Bilt Mastercard®
Rating
Earn 3x Bilt Points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on other purchases, and on rent payments (up to 100,000 points each calendar year). Earn double points on Rent Day (excluding rent) up to 1,000 bonus points. Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points
The Bilt Mastercard stands out in the crowded credit card market by offering a unique value proposition: the ability to earn rewards on rent payments without transaction fees. This innovative no-annual-fee card maximizes renters' benefits while providing competitive rewards on everyday spending.
Key Features
- Annual Fee: $0
- Rent Rewards: Earn up to 1X points on rent payments without the transaction fee (up to 100,000 points each calendar year)
- Dining Rewards: 3X points
- Travel Rewards: 2X points
- Other Purchases: 1X points
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Earning Rewards on Rent
The Bilt Mastercard's standout feature is its ability to earn rewards on rent payments without transaction fees. This sets it apart from competitors that may charge fees for rent payments, effectively negating rewards. Cardholders can earn up to 100,000 points per year on rent, making it an excellent option for those with significant rent expenses.
Bonus Categories and "Rent Day"
Beyond rent, the card offers competitive rewards on dining and travel. Additionally, Bilt celebrates "Rent Day" on the first of every month, offering double points on all non-rent purchases up to 1,000 bonus points, boosting earning potential.
Redemption Options
Bilt points offer flexible redemption options:
- Travel bookings through the Bilt Travel Portal
- Transfers to travel partners
- Future rent payments
- Future down payment on a home
This versatility adds substantial value to the points earned.
Additional Benefits
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
- Cellular Telephone Protection
Who Should Consider the Bilt Mastercard?
- Renters looking to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense
- Frequent diners and travelers
- Those planning to buy a home in the future
- Users who prefer flexible point redemption options
Potential Drawbacks
- Requires at least five transactions per statement period to earn points
- May not be ideal for non-renters or those who prefer cash back
- Typically requires good to excellent credit for approval
Final Verdict
The Bilt Mastercard is an innovative product that fills a significant gap in the credit card market. Offering a way to earn valuable rewards on rent payments without fees provides renters with unparalleled value. The additional bonus categories and flexible redemption options make it versatile for everyday use.
For renters who can meet the transaction requirements and take advantage of the bonus categories, the Bilt Mastercard offers a unique opportunity to maximize rewards on their largest monthly expense while enjoying competitive earnings on other purchases.
Pros
Earns rewards on rent payments without transaction fees: The Bilt Mastercard allows cardholders to earn points on their rent payments without incurring any transaction fees
Flexible redemption options: Bilt points can be redeemed for various purposes, including travel bookings, future rent payments, or even down payments on a home
Bonus rewards on dining and travel: The card offers competitive rewards rates, with 3X points on dining and 2X on travel
Cons
Requires multiple transactions to earn rewards: To benefit from rewards, cardholders must make at least 5 transactions per statement period
Limited appeal for non-renters: The card's primary benefits revolve around earning rewards on rent
Approval typically requires good credit: The Bilt Mastercard generally requires good to excellent credit for approval
