The BILT Rewards Card is unique credit card, a no-annual-fee credit card designed for renters, travelers, and those looking to earn rewards on everyday spending, especially rent payments and other everyday purchases. Issued by Wells Fargo in partnership with the BILT Rewards Program, it allows cardholders to earn points that can be redeemed for travel, rent payments, fitness classes, and even a down payment on a home.
Key Features:
Earn 1 point per $1 on rent payments (with no fees), up to 100,000 points annually.
100,000 pts/annually = $8,333/month rent payment
$1,000/month rent x 12 months = 12,000 pts to travel = Round trip from Las Vegas - New York!
Competitive rewards rates for dining (3X points) and travel (2X points).
Redeemable points for travel, rent, fitness, or homeownership.
Points can be transferred 1:1 to top airline and hotel loyalty programs.
1. Core Features
Earn Rewards on Rent Payments
Pay rent via the BILT app with no credit card processing fees.
Earn 1 point per $1 on rent payments (capped at 100,000 points per year).
Works even if your landlord doesn’t accept credit card payments – BILT sends a check on your behalf. You can also pay rent via Venmo and report back to BILT to earn points as long as you send proofs!
I pay rent by check / Paypal / Venmo / Zelle, can I still use the Bilt Mastercard®?
Yes! The Bilt Mastercard® works at nearly all apartments. If you pay rent to your landlord via check, Venmo, Paypal, or any other online portal, you can use the Bilt Mastercard® to earn points on rent when you use your card 5 times each statement period. To get started, head to the Pay Rent tab of the Bilt app or website.
Unfortunately, we do not support Zelle today.
Pay Rent Without Fees: The card allows you to pay rent through the BILT Rewards platform without incurring the typical credit card processing fees (up to 3%).
Completely Free: You get all these benefits without paying an annual fee.
Rewards Structure
3X Points: Dining (restaurants, cafes, etc.).
2X Points: Travel (flights, hotels, transit, and ride-sharing services).
1X Point: Rent payments and all other purchases.
Double Points on Rent Day: On the 1st of every month, earn 6X on dining, 4X on travel, and 2X on other purchases.
2. Redemption Options
Travel Transfers - Redeem points through transfer partners for flights or hotels.
Transfer Partners: Transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to 14+ travel partners, including:
Airlines:
American Airlines AAdvantage
United MileagePlus
Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles
Air Canada Aeroplan
Emirates Skywards
Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
Hotels:
World of Hyatt
IHG Rewards Club
This makes the BILT Rewards Card a powerful tool for free or discounted travel.
Rent Payments - Use points to pay your rent directly.
Use points to cover part or all of your rent via the BILT app.
1 point = $0.0075 (e.g., 10,000 points = $75 toward rent).
Use points to purchase travels will be more benefits instead of paying rent since the value decreased.
Fitness Classes
Redeem points for classes at fitness studios like SoulCycle, Rumble, and Y7.
Shopping
Redeem points for exclusive lifestyle products.
Use points for exclusive items in the BILT Collection, including home goods and decor.
Homeownership Program
You can save points for future home purchases.
Points can be applied toward a down payment on a home, helping renters transition to homeownership.
3. Travel Perks
Trip Protections
Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Coverage for eligible prepaid travel expenses due to covered reasons like illness or severe weather.
Trip Delay Reimbursement: Reimbursement for unexpected delays (terms apply). Up to $200 per ticket if your travel is delayed by over 6 hours.
Rental Car Insurance
Provides secondary coverage for eligible car rentals when you use your BILT card.
No Foreign Transaction Fees
Use the card internationally without additional fees.
4. Unique Features
BILT Rent Day (1st of the Month), cardholders receive additional benefits:
Bonus points: Double the rewards on all purchases (up to 6X on dining, 4X on travel, and 2X on other purchases).
Exclusive perks and promotions (e.g., rent challenges to win bonus points).
Build Credit
Rent payments made via BILT are reported to all three credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion), which can help you build and improve your credit score over time without additional effort.
5. Additional Benefits
No Annual Fee
Enjoy all the benefits without paying an annual fee, making it an accessible option for renters and frequent travelers.
World Elite Mastercard Perks
Cell Phone Protection: Up to $800 per claim (with a $25 deductible) if you pay your phone bill with the card.
Purchase Protection: Coverage for stolen or damaged items within 90 days of purchase.
Extended Warranty: Adds up to one year to eligible warranties.
Access to exclusive offers and discounts, such as Lyft credits and DoorDash DashPass benefits.
6. Limitations to Consider
No Introductory Bonus
Unlike many other rewards cards, the BILT card does not offer a sign-up bonus.
Spending Threshold for Points
You must make at least five transactions per statement cycle to earn rewards.
Rent Redemption Value
Points redeemed for rent payments are less valuable (1 point = $0.0075) compared to transferring points to travel partners or other high-value redemptions.
Annual Rent Rewards Cap
Rent rewards are limited to 100,000 points annually.
Who Should Get the BILT Rewards Card?
The BILT Rewards Card is ideal for:
Renters: Those who want to earn rewards on rent without paying additional fees.
Frequent Travelers: Thanks to its strong travel transfer partners and no foreign transaction fees.
Budget-Conscious Individuals: Since it has no annual fee, the card offers significant value with minimal cost.
Future Homebuyers: Renters who want to save points for a home down payment.
Maximizing the BILT Rewards Card
Use the card for all dining and travel purchases to earn 3X and 2X points, respectively.
Always make at least five transactions per month to earn rewards.
Take full advantage of Rent Day perks on the 1st of each month.
Transfer points to travel partners for the best redemption value.
Use BILT’s homeownership program if you’re planning to buy a house. Cons of the BILT Rewards Card 1. Limited Bonus Categories
Only dining and travel offer elevated rewards (3X and 2X points). Everyday purchases earn just 1X point, which is less competitive compared to other cards with broader bonus categories.
2. Requires a Minimum Transaction to Earn Points
You must make at least five transactions per statement cycle to earn points. If you don’t meet this threshold, you forfeit your rewards for the month.
3. Rent Rewards Cap
Points on rent payments are capped at 100,000 annually, which may limit value for high-cost renters.
4. Redemption Value for Rent May Be Lower
Using points for rent payments often offers less value compared to redeeming for travel through transfer partners.
5. Lack of Introductory Bonus
Unlike many rewards cards, the BILT Rewards Card does not offer a sign-up bonus, making it less appealing for immediate value.
6. Requires the BILT App for Rent Payments
Rent payments must be made through the BILT app, which may feel inconvenient compared to direct credit card payments.
7. Limited Transfer Partners
While BILT has excellent travel partners, it has fewer options compared to cards like Chase Sapphire or Amex Membership Rewards.
Is the BILT Rewards Card Right for You?
The BILT Rewards Card is an excellent choice if:
You’re a renter who wants to earn rewards on rent payments without fees.
You prioritize travel rewards, particularly for airline and hotel redemptions.
You want a no-annual-fee card with a strong rewards structure for dining and travel.
It may not be ideal if:
You want a card with a sign-up bonus or higher everyday rewards.
You don’t pay rent or prefer broader redemption options.
Who Should Get the BILT Rewards Card?
Renters: If you rent and want to earn rewards on rent without fees, this card is a no-brainer.
Frequent Travelers: With its top-tier travel transfer partners and protections, the card is excellent for travel enthusiasts.
Fitness Enthusiasts: Redeem points for fitness memberships and classes.
Budget-Conscious Individuals: Since it has no annual fee, the card provides high value without extra costs.
Where Can You Open the BILT Rewards Card?
You can apply for the BILT Rewards Card directly through the BILT Rewards website or through Wells Fargo. Here’s how:
Visit BILT’s Website:
Go to BILT Rewards Card Application and complete the online application.
Approval is based on your creditworthiness, with a recommended credit score of 680+.
Through Wells Fargo:
Since Wells Fargo issues the card, you can also inquire about applying through their customer service or website.
Where You Can Use the BILT Rewards Card: The BILT Rewards Card is a Mastercard, which means it is accepted in over 210 countries and territories worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted. This includes most countries globally, as Mastercard is one of the largest and most widely accepted payment networks.
North America
United States, Canada, Mexico, and most Caribbean countries.
Europe
Accepted in nearly all European countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece, and others.
Asia
Widely accepted in countries like Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, India, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Australia & Oceania
Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific islands.
South America
Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, and more.
Africa
Widely accepted in countries like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco.
Middle East
Accepted in the UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia, Israel, Qatar, and others.
Key Benefits for International Use:
No Foreign Transaction Fees
You can use the card abroad without paying additional fees for purchases made in foreign currencies.
Currency Conversion
Mastercard automatically converts the foreign currency into your home currency (USD) at competitive exchange rates.
Worldwide Acceptance
As a Mastercard, the BILT Rewards Card is accepted at millions of merchants globally, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and online retailers.
Travel Insurance
The card includes benefits like trip delay reimbursement, rental car insurance, and trip cancellation insurance, which are useful when traveling abroad.
Countries That May Have Limited Acceptance
While Mastercard is globally accepted, there are a few exceptions where cash or alternative payment methods (e.g., UnionPay in China, local payment systems in Cuba or parts of Africa) are preferred. It’s always a good idea to carry backup payment options like cash or another card in remote or rural areas.
Overall, the BILT Rewards Card is a great option for renters who want to earn points on rent and other expenses while enjoying travel and lifestyle perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bilt Rewards Alliance?
The Bilt Rewards Alliance is a collection of property management companies that have an official partnership with Bilt. When a property is part of the Bilt Rewards Alliance, the building will include Bilt branding, and Bilt is integrated with the management system.
When a property joins the Alliance, residents will receive a personalized invitation to join Bilt from the property’s on-site team.
How do I know if I live at a Bilt Alliance property?
Can I use the Bilt Mastercard® on other expenses or just rent?
My rental property doesn't take credit cards. Can I still use Bilt to earn points on rent?
Credit score: Requires good to excellent credit
What are the benefits?
Can people who live outside of the U.S. to apply for the Bilt Mastercard?
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