Bilt review: earn rewards for paying rent, boost your credit score, credit card benefits and more

With the average down payment in the US between 8% and 19%, we examine the Bilt scheme, which allows renters to enter the housing market.

Getting onto the property ladder isn’t easy in 2025, whether you’re looking for your first home in your 20s or seeking to remortgage later in life.

According to Rocket Mortgage data, the typical down payment for a first-time buyer in the US is approximately 8% of the property’s value.

Remortgagers put down roughly 19%, the research found.

Such massive sums are unfeasible for many in the current climate, leaving us stuck in a cycle of renting and unable to become homeowners.

What’s the solution?

One option is the fee-free Bilt Rewards program, which allows you to earn reward points for paying your rent.

You can then use these to help you buy your own home.

This article examines the process for earning rewards, the potential credit score implications, and other benefits.

How does Bilt work?

It is a free loyalty program that allows you to earn rewards points for paying your rent.

You can then use these to contribute to a down payment toward your own home.

Alternatively, you can put your points toward travel and lifestyle perks.

At present, Bilt is only available in the US.

How many points can I earn?

If you live in a Bilt Rewards property, you’ll receive one point for every dollar paid on rent, although rewards may vary by landlord.

If your payment is less than $250, you’ll earn 250 points.

To qualify, you’ll need to pay your rent on time through Bilt’s payment center.

You’ll need to pay via credit card, debit card, or ACH withdrawal.

Note that you’ll need to use the card five times in a statement period to earn points.

More than four million properties covered

Reporting for on-time rent payments is available to tenants in Bilt Rewards Alliance properties, covering more than four million rental units in the US.

Real estate companies involved in the program include:

• Camden;
• Starwood;
• Highmark;
• ZRS;
• Berkshire Residential.

You can find out if your home is a member of the scheme by checking with your rental management company.

Double points on rent day

The company also offers extra points on the first day of each month, which is known as Bilt Day.

This is the date many of us pay our rent, allowing you to boost your rewards.

On this date, you can earn extra bonuses on purchases such as dining and travel (but excluding rent).

The maximum on extra points is 1,000.

Exclusive credit card benefits

You can boost your rewards with the Bilt World Elite Mastercard.

This allows you to earn additional points on rent payments (up to 100,000 annually).

The card also waives its 3% usual transaction on rent payments.

You’ll receive one point on rent payments and other purchases, two points on travel and five points on dining.

One point is worth 1.5 cents towards housing costs.

The lender also pays out for pharmacy and Lyft rideshare spending.

At present, interest rates are 20.49%, 23.49% and 28.49%, although this can vary depending on the prime rate.

We should also point out that lower credit card rates are available elsewhere, so it’s a good idea to pay off your bill in full every month.

Boosting your credit score

In another added bonus for renters struggling to get credit, Bilt will report your on-time rent payment history to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

This allows you to boost your financial record if you have a less-than-perfect credit history.

An improved credit score will place you in better position when you apply for a mortgage, possibly enabling you to receive a more competitive interest rate.

Redeeming your points: gym classes and Amazon

In addition to helping you save toward a down payment, Bilt rewards points can contribute toward fitness classes at venues such as SoulCycle.

Classes typically begin at 1,600 points.

You can also use points to cover Amazon purchases.

If you don’t have enough points to cover the full payment, you can make partial-purchases.

You can also buy from the Bilt collection of home art and décor.

What if I don’t rent from Bilt Alliance?

If your landlord isn’t a member of the Bilt Alliance, you may still be able to earn points via the program.

To be eligible, you can set up a Bilt Rewards account by providing your email address and personal information.

You can also pay via the app or link your credit/debit card to your account.

Is Bilt safe?

As the card is part of the Mastercard network, purchases are typically covered for theft and damage for up to 90 days.

Additionally, customers receive up to $800 of cell phone protection per claim if they use their Bilt card to pay their phone bill.

However, you’ll need to pay a $25 deductible.

Is Bilt right for me?

If you rent your home, the Bilt Mastercard can help you earn rewards and build your credit profile.

The program may also challenge the perception that renting is simply dead money – lining your landlord’s pocket.

While the card does carry a relatively high APR, this won’t be a problem if you pay off your bill each month.

And unlike many of its competitors, the card doesn’t carry an annual fee.