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2X points on everything plus the only card that earns on rent with no fees
Earn 2X Bilt Points on all non-housing purchases plus 4% back in Bilt Cash. Pay rent or mortgage with no transaction fee and unlock up to 1X housing points. $600+ in annual credits ($400 hotel + $200 Bilt Cash), Priority Pass lounge access, and transfers to 15+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt and American Airlines.
$495
Annual Fee
50,000
Bilt Points · Welcome Bonus
4X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$495
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Bilt Points
Point Valuation
1.5–2.2 cpp (mid: 2)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
50,000
Bilt Points
Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
Lyft
4X points on Lyft rides
Dining
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Walgreens
3X+ points at Walgreens
Travel
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Rent
No fee on rent payments; double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Cap: $100,000/annual
All Other
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
A household spending $3,000/month on non-housing purchases earns 6,000 Bilt Points plus $120 in Bilt Cash (4%) monthly — 72,000 points and $1,440 in Bilt Cash per year.
With $2,000/month rent and $1,500 in non-housing spend, you earn 5,000 total points per month — an effective 3.33X return on your card spend outside housing.
Spend $4,000/month on everyday purchases and earn $160 in Bilt Cash — enough to unlock housing points plus fund Lyft rides, fitness classes, and hotel bookings.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Bilt Rewards offers one of the strongest transfer partner networks in the industry with 21 partners at mostly 1:1 ratios. The Bilt 2.0 overhaul in January 2026 changed how points are earned on housing — now requiring everyday spend or Bilt Cash to unlock housing rewards — but the program's transfer value remains compelling for travel enthusiasts.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| No known hard rules | Bilt Palladium is issued by Column N.A. (serviced by Cardless). No widely documented application rules like Chase 5/24. Requires good to excellent credit. |
| Purchase APR | 26.74%–34.74% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 31.74%–34.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
Bilt family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Blue | entry | $0 |
2X points on everything plus the only card that earns on rent with no fees
Earn 2X Bilt Points on all non-housing purchases plus 4% back in Bilt Cash. Pay rent or mortgage with no transaction fee and unlock up to 1X housing points. $600+ in annual credits ($400 hotel + $200 Bilt Cash), Priority Pass lounge access, and transfers to 15+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt and American Airlines.
$495
Annual Fee
50,000
Bilt Points · Welcome Bonus
4X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$495
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Bilt Points
Point Valuation
1.5–2.2 cpp (mid: 2)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
50,000
Bilt Points
Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
Lyft
4X points on Lyft rides
Dining
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Walgreens
3X+ points at Walgreens
Travel
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Rent
No fee on rent payments; double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Cap: $100,000/annual
All Other
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
A household spending $3,000/month on non-housing purchases earns 6,000 Bilt Points plus $120 in Bilt Cash (4%) monthly — 72,000 points and $1,440 in Bilt Cash per year.
With $2,000/month rent and $1,500 in non-housing spend, you earn 5,000 total points per month — an effective 3.33X return on your card spend outside housing.
Spend $4,000/month on everyday purchases and earn $160 in Bilt Cash — enough to unlock housing points plus fund Lyft rides, fitness classes, and hotel bookings.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Bilt Rewards offers one of the strongest transfer partner networks in the industry with 21 partners at mostly 1:1 ratios. The Bilt 2.0 overhaul in January 2026 changed how points are earned on housing — now requiring everyday spend or Bilt Cash to unlock housing rewards — but the program's transfer value remains compelling for travel enthusiasts.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| No known hard rules | Bilt Palladium is issued by Column N.A. (serviced by Cardless). No widely documented application rules like Chase 5/24. Requires good to excellent credit. |
| Purchase APR | 26.74%–34.74% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 31.74%–34.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
Bilt family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Blue | entry | $0 |
2X points on everything plus the only card that earns on rent with no fees
Earn 2X Bilt Points on all non-housing purchases plus 4% back in Bilt Cash. Pay rent or mortgage with no transaction fee and unlock up to 1X housing points. $600+ in annual credits ($400 hotel + $200 Bilt Cash), Priority Pass lounge access, and transfers to 15+ airline and hotel partners including Hyatt and American Airlines.
$495
Annual Fee
50,000
Bilt Points · Welcome Bonus
4X
Top Rate
Annual Fee
$495
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
Network
—
Rewards Currency
Bilt Points
Point Valuation
1.5–2.2 cpp (mid: 2)
Credit Required
Good to Excellent
Welcome Offer
50,000
Bilt Points
Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
Lyft
4X points on Lyft rides
Dining
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Walgreens
3X+ points at Walgreens
Travel
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Rent
No fee on rent payments; double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
Cap: $100,000/annual
All Other
Double points on Bilt Rent Day (1st of month)
A household spending $3,000/month on non-housing purchases earns 6,000 Bilt Points plus $120 in Bilt Cash (4%) monthly — 72,000 points and $1,440 in Bilt Cash per year.
With $2,000/month rent and $1,500 in non-housing spend, you earn 5,000 total points per month — an effective 3.33X return on your card spend outside housing.
Spend $4,000/month on everyday purchases and earn $160 in Bilt Cash — enough to unlock housing points plus fund Lyft rides, fitness classes, and hotel bookings.
Benefits & Perks
Program & Transfers
Bilt Rewards offers one of the strongest transfer partner networks in the industry with 21 partners at mostly 1:1 ratios. The Bilt 2.0 overhaul in January 2026 changed how points are earned on housing — now requiring everyday spend or Bilt Cash to unlock housing rewards — but the program's transfer value remains compelling for travel enthusiasts.
Reviews & Analysis
Details & Terms
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| No known hard rules | Bilt Palladium is issued by Column N.A. (serviced by Cardless). No widely documented application rules like Chase 5/24. Requires good to excellent credit. |
| Purchase APR | 26.74%–34.74% (Variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 31.74%–34.74% (Variable) |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | $0 |
Bilt family
| Card | Tier | Annual Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Blue | entry | $0 |
Up to
$600
in annual credits
$400 hotel credit
$400
Annual
Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings
$200 Bilt Cash
$200
Annual
Awarded annually. Up to $100 of Bilt Cash rolls over into the next calendar year.
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Annual
Get 3 free months of Instacart+ plus $10 off monthly orders when paid with card.
$5 Lyft + airport savings
—
Annual
Earn $5 monthly with 3 Lyft rides + save 10% on airport rides nationwide.
$3/mo Peacock
—
Annual
Save $3/month on Peacock Premium or Premium Plus with automatic statement credit.
$2.50/mo transit
—
Annual
Earn $2.50/month when spending $10+ on contactless transit in select U.S. cities.
Trip delay reimbursement up to $500 per claim when delayed 6+ hours. Covers meals, lodging, and essentials.
Reimbursement for the actual cost to replace or repair a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone.
When you rent a vehicle for 31 consecutive days or less with your covered card, you are eligible for benefits under this coverage.
Monitor surface and dark web for compromised credentials with real-time alerts and resolution services included.
Complimentary HealthLock membership monitors for medical identity fraud, prescription fraud, and unauthorized insurance claims.
Protection for cell phone damage or theft with $50 deductible and up to $1,000 annual limit.
Deductible: 50
Transfer your Bilt Points to 23 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Bilt Points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | 1.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | 1.3 cpp | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| Canada to Hawaii in Economy | 11,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Japan in Economy | 27,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Hawaii in First Class | 30,000 | — | first | united_states |
| US to South Korea in Economy | 30,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Mexico in Business on a Partner | 30,000 | — | business | central_america |
| Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme | 35,000 | — | — | europe |
Showing top 20 of 33 sweet spots
The Bilt Palladium is the only premium card that earns transferable points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee. Its 2X base earn rate on all non-housing spend matches Chase Sapphire Preferred, but the added 4% Bilt Cash layer and housing points make the effective return much higher. The $495 fee is offset by $600+ in credits before counting transfer partner value.
The Bilt Palladium is Bilt’s top-tier card, offering the most value and the best path to earning points for their excellent transfer partner network.
While the $495 annual fee is steep, the first-year value more than offsets it and gives you the chance to earn serious points for high-value transfers to partners like Hyatt, Alaska, and Japan Airlines. Whether it’s worth keeping long-term depends on how much you value a high earning structure for putting most of your spend on one card while maximizing points for your housing.
You’ll earn $300 in Bilt Cash just for signing up, which can be used to earn points on your rent or mortgage. Every $30 in Bilt Cash covers the fee for earning 1 point per dollar on $1,000 in rent or mortgage payments. You’ll also earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on all non-housing purchases, helping you build a stash to offset future fees. The Palladium also offers a 50,000-point signup bonus and Bilt Gold Status after spending $4,000 on non-housing purchases in the first 90 days.
**Maximizing points efficiency**
Bilt remains one of the few ways to earn points on rent or mortgage, so it’s worth factoring in the earning structure. To access 1x points on your housing payment, you’ll need to spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases each month.
- With a **$2,000 housing payment** and $1,500 in non-housing spend, you'll earn **5,000 total points** because of the Palladium's 2x multiplier on all non-housing spend (2 * 1,500) + 2000
- That's an effective **3.33x return** on your all card spend outside of housing, which is very strong for points that are transferrable to such a wide range of valuable transfer partners
In addition to the welcome offer, you’ll receive the following benefits and spending multipliers:
- $200 in Bilt Cash annually after your account anniversary (including your first year)
- $400 in hotel credits through the Bilt portal, split into two, $200 biannual credits (two-night minimum required for each)
- Priority Pass membership
- 2x points on everyday spend
- 4x points at Bilt Neighborhood Partner restaurants
- 4x points at Bilt Neighborhood Partner fitness studios
- 4x points on Lyft rides
- 3x points at Walgreens
**Included protections:**
- Cellular Wireless Protection
- Purchase Assurance
- MasterRental Coverage
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Extended Warranty
- Baggage Delay Insurance
- Lost or Damaged Luggage Insurance
- Price Drop Protection
The exceptions where this card might not be good for you:
- You were a Bilt user before Bilt 2.0 and primarily used their card to earn points on rent with little else to worry about
- You don't find the benefits worth the annual fee
**No longer a clear winner for renters, but Bilt’s strong transfer partners make the program worth watching**
- Bilt now has three credit cards, all with points transferable to partners that rival, or even outshine, Chase
- You can earn points for both rent and mortgage, but you'll have to put a significant amount of other monthly spend on the card to earn it
- Earning points on housing is more complex, and Bilt’s user base is shifting
- Bilt is now best used as a daily spend travel rewards card when not working on a new card welcome offer
- The program can still be highly rewarding, but you'll need a clear plan to maximize point earning
If you’re going to jump into the Bilt ecosystem, this is the card we recommend. It offers tremendous first-year value that easily offsets the annual fee, especially considering the strong transfer partner network available for your points. The other cards simply don’t come close. If you were a Bilt 1.0 user who primarily earned points on rent while only making 5 small purchases per month, that’s no longer possible, and you're going to have to adjust your strategy.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$360
Annual Fee
-$495
Net Annual Value
-$135
| Bilt Obsidian | mid | $95 |
| Bilt Mastercard | entry | $0 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
Yes. You can now use Bilt to pay your mortgage. You can earn points on that mortgage payment by using Bilt Cash or spending a certain percentage of your housing on non-housing spend. $30 in Bilt Cash earns 1,000 points, so if your housing is $1000/month, you'll need $30 in Bilt Cash to earn 1,000 points.
We value Bilt Rewards at 1.55 cents per point and Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1.60 cents per point, so Bilt holds up very well. Their transfer partners rival, and mabye even surpass Chase's, which are widely considered the strongest in the hobby.
The best way to use Bilt points is to transfer them to one of Bilt's partners and redeem for travel. High-value options include Alaska Airlines, Flying Blue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and World of Hyatt, all with great sweet-spot redemptions.
You can, but we don't recommend it. Cashing out Bilt points for a statement credit gives you only 0.55 cents per point, which is a poor rate. You can easily get triple that value, often more, by transferring to one of Bilt's travel partners.
With Bilt 2.0, housing payments no longer earn points by default. You must either spend a percentage of your housing amount on non-housing purchases (25% for 0.5x, 50% for 0.75x, 75% for 1x, 100% for 1.25x on housing) or use Bilt Cash ($30 in Bilt Cash unlocks 1,000 points on $1,000 of housing).
Bilt Cash is a fixed-value currency introduced with Bilt 2.0. You earn 4% Bilt Cash on all non-housing purchases and $50 in Bilt Cash for every 25,000 points earned. Its primary use is unlocking points on housing payments, but it can also be redeemed for hotel credits, transfer bonus upgrades, Lyft credits, and dining experiences.
Yes. Bilt 2.0 expanded housing payments to include mortgages. Like rent, mortgage payments are made via bank transfer and require either everyday spending or Bilt Cash to earn points on the housing amount.
TPG's comprehensive review of the Bilt Palladium covering the $495 fee, 2X earning structure, Bilt 2.0 changes, Priority Pass, and transfer partner value. Rated 4/5.
NerdWallet expert analysis arguing the Bilt Palladium is better positioned as a travel card than a rent card under the Bilt 2.0 structure. Covers the 75% non-housing spend requirement.
Head-to-head comparison of two premium travel cards. Analyzes earning rates, annual credits, lounge access, and transfer partner networks to help decide between the $495 Palladium and $395 Venture X.
Personal decision analysis from OMAAT on why they chose the Palladium over Blue and Obsidian. Covers the application experience and first impressions with the Bilt 2.0 card lineup.
Critical analysis of the Bilt 2.0 card lineup arguing the earning structure is overly complex. Examines the Bilt Cash system, housing point requirements, and whether average consumers can maximize the value.
Frequent Miler's analysis of the Bilt 2.0 overhaul including all three card tiers. Covers the math behind housing points, Bilt Cash earning, and whether the new structure benefits or hurts existing Bilt users.
Upgraded Points review of the Bilt Palladium with 3.5/5 rating. Detailed breakdown of the Bilt 2.0 earning structure, Bilt Cash mechanics, and whether the card justifies its $495 fee.
Detailed review covering welcome offer structure, earning rates, annual credits, and protection benefits. Includes historical offer tracking and application tips.
Real application experience reporting a smaller credit line than expected, hard pull details, and comparison of the welcome offer against competing cards. Practical insights for applicants.
| Source | Date | URL |
|---|---|---|
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
| — | — | View source |
Up to
$600
in annual credits
$400 hotel credit
$400
Annual
Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings
$200 Bilt Cash
$200
Annual
Awarded annually. Up to $100 of Bilt Cash rolls over into the next calendar year.
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Annual
Get 3 free months of Instacart+ plus $10 off monthly orders when paid with card.
$5 Lyft + airport savings
—
Annual
Earn $5 monthly with 3 Lyft rides + save 10% on airport rides nationwide.
$3/mo Peacock
—
Annual
Save $3/month on Peacock Premium or Premium Plus with automatic statement credit.
$2.50/mo transit
—
Annual
Earn $2.50/month when spending $10+ on contactless transit in select U.S. cities.
Trip delay reimbursement up to $500 per claim when delayed 6+ hours. Covers meals, lodging, and essentials.
Reimbursement for the actual cost to replace or repair a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone.
When you rent a vehicle for 31 consecutive days or less with your covered card, you are eligible for benefits under this coverage.
Monitor surface and dark web for compromised credentials with real-time alerts and resolution services included.
Complimentary HealthLock membership monitors for medical identity fraud, prescription fraud, and unauthorized insurance claims.
Protection for cell phone damage or theft with $50 deductible and up to $1,000 annual limit.
Deductible: 50
Transfer your Bilt Points to 23 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Bilt Points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | 1.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | 1.3 cpp | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| Canada to Hawaii in Economy | 11,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Japan in Economy | 27,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Hawaii in First Class | 30,000 | — | first | united_states |
| US to South Korea in Economy | 30,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Mexico in Business on a Partner | 30,000 | — | business | central_america |
| Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme | 35,000 | — | — | europe |
Showing top 20 of 33 sweet spots
The Bilt Palladium is the only premium card that earns transferable points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee. Its 2X base earn rate on all non-housing spend matches Chase Sapphire Preferred, but the added 4% Bilt Cash layer and housing points make the effective return much higher. The $495 fee is offset by $600+ in credits before counting transfer partner value.
The Bilt Palladium is Bilt’s top-tier card, offering the most value and the best path to earning points for their excellent transfer partner network.
While the $495 annual fee is steep, the first-year value more than offsets it and gives you the chance to earn serious points for high-value transfers to partners like Hyatt, Alaska, and Japan Airlines. Whether it’s worth keeping long-term depends on how much you value a high earning structure for putting most of your spend on one card while maximizing points for your housing.
You’ll earn $300 in Bilt Cash just for signing up, which can be used to earn points on your rent or mortgage. Every $30 in Bilt Cash covers the fee for earning 1 point per dollar on $1,000 in rent or mortgage payments. You’ll also earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on all non-housing purchases, helping you build a stash to offset future fees. The Palladium also offers a 50,000-point signup bonus and Bilt Gold Status after spending $4,000 on non-housing purchases in the first 90 days.
**Maximizing points efficiency**
Bilt remains one of the few ways to earn points on rent or mortgage, so it’s worth factoring in the earning structure. To access 1x points on your housing payment, you’ll need to spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases each month.
- With a **$2,000 housing payment** and $1,500 in non-housing spend, you'll earn **5,000 total points** because of the Palladium's 2x multiplier on all non-housing spend (2 * 1,500) + 2000
- That's an effective **3.33x return** on your all card spend outside of housing, which is very strong for points that are transferrable to such a wide range of valuable transfer partners
In addition to the welcome offer, you’ll receive the following benefits and spending multipliers:
- $200 in Bilt Cash annually after your account anniversary (including your first year)
- $400 in hotel credits through the Bilt portal, split into two, $200 biannual credits (two-night minimum required for each)
- Priority Pass membership
- 2x points on everyday spend
- 4x points at Bilt Neighborhood Partner restaurants
- 4x points at Bilt Neighborhood Partner fitness studios
- 4x points on Lyft rides
- 3x points at Walgreens
**Included protections:**
- Cellular Wireless Protection
- Purchase Assurance
- MasterRental Coverage
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Extended Warranty
- Baggage Delay Insurance
- Lost or Damaged Luggage Insurance
- Price Drop Protection
The exceptions where this card might not be good for you:
- You were a Bilt user before Bilt 2.0 and primarily used their card to earn points on rent with little else to worry about
- You don't find the benefits worth the annual fee
**No longer a clear winner for renters, but Bilt’s strong transfer partners make the program worth watching**
- Bilt now has three credit cards, all with points transferable to partners that rival, or even outshine, Chase
- You can earn points for both rent and mortgage, but you'll have to put a significant amount of other monthly spend on the card to earn it
- Earning points on housing is more complex, and Bilt’s user base is shifting
- Bilt is now best used as a daily spend travel rewards card when not working on a new card welcome offer
- The program can still be highly rewarding, but you'll need a clear plan to maximize point earning
If you’re going to jump into the Bilt ecosystem, this is the card we recommend. It offers tremendous first-year value that easily offsets the annual fee, especially considering the strong transfer partner network available for your points. The other cards simply don’t come close. If you were a Bilt 1.0 user who primarily earned points on rent while only making 5 small purchases per month, that’s no longer possible, and you're going to have to adjust your strategy.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$360
Annual Fee
-$495
Net Annual Value
-$135
| Bilt Obsidian | mid | $95 |
| Bilt Mastercard | entry | $0 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
Yes. You can now use Bilt to pay your mortgage. You can earn points on that mortgage payment by using Bilt Cash or spending a certain percentage of your housing on non-housing spend. $30 in Bilt Cash earns 1,000 points, so if your housing is $1000/month, you'll need $30 in Bilt Cash to earn 1,000 points.
We value Bilt Rewards at 1.55 cents per point and Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1.60 cents per point, so Bilt holds up very well. Their transfer partners rival, and mabye even surpass Chase's, which are widely considered the strongest in the hobby.
The best way to use Bilt points is to transfer them to one of Bilt's partners and redeem for travel. High-value options include Alaska Airlines, Flying Blue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and World of Hyatt, all with great sweet-spot redemptions.
You can, but we don't recommend it. Cashing out Bilt points for a statement credit gives you only 0.55 cents per point, which is a poor rate. You can easily get triple that value, often more, by transferring to one of Bilt's travel partners.
With Bilt 2.0, housing payments no longer earn points by default. You must either spend a percentage of your housing amount on non-housing purchases (25% for 0.5x, 50% for 0.75x, 75% for 1x, 100% for 1.25x on housing) or use Bilt Cash ($30 in Bilt Cash unlocks 1,000 points on $1,000 of housing).
Bilt Cash is a fixed-value currency introduced with Bilt 2.0. You earn 4% Bilt Cash on all non-housing purchases and $50 in Bilt Cash for every 25,000 points earned. Its primary use is unlocking points on housing payments, but it can also be redeemed for hotel credits, transfer bonus upgrades, Lyft credits, and dining experiences.
Yes. Bilt 2.0 expanded housing payments to include mortgages. Like rent, mortgage payments are made via bank transfer and require either everyday spending or Bilt Cash to earn points on the housing amount.
TPG's comprehensive review of the Bilt Palladium covering the $495 fee, 2X earning structure, Bilt 2.0 changes, Priority Pass, and transfer partner value. Rated 4/5.
NerdWallet expert analysis arguing the Bilt Palladium is better positioned as a travel card than a rent card under the Bilt 2.0 structure. Covers the 75% non-housing spend requirement.
Head-to-head comparison of two premium travel cards. Analyzes earning rates, annual credits, lounge access, and transfer partner networks to help decide between the $495 Palladium and $395 Venture X.
Personal decision analysis from OMAAT on why they chose the Palladium over Blue and Obsidian. Covers the application experience and first impressions with the Bilt 2.0 card lineup.
Critical analysis of the Bilt 2.0 card lineup arguing the earning structure is overly complex. Examines the Bilt Cash system, housing point requirements, and whether average consumers can maximize the value.
Frequent Miler's analysis of the Bilt 2.0 overhaul including all three card tiers. Covers the math behind housing points, Bilt Cash earning, and whether the new structure benefits or hurts existing Bilt users.
Upgraded Points review of the Bilt Palladium with 3.5/5 rating. Detailed breakdown of the Bilt 2.0 earning structure, Bilt Cash mechanics, and whether the card justifies its $495 fee.
Detailed review covering welcome offer structure, earning rates, annual credits, and protection benefits. Includes historical offer tracking and application tips.
Real application experience reporting a smaller credit line than expected, hard pull details, and comparison of the welcome offer against competing cards. Practical insights for applicants.
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Up to
$600
in annual credits
$400 hotel credit
$400
Annual
Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings
$200 Bilt Cash
$200
Annual
Awarded annually. Up to $100 of Bilt Cash rolls over into the next calendar year.
$10/mo Instacart+
—
Annual
Get 3 free months of Instacart+ plus $10 off monthly orders when paid with card.
$5 Lyft + airport savings
—
Annual
Earn $5 monthly with 3 Lyft rides + save 10% on airport rides nationwide.
$3/mo Peacock
—
Annual
Save $3/month on Peacock Premium or Premium Plus with automatic statement credit.
$2.50/mo transit
—
Annual
Earn $2.50/month when spending $10+ on contactless transit in select U.S. cities.
Trip delay reimbursement up to $500 per claim when delayed 6+ hours. Covers meals, lodging, and essentials.
Reimbursement for the actual cost to replace or repair a stolen or damaged eligible cellular wireless telephone.
When you rent a vehicle for 31 consecutive days or less with your covered card, you are eligible for benefits under this coverage.
Monitor surface and dark web for compromised credentials with real-time alerts and resolution services included.
Complimentary HealthLock membership monitors for medical identity fraud, prescription fraud, and unauthorized insurance claims.
Protection for cell phone damage or theft with $50 deductible and up to $1,000 annual limit.
Deductible: 50
Transfer your Bilt Points to 23 leading loyalty programs for maximum value.
Most partners accept Bilt Points at a 1:1 ratio with instant or near-instant transfers.
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | instant | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | — | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | 1.8 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | 1.3 cpp | |
| Route / Property | Points | Book With | Cabin/Type | Value / Region |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intra-Europe in Economy on a Partner | 4,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy | 4,500 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Europe in Economy | 6,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Domestic US in Economy on a Partner | 6,300 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to South America in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | south_america |
| Domestic US and Canada in Economy | 7,100 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe in Economy | 7,500 | — | economy | europe |
| US to Hawaii in Economy | 8,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| Intra-Europe on Star Alliance | 8,000 | — | economy | europe |
| Intra-Europe in Business | 8,000 | — | business | europe |
| US to Mexico in Economy on a Partner | 11,500 | — | economy | central_america |
| Canada to Hawaii in Economy | 11,600 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to Hawaii in Economy on a Partner | 15,000 | — | economy | united_states |
| US to South America in Business | 22,500 | — | business | south_america |
| US to Northern Africa in Economy | 25,000 | — | economy | africa |
| US to Japan in Economy | 27,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Hawaii in First Class | 30,000 | — | first | united_states |
| US to South Korea in Economy | 30,000 | — | economy | asia |
| US to Mexico in Business on a Partner | 30,000 | — | business | central_america |
| Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme | 35,000 | — | — | europe |
Showing top 20 of 33 sweet spots
The Bilt Palladium is the only premium card that earns transferable points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee. Its 2X base earn rate on all non-housing spend matches Chase Sapphire Preferred, but the added 4% Bilt Cash layer and housing points make the effective return much higher. The $495 fee is offset by $600+ in credits before counting transfer partner value.
The Bilt Palladium is Bilt’s top-tier card, offering the most value and the best path to earning points for their excellent transfer partner network.
While the $495 annual fee is steep, the first-year value more than offsets it and gives you the chance to earn serious points for high-value transfers to partners like Hyatt, Alaska, and Japan Airlines. Whether it’s worth keeping long-term depends on how much you value a high earning structure for putting most of your spend on one card while maximizing points for your housing.
You’ll earn $300 in Bilt Cash just for signing up, which can be used to earn points on your rent or mortgage. Every $30 in Bilt Cash covers the fee for earning 1 point per dollar on $1,000 in rent or mortgage payments. You’ll also earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on all non-housing purchases, helping you build a stash to offset future fees. The Palladium also offers a 50,000-point signup bonus and Bilt Gold Status after spending $4,000 on non-housing purchases in the first 90 days.
**Maximizing points efficiency**
Bilt remains one of the few ways to earn points on rent or mortgage, so it’s worth factoring in the earning structure. To access 1x points on your housing payment, you’ll need to spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases each month.
- With a **$2,000 housing payment** and $1,500 in non-housing spend, you'll earn **5,000 total points** because of the Palladium's 2x multiplier on all non-housing spend (2 * 1,500) + 2000
- That's an effective **3.33x return** on your all card spend outside of housing, which is very strong for points that are transferrable to such a wide range of valuable transfer partners
In addition to the welcome offer, you’ll receive the following benefits and spending multipliers:
- $200 in Bilt Cash annually after your account anniversary (including your first year)
- $400 in hotel credits through the Bilt portal, split into two, $200 biannual credits (two-night minimum required for each)
- Priority Pass membership
- 2x points on everyday spend
- 4x points at Bilt Neighborhood Partner restaurants
- 4x points at Bilt Neighborhood Partner fitness studios
- 4x points on Lyft rides
- 3x points at Walgreens
**Included protections:**
- Cellular Wireless Protection
- Purchase Assurance
- MasterRental Coverage
- Trip Cancellation & Interruption Protection
- Trip Delay Reimbursement
- Extended Warranty
- Baggage Delay Insurance
- Lost or Damaged Luggage Insurance
- Price Drop Protection
The exceptions where this card might not be good for you:
- You were a Bilt user before Bilt 2.0 and primarily used their card to earn points on rent with little else to worry about
- You don't find the benefits worth the annual fee
**No longer a clear winner for renters, but Bilt’s strong transfer partners make the program worth watching**
- Bilt now has three credit cards, all with points transferable to partners that rival, or even outshine, Chase
- You can earn points for both rent and mortgage, but you'll have to put a significant amount of other monthly spend on the card to earn it
- Earning points on housing is more complex, and Bilt’s user base is shifting
- Bilt is now best used as a daily spend travel rewards card when not working on a new card welcome offer
- The program can still be highly rewarding, but you'll need a clear plan to maximize point earning
If you’re going to jump into the Bilt ecosystem, this is the card we recommend. It offers tremendous first-year value that easily offsets the annual fee, especially considering the strong transfer partner network available for your points. The other cards simply don’t come close. If you were a Bilt 1.0 user who primarily earned points on rent while only making 5 small purchases per month, that’s no longer possible, and you're going to have to adjust your strategy.
Credit Utilization (60%)
Excludes earning value, lounge access, insurance, and elite status
Total Value Captured
$360
Annual Fee
-$495
Net Annual Value
-$135
| Bilt Obsidian | mid | $95 |
| Bilt Mastercard | entry | $0 |
Product changes available between family members without a new credit inquiry.
Yes. You can now use Bilt to pay your mortgage. You can earn points on that mortgage payment by using Bilt Cash or spending a certain percentage of your housing on non-housing spend. $30 in Bilt Cash earns 1,000 points, so if your housing is $1000/month, you'll need $30 in Bilt Cash to earn 1,000 points.
We value Bilt Rewards at 1.55 cents per point and Chase Ultimate Rewards at 1.60 cents per point, so Bilt holds up very well. Their transfer partners rival, and mabye even surpass Chase's, which are widely considered the strongest in the hobby.
The best way to use Bilt points is to transfer them to one of Bilt's partners and redeem for travel. High-value options include Alaska Airlines, Flying Blue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and World of Hyatt, all with great sweet-spot redemptions.
You can, but we don't recommend it. Cashing out Bilt points for a statement credit gives you only 0.55 cents per point, which is a poor rate. You can easily get triple that value, often more, by transferring to one of Bilt's travel partners.
With Bilt 2.0, housing payments no longer earn points by default. You must either spend a percentage of your housing amount on non-housing purchases (25% for 0.5x, 50% for 0.75x, 75% for 1x, 100% for 1.25x on housing) or use Bilt Cash ($30 in Bilt Cash unlocks 1,000 points on $1,000 of housing).
Bilt Cash is a fixed-value currency introduced with Bilt 2.0. You earn 4% Bilt Cash on all non-housing purchases and $50 in Bilt Cash for every 25,000 points earned. Its primary use is unlocking points on housing payments, but it can also be redeemed for hotel credits, transfer bonus upgrades, Lyft credits, and dining experiences.
Yes. Bilt 2.0 expanded housing payments to include mortgages. Like rent, mortgage payments are made via bank transfer and require either everyday spending or Bilt Cash to earn points on the housing amount.
TPG's comprehensive review of the Bilt Palladium covering the $495 fee, 2X earning structure, Bilt 2.0 changes, Priority Pass, and transfer partner value. Rated 4/5.
NerdWallet expert analysis arguing the Bilt Palladium is better positioned as a travel card than a rent card under the Bilt 2.0 structure. Covers the 75% non-housing spend requirement.
Head-to-head comparison of two premium travel cards. Analyzes earning rates, annual credits, lounge access, and transfer partner networks to help decide between the $495 Palladium and $395 Venture X.
Personal decision analysis from OMAAT on why they chose the Palladium over Blue and Obsidian. Covers the application experience and first impressions with the Bilt 2.0 card lineup.
Critical analysis of the Bilt 2.0 card lineup arguing the earning structure is overly complex. Examines the Bilt Cash system, housing point requirements, and whether average consumers can maximize the value.
Frequent Miler's analysis of the Bilt 2.0 overhaul including all three card tiers. Covers the math behind housing points, Bilt Cash earning, and whether the new structure benefits or hurts existing Bilt users.
Upgraded Points review of the Bilt Palladium with 3.5/5 rating. Detailed breakdown of the Bilt 2.0 earning structure, Bilt Cash mechanics, and whether the card justifies its $495 fee.
Detailed review covering welcome offer structure, earning rates, annual credits, and protection benefits. Includes historical offer tracking and application tips.
Real application experience reporting a smaller credit line than expected, hard pull details, and comparison of the welcome offer against competing cards. Practical insights for applicants.
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| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 88% |
| — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 82% | 1.5 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 76% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 76% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 76% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 71% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 71% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 65% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 65% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 53% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 100% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 3:2 | instant | 86% | 2 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 41% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 35% | 0.6 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 29% | 0.5 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
turkish_miles_and_smiles | 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | 5-7 days | 76% | — |
Bilt has complicated the process. While all three cards let you earn points on rent (and now mortgage), you’ll need to put meaningful non-housing spend on the card to do so, but it can still provide good value.
**Bilt Blue (no annual fee):**
- $100 in Bilt Cash as a welcome offer (no spend required)
- 4% back in Bilt Cash on all non-housing spend
- A few decent bonus categories to earn additional points
- No annual fee
- If you use Bilt to pay your housing then spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases, you can effectively earn 2.33x on that non-housing spend
**Bilt Obsidian ($95 annual fee):**
- $200 in Bilt Cash as a welcome offer (no spend required)
- $100 annual hotel credit, split into two $50 credits (two-night minimum for each)
- Better bonus categories than Blue
- $99 annual fee
- If you use Bilt to pay your housing then spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases, you can effectively earn 2.33x, 3.33x, or 4.33x on that non-housing spend depending on the bonus category
All three Bilt cards earn points on rent and mortgage payments under the same rules. You choose one of two ways to access housing points:
- **Option 1:** Spend a required percentage of your monthly housing amount on non-housing purchases to access points on rent or mortgage, earning on a sliding scale up to 1.25X per dollar. The more non-housing spend you put on the card, the higher your housing earn rate.
- **Option 2:** Use Bilt Cash to access points on housing. Every $30 in Bilt Cash provides 1X points on up to $1,000 in rent or mortgage payments (with a 1x max redemption option
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 88% |
| — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 82% | 1.5 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 76% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 76% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 76% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 71% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 71% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 65% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 65% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 53% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 100% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 3:2 | instant | 86% | 2 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 41% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 35% | 0.6 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 29% | 0.5 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
turkish_miles_and_smiles | 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | 5-7 days | 76% | — |
Bilt has complicated the process. While all three cards let you earn points on rent (and now mortgage), you’ll need to put meaningful non-housing spend on the card to do so, but it can still provide good value.
**Bilt Blue (no annual fee):**
- $100 in Bilt Cash as a welcome offer (no spend required)
- 4% back in Bilt Cash on all non-housing spend
- A few decent bonus categories to earn additional points
- No annual fee
- If you use Bilt to pay your housing then spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases, you can effectively earn 2.33x on that non-housing spend
**Bilt Obsidian ($95 annual fee):**
- $200 in Bilt Cash as a welcome offer (no spend required)
- $100 annual hotel credit, split into two $50 credits (two-night minimum for each)
- Better bonus categories than Blue
- $99 annual fee
- If you use Bilt to pay your housing then spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases, you can effectively earn 2.33x, 3.33x, or 4.33x on that non-housing spend depending on the bonus category
All three Bilt cards earn points on rent and mortgage payments under the same rules. You choose one of two ways to access housing points:
- **Option 1:** Spend a required percentage of your monthly housing amount on non-housing purchases to access points on rent or mortgage, earning on a sliding scale up to 1.25X per dollar. The more non-housing spend you put on the card, the higher your housing earn rate.
- **Option 2:** Use Bilt Cash to access points on housing. Every $30 in Bilt Cash provides 1X points on up to $1,000 in rent or mortgage payments (with a 1x max redemption option
| 1:1 |
| instant |
| 88% |
| — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 82% | 1.5 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 76% | 1.4 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 76% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 76% | 1.35 cpp |
| 1:1 | instant | 71% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 71% | — |
| 1:1 | instant | 65% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 65% | — |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 53% | — |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 100% | 1.7 cpp | |
| 3:2 | instant | 86% | 2 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 41% | 0.7 cpp | |
| 1:1 | 5-7 days | 35% | 0.6 cpp | |
| 1:1 | instant | 29% | 0.5 cpp |
| Partner | Ratio | Transfer Time | Value Retained | Point Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
cathay_pacific_asia_miles | 1:1 | instant | — | — |
turkish_miles_and_smiles | 1:1 | 5-7 days | — | — |
air_france_klm_flying_blue | 1:1 | 5-7 days | 76% | — |
Bilt has complicated the process. While all three cards let you earn points on rent (and now mortgage), you’ll need to put meaningful non-housing spend on the card to do so, but it can still provide good value.
**Bilt Blue (no annual fee):**
- $100 in Bilt Cash as a welcome offer (no spend required)
- 4% back in Bilt Cash on all non-housing spend
- A few decent bonus categories to earn additional points
- No annual fee
- If you use Bilt to pay your housing then spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases, you can effectively earn 2.33x on that non-housing spend
**Bilt Obsidian ($95 annual fee):**
- $200 in Bilt Cash as a welcome offer (no spend required)
- $100 annual hotel credit, split into two $50 credits (two-night minimum for each)
- Better bonus categories than Blue
- $99 annual fee
- If you use Bilt to pay your housing then spend 75% of that amount on non-housing purchases, you can effectively earn 2.33x, 3.33x, or 4.33x on that non-housing spend depending on the bonus category
All three Bilt cards earn points on rent and mortgage payments under the same rules. You choose one of two ways to access housing points:
- **Option 1:** Spend a required percentage of your monthly housing amount on non-housing purchases to access points on rent or mortgage, earning on a sliding scale up to 1.25X per dollar. The more non-housing spend you put on the card, the higher your housing earn rate.
- **Option 2:** Use Bilt Cash to access points on housing. Every $30 in Bilt Cash provides 1X points on up to $1,000 in rent or mortgage payments (with a 1x max redemption option
