Key Points:

• Bilt Dining lets you earn 1-3 bonus points per dollar at over 20,000 restaurants when you link any Visa, Mastercard, or Amex to your Bilt Wallet—no Bilt card required.
• Stacking Bilt Dining bonuses with the right credit card can net you 7-9 points per dollar, with Bilt points valued at 2.2 cents each for outsized returns on everyday meals.
• The program works best in major metros but has expanded to mid-size cities, and linking multiple cards to your Bilt Wallet ensures you never miss bonus points when dining out.

You're already spending money on restaurants. What if every meal could earn you extra points toward free flights or hotel stays?

That's exactly what Bilt Dining delivers. Since launching in April 2023, this program has quietly become one of the best ways to stack rewards on dining purchases. You don't need a Bilt credit card to participate, and you're probably already eating at participating restaurants without realizing it.

The best part? Bilt Dining bonuses stack on top of your existing credit card rewards. That means you can combine category bonuses from premium dining cards with Bilt's bonus structure to maximize every restaurant purchase.

Here's everything you need to know about earning maximum value through Bilt Dining, including strategies most people miss.

What Is Bilt Dining and How Does It Work?

Bilt Dining functions like traditional dining rewards programs, but with one major advantage: you can use any eligible payment card to earn bonus Bilt points.

When you dine at participating restaurants and pay with a card linked to your Bilt Wallet, you'll automatically earn 1-3 bonus Bilt points per dollar spent. These bonus points post to your account within seven days and stack on top of whatever rewards your credit card normally earns.

The program now includes over 20,000 restaurants across the United States. That's significantly larger than most competing dining programs and continues expanding monthly.

The Core Earning Structure

Here's what you can expect to earn at Bilt Dining restaurants:

Standard Earning Rates:

• 1 bonus point per dollar at select restaurants
• 2 bonus points per dollar at mid-tier restaurants
• 3 bonus points per dollar at premium restaurants

These bonuses apply regardless of which eligible card you use. Whether you're paying with an American Express, Chase, or Capital One card, the Bilt Dining bonus remains the same.

The key word is "bonus." You still earn your card's standard rewards rate. If you're using the American Express Gold Card (4X on dining), you'll earn those 4 Amex points plus the Bilt Dining bonus.

Stacking Strategies That Actually Work

Smart stacking can turn ordinary restaurant meals into exceptional value. The math gets interesting fast when you combine the right cards with Bilt Dining bonuses.

Best Card Combinations for Maximum Value

Premium Dining Cards + Bilt Dining:

If you use the American Express Gold Card at a 3X Bilt Dining restaurant, here's what you earn:

• 4 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar (card earning rate)
• 3 Bilt points per dollar (dining bonus)
• Total: 7 points per dollar on a single transaction

With Bilt points valued at 2.2 cents each and Amex points around 2 cents each, that's roughly 14.6 cents in value per dollar spent. That's better than most category bonuses you'll find.

Chase Sapphire Preferred + Bilt Dining:

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card offers one of the best stacking opportunities for travelers who want flexibility:

• 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar (card earning rate)
• Up to 3 Bilt points per dollar (dining bonus)
• Total: 6 points per dollar

Capital One Venture + Bilt Dining:

For those who prefer simplicity, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card delivers solid returns:

• 2 Capital One miles per dollar (card earning rate)
• Up to 3 Bilt points per dollar (dining bonus)
• Total: 5 points per dollar

Using Bilt Cards for Even Better Stacking

If you have a Bilt credit card, the stacking gets even better. The Bilt Mastercard offers unique advantages as the only card that lets you earn points on rent without transaction fees.

Bilt Obsidian Card (if dining is your bonus category):

• 3 Bilt points per dollar (card earning rate)
• Up to 3 Bilt points per dollar (Bilt Dining bonus)
• Total: 6 Bilt points per dollar

At 2.2 cents per point, that's 13.2 cents back on every dollar. Few dining rewards programs can match that return.

Bilt Palladium Card:

• 2 Bilt points per dollar (card earning rate)
• Up to 3 Bilt points per dollar (Bilt Dining bonus)
• Total: 5 Bilt points per dollar (11 cents back per dollar spent)

Bilt Blue Card:

• 1 Bilt point per dollar (card earning rate)
• Up to 3 Bilt points per dollar (Bilt Dining bonus)
• Total: 4 Bilt points per dollar (8.8 cents back per dollar spent)

Even the no-fee Bilt Blue Card delivers exceptional value when you factor in the dining bonus.

How to Find Bilt Dining Restaurants Near You

Finding participating restaurants is straightforward, but there are tricks to maximize your options.

Using the Bilt App Effectively

Open the Bilt app and navigate to the "Neighborhood" tab. Select "Dining" to see all participating restaurants in your area.

The interface lets you filter by:

• Location (specific neighborhoods or cities)
• Rating (4+ stars recommended for best experiences)
• Cuisine type (Italian, Japanese, American, etc.)
• Price range ($ to $$$$)
• Bonus earning rate (1X, 2X, or 3X)

Pro tip: Check the app before making dinner plans. You might find a 3X restaurant is just as convenient as your usual spot that doesn't participate in the program.

Geographic Coverage Reality Check

Bilt Dining works best in major metropolitan areas. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Miami have hundreds of participating restaurants. Mid-size cities like Austin, Denver, and Nashville also have solid coverage.

Smaller cities and suburban areas have fewer options but still offer opportunities. Even Greenville, South Carolina (population around 70,000) has multiple participating restaurants.

Before planning a trip or moving to a new city, check Bilt Dining coverage. If you're choosing between two similar neighborhoods, restaurant density might influence your decision.

Setting Up Your Bilt Wallet for Automatic Earnings

The real magic happens when you link multiple cards to your Bilt Wallet. This ensures you never miss bonus points, even when you forget you're at a participating restaurant.

Which Cards to Link

Link every Visa, Mastercard, and American Express card you regularly use for dining. The setup takes about 30 seconds per card.

Here's the strategy: Link cards in order of your preferred usage. If you share a card with a spouse or partner, only the most recent Bilt Wallet to add that card will earn points. Coordinate who adds which card to avoid missed bonuses.

Cards worth linking:

• Premium dining cards (Amex Gold, Chase Sapphire Preferred, etc.)
• General spending cards you use regularly
• Any card you might grab for a spontaneous meal out

Once linked, transactions at Bilt Dining restaurants automatically earn bonuses. You don't need to activate anything or remember to use a specific card.

The Forgotten Restaurant Bonus

One of the best features: you'll occasionally discover you earned Bilt points at restaurants you didn't even know participated in the program.

This happens regularly if you have several cards linked. You grab lunch at a new spot, pay with whatever card is handy, and a few days later bonus points appear in your account. It's a pleasant surprise that happens more often than you'd expect.

What Bilt Dining Doesn't Cover

Understanding limitations helps set realistic expectations and avoid frustration.

Third-Party Platforms Won't Earn Bonuses

Ordering through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or any delivery platform won't trigger Bilt Dining bonuses, even if the restaurant participates in the program. The transaction processes through the delivery service, not the restaurant, so Bilt can't track it.

This also applies to online ordering platforms. If you place an order through the restaurant's website but payment processes through a third-party system, you probably won't earn the bonus.

Want the Bilt Dining bonus? Dine in or call the restaurant directly for takeout orders where you pay at pickup.

No Bilt Cash on Dining Bonuses

Bilt Cash (the program's statement credit feature) doesn't stack with Bilt Dining bonuses. You'll earn regular Bilt points, but those specific transactions won't contribute to Bilt Cash accumulation.

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Bilt points typically offer better value when transferred to airline and hotel partners rather than redeemed for statement credits anyway.

Rent Day Dining Experiences and Exclusive Access

Bilt occasionally offers special dining experiences during monthly Rent Day promotions. These limited opportunities can add significant value beyond standard point earnings.

What Rent Day Dining Looks Like

Past Rent Day promotions have included:

• Exclusive reservation access at high-demand restaurants
• Special tasting menus at premium venues
• Multi-city dining events (recent example: 42 restaurants across 8 cities)
• Valentine's Day reservations in major metros
• Chef collaboration dinners

Some experiences require payment with points, while others simply offer reservation access with normal payment at the restaurant (earning standard Bilt Dining bonuses).

February 2026's Rent Day featured Neighborhood Dining experiences across eight cities plus special launch events at Skewr in New York and Electric Jane in Nashville.

Are Rent Day Experiences Worth It?

This depends on the specific offering and your location. If you live in or visit New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or San Francisco, Rent Day dining experiences often deliver excellent value.

The reservation access alone can be valuable. Getting a table at a hot restaurant that's normally booked weeks in advance is worth something, especially if you're earning bonus points on the meal.

For smaller markets, Rent Day dining promotions happen less frequently but are still worth checking each month. Learn more about maximizing Rent Day promotions in our comprehensive guide.

Comparing Bilt Dining to Alternative Programs

How does Bilt Dining stack up against other dining rewards options?

Bilt Dining vs. Amex Offers

American Express Offers frequently features restaurants with statement credits or bonus Membership Rewards points. These offers can be more lucrative than Bilt Dining for specific transactions.

The catch: Amex Offers are targeted and limited-time. You might get a great deal at one restaurant for one month, then nothing.

Bilt Dining offers consistency. The same restaurants earn bonuses month after month, making it easier to build habits around maximizing rewards.

Strategy: Use both. Check Amex Offers before dining out. If there's an active offer, use your Amex Gold Card. If not, use whichever card combination maximizes your Bilt Dining bonus.

Bilt Dining vs. Restaurant-Specific Loyalty Programs

Many chain restaurants have their own loyalty programs offering free items, discounts, or exclusive perks.

These programs usually don't conflict with Bilt Dining. You can earn both the restaurant's loyalty benefits and Bilt points on the same transaction.

At Chipotle, for example, you could earn Chipotle Rewards points while also collecting Bilt Dining bonuses if Chipotle participates in Bilt's network (check the app for current partners).

Bilt Dining vs. Bank Dining Programs

Chase Dining and Citi Entertainment offer similar concepts with reservation access and bonuses at select restaurants.

The main difference: Bilt Dining is available to anyone with a free Bilt Rewards account. You don't need to carry a specific issuer's premium card.

Chase Dining typically requires a Sapphire card. Citi Entertainment requires a Citi card. Bilt Dining works with cards from any major issuer.

Strategic Considerations for Long-Term Value

Think beyond immediate point earnings when evaluating Bilt Dining's place in your rewards strategy.

When Bilt Dining Makes the Most Sense

You'll get the most value from Bilt Dining if:

• You live in or frequently visit major metropolitan areas
• You dine out regularly (2+ times per week)
• You're already building a Bilt points balance for a specific redemption
• You have premium dining cards that stack well with the program

When to Skip Bilt Dining

Sometimes the program doesn't make sense:

• If participating restaurants aren't convenient to your location or travel patterns
• When promotional offers on specific cards outweigh the Bilt bonus
• At restaurants where you have valuable gift card discounts or credits
• When redeeming credit card dining credits that require specific cards

Always calculate the total value of each option. A 10% discount from a gift card might beat a 3-point-per-dollar bonus depending on redemption plans.

Building Your Bilt Balance Intentionally

Bilt points shine brightest when transferred to airline and hotel partners. That 2.2-cent valuation assumes you're redeeming for business class flights or premium hotel stays.

If you plan to cash out points for statement credits or gift cards, the math changes. Make sure your dining bonus strategy aligns with your redemption plans.

For maximum value: Use Bilt Dining to build your balance, then transfer points to partners like American Airlines, United, World of Hyatt, or IHG for premium redemptions. Our Bilt transfer partners guide breaks down the best redemption strategies.

Common Mistakes That Cost You Points

Avoid these pitfalls that trip up even experienced points collectors.

Not Linking Cards Proactively

The biggest mistake: waiting until you're at a restaurant to link your card. By then, it's too late to earn the bonus on that meal.

Link all your dining cards to your Bilt Wallet today. It takes five minutes and ensures you never miss opportunities.

Assuming Online Orders Qualify

Remember: third-party platforms and online ordering systems typically don't earn Bilt Dining bonuses. If maximizing points matters for a particular meal, dine in or order directly from the restaurant for pickup.

Forgetting to Check for Higher-Earning Locations

Not all Bilt Dining restaurants earn the same bonus. Before choosing where to eat, check if a nearby alternative offers 3X instead of 1X.

The difference between 1 and 3 points per dollar adds up fast. On a $100 dinner, that's 200 bonus points (worth about $4.40) just for choosing a different restaurant.

Missing Rent Day Opportunities

Check the Bilt app on the first of every month. Rent Day promotions often include limited-time dining offers that disappear quickly.

Set a monthly calendar reminder to review new Rent Day benefits. You might find reservation access to a restaurant you've wanted to try.

Not Optimizing Your Card Portfolio

Many readers miss opportunities by not having the right dining credit cards in their wallet. The difference between earning 3X and 7X points per dollar on the same transaction can mean thousands of dollars in redemption value annually.

If you're serious about maximizing dining rewards, consider adding the American Express Gold Card to your portfolio. The 4X earning rate on dining, combined with Bilt Dining bonuses, creates one of the most lucrative stacking opportunities available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Bilt credit card to earn Bilt Dining bonuses?

No. Anyone can create a free Bilt Rewards account and link eligible Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards to their Bilt Wallet. You'll earn the same Bilt Dining bonuses regardless of whether you have a Bilt card.

How long does it take for Bilt Dining points to post?

Bonus points typically appear in your account within seven days of your dining transaction. Some may post faster, but give it the full week before reaching out to support.

Can I earn Bilt Dining bonuses on delivery orders?

No. Transactions through third-party delivery platforms (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) or online ordering systems won't earn Bilt Dining bonuses. For bonuses, you need to dine in or pay directly at the restaurant for pickup orders.

What happens if I share a credit card with someone else?

You can add the same card to multiple Bilt Wallets, but only the most recent wallet to add that card will earn Bilt Dining bonuses. Coordinate with anyone you share cards with to determine whose account should earn the bonuses.

Are there limits on how many Bilt Dining points I can earn?

No. Unlike some rewards programs with earning caps, Bilt Dining has no maximum. Earn unlimited bonus points at participating restaurants.

Can I combine Bilt Dining bonuses with restaurant loyalty programs?

Yes. Most restaurant-specific loyalty programs work independently of Bilt Dining. You can often earn both the restaurant's loyalty rewards and Bilt Dining bonuses on the same transaction.

Do Bilt Dining restaurants change?

The list of participating restaurants updates regularly. New locations join the program while others occasionally leave. Check the Bilt app for current participants before making dining plans.

What's the best card to use at Bilt Dining restaurants?

This depends on your card portfolio. Cards with high dining bonuses (like the American Express Gold Card at 4X) stack well with Bilt Dining bonuses. If you have a Bilt Obsidian Card with dining as your bonus category, that offers 6 total points per dollar at 3X restaurants. For most people, we recommend the Chase Sapphire Preferred as the best all-around option for its flexibility and strong dining multiplier.

Making Bilt Dining Work for Your Rewards Strategy

Bilt Dining isn't a revolutionary program, but it's a solid incremental value-add for anyone who dines out regularly.

The program works best when you think of it as passive income. Link your cards once, then forget about it. Points accumulate automatically as you live your normal life.

Is it worth changing your dining habits to chase Bilt bonuses? Probably not. But if you're choosing between two similar restaurants and one earns 3X Bilt points while the other earns nothing, that's an easy decision.

The real value comes from consistency. Those extra 2-3 points per dollar add up to meaningful totals over months and years of regular dining. A couple who dines out twice a week spending $100 per outing could earn an extra 30,000+ Bilt points annually just from the dining bonuses.

At 2.2 cents per point, that's over $660 in annual value from restaurants you were visiting anyway. Not life-changing money, but enough for a domestic flight or a couple free hotel nights.

Start with linking your cards to your Bilt Wallet. Check the app before your next dinner out. See which restaurants near you participate and what bonus they offer. Then let the program run in the background while you rack up points toward your next trip.

For more strategies on maximizing your points earning potential, check out our guides on the best credit cards for dining, maximizing travel rewards, and optimizing your points strategy.

This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.