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Old Oct 7, 2023, 1:25 pm
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Last edit by: Dr Jabadski
Bilt Rewards Mastercard WikiPost

(10/7/23 Original author (Dr Jabadski) note: As I posted here on 9/9/23 Considering Ive been salivating about simple no-cost points-etizing (like monetizing) my condo payments for about 25 years, I see Bilt as a game changer. I should have added almost a Holy Grail (a thing that is eagerly pursued or sought after). I successfully applied for a Bilt Mastercard 1 month ago thus Im far from an expert. Both before and after approval I posted multiple questions many times on this thread and several other FTers were highly gracious and informative. Thought a WikiPost might save some others a good deal of time, effort and aggravation, at least in not repeating my questions and searching for the answers. I certainly hope the experts will edit and update this WikiPost as necessary. Im also exercising Writer's Prerogative to officially coin the term pointsetize, like monetize convert into or express in the form of currency, to earn points from payments which otherwise would not earn points.)

Bilt Rewards Mastercard (Bilt MC) was first launched in mid-2021, in good part as a no fee way to charge and pointsetize rent payments. (Perhaps the only no fee way to pointsetize rent payments.) There are multiple reports of earning Bilt points for paying condominium monthly maintenance/common charges, sometimes even when the word condo or condominium is in the transaction description.

Bilt MC is a personal credit card, WF reports credit card information to the various credit bureaus and Bilt MC will count toward Chase 5/24.

This post and this post (both from 9/7/23) describe shutdown reports perhaps related to micro transactions, fluctuating rent payment amounts or multiple rent payments. This 10/11/23 post includes several references to Reddit user quotes about shutdowns and several Reddit Bilt quotes in response.

Links to Bilt Rewards Terms of Use and Evolve Bank & Trust (Bilt Technologies) Customer Account Agreement. The Terms state Bilt may make available to you a Bilt Rent Account (Account), which is a transaction bank account that can be used by you solely to make rent payments. The Agreement states: For the avoidance of doubt, the Account is a transaction bank account that can be used by you solely to make rent payments. For the avoidance of doubt, this is not an account that you may use to deposit or withdraw funds for any other purposes outside of rent payments.

Bilt MC is a metal card weighing ~16 grams (comparisons: AmEx biz plat 18.5 gm, AmEx Gold 15 gm, Chase Sapphire Reserve 13 gm, traditional plastic card 5 gm).

Bilt Mastercard is issued and managed by Wells Fargo. Bilt Rewards is a separate website and app (which contains some credit card information but not as much as WF website).

Most reports are of instant approvals, Wells Fargo reconsideration phone number and experiences are not well documented. Reported initial Credit Limits vary $4,000 - $30,000 with higher limits more commonly reported. This post (9/1/23) describes one instance of a Something went wrong message upon application and the steps toward approval several days later.

In March/April 2025 Bilt initiated a new and different process for paying rent and HOA fees which requires preauthorization and/or "auto-pre-authorization" within 5 days of payment. Rent payments can be made in multiple different ways. Bilt will provide a (bank) routing number and account number. ACH rent payments can be sent (deposited) by Bilt or withdrawn by a managing company.

Bilt MC is shipped via trackable no-signature-required First Class mail in a small (4.5 x 6.5) white box with unique packaging inside as pictured at the bottom of this post. As of Feb 2024 no reports of expedited shipping.

Reports on this thread starting in late November 2023 indicate this "quasi-SUB" may be offered randomly and/or only to some people, selection criteria unknown. This post may be the only report of being offered the quasi-SUB prior to Bilt Mastercard application, based on existing Bilt Rewards account. Bilt's quasi-SUB" is offered via an email and a text message notification the same day as card receipt informing of 5x/5 days/max 50K (email quoted verbatim in this post). (Quasi* due to very short duration in contrast to many traditional SUBs of 3 month duration.) Please note this quasi-SUB maxs out at $12,500 (not $10,000) and tax payments will count. No reports yet of returns and their effect on quasi-SUB. (* quasi- a combining form meaning resembling, having some, but not all of the features of, used in the formation of compound words: quasi-definition; quasi-monopoly; quasi-official; quasi-scientific.)

Newly earned Bilt points will display as pending until 5 transactions per statement cycle. After 5 transactions, points will post and become available shortly after a transaction, before statement date. The Bilt Rewards website has a transaction counter which disappears upon reaching 5.

Bilt points for linking partner programs (100 points each) and for adding a credit card to Bilt Wallet (100 points each for first 3) post immediately. Original author received 500 point bonus for first rent payment.

Bilt Rewards points are transferable at 1:1 usually within a few minutes to multiple different airline and hotel programs.

Theres discussion of the long term viability of Bilt with some of those posts linked at the bottom of this post after BREAK.

Bilt Status Tiers: Blue - anyone enrolled in Bilt Rewards with under 25,000 points, Silver - 25,000 points earned, Gold - 50,000 points earned, Platinum - 100,000 points earned. Tier status earned at any point in a year remains active through the end of the following year. Earn Interest on Points (Silver, Gold, Platinum Tiers) is minimal, discussed on this post and this post.

Bilt Points Quest Trivia was discontinued as of July 2024. Bilt Points Quest Trivia on the first of each month offers up to 250 points for correctly answering, within 10 seconds, 6 (out of 15-20) questions. Must get first 5 questions (10, 20, 30, 40, 50 points) correct to see the 6th bonus 100 point question. Theres often a Reddit thread with the Q & A. (Point Quest - October 2023 Answers) The lower half of this post has comments from a highly experienced test taker regarding memory, recall and studying for Points Quest Trivia.

Bilt Rent Free may also have been discontinued in 2024 or 2025. Bilt also has various RentFree games, available a few days prior to and/or on the 1st of the month, different people get different games. Could be a Family Feud style question with enough time to Google answers or a Where's Wally? (Bilt Brick) type of game or something else. Successful completion enters to be one of 3 people for whom Bilt pays their monthly rent (up to $2500).

List of Bilts Rent Day promotions going back to October 2022 at the bottom of the page here: DEALSPOINTS.

June 2024: Bottom of this post describes one persons experience paying a significant assessment (and earning points) with Bilt MC, at this time (only 3 weeks later) no report of clawback or shutdown (based on using Bilt to pay rent more than once a month and/or for something other than rent/condo fees).

June 2024: Bottom of this post contains Bilt quotes regarding Bilt BiltProtect.

June 2024: Important post (and link) stating that WF is losing money every month on Bilt.
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Old May 3, 2023 | 9:21 am
  #196  
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Unfortunately, I think that with the increased awareness of this card we may be seeing a general decrease in benefits. As they burn through more and more of their VC money and get more and more cardholders, they'll start to want to monetize the product a bit more so the deals won't be so plentiful.

I'm sorry I didn't get it much sooner, but at least I do still get plenty of value out of it now.
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Old May 8, 2023 | 11:45 pm
  #197  
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Originally Posted by NYC Flyer
The T&C's have always been clear that the ACH feature is for rent only, so any reliance on the chatbot "list" would probably result a one-time exception, at best, if/when Bilt reviewed the payments.
Unless their chatbot is answering questions in Reddit threads, HOA dues work as well.

https://www.reddit.com/r/biltrewards...work_with_hoa/
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Old May 12, 2023 | 1:51 pm
  #198  
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Simply the most horrible customer service I have ever experienced in my lifetime no exaggeration.
I canceled the card this morning with a not a single agent to assist with problems with my account and I hadn't charged a cent
Simply wanted to set up monthly HOA dues.Website wouldn't recognize my card number or pin number
Not willing to deal with scammers/boiler room operation if I have a problem.
Hope others are happy with it Good Luck!Relieved to be free from their incompetence
Bilt is a 3rd party and I'm told has nothing to do with Wells Fargo.Apparently they piggy back with Wells Fargo as a partner?
Done! Have all the cards I will ever need.
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Old May 12, 2023 | 2:00 pm
  #199  
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Originally Posted by 777 global mile hound
Simply wanted to set up monthly HOA dues.Website wouldn't recognize my card number or pin number
Were you inputting the ACH routing and account numbers provided through the Bilt app?
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Old May 12, 2023 | 2:42 pm
  #200  
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Originally Posted by dw
Were you inputting the ACH routing and account numbers provided through the Bilt app?
Appreciate the question however never used the Bilt App
I called them before enrolling and asked if I can do everything online at their website as I presently
have no storage left on my I Phone 12 Pro Max till I get the next generation Apple phone this coming Fall.
I was assured by their customer service dept that I could pay my 2k a month HOA dues without using the App before signing up.
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Old May 12, 2023 | 4:05 pm
  #201  
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Originally Posted by 777 global mile hound
Appreciate the question however never used the Bilt App
I called them before enrolling and asked if I can do everything online at their website as I presently
have no storage left on my I Phone 12 Pro Max till I get the next generation Apple phone this coming Fall.
I was assured by their customer service dept that I could pay my 2k a month HOA dues without using the App before signing up.
Okay, so were you able to get your ACH info from the web site?

Thinking a data point on how the payment method was not accepted by your HOA site might be useful for other people who are looking into this card.
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Old May 12, 2023 | 4:14 pm
  #202  
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Originally Posted by dw
Okay, so were you able to get your ACH info from the web site?

Thinking a data point on how the payment method was not accepted by your HOA site might be useful for other people who are looking into this card.
Found the ACH info online - not sure why that was hard for me, but it's there under "Pay Rent".

I don't see any way to get the Mastercard number on the website (which is doable in the app).
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Old May 12, 2023 | 4:42 pm
  #203  
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Originally Posted by josephstern
Found the ACH info online - not sure why that was hard for me, but it's there under "Pay Rent".

I don't see any way to get the Mastercard number on the website (which is doable in the app).
I'm confused and lost as I've ever been.With no help from the dysfunctional messed up Bilt CS
My guess is the whole system is set up to transact by phone app unless just using their credit card @ POS or a standard purchase online

In this case if I begin to understand correctly you take an account number they supply you with (different than your Bilt credit card number)
as well as a routing number and some how input that to them along with an address then they cut a check to your HOA management company

When they closed my account they let me know I can never come back or be reconsidered to re apply and I said thank you I appreciate that!
My plan was to spend approx 50k a year on the card.
The allure for me was their promotional opportunities and the ability to pay rent or HOA dues.Otherwise the card has no value

Feel like a dodged a bullet as in the event of a dispute or other future concern this could likely lead to a horrendous experrience
A few free nights at the end of the year or a one way plane ticket isn't worth the journey dealing with them.It seems other are confident and secure with them
Not I.Trust first everything else second
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Old May 12, 2023 | 4:49 pm
  #204  
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Used to pay rent with it. Now have bought a condo and HOA charges 3% credit card fees. Goodbye Bilt, it was nice while it lasted.

I'll see if the ACH workaround works for no-fee HOA payments, but we'll see. If yes, I'll take the free points!

Last edited by Smiley90; May 12, 2023 at 4:55 pm
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Old May 12, 2023 | 4:50 pm
  #205  
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Originally Posted by 777 global mile hound
In this case if I begin to understand correctly you take an account number they supply you with (different than your Bilt credit card number)
as well as a routing number and some how input that to them along with an address then they cut a check to your HOA management company
The ACH info is to be used if ones landlord/management company uses an online portal where you can set up one time or automated payments by providing a bank routing and account number. If ones landlord does not take payments this way, then there is no need to use the ACH information; payee name and mailing address should be sufficient for Bilt to cut a check.
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Old May 13, 2023 | 3:04 am
  #206  
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Originally Posted by Smiley90
I'll see if the ACH workaround works for no-fee HOA payments, but we'll see. If yes, I'll take the free points!
Is that a workaround? Bilt's chatbot - yes, I know Bilt changed the answer - plus responses on Reddit from Bilt representatives have indicated HOA dues via ACH are a legitimate use case.
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Old May 19, 2023 | 8:11 am
  #207  
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I've had this card since last summer and have been overall very happy with it. But some recent changes to their transfer partners is making me reassess the value of Bilt points somewhat. AA still has their partner award chart-- but use of AA miles on AA itself has increased (at times, substantially) since the move to dynamic pricing this year. And now UA has devalued transatlantic awards on both their own metal and on partners. I'm almost waiting for the next shoe to drop, which would be Hyatt-- but any changes to Hyatt would likely be almost a year away at this point.
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Old May 19, 2023 | 10:05 am
  #208  
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Originally Posted by dw
I've had this card since last summer and have been overall very happy with it. But some recent changes to their transfer partners is making me reassess the value of Bilt points somewhat. AA still has their partner award chart-- but use of AA miles on AA itself has increased (at times, substantially) since the move to dynamic pricing this year. And now UA has devalued transatlantic awards on both their own metal and on partners. I'm almost waiting for the next shoe to drop, which would be Hyatt-- but any changes to Hyatt would likely be almost a year away at this point.
I believe Hyatt has already done their massive devaluation with
seasonal awards more recently.
Cash rates are now frequently less expensive than redemption.
On recent redemptions I ended up with a net loss compared
to paying for the room.Be surprised if we see a deeper blood bath a year from now
Many see Hyatt as reasonable and while they may be or perceived as
such other programs earn 10 points per dollar
so the awards look higher than Hyatt.I would say often at least
in North America Hyatt is as high as its competitors
with some exceptions.When I see a 40 or 45 k award at Hyatt I double it before looking at Marriott or Hilton
Hyatt points are somewhat harder to earn and they have no 4th or 5th night free so frequently I find Hyatt much more expensive to redeem.Hyatts strength typically is a slightly better breakfast benefit and overall stronger delivery on elite recognition for benefits.For some that’s all that matters.

I fully agree that American has become more expensive name that extortionate on economy and first class awards and I now redeem in other programs more frequently now
I’d say that isn’t dynamic pricing in play but a complete rip off shooting at fish in a barrel who may be stuck in their program.
It certainly doesn’t correlate with their revenue rates on average
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Old May 19, 2023 | 10:37 am
  #209  
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Originally Posted by dw
I've had this card since last summer and have been overall very happy with it. But some recent changes to their transfer partners is making me reassess the value of Bilt points somewhat.
Originally Posted by 777 global mile hound
I fully agree that American has become more expensive name that extortionate on economy and first class awards and I now redeem in other programs more frequently now. I’d say that isn’t dynamic pricing in play but a complete rip off shooting at fish in a barrel who may be stuck in their program.
It certainly doesn’t correlate with their revenue rates on average
While I share the disappointment over recent AA changes, they still seem to have retained signifcant low-cost economy and first redemptions for close-in bookings. This is unique to AA (particularly for first class) and was a primary factor in my interest in rebuilding my AA balance (ignored for 5-7 years) through BILT, along with the bonus categories and ability to flex across AA, UA, TK and Hyatt. For close-in bookings, UA definitely keeps F pricing high (and is stingier with Y last minute), and DL is consistent in applying a cash-based formula for determining redemptions (with last minute fares generally higher, this affects both F and Y bookings).

However, dynamic pricing seems to have really decimated the utility of Alaska (and other partners') currency on AA at decent rates/availability. For instance, AA has EWR-PHX next week for 23K miles in first on a flight I'm considering, but Alaska is charging 45K and BA is charging 38K for the same flight. Previously AA would have made saver space available and AS would have it for 25K.

So...perhaps a counter point/offset is that BILT is actually more valuable in that it earns a flexible currency that can be applied to AA's lowest award costs at times other transferable currencies are subject to significantly higher pricing (because AA travel is only available through partner redemptions).

Originally Posted by 777 global mile hound
Cash rates are now frequently less expensive than redemption. On recent redemptions I ended up with a net loss compared to paying for the room.
Perhaps time to revisit assumptions re cash value of WoH points (could reverse your "net loss"...)? I am still fairly happy to have the HY option, but it does seem difficult to acheive the vaunted 2 cent/point value with much regularity.
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Last edited by NYC Flyer; May 19, 2023 at 1:33 pm Reason: clarification/grammar
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Old May 19, 2023 | 1:24 pm
  #210  
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Originally Posted by NYC Flyer
While I share the disappointment over recent AA changes, they still seem to have retained lower-cost economy and first levels (if you want to connect) redemptions for close-in bookings, which I the reason I decided to rebuild my AAdvantage balance after 5-7 years of ignoring it (have LT Gold, so pretty much considered AA a backup). Dynamic pricing seems to have really decimated the ability to use Alaska (and other partners) currency on AA at decent rates/availability. For instance, AA has EWR-PHX next week for 23K miles in first on a flight I"m considering, but Alaska is charging 45K and BA is charging 38K for the same flight. Previously AA would have made saver space available and AS would have it for 25K.

So...perhaps a counter point is that BILT is actually more valuable now, as it provides a flexible currency that can be applied to AA's lowest award cost in many instances when partners available through other transferable currencies are subject to significantly higher pricing.



Perhaps time to revisit assumptions re cash value of WoH points (could reverse your "net loss"...)?
Assume thats sarcasm ok well that comes with some of the territory here I suppose.
Its really quite simple WOH points are generally thought to be worth 1.7 to 1.8 per point
so I suggest to all just do the simple math.Decide for yourself
When a room is 20,000 in redemption points and the cash rate is 153.00 dollars there is a real problem IMO in any given program.

On the other hand while AA is extortionate lately on Domestic awards there is no question there is still value in the program
That said If one uses international partners to some degree AA can work brilliantly.
And AA to their credit also has WebSaver awards on occasion
which can be spectacular if ones timing is right .They do come with restrictions but at least can be canceled.
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