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The Bilt Credit Card is a great option for those looking to build credit or earn rewards, but it's essential to understand the fees involved. There are no annual fees or interest charges, which is a significant advantage.
The Bilt Credit Card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great choice for international travel. You can use your card abroad without worrying about extra charges.
The credit limit for the Bilt Credit Card is determined by your creditworthiness, and it's not publicly disclosed. This means you'll need to apply and get approved to find out your specific limit.
Bilt also offers a credit builder feature, which allows you to make payments that are reported to the credit bureaus, helping to build your credit score.
Benefits and Features
The Bilt Mastercard has a range of benefits that make it a great option for those who want to earn points on their rent payments.
You can pay your rent with a credit card and earn points without paying any transaction fees.
The card also offers credit building, allowing you to have your rent payments reported to all three major credit bureaus in the U.S.
This helps establish a history of on-time payments, which can be beneficial for your credit score.
Cardholders receive up to $5,000 in reimbursement for nonrefundable tickets if a trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason.
The Bilt Mastercard also includes an Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and a Cellular Telephone Protection benefit.
These benefits provide extra protection when using your card for travel or everyday purchases.
You can use your card confidently abroad because it has no foreign transaction fee.
Rewards and Redemption
You can earn Bilt Points in many ways, especially on dining and travel, without even needing the Bilt Mastercard itself.
Bilt Points are worth 1.65 cents each, on average, based on Business Insider's points and miles valuations. This value can be achieved by transferring your rewards to partners like United Airlines and Hyatt.
You can redeem Bilt Points for Amazon purchases, but you'll only get a value of 0.7 cents apiece. This is lower than the average value of 1.65 cents per point.
The Bilt Mastercard offers 1x point for every dollar spent on rent up to $100,000 a year, which is equivalent to a rent of over $8,000 a month.
Cardholders also earn 2x points per dollar on travel, 3x points per dollar on dining, and 1x point per dollar on everything else.
On "Rent Day", or the first of the month, cardholders receive double points on all spending besides rent, which equates to 4x points per dollar on travel, 6x points per dollar on dining, and 2x points per dollar on everything else.
Here are the redemption options and their corresponding values:
You can achieve the best value by transferring your points to hotel and airline partners, but be sure to do the math to find the best option for your needs.
Fees and Costs
The Bilt Mastercard charges various fees for different situations, including balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, and late payment fees.
These fees are similar to those charged by most credit cards, so it's essential to understand what you're getting into before applying.
If you don't pay rent, you might want to consider another card with more lucrative earning rates, as the Bilt Mastercard is specifically designed for renters.
Here are the types of fees you can expect to pay with the Bilt Mastercard:
- Balance transfer fees
- Cash advance fees
- Late payment fees
Annual Fees and Costs
The Bilt Mastercard is a great option if you're looking to avoid annual fees, as there's no annual fee to pay. This can be a significant cost savings, especially if you're someone who carries a balance on your card.
You'll also appreciate that there are no transaction fees to pay your rent with the Bilt Mastercard. This makes it a convenient option for renters who want to keep their expenses organized.
Some other fees to be aware of include balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, and late payment fees. These fees can add up quickly, so it's essential to understand what they are and how they work.
The Bilt Mastercard also doesn't add foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for travelers. This can be a significant cost savings, especially if you're traveling abroad frequently.
Here's a quick rundown of the fees associated with the Bilt Mastercard:
- Balance transfer fees
- Cash advance fees
- Late payment fees
Credit
Credit can be a complex and confusing topic, but understanding how it works can save you money and stress in the long run.
Late fees, which can range from $25 to $40, are often charged when you miss a payment or payment is returned due to insufficient funds.
Missing a payment can also lead to a negative credit score, making it harder to get approved for loans or credit cards in the future.
In some cases, you may be able to negotiate a payment plan with your creditor, which can help you avoid late fees and negative credit reporting.
A single late payment can drop your credit score by as much as 60 to 110 points, depending on your credit history and other factors.
Wells Fargo Active Cash
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card is one of the easier credit cards to use, with no annual fee. It earns a flat 2% cash back on every dollar you spend, with no limits or exceptions.
This card also offers a great welcome bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months from account opening. New cardholders also get a zero-interest period.
The Wells Fargo Active Cash card has the same cell phone protection as the Bilt Mastercard, which is a nice perk. It also has a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening.
Is it Worth It?
The Bilt Mastercard is ideal for those who pay rent each month and want to earn credit card rewards without paying transaction fees.
Those who don't pay rent may want to consider another card with more lucrative earning rates.
The Bilt Mastercard is a game changer for renters, but it might not be the best choice for everyone.
Apply for the Bilt Mastercard if you're a renter looking for rewards without transaction fees.
You can compare the Bilt Mastercard to the Chase Sapphire Preferred, but it's essential to consider your individual needs and financial situation.
For more information on the rates and fees of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
To learn about the rewards and benefits of the Bilt Mastercard, click here.
Protection and Security
The Bilt Mastercard offers some great protection and security features for cardholders.
Purchase Security is provided through Purchase Assurance Plus, which covers eligible new purchases against accidental damage or loss for 90 days.
You're protected for up to $10,000 per claim, and a total of $50,000 per cardholder.
Cell phone and purchase protection are also available, offering up to $800 of protection against theft or damage.
Trip Cancellation Protection
You can get up to $5,000 per insured person for nonrefundable tickets you've paid for with the Bilt Mastercard.
This protection is available for you, your spouse or domestic partner, and your dependent children, making it a great benefit for families.
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If you're planning a trip, it's essential to consider the risks involved, such as the common carrier defaulting from financial insolvency.
This type of protection can give you peace of mind, knowing that you're covered in case something unexpected happens.
You'll be eligible for coverage for things like death, accidental bodily injury, or the common carrier defaulting from financial insolvency.
Purchase Protection
Purchase protection is a valuable feature of the Bilt Mastercard. It offers protection against accidental damage or loss for 90 days, and up to $10,000 per claim.
If you use your card to pay your cell phone bill, you'll receive up to $800 of protection against theft or damage. This can be a lifesaver if your phone is stolen or damaged.
Any other purchases made with the card are also covered for 90 days, for up to $10,000 from damage or theft. This means you can shop with confidence, knowing your purchases are protected.
As a cardholder, you're also covered for up to $50,000 in total per cardholder. This is a significant amount of protection, and one that can give you peace of mind when making purchases.
Customer Experience
Bilt credit card fees can be a major pain point for customers, but it's not just about the fees themselves - it's also about how they're perceived and communicated to users.
Bilt offers a free credit card that doesn't charge interest or late fees, making it a great option for those who struggle with debt.
However, customers may still incur fees for things like foreign transactions, balance transfers, and cash advances.
These fees can add up quickly, and it's essential for customers to understand what they're getting into before making a purchase.
Poor Customer Service
Customer service can be a major letdown with the Bilt Mastercard. Cardholders have reported that issue resolution takes far longer than on many other cards.
One issue is that customers get passed back and forth between Wells Fargo and Bilt customer service. Both departments blame each other for being able to resolve the issue.
Cardholders have complained that customer service representatives are polite and eager to help, but that doesn't always translate to a quick resolution.
Is This Right for You?
If you rent, you should have this card. There is no other way to earn points on your largest monthly expense without circumventing fees and landlord rules.
The Bilt Mastercard offers 3x points per dollar on dining and 2x points per dollar on travel, which is the same earning rate as the Chase Sapphire Preferred. That card has an annual fee of $95.
You could also capitalize on Rent Day and grab 4x points per dollar on your travel for the month. There's no card getting a rate that high.
The intro bonus of 60,000 points on the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a big draw, but it does mean the Bilt Mastercard could begin to look like a money-saving alternative once the bonus is earned.
Credit Card Details
Credit card fees can be a real punch to the wallet, especially if you're not aware of them. The good news is that you can avoid these fees with the right credit card.
Bilt credit cards are known for having no annual fee, which can save you up to $100 per year. This is a significant savings, especially if you're someone who likes to keep their credit cards for the long haul.
Bilt credit cards also have no foreign transaction fees, which means you can use them abroad without incurring any extra charges. This is a big perk for travelers or anyone who likes to shop online from international retailers.
If you're someone who tends to carry a balance, you might be interested to know that Bilt credit cards have a 0% introductory APR for 15 months. This can give you some breathing room if you need to pay off your balance over time.
Bilt credit cards also offer a rewards program, which gives you 2% cashback on all purchases. This can add up quickly, especially if you use your credit card for your daily expenses.
Elite Status
Elite Status is a great way to unlock more rewards and benefits with the Bilt Mastercard. You can earn elite status by accumulating Bilt Points through rent payments and other qualifying purchases.
There are four tiers of elite status: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. To qualify for each tier, you need to earn a certain number of Bilt Points or spend a specific amount in eligible purchases within a calendar year.
Here's a breakdown of the requirements for each tier:
As you can see, the requirements for each tier increase significantly, but the benefits also become more substantial. By earning elite status, you can unlock more rewards, including bonus points on points from new leases/renewals, interest earned on points, and a homeownership concierge service.
Travel and Redemption
Bilt's travel portal, powered by Expedia, allows you to earn points on all bookings made through the portal. Members who don't hold the Bilt Mastercard earn 1 point per dollar spent.
Cardholders, on the other hand, earn 2 points per dollar spent when booking through the portal, plus 2 more points per dollar when using the card to pay. This can add up quickly, especially for frequent travelers.
To put this into perspective, if you spend $1,000 on a flight booked through the portal as a cardholder, you'd earn 6 points per dollar, or 6,000 points.
Trip Delay Reimbursement
If your flight is delayed six hours or more, you're eligible for reimbursement of reasonable expenses like food, accommodation, and entertainment.
You can receive up to $200 per day for up to three days, with a maximum of $1,800 in total per covered trip.
This reimbursement can help you cover the costs of unexpected expenses that arise from a flight delay, such as meals or a night's stay at a hotel.
This benefit is available to you and all covered travelers, providing peace of mind and financial protection during your trip.
Travel Portal
Bilt's travel portal is a great way to earn points on your bookings, powered by Expedia. You can earn points on all purchases made through the portal.
Bilt members who don't have the Bilt Mastercard earn 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases in the portal. Cardholders, on the other hand, earn 2 points per dollar spent when booking through the portal, plus 2 more points per dollar when using the card to pay.
If you're a cardholder, you'll want to use the card to pay for your bookings to maximize your points earnings. This can add up quickly, especially if you're booking expensive trips.
Here are some credit cards that can be used in conjunction with the Bilt Travel Portal:
- Capital One Venture X
- American Express Platinum
- American Express Black Card
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Wells Fargo Active Cash
- Citi Double Cash
- Chase Freedom Flex
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
Frequently Asked Questions
The Bilt Mastercard has a $0 annual fee, which means you won't have to worry about paying any extra fees just for having the card.
You can use the Bilt Mastercard to pay rent without fees within the U.S., and if your home isn't within the Bilt Alliance, the issuer will cut a check to your landlord in lieu of your regular payment.
The card earns 2x points on travel, except on the first day of the month when you can earn 4 points per dollar on travel on up to $1,000.
You won't be charged foreign transaction fees with the Bilt Mastercard, making it a great option for international travel.
The Bilt Mastercard offers a unique rewards program that allows you to transfer points to valuable travel partners like Hyatt, United Airlines, and Air Canada Aeroplan, or redeem them through the Bilt Travel portal.
You can also convert your points into airline miles or hotel points if you prefer, with options including Alaska Airlines, Avianca, and many more.
The Bilt Mastercard doesn't offer a traditional sign-up bonus, but you can earn rewards by referring friends to the card, with a cap of 450 referrals.
Review and Recommendation
Based on our evaluation, the Bilt Mastercard is a solid choice for those looking to pay rent with no transaction fees. The card's unique perk of allowing rent payments with no transaction fees is a major advantage.
The card's rewards earning potential is also noteworthy, with bonus categories that can be useful for everyday spending. However, some of these categories are capped at a certain amount of spending.
One of the key factors we considered was ease of use, and the Bilt Mastercard delivers with straightforward earning and redemption options. This makes it easy to use points and get the most out of your rewards.
In terms of benefits, the Bilt Mastercard's travel perks compare favorably to similar cards. However, the card's benefits are not as comprehensive as some other travel rewards credit cards.
Here's a summary of the Bilt Mastercard's key features:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to use Bilt 5 times?
To earn points, you must use the Bilt Mastercard at least 5 times per statement period. This ensures you can maximize your points earnings on rent and other categories.
Sources
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/reviews/bilt-mastercard-review/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/bilt-mastercard-card-review
- https://upgradedpoints.com/news/bilt-mastercard/
- https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/bilt-rewards/
- https://thedailynavigator.com/credit-cards/bilt-credit-card-review-should-you-get-it/
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