How to Earn Bilt Points Paying Rent in 2025

by Brad Lightall | June 21, 2025 | 0 Comments

I’ve noticed that rental living is evolving—and Bilt Rewards is right at the forefront of that change. This program empowers renters by letting them earn points each time they pay rent through the Bilt app or the Bilt World Elite Mastercard, all without extra transaction fees. Given how competitive the rental market has become in 2025, I see Bilt as an important tool that helps people turn everyday housing costs into something even more valuable: travel rewards.

What Is Bilt Rewards?

What Is Bilt Rewards?

Bilt Rewards was born as a specialized loyalty program for U.S. renters, offering a practical way to collect points with each monthly rent payment. I’ve watched a meteoric rise in interest since it removes the typical fees that many other rent-payment services still charge. It feels like a win-win: your mandatory monthly expense transforms into an opportunity to fund your next plane ticket or hotel stay.

Interestingly, a recent study from the National Multifamily Housing Council suggests that over 44 million Americans currently rent their homes, and many struggle to find systems that reward them for this major expense. Bilt saw that gap. That’s why members reach new levels—Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—as they keep paying rent and doing everyday spending within the program. Each tier involves perks like potential credit score boosts due to on-time rent reporting and milestone bonuses that make the journey worthwhile.

In my experience, a good loyalty program isn’t just about earning points but about giving you new ways to strategize your budget. And because Bilt invests heavily in driving value for renters, it’s become a contender in the broader travel rewards space.

How to Earn Points

How to Earn Points

Bilt makes the earning process surprisingly simple. First off, paying rent with the Bilt card or app instantly translates into points, though you do need at least five transactions per billing cycle to unlock rent rewards. I’ve found that those extra small purchases—like grabbing coffee or buying groceries—can easily fill that requirement.

The card also shines with multiplier bonuses for dining, travel, and referrals—particularly on “Rent Day,” a monthly boost celebrating the time most of us have to tackle our largest bill. I’ve read that according to industry data, the average U.S. rent check has climbed over 10% in the last three years, so these bonus points go a long way in offsetting that.

Another standout feature is Bilt’s integration with services such as Lyft. By linking your account, you can scoop up extra points on top of anything you’d normally earn. This layered approach means that whether you’re hopping a ride-share to the airport or simply heading to the office, you’re racking up points with minimal extra effort.

Key Perks of the Bilt Mastercard

Key Perks of the Bilt Mastercard

Despite sparing you an annual fee, the Bilt World Elite Mastercard manages to pack in some compelling benefits. I’ve personally added this card to my wallet simply because it offers strong returns outside of rent—particularly on dining and travel purchases. When a card can handle both my everyday routine and my more adventurous getaways, that’s a big win for me.

Beyond the bonus categories, I appreciate Bilt’s transparent structure. Frequent flyer fans won’t want to miss how handily it meshes with existing travel programs. Its win at the 2024 TPG Awards for Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Rewards Credit Card came as no surprise to those who’ve tracked its rapid rise—and it underscores its credibility in an already crowded market.

As a side note, it’s not common to see a no-fee card that emphasizes rent as a core point-earning category. That unique angle suggests Bilt truly caters to an underserved group: renters who want to be travelers.

Ways To Redeem Bilt Points

Ways To Redeem Bilt Points

When it comes to redemption, Bilt’s flexibility is one of its greatest strengths. I see many individuals focusing on hotel partnerships, such as transferring points to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio. Occasionally, I hear from fellow travelers who wait until they accumulate 20,000 Bilt Points, so they can snag that extra 5,000 Marriott Bonvoy points bonus for more significant redemptions—like higher-tier hotels or unique experiences.

It’s not just hotels, though. Some members funnel points into airline loyalty programs, which I find particularly useful if you’re piecing together an award itinerary with multiple stopovers. I’ve noticed that advanced points aficionados often combine Bilt Points with other transferable currencies to orchestrate dream vacations without spending a fortune.

And if you aren’t into airline redemptions, you still have plenty of alternatives. From applying points toward a down payment on a home to getting rent credits, Bilt fits neatly into diverse financial goals. It’s a breath of fresh air to see a loyalty program that recognizes not everyone is going to be on the next departing flight.

Why Frequent Flyers Should Pay Attention

Why Frequent Flyers Should Pay Attention

Given Bilt’s fluid currency, any serious traveler can mold it into an array of redemptions. For instance, if you’ve got your eyes set on a specific airline’s premium cabin award, you can transfer the points directly for a higher-value redemption. According to a 2024 survey by Travel Data Watch, over 65% of frequent flyers prefer cards that let them pool rewards into multiple airline and hotel programs, and Bilt squares with that idea perfectly.

For frequent flyers, few things are better than a no-annual-fee card that still comes with robust points potential. The credit-building element is another pleasant bonus, given that consistent rent payments can help enhance one’s credit profile. In my view, the broader travel community is definitely taking note—and you might want to as well, if you value easy mileage accumulation.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to turning rent into a gateway for future travel, Bilt Rewards stands out as an innovator. I’ve followed many reward programs that promise extra points or miles, but Bilt is one of the few that focuses squarely on renters. That focus and the variety of redemption angles—from hotels to airline partners—make it a program worth exploring if your goal is to stretch your travel dollars further.

As we roll through 2025, flexible travel currencies are only becoming more essential for budget-savvy nomads and weekend adventurers alike. Bilt seems to have caught that wave at the perfect time, offering a highly relevant product for anyone balancing daily life costs with the urge to see more of the world.

Brad Lightall’s Take

I’m all about finding untapped value in everyday routines, and Bilt fits that niche perfectly. Rent is something most of us pay anyway, so why not snag some travel perks along the way? I’ve observed that this unique approach to rewarding renters can give you that extra spark of motivation to save points for your next trip—without burdening you with extra fees.

Whether you’re eyeing a Paris getaway (like I am) or planning a weekend road trip, Bilt’s model ensures you never leave points on the table. That alone has me convinced it’s a game-changer among travel rewards platforms.

For more travel insights and tips, stay tuned to BoardingArea.

Also on BoardingArea
One Mile at a Time
Two Plaza Premium Lounges Coming To DFW, Including Swanky First Lounge!
While details remain limited as of now, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is expected to get two new lounges in 2026, contributing to what’s arguably becoming the best terminal in the United States for lounge quality.
The Bulkhead Seat
American Airlines Increases Checked Bag Fees on Some International Flights
American Airlines has implemented some baggage fee increases for checking a first bag on… The post American Airlines Increases Checked Bag Fees on Some International Flights appeared first on The Bulkhead Seat.
Your Mileage May Vary
The One Thing You Should Always Do After Booking a Hotel
Booking a hotel can feel like the “responsible adult” moment of trip planning. You compare a few options, pick the one that makes the most sense, lock it in… and then…
View from the Wing
The DEA Was Ordered To Stop Stealing Cash From Passengers — Now Homeland Security Is Seizing The Money Instead
A year ago the DEA was ordered to stop seizing passengers' cash at airports without evidence or charges. But cash seizures never stopped—they've just shifted hands. Homeland Security agents are using drug-sniffing dogs to target travelers, confiscating large sums even when no drugs are found and no charges are filed....
Frequent Miler
15x / 15% back at IHG through Rakuten
Shopping portal Rakuten is currently offering 15% cash back or 15x Amex Membership Rewards points or Bilt points for completed IHG group hotel stays, with Kimpton Hotels, IHG Army Hotels, and a number of Six Senses locations excluded. That could make for a fantastic stack with IHG’s Cyber Monday sale given that you’d...
Points With a Crew
Final Hours for 3 Months of Audible and a $20 Credit (Ends Monday Night)
Audible is running a promotion where you can get the service for only 99 cents a month AND a $20 bonus. Details inside, including some inspiration for travel books to check out ...
Miles To Memories
Another Go! This Lucrative Citi AAdvantage Business Promo Returns for 2026
To my surprise, a huge Citi AAdvantage Business promotion has been extended another year. Here's why I'm happy to be wrong on this one! The post Another Go! This Lucrative Citi AAdvantage Business Promo Returns for 2026 appeared first on Miles to Memories.
View from the Wing
Some American Airlines Cabins Are So Old They Still Have Airfone Slots — The System 9/11 Passengers Used To Call Home
Some American Airlines cabins are still flying with legacy US Airways first class seats that have long-dead Airfone slots in the armrests. Those same seatback phones once let passengers on Flight 93 and other 9/11 flights call home, and today they’re just ghosts of an old system bolted into a...
From The Tray Table
2 new lounges are coming to America’s second-busiest airport
One of the busiest airports in North America is getting two exciting new lounges. Plaza Premium announced on… The post 2 new lounges are coming to America’s second-busiest airport appeared first on From the Tray Table.
Frequent Miler
Get paid to visit Vancouver, British Columbia (now with up to a $350 gift card)
Update 12/1/25: During a Black Friday sale, the gift cards offered for this deal are increased by $100, up to CA$350 maximum, when using the promo code “BlackFriday.” There’s no expiry listed on the promo (that I can find), so it could die at any time. Vancouver has one of...
Miles To Memories
Family Travel Social Media Trap, The Traveler’s Disconnect & World’s Largest Cruise Ship Review!
The traveler's disconnect, our new show, reviewing the world's largest cruise ship, Paris vibes and the family travel social media trap. The post Family Travel Social Media Trap, The Traveler’s Disconnect & World’s Largest Cruise Ship Review! appeared first on Miles to Memories.
Your Mileage May Vary
Why Some Americans Are Suddenly Pretending to Be Canadian
If you like to travel, you invariably learn all sorts of words and phrases having to do with traveling. Gate lice. Snowbirds. Pink eye flights. In the beginning, they were…
You Are Travel
The Dark Side: What Are Your Most Unhinged Travel Tips?
tl;dr – Feel free to blur the line here. I’m not telling! A while back, I had a… The post The Dark Side: What Are Your Most Unhinged Travel Tips? appeared first on You Are Travel.
Frequent Miler
Up to $50 off at Amazon with 125 Citi points
Amazon.com is offering up to 40% off / up to a $50 discount when using 125 Citi Thank You points (worth $1) at checkout. Note that your offer may vary — mine was only for 30% off up to $30.   The Deal Amazon is offering up to 40% off,...
Frequent Flyer Bonuses
December 1 Bonus Offer Highlight: Miles & More – Earn 2,025 bonus miles on Sixt rentals Worldwide
Today's bonus offer highlight is the return of a 2,025 miles bonus for Miles & More members who rent a car with Sixt! Check out all of the new bonuses added today: The post December 1 Bonus Offer Highlight: Miles & More – Earn 2,025 bonus miles on Sixt rentals Worldwide...
You Are Travel
Did I Win? – My Backdoor Status Dreams Are Realized as Rotana Rewards Synchronize with GHA Discovery
tl;dr – Platinum Rotana Discovery status is not a bad take for a few minutes of clicking around. … The post Did I Win? – My Backdoor Status Dreams Are Realized as Rotana Rewards Synchronize with GHA Discovery appeared first on You Are Travel.
Points With a Crew
17 Walmart Cyber Monday Deals
Walmart is in the fray as well, with Cyber Monday deals on Apple products, travel gear, technology and more.
Altitude Yes
Last Chance: Get 50% off a Thrifty Traveler Premium Subscription
Thrifty Traveler Premium goes for $49.99, and Premium+ goes for $74.99 with the company’s Black Friday sale. The post Last Chance: Get 50% off a Thrifty Traveler Premium Subscription first appeared on Altitude Yes.
One Mile at a Time
My Favorite Time Zones For Traveling & Living: The Older I Get, The More I Care
To me the topic of time zones is interesting, both as it impacts where one chooses to live, and in terms of choosing where to vacation. I love traveling far away, and in a way jetlag has its charms, but theres also something nice about not having a major disruption...
One Mile at a Time
My Favorite Time Zones For Traveling & Living: The Older I Get, The More I Care
To me the topic of time zones is interesting, both as it impacts where one chooses to live, and in terms of choosing where to vacation. I love traveling far away, and in a way jetlag has its charms, but there’s also something nice about not having a major disruption...
Miles To Memories
Targeted Amazon Deal: Get 30% Off with Citi ThankYou! Check If You Are Targeted
Get 30% off by using just 125 ThankYou points if you are targeted for this new Pay with Points promo from Amazon. The post Targeted Amazon Deal: Get 30% Off with Citi ThankYou! Check If You Are Targeted appeared first on Miles to Memories.
The Gate with Brian Cohen
Northern Lights in Finland. Aurora Borealis.
The main part of the itinerary to Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Iceland was to view the northern lights in Finland, as I have never personally witnessed this phenomenon — but Aurora Borealis might not have appeared due to weather and other factors. The first two nights of this trip were spent...
Frequent Miler
Breeze Airways promo: Save up to 60% on round trip base fares with promo code CYBER
Breeze Airways is out with another new airfare deal, this time giving an up to 60% discount on round-trip base fares when using promo code CYBER. The Deal Save 60% on round-trip base fares with Breeze Airways when using promo code CYBER. Direct link to offer terms. Key Terms Discount...
The Travel Sisters
Great Stocking Stuffers for Travelers
The best stocking stuffer ideas for travelers this year. The post Great Stocking Stuffers for Travelers appeared first on The Travel Sisters.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Categories

Our Bloggers