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The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Bilt Card are two popular credit cards that cater to different needs, but which one is right for you? The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
The Bilt Card, on the other hand, offers a $250 bonus after paying rent for 12 months. This bonus is a significant advantage for renters who pay their rent through the card.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, while the Bilt Card has no annual fee. This makes the Bilt Card a more affordable option for those who want to avoid fees.
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Earning and Redeeming Points
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Bilt Mastercard are two popular credit cards that help you earn points on your everyday purchases. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Ultimate Rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel, cash back, and other rewards.
One of the key benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred is its earning structure. You can earn 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel, which is a great way to rack up points on your next vacation. You can also earn 5 points per dollar on Lyft purchases, but only until March 2025.
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The Bilt Mastercard, on the other hand, earns points on a variety of categories, including 5 points per dollar on Lyft purchases, 3 points per dollar on dining, and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases. If you rent an apartment or house, you can earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments with no transaction fees, up to 100,000 points per year.
With both cards, you can earn points on everyday purchases like dining and travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on dining, while the Bilt Mastercard earns 3 points per dollar on dining as well. This means you can earn points on your favorite restaurants and takeout spots.
Here's a comparison of the earning structures for both cards:
As you can see, both cards offer competitive earning rates on various categories. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred has a more limited earning structure, with fewer categories that earn 5 points per dollar. The Bilt Mastercard, on the other hand, earns points on a wider range of categories, including rent payments and Lyft purchases.
Points Transfer and Travel
Bilt and Chase Sapphire Preferred both offer points transfer options to various airline and hotel partners. Bilt has 16 transfer partners, while Chase has 14.
Notable shared transfer partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Executive Club, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and World of Hyatt. These partnerships can be valuable for redeeming points for travel.
Bilt has exclusive transfer partners like Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Avianca LifeMiles, while Chase has Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and JetBlue TrueBlue. This means Bilt cardholders can't transfer points to these airlines with Chase, but Chase cardholders can't transfer to Alaska Airlines or Avianca with Bilt.
Here's a comparison of the shared transfer partners:
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- British Airways Executive Club
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- World of Hyatt
Transferring Points with
Transferring points with credit cards can be a game-changer for travel enthusiasts. Both the Bilt Mastercard and the Sapphire Preferred offer transfer options to airline and hotel partners.
The Bilt Mastercard has 16 total transfer partners, including Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, Avianca LifeMiles, and Turkish Miles&Smiles. This is more than the Sapphire Preferred, which has 14 partners.
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Some notable shared partners include Air Canada Aeroplan, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, British Airways Executive Club, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, and World of Hyatt.
The Sapphire Preferred has some exclusive transfer partners, such as Singapore KrisFlyer, Southwest Rapid Rewards, and JetBlue TrueBlue, which are not available on the Bilt Mastercard.
A credit cards writer at TPG recently used Bilt points to transfer 9,000 points to World of Hyatt and 19,000 points to American Airlines AAdvantage to book a trip to Miami for a cruise. This is a great example of how to get a lot of value from transfer partners.
Here's a comparison of the transfer partners offered by both cards:
Ultimately, the choice between the Bilt Mastercard and the Sapphire Preferred comes down to personal preference and your specific travel needs.
Travel Protection Analysis
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers robust travel protections that go beyond basic coverage.
If you're planning a trip, it's essential to understand what's covered in case of an emergency. Both the Bilt Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offer useful coverages, but the Chase card has more comprehensive benefits.
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Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage is a crucial aspect to consider. The Bilt Card has a limit of up to $5,000 per person, while the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a limit of up to $10,000 per person, up to $20,000 per trip.
Here's a comparison of the two cards' travel protections:
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card also offers more generous Trip Delay Reimbursement, with up to $500 per ticket for delays of 12 hours.
Primary Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver is another valuable benefit, allowing you to decline the rental agency's coverage and receive protection for damage or theft with the Bilt Card and Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
Baggage Insurance is another essential coverage to consider, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offering up to $3,000 if your luggage is stolen or damaged.
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Card Comparison and Analysis
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Bilt credit cards are two popular options for rewards and travel benefits.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a 60,000-point bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, worth $750 towards travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
One key difference between these cards is the rewards structure. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 2X points on travel and dining purchases, while Bilt offers 4X points on rent payments.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred also has a higher points value, with 1.25 points per dollar spent on travel and dining, compared to Bilt's 1 point per dollar on rent payments.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, while Bilt charges no annual fee.
In terms of travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a 25% points bonus when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and travel insurance and assistance.
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Annual Fees
The annual fees of these two cards are quite different. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card comes with a $95 annual fee, which may be a deterrent for some. However, the benefits and rewards it offers can easily offset this cost.
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For frequent travelers, the Chase Sapphire Preferred's benefits and rewards can make up for the annual fee many times over. If you take advantage of the welcome bonus and redeem those points for travel, you've already recouped the annual fee.
The Bilt Card, on the other hand, has no annual fee for both primary cardholders and authorized users. This makes it one of the best no-fee cards available.
Here's a comparison of the annual fees of the two cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: $95
- Bilt Card: $0
If you're adamant about not paying any annual fees, the Bilt Card is a great option. You can earn points on rent, travel, or both, all without paying a yearly fee.
Card Details and Alternatives
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Bilt credit cards have some key differences in their card details.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers a sign-up bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.
This card also has a $95 annual fee, which is waived for the first year.
In contrast, Bilt has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Bilt also offers a 2% to 4% rewards rate on rent payments, depending on the renter's credit score.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a rewards rate of 2X points on travel and dining purchases.
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Conclusion and Decision
If you're still undecided between the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Bilt Mastercard, it's worth considering your spending habits and priorities. If you rent an apartment and spend a lot on dining, the Bilt Mastercard might be the better choice.
The Bilt Mastercard's ability to earn points on rent and renting-related payments is a major advantage for those who rent. On the other hand, if you travel frequently or value the travel benefits offered by Chase, the Sapphire Preferred might be the way to go.
Ultimately, both cards are excellent options, and you can't go wrong with either one.
Should I Get It?
If you rent an apartment, the Bilt Mastercard is a great choice due to its benefits and solid earning categories for rent payments.
Renting an apartment can be expensive, and the Bilt Mastercard's features make it a suitable option for those in this situation.
The Bilt Mastercard also offers great benefits for dining expenses, which is a common expense for many people.
If you travel frequently, the Sapphire Preferred might be a better fit due to Chase's transfer partners.
Chase's transfer partners offer a range of options, which may be more appealing to those who travel often.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and spending habits.
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Which Card Is Right for You?
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If you rent an apartment and spend a lot on dining, the Bilt Mastercard is the way to go. Both cards have great benefits and solid earning categories, but the Bilt Mastercard is a better fit for renters.
The Bilt Mastercard also lets you earn points on rent and renting-related payments, which can add up quickly if you're a renter. This is a major advantage over the Sapphire Preferred.
However, if you travel frequently or value the travel benefits offered by the Sapphire Preferred, it's likely the better option for you. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is incredibly common, making it easy to find information and tips to help you succeed.
If you're someone who frequently needs to contact customer service, you may want to consider the Sapphire Preferred, as it has extremely good customer service. The Bilt Rewards card has been known to have issues with customer service.
Ultimately, both cards are excellent choices, and no matter which one you choose, you'll be getting a great card. You can even consider getting both, as the transfer partners are largely similar, and combining your Chase and Bilt points together can be a great way to redeem them.
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Rewards and Benefits
The rewards and benefits of both cards are impressive, but they cater to different needs. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a 10% points bonus on total spending in points earned during the past account anniversary year, which can add up quickly.
You can also earn bonus points on travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. The Bilt Card, on the other hand, offers points on rent and renting-related payments, which can be a game-changer for those with high rent expenses.
Here are some of the key benefits of each card:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: 10% points bonus, 5x points on travel booked via Chase Travel portal, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, and more.
- Bilt Card: Points on rent and renting-related payments, complimentary cell phone protection, and extended warranty.
Ultimately, the better card for you will depend on your individual needs and spending habits. If you value the travel benefits and have a high rent expense, the Bilt Card may be the way to go. But if you're a heavy traveler and want to earn points on travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great choice.
Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus is a crucial factor in choosing a rewards credit card. It's a one-time offer that can give you a significant boost in points or miles, making it a major consideration when deciding which card to apply for.
The Bilt Mastercard stands out in its approach to welcome bonuses, offering unique bonuses instead of a traditional sign-up bonus. New cardholders can receive an email offering 5x points on all purchases up to $10,000 within the first five days of card membership.
However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card takes the cake with its traditional welcome offer. New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, which is worth $1,230 according to TPG's valuations.
If you value points more than statement credits, it's worth waiting for a different offer before applying for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. But if you're looking for a card with a great welcome offer, this is a top contender.
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Here's a comparison of the two cards' welcome offers:
Keep in mind that the Bilt Mastercard's unique bonus structure may be more appealing to some users, but the Chase Sapphire Preferred's traditional welcome offer is a hard one to beat.
Rewards
The rewards offered by credit cards can be a major draw for many people. The Bilt Mastercard and Chase Sapphire Preferred both offer impressive rewards programs.
You can earn up to 100,000 points per year on rent payments with the Bilt Mastercard, with no additional transaction fees. This is a game-changer for renters who want to earn rewards on their rent payments.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal, as well as 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 and 5x points on Lyft purchases. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who want to earn rewards on their travel expenses.
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Both cards also offer transfer partners, including World of Hyatt, Air Canada, and United. However, the Bilt Rewards card has a unique benefit of allowing you to earn points on rent and renting-related payments.
Here's a comparison of the rewards offered by both cards:
The Bilt Rewards card is an excellent choice for renters who want to earn rewards on their rent payments. However, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a better option for travelers who want to earn rewards on their travel expenses. Ultimately, the choice between these two cards will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need for Sapphire Preferred?
To be eligible for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, you'll need to have an annual income of at least $30,000. This is one of the requirements, but having a good credit score and history also plays a role in approval.
What are the disadvantages of Chase Sapphire Preferred?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has some drawbacks, including a relatively high APR of 20.74% - 27.74% and an annual fee of $95. Additionally, it requires good credit for approval, which may not be feasible for those with poor credit history.
Does Bilt credit card build credit?
Yes, the Bilt credit card helps build credit by reporting payments to all three credit bureaus. However, a good to excellent credit score (670-850) is recommended for qualification.
Sources
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/bilt-mastercard-vs-chase-sapphire-preferred/
- https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/bilt-card-vs-chase-sapphire-preferred/
- https://www.etapoints.com/articles/chase-sapphire-preferred-vs-bilt-rewards
- https://www.linkedin.com/posts/the-points-guy_bilt-mastercard-vs-chase-sapphire-preferred-activity-7252777447702646784-o1qp
- https://dealspoints.com/chase-sapphire-preferred-vs-bilt-rewards/
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