Source: The Points Guy
Summary
The article explains how renters can earn Bilt Points without a Bilt credit card by linking a regular credit card to their Bilt account. It notes that 1 point is earned for every $2 spent on rent, with additional points from Lyft rides and select retailers. The article also discusses transfer partners like Atmos Rewards, Air Canada Aeroplan, and Amtrak. It advises readers to consider the 3% transaction fee when using credit cards for rent and highlights card options that offer higher rewards.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
Rent payments become rewards. Lyft rides add points. Credit cards multiply value. Bilt points transfer to airlines. Fees are part of the plan.
Every dollar spent is a step toward a reward. The process is structured, not spontaneous. The value is calculated, not felt.
Travel is a transaction, not a discovery.
Points are earned, not found.
Author: Evan Null
How to Earn Bilt Points Without a Bilt Credit Card
If you rent an apartment and your complex participates in Bilt, you may be able to earn Bilt Points on your rent with any credit card you link to your account. Of course, you’ll need to set up a Bilt account if you don’t have one already. I recommend checking with your leasing office before assuming you can pay your rent with a credit card through Bilt. Even if a complex participates in Bilt, they have the option to only accept Bilt credit cards rather than any credit card.
You Can Still Access Bilt’s Transfer Partners Without a Bilt Card
Thankfully, Bilt doesn’t currently lock its transfer partners behind its credit cards. This is a big advantage for me, since Bilt is the only program I have access to that transfers to Atmos Rewards. Aside from Atmos, Bilt has quite a few other valuable transfer partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan, Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. It has also recently added Amtrak Guest Rewards as a partner; that’s a highlight for me, since I take a few Amtrak rides to and from Seattle every year.
My Recent Redemption With Atmos Rewards
Recently, I transferred 4,000 points to Atmos Rewards from Bilt to top off my account for a one-way redemption between Portland International Airport (PDX) and Spokane International Airport on Alaska Airlines. Since Atmos Rewards points are difficult to earn, I likely would not have been able to make this redemption without Bilt points. The cash price for this 5,000-point redemption was $184. After factoring in the $5.60 I paid in taxes and fees, I received around 3.6 cents per point in value, a sizable amount.
Which Card Should I Use to Pay Rent?
First and foremost, if you’re currently working toward a welcome bonus with a credit card, using your card for rent payments could help you meet the spending requirement. Many of the best welcome offers require spending in the thousands to earn them, so your rent can go a long way toward reaching that goal. Just remember that the 3% transaction fee you need to pay will eat a little into the overall value of your welcome bonus.
When to Consider a Bilt Credit Card
While you don’t need a Bilt credit card to make use of Bilt points, it may be worth considering one if any of the following apply to you: You want to earn up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on rent, instead of 1 point per $2 spent. You want to avoid paying transaction fees on your rent. Your housing complex only accepts Bilt credit cards. You’re currently paying a mortgage instead of renting.
