Unlock New Bilt Rewards in 2025: Earn Points on Mortgages & More!
Have you ever wished your rent payments could do more for you? Well, buckle up because Bilt Rewards is making waves in the rewards game! Since their inception just three years ago, they’ve crafted a powerful platform that not only benefits renters but also creates remarkable opportunities for merchants, landlords, and banks alike.
As pioneers in the rewards landscape, Bilt stands out as the first program to offer points for paying rent. They’ve hit the jackpot with young urban professionals—an audience brands desperately want to reach. This savvy move led to a lucrative partnership with Wells Fargo that has skyrocketed in value, allowing Bilt to collaborate with top-tier travel and retail brands.
This morning, Bilt unveiled a game-changing message to its members: “We’re not just a credit card.” They’re stepping up their game by teaming up with popular restaurants, Walgreens, Lyft, and expanding beyond rent payments to include rebates for real estate transactions. Talk about a major pivot!
Breaking Down Bilt Rewards Economics
In a refreshing move, Bilt recently opened up about their point redemption economics on Reddit. Their approach is simple: the more members redeem points for lower-value transactions—like paying rent or shopping on Amazon—the more they can afford to make high-value transfers to programs like Hyatt. It’s a win-win!
Bilt has issued tens of billions of points to members for rent payments, and millions are cashing in on benefits like elite status on airlines and hotels, complimentary rideshare credits, and more. Personally, I’ve been thrilled with their incredible status offers with United, Hyatt, Air France, and Alaska—plus their record-breaking transfer bonuses!
Here’s a glimpse into how Bilt makes it all possible:
- Processing Rent Payments: They earn a commission for processing over $36 billion in rent payments annually—a number that’s tripled year-over-year! This not only funds points earned but also brings in substantial daily float at current interest rates.
- Neighborhood Benefits: Businesses eager to reach their lucrative demographic pay Bilt commissions, which are then shared with members as points. Their partnerships have grown to encompass $3 billion in annual spending, with impressive year-over-year growth in dining, rideshare, and travel.
- Landlord Loyalty Program: Bilt earns commissions on leases, allowing them to reward renters while landlords enjoy a marketing expense. It’s a smart strategy that puts money back in your pocket!
Fun fact: around 15% of Bilt members hold a Bilt credit card, showcasing the value of this program since many joined just to manage rent payments. They currently work with 70% of the top 100 landlords, making rent easier for everyone!
Beyond rent, Bilt is expanding partnerships with over 20,000 local businesses, including top restaurants and stores like Walgreens and Lyft, ensuring that your everyday spending can earn you valuable points.
With a current valuation of $3.2 billion, Bilt has proven profitable, but they’re not stopping there. They’re eyeing new opportunities for growth that go beyond the standard credit card offering.
What’s Next for Bilt?
As we look ahead, Bilt plans to roll out exciting new features:
- Mortgage Points: Earning points for monthly mortgage payments and refinancing—finally! Many renters are eager for this, especially with limited options available right now.
- Enhanced Credit Card Partnerships: More ways to earn rewards on rent payments with various credit and debit cards, ensuring flexibility for all members.
- Grocery and Gas Rewards: Earning points at grocery stores and gas stations is on the horizon, addressing a gap that many members have missed.
- Simplified Payments: Improvements on one-tap restaurant payments and seamless FSA processing at Walgreens will make life a whole lot easier!
- Lease Renewal Incentives: Rewarding lease renewals has proven effective, with pilots showing a staggering 95% renewal rate when rewards are offered.
Exciting Changes Coming to the Credit Card
Bilt is hinting at a significant transformation in their co-brand credit card partnership. While their current deal with Wells Fargo runs through 2029, it seems that the partnership hasn’t materialized as expected. Bilt is pivoting toward a more independent strategy, focusing on their own offerings.
In a recent letter to members, Bilt reflected on their journey and future plans, suggesting that they’re ready to evolve with tiered offerings that cater to various member needs. This could mean introducing premium cards or entirely new value propositions!
One particularly striking message indicated they’re actively working on solutions to improve the current credit card experience—this sounds like they’re pushing for enhancements that could revolutionize the way members earn rewards!
“These are all things that require support from our issuing bank partner, and we’re actively working on solutions.”
There’s a lot of buzz surrounding Bilt’s upcoming changes, and as they continue to innovate and diversify their offerings, it’s clear that they’re not just about credit cards anymore—they’re building a comprehensive rewards ecosystem designed to benefit renters in remarkable ways!