As renters, you likely face the monthly burden of rent payments, but what if you could earn rewards simply by paying your rent? Enter Bilt Rewards—a program designed to help renters earn valuable rewards on everyday purchases, including rent. However, Bilt Rewards isn’t just about collecting points. It’s about making the most of two distinct currencies: Bilt Cash and Bilt Points. Both offer unique benefits, but understanding the difference and knowing how to use them effectively can help you get the most value.
In this article, we’ll break down Bilt Cash vs. Bilt Points, how to earn them, how to use them, and the best strategies to optimize your rewards.
What’s the Difference Between Bilt Cash and Bilt Points?
If you’ve logged into your Bilt Rewards account recently, you might have noticed two balances: Bilt Cash and Bilt Points. While they sound similar, these two currencies serve different purposes.
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Bilt Cash is the everyday currency that holds a fixed value of 1 cent per unit. It’s designed for instant redemptions like rent credits or Amazon purchases.
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Bilt Points, on the other hand, can be worth much more when transferred to airline or hotel partners. They are ideal for travel redemptions, with values often ranging from 1.5 to 2+ cents per point.
This dual-currency system allows Bilt to cater to both instant gratification (Bilt Cash) and aspirational redemptions (Bilt Points).
How to Earn Bilt Cash vs. Bilt Points
Understanding how to earn Bilt Cash and Bilt Points is key to maximizing your rewards. Here's how both currencies are earned:
Bilt Cash:
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Everyday purchases at select partner merchants
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Bonus categories during promotional periods
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Bilt Neighborhood purchases (local businesses in the Bilt network)
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Certain referral bonuses
Bilt Points:
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Rent payments (the flagship feature of Bilt Rewards)
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Non-rent card purchases at the standard 1x rate
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Dining and travel purchases at bonus rates (2-3x)
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Lyft rides (2x points)
Real-World Example of Earning Bilt Rewards
To better understand how Bilt Cash and Points complement each other, let’s break it down:
| Transaction | Points Earned | Cash Earned |
|---|---|---|
| $1,500 Rent | 1,500 Points | 0 Cash |
| $200 Amazon Purchase | 0 Points | 200 Cash |
| $100 Bilt Neighborhood Purchase | 100 Points | 5 Cash (5% Bonus) |
This simple table shows how different types of purchases earn both Points and Cash.
How to Redeem Bilt Cash vs. Bilt Points
The next step in maximizing your rewards is knowing how to redeem Bilt Cash and Bilt Points:
Bilt Cash (Fixed 1 Cent Value)
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Rent credits: Apply directly to your next month’s rent
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Amazon purchases: Redeem at checkout through the Bilt portal
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Fitness memberships: Credits for ClassPass, Equinox, SoulCycle
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Gift cards: Various retail partners at a 1:1 value
Bilt Points (Variable Value)
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Airline transfers: 1:1 to American, United, Alaska Airlines, etc. (with values ranging from 1.5-2+ cents per point)
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Hotel transfers: World of Hyatt, Marriott Bonvoy, IHG, etc. (similar high values)
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Travel portal bookings: Fixed value of 1.25 cents per point
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Bilt Collection: Unique artwork and experiences (variable value)
How to Maximize Your Bilt Rewards
To get the most value from both Bilt Cash and Bilt Points, consider the following strategies:
1. Use Bilt Cash for Everyday Redemptions
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Apply Cash to your rent payment or use it for Amazon purchases to free up cash for other expenses.
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Cash has a fixed value, so using it for immediate needs (like rent or shopping) is a great way to optimize your rewards.
2. Save Bilt Points for Travel Transfers
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Bilt Points are best used for travel redemptions, especially during transfer bonus periods when you can get 1.5-2x the value of your points.
3. Stack Cash Bonuses
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Shop at Bilt Neighborhood partner merchants to earn both Points and Cash simultaneously. This maximizes your reward earning in local businesses.
4. Track Your Spending Efficiently
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Use tools like Bycard to monitor your Cash and Points balances together, helping you make smarter redemption decisions.
Conclusion
The Bilt Rewards program is a game-changer for renters, offering a unique way to earn valuable rewards on rent payments, everyday purchases, and even travel. By understanding the distinction between Bilt Cash and Bilt Points, you can make the most of this innovative program.
Remember, Bilt Cash is ideal for immediate, everyday redemptions, while Bilt Points should be saved for travel transfers to get the highest value. With a little planning and strategic use, you can maximize your rewards and make your rent payments work harder for you.
