Key Points

• Bilt Rewards 2.0 introduces three new membership tiers with accelerated earning rates and exclusive benefits.
• Mortgage payments now earn 1 point per dollar without transaction fees, expanding beyond rent payments.
• The tiered structure rewards high spenders with up to 3x points on rent and mortgage payments.

Introduction

Bilt Rewards just changed the game for renters and homeowners. The program's biggest update since launch—Bilt Rewards 2.0—introduces tiered membership levels, mortgage payment earning, and significantly enhanced benefits that could transform how you think about your housing costs.

If you've been earning points on rent with the Bilt Mastercard, you need to understand these changes. If you're a homeowner who thought Bilt wasn't for you, it's time to take another look. Here's everything you need to know about Bilt Rewards 2.0 and how to maximize your earning potential.

What Changed with Bilt Rewards 2.0

Bilt Rewards launched a complete program overhaul that fundamentally changes how members earn and redeem points. The update addresses the program's biggest limitation—earning caps—while adding premium benefits for engaged members.

The Three New Membership Tiers

Bilt replaced its single membership structure with three distinct tiers:

Blue Tier (Entry Level)

• No qualification requirements
• 1x points per dollar on rent payments
• 1x points per dollar on mortgage payments
• Standard transfer partner access
• Basic Bilt Rewards benefits

Silver Tier (Mid-Level)

• Requires 5,000 points earned in calendar year
• 2x points per dollar on rent payments
• 2x points per dollar on mortgage payments
• Enhanced neighborhood benefits
• Priority customer service

Gold Tier (Premium)

• Requires 25,000 points earned in calendar year
• 3x points per dollar on rent payments
• 3x points per dollar on mortgage payments
• Exclusive partnership perks
• Premium concierge services
• First access to special promotions

The tier structure rewards high spenders while maintaining value for casual users. If you're paying $2,000 monthly rent, reaching Silver tier means earning 48,000 points annually instead of 24,000—a difference worth approximately $720 in travel value.

Mortgage Payments Join the Program

The biggest expansion allows homeowners to earn Bilt points on mortgage payments. Previously limited to rent, the program now accepts:

• Primary mortgage payments
• Second home mortgages
• Investment property mortgages
• Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs)

You earn points at your tier rate (1x, 2x, or 3x) without transaction fees. This positions Bilt as one of the few ways to earn credit card rewards on housing costs that typically don't accept cards.

For context: A $2,500 monthly mortgage payment earns 30,000 points annually at Blue tier, 60,000 at Silver, or 90,000 at Gold. That's $450 to $1,350 in travel value from payments you're already making.

Enhanced Transfer Partner Network

Bilt expanded its transfer partner network with new airline and hotel partnerships:

New Airline Partners

• Avianca LifeMiles
• Virgin Red (Virgin Atlantic points)
• Cathay Pacific Asia Miles

New Hotel Partners

• IHG One Rewards
• Accor Live Limitless

These additions complement existing partners like American Airlines, United, Alaska, Hyatt, and Marriott. The expanded network provides more redemption flexibility, particularly for international travel. Understanding how to maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards for travel can help you develop similar strategies for Bilt points.

How Bilt Rewards 2.0 Tiers Work

Understanding tier qualification and benefits helps you maximize value from the program.

Qualifying for Higher Tiers

Tier status depends on points earned during the calendar year (January 1 - December 31):

Earning Points That Count Toward Status

• Rent and mortgage payments
• Credit card purchases
• Bilt Rewards Day promotions
• Partner earnings (fitness, dining, rideshare)
• Referral bonuses

Points That Don't Count

• Transfer bonuses from partners
• Points purchased or gifted
• Points from previous years

The calendar year reset means you start fresh each January. If you earn Gold status in 2025, you'll drop back to Blue on January 1, 2026 unless you re-qualify.

Tier Benefits Breakdown

Blue Tier Benefits

• Standard 1x earning on housing
• Full transfer partner access
• Bilt Rent Day promotions
• Basic fitness and dining rewards
• Standard redemption options

Silver Tier Benefits

• 2x earning on housing (100% increase)
• Enhanced Rent Day bonuses
• Neighborhood perks expansion
• Priority support
• Expedited transfer processing
• Exclusive partner offers

Gold Tier Benefits

• 3x earning on housing (200% increase)
• Premium Rent Day multipliers
• Exclusive event access
• Dedicated concierge
• Partner elite status matching
• First notification of limited offers

The jump from Blue to Silver provides the most significant value increase per point earned. Going from 1x to 2x doubles your housing earning potential, while Silver to Gold adds another 50%.

Mortgage Payment Strategy

Earning points on mortgage payments requires strategic planning to maximize value while managing potential risks.

Setting Up Mortgage Payments

Most mortgage servicers don't accept credit cards directly. Bilt solves this through their payment platform:

1. Link your mortgage account in the Bilt app
2. Verify your mortgage servicer compatibility
3. Schedule payments through Bilt's system
4. Bilt processes the payment without fees
5. Points post to your account within 48 hours

The system works with major servicers including Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America, Quicken Loans, and hundreds of smaller lenders.

Mortgage Payment Considerations

Timing MattersSchedule payments 5-7 business days before your due date. While Bilt processes payments quickly, allowing buffer time prevents late fees if processing delays occur.

Payment LimitsBilt doesn't publicly specify maximum payment amounts, but users report successfully processing payments up to $10,000 monthly without issues.

Credit ImpactMortgage payments through Bilt function like any credit card purchase. Your credit utilization increases until you pay the card balance. Keep total utilization under 30% to maintain optimal credit scores.

Payment ProtectionUnlike rent payments (which have transaction limits), mortgage payments count as regular credit card purchases. This means:

• They contribute to minimum spend requirements
• They earn category bonuses where applicable
• They're subject to your credit limit
• You can't split across multiple cards

Calculating Mortgage Payment Value

Compare the points earned against alternative uses of credit:

A $3,000 monthly mortgage payment at Gold tier (3x) earns 108,000 points annually. At conservative 1.5 cents per point value, that's $1,620 in travel rewards.

However, if you'd otherwise earn 2% cash back on that spending with a different card, you're sacrificing $720 annually for the Bilt points. The 900-point difference ($13.50) justifies using Bilt only if you value the transfer partner flexibility or plan to achieve high-value redemptions.

Maximizing Bilt Rewards 2.0

Strategic earning and redemption significantly impact your return from Bilt Rewards.

Reaching Silver Tier Efficiently

The 5,000-point Silver tier threshold is achievable for most renters and homeowners:

Monthly Rent: $2,000

• Blue tier: 2,000 points monthly = 24,000 annually (qualifies for Gold)
• You'll hit Silver within 3 months

Monthly Rent: $1,000

• Blue tier: 1,000 points monthly = 12,000 annually (qualifies for Silver)
• You'll hit Silver within 5 months

Credit Card Spending BoostThe Bilt Mastercard earns:

• 3x points on dining
• 2x points on travel
• 1x points everywhere else

Adding $500 monthly dining spend (1,500 points) and $500 travel (1,000 points) accelerates Silver qualification by months.

Targeting Gold Tier

The 25,000-point Gold tier requires more intentional strategy:

Scenario 1: High Rent$3,000 monthly rent = 36,000 points annually at Blue tier. You'll automatically qualify for Gold.

Scenario 2: Moderate Rent + Card Spending

• $1,800 rent = 21,600 points
• $400 monthly dining = 14,400 points
• $300 monthly travel = 7,200 points
• Total: 43,200 points (exceeds Gold threshold)

Scenario 3: Lower Rent + Maximum Engagement

• $1,200 rent = 14,400 points
• Bilt Rent Day bonuses = 3,000+ points
• Category spending = 12,000 points
• Partner earnings = 2,000 points
• Total: 31,400+ points

Bilt Rent Day Strategy

The first of each month, Bilt Rent Day offers bonus opportunities:

Double Points PromotionsSpecific categories (dining, fitness, travel) occasionally earn 2x the standard rate. A 3x dining category becomes 6x on Rent Day.

Limited-Time TransfersTransfer bonuses to partners (typically 20-50% extra) appear monthly. Time large transfers to these promotional periods.

Exclusive OffersRent Day frequently includes partner promotions like discounted hotel bookings or bonus airline miles for transfers.

Plan significant purchases and transfers around Rent Day to maximize earning potential.

Transfer Partner Sweet Spots

Bilt's transfer partners offer varying value depending on redemption strategy.

High-Value Transfer Options

American Airlines AAdvantageBest for: Business class to Europe and Asia

• Off-peak Web Specials: 22,500 miles business class to Europe
• Reduced mileage awards: 57,500 miles roundtrip business to Asia
• Partner awards: Access to Qatar Qsuites, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific

If you're looking to maximize American Airlines miles, consider pairing Bilt with the Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select for comprehensive AA earning.

United MileagePlusBest for: Domestic travel and Star Alliance international

• Saver awards: 25,000 miles roundtrip domestic
• Excursionist Perk: Free one-way segment on international roundtrips
• Partner access: Swiss, Lufthansa, ANA premium cabins

Our United MileagePlus complete guide covers advanced redemption strategies that work perfectly with Bilt transfers.

World of HyattBest for: Luxury hotel stays

• Category 1-4 properties: 5,000-15,000 points nightly
• Consistent value: 1.5-2+ cents per point
• No blackout dates
• Globalist status benefits

Learn more in our World of Hyatt complete guide to understand why Hyatt transfers often provide the best value.

Virgin Atlantic Flying ClubBest for: Premium transatlantic travel

• 50,000 miles: Upper Class to London from East Coast
• Delta SkyClub access on Delta-operated flights
• Partner awards on Delta, Air France-KLM

Strategic Transfer Timing

Transfer points only when ready to book. Bilt points are more flexible in your account than in airline/hotel programs because:

• You can transfer to any partner anytime
• Bilt points don't expire with account activity
• Transfer bonuses appear regularly
• Devaluation risk affects locked-in miles more than flexible points

Wait for transfer bonuses before moving large amounts. A 30% bonus to Hyatt turns 100,000 Bilt points into 130,000 Hyatt points—enough for multiple luxury hotel nights. Learn more about strategic point transfers in our complete guide to hotel points.

Bilt vs Competing Programs

How Bilt Rewards 2.0 compares to similar earning opportunities:

Bilt vs Traditional Travel Cards

Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Earns: 2x on travel and dining, 1x elsewhere
• Transfer partners: 13 airlines and hotels
• Annual fee: $95
• Rent/mortgage: Can't earn on housing costs

Bilt wins for housing costs (obvious), while the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers broader category bonuses and more transfer partners. Many travelers use both cards strategically—Bilt for rent/mortgage, Sapphire Preferred for dining and travel purchases.

Bilt vs Cash Back on Rent Services

Payment Services (Plastiq, etc.)

• Typical fee: 2.5-3% of payment
• Earning: Whatever your card earns
• Cost: $75 on $3,000 payment

Bilt charges no fees, making it superior even at base 1x earning. The fee elimination saves $900 annually on $3,000 monthly payments.

Bilt vs Homeowner Alternatives

Standard Credit Card SpendingYou can't typically use cards for mortgage payments, making Bilt unique. The comparison isn't "Bilt vs another card" but "Bilt points vs nothing."

This positions Bilt as additive value rather than competitive choice—you're not sacrificing rewards elsewhere to use Bilt for housing.

Common Questions About Bilt 2.0

Does tier status carry over year to year?

No. Tier status resets January 1st each year. If you earn Gold status in 2025, you'll return to Blue tier on January 1, 2026 unless you re-qualify by earning 25,000 points during 2026.

Can I earn points on both rent and mortgage?

Yes. If you rent one property and own another, you can earn points on both monthly payments at your current tier rate.

Do points earned from credit card spending count toward tier status?

Yes. All points earned through the Bilt Mastercard—including category bonuses and standard purchases—count toward tier qualification.

What happens to my points if I downgrade tiers?

Your earned points remain in your account regardless of tier changes. Only the earning rate on future housing payments adjusts based on your current tier.

Is there a limit to mortgage payments?

Bilt hasn't specified a maximum monthly payment amount. Users successfully process payments of $10,000+ monthly, though individual limits may vary based on account history and creditworthiness.

Can I use Bilt for investment property mortgages?

Yes. Bilt accepts mortgage payments on primary residences, second homes, and investment properties. You earn points at your tier rate regardless of property type.

How long do points take to post after mortgage payments?

Mortgage payment points typically post within 48 hours of payment processing. This is faster than rent payments, which can take 5-7 business days.

Should You Change Your Strategy for Bilt 2.0?

The tier structure and mortgage expansion create new optimization opportunities:

If You're Currently Using Bilt for RentCalculate whether you'll naturally qualify for Silver or Gold tier based on current spending. If you're close to a threshold, small spending adjustments could significantly boost your earning rate. Check out our guide on best credit cards for travel to see how Bilt fits into a complete rewards strategy.

If You're a Homeowner Who Ignored BiltRun the numbers on your mortgage payment. At Gold tier (3x), a $2,500 mortgage earns 90,000 points annually—worth approximately $1,350 in travel value. That alone justifies getting the Bilt Mastercard.

If You're Maximizing Other CardsConsider whether Bilt's housing earning outweighs your current rent payment method. Even if you're sacrificing 2% cash back on rent payments, the transfer partner flexibility and tier bonuses often provide superior value for travelers. Our best overall travel credit cards guide can help you build a complete card portfolio.

If You Travel InfrequentlyThe base Blue tier might not justify active engagement. However, if you're paying rent or mortgage anyway, earning 1x points costs nothing and builds a points balance for occasional travel. Even casual travelers benefit from having the Bilt Mastercard for their housing payments.

Conclusion

Bilt Rewards 2.0 transforms a niche rent payment program into a comprehensive housing rewards system. The tiered structure rewards engagement without penalizing casual users, while mortgage payment earning expands the program's relevance to homeowners.

The math is straightforward: If you're paying $2,000+ monthly in rent or mortgage, you should have a Bilt Mastercard. The tier bonuses, transfer partner network, and zero-fee structure create value that's hard to match with alternative strategies.

Start with Blue tier, track your earning pace, and adjust spending to reach higher tiers if the math justifies it. For most renters and homeowners, Silver tier is easily achievable and significantly boosts your housing rewards.

Ready to start earning points on your biggest monthly expense? The Bilt Mastercard is the only card that turns your rent or mortgage into meaningful travel rewards.

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