The Bilt Rewards is once again changing the way that renters and homeowners are able to get points on the biggest monthly bill. Only days after introducing its redesigned Bilt Card 2.0 category, the company revealed another choice to earn rewards on rent and mortgage payments, which was a direct reaction to the feedback of its members and their confusion about the initial update.

The change provides Bilt cardholders with greater flexibility, better options and most importantly they are confident that gaining rewards on housing will be entirely free of charge. This update is a major development to any person that uses Bilt to convert rent or mortgage payments into valuable travel points.

Why Bilt Changed So Fast Once More

Whereas reactions after introduction of the new Bilt Palladium, Obsidian and Blue cards were mixed. Although applications were high and the interest was very eager, most users were left wondering how rent and mortgage rewards will operate in future given that there was a Bilt Cash and that the conventional rent point system was to be eliminated.

Founder and CEO of the Bilt Ankur Jain responded to this feedback directly in a message to its members, saying that the rollout was confusing. He stressed that the company always aimed at providing powerful rewards on housing without any transaction fee, in addition to the development of a sustainable ecosystem of rewards.

What it has produced is a second and simpler earning alternative that co-exists with the original Card 2.0 format, giving members the choice of which system better suits their spending patterns.

Error-Free Approach: A No-Frills Approach

The former is aimed at the members who desire a pure and simple system that lets people earn points on rent or mortgage payments without considering alternative reward currencies.

Under this structure:

• You make your entire rent or mortgage payments monthly without any transaction fee.
• You receive free points on housing payments.
• Under this choice, Bilt Cash is not realized.

The multiplying ratio of your points depends on the amount of spending you make using the card.

Simply put, the more you redeem your Bilt card on regular purchases, the more you are enabled to redeem housing.

The Multiplier of the Price of Goods Sold

Bilt has switched to rewarding you based on your monthly spending in comparison to the amount of your rent or mortgage. The levels operate as follows based on a case of 2,000 monthly rent:

• 0.5 points in case you pay, at least, 25 percent of your rent ($500).
• 0.75x points if you spend at least 50% ($1,000).
• 1x points if you spend at least 75% ($1,500).
• 1.25 points in case you spend an equal amount or more than your rent (2,000 or more).

The movement towards every level is plainly monitored in the Bilt application, so it is clear to view the current position within the month.

Another significant enhancement: the 100 000 annual limit on rent rewards has been removed, and therefore members can now accrue unlimited points on payments on housing.

Who Option 1 Is Best For

This is the best structure to use with the cardholders who:

• Use simplicity as an alternative to flexibility.
• Want predictable housing point earnings.
• Use credit card extensively on daily purchases.
• No, I do not want to work with different reward currency.

Earning up to 1.25x when paying rent or mortgage could be an important addition to high spenders, as opposed to traditional rewards cards.

Alternative 2: The Bilt Cash Model as before is still there

The initial structure remains intact to those members who liked the flexibility that was brought in with Bilt Card 2.0.

With this option:

• On top of base points, you receive 4% Bilt Cash back on daily purchases.
• You can make rent or mortgage payments free of charge.
• You are able to transfer Bilt Cash to extra points on housing payments.
• You never pocket out to augment your housing benefits.

Bilt Cash is described as a adaptable reward currency, where the members can choose where their value will go every month.

A Side by Side Comparison of the Two Options

The largest distinction of the two methods of earning is between control and convenience.

• Option 1 eliminates complexities and concentrates on points whereby bigger card usage earns a greater housing multiplier.

• Option 2 is flexible and customizable but has to make more decisions on a monthly basis.

Notably, the cardholders are able to make the most suitable choice that matches to their lifestyle instead of being bound to one structure.

What This Means for High-Cost Housing Markets

One concern raised by members is how realistic the spending thresholds are for renters and homeowners in high-cost areas. For someone paying $3,000 or more in rent, reaching 75% or 100% of that amount in monthly card spending may be challenging.

Bilt appears to acknowledge this reality by keeping the Bilt Cash option available and ensuring a baseline monthly point award even when spending thresholds aren’t met.

While the economics of the program require meaningful card usage, the dual-option system gives members multiple paths to value rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all solution.

My Perspective on the Update

From a user-experience standpoint, this change addresses the biggest criticism of the Card 2.0 rollout: complexity. The new points-first option delivers exactly what many members wanted, a direct way to earn housing points without juggling reward currencies.

At the same time, Bilt wisely avoided removing Bilt Cash altogether, which would have frustrated members who had already embraced that system. Keeping both options allows Bilt to refine its model without alienating its user base.

The removal of the rent point cap is also a meaningful upgrade, especially for long-term users who rely on Bilt for consistent rewards year after year.

How This Strengthens Bilt’s Position in the Rewards Space

Bilt remains one of the few programs that allows consumers to earn rewards on rent and mortgage payments without fees, a feature that continues to set it apart in the credit card industry.

By refining its earning structure rather than retreating from it, Bilt reinforces its commitment to housing rewards while nudging members toward greater everyday card usage, a balance that supports both consumers and the company’s long-term viability.

Final Thoughts:

Bilt’s addition of a second, simpler way to earn points on rent and mortgage payments is a clear response to member feedback and a positive step forward. Whether you prefer a clean points-based system or a flexible cash-style reward, you now have the ability to choose what works best for your financial habits.

For renters and homeowners looking to turn unavoidable housing costs into meaningful rewards, Bilt’s updated approach makes the program more accessible, more transparent, and ultimately more rewarding than before.