more versatile and valuable for homeowners and renters alike.
Make the BILT Card Part of Your Travel Rewards Strategy
The Bilt Mastercard is a no-brainer for renters who want to earn rewards without extra costs. From paying rent to transferring points for flights and hotels, this card offers incredible value. If you’re planning your next carnival adventure, the Bilt card can help you save money while earning points. Don’t miss out—apply today and start earning for your next carnival getaway!
To apply for the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
If you’d like to look at other no-annual fee travel cards, check out my blog here.
