The Bilt Mastercard redefines what a credit card can do by giving cardholders the ability to earn points on rent—without extra fees. It’s more than just a way to pay bills; it’s a strategy for travelers, renters, and rewards enthusiasts who want to maximize value from everyday expenses.
This detailed breakdown covers how to maximize earning, redeem points for the highest return, and uncover hidden features that make this card one of the strongest no-annual-fee options on the market.
How to Earn Bilt Points Effectively
- Rent: 1 point per dollar on rent payments (capped at 100,000 annually) with no transaction fees.
- Dining: 3 points per dollar at restaurants, cafés, bars, and takeout.
- Travel: 2 points per dollar on flights, hotels, car rentals, and cruises booked directly.
- Other Purchases: 1 point per dollar everywhere else.
- Rent Day Bonus: On the 1st of each month, earn double rewards on non-rent categories (6X dining, 4X travel, 2X other purchases, up to 1,000 bonus points).
Important Requirement: You must make at least 5 transactions per billing cycle to unlock rewards earning.
Redeeming Bilt Points for Maximum Value
- Transfer to Travel Partners: Move points at a 1:1 rate to more than 15 airlines and hotels, including United MileagePlus, World of Hyatt, and IHG Rewards.
- Travel Portal: Redeem points at a fixed rate (1.25¢ per point) when booking through Bilt’s portal.
- Alternative Redemptions: Apply points toward rent credits, fitness classes, or even a down payment on a home via the Bilt app.
Built-In Travel and Purchase Protections
- Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Up to $5,000 per traveler on non-refundable expenses due to covered events.
- Trip Delay Coverage: Reimbursement of up to $200 per day for delays longer than 6 hours (maximum $1,800 per trip).
- Auto Rental Insurance: Primary collision coverage up to $50,000 for damage or theft.
- Cell Phone Protection: Up to $800 per claim when paying your wireless bill with the card ($25 deductible applies).
- Purchase Security: Coverage for theft or damage within 90 days of purchase (up to $10,000 per item, $50,000 per year).
- Lyft Credit: Earn a $5 monthly credit after three qualifying rides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does the Bilt Mastercard charge rent fees?
No. Rent payments up to $100k per year earn points without added fees.
Q2: How valuable are Bilt Points?
Up to 2.1¢ with transfer partners, 1.25¢ via travel portal, or 0.55¢ when applied to rent.
Q3: Is there a welcome bonus?
No, but Rent Day bonuses and transfer partners provide ongoing long-term value.
Q4: Is this card good for credit building?
Yes. It reports to all three credit bureaus and offers tools to track your progress.
Q5: What credit score is recommended?
Typically 670+ for approval, though income and history also matter.
Q6: Can it be used abroad?
Yes. There are no foreign transaction fees, making it a strong travel card.
Q7: Do Bilt Points expire?
No. As long as your account is open and active, your points remain valid.
Pro Tips and Advanced Strategies
- Leverage Rent Day: Shift non-rent purchases to the 1st of the month for double points.
- Watch for Transfer Bonuses: Occasionally, travel partners offer promotional bonuses that enhance redemption value.
- Pair with Other Rewards Cards: Use Bilt for rent and travel transfers, while relying on another flat-rate card for everyday spending.
Final Verdict: Is the Bilt Mastercard Worth It?
For renters, this card is almost unmatched. The ability to turn rent into travel points with no fees is rare, and when combined with competitive dining and travel rewards, transfer partners, and robust protections, it easily stands out.
Even without a sign-up bonus, the ongoing value, Rent Day multipliers, and elite travel redemptions make the Wells Fargo Bilt Mastercard one of the best no-annual-fee cards available today.
If rent is one of your biggest expenses and you want those payments to fund future travel or experiences, this card deserves serious consideration.
