Bilt Mastercard: The Ultimate Card for Renters Without Fees

The Bilt Mastercard® is a game-changer for renters, offering a unique opportunity to earn rewards on rent payments without incurring transaction fees. With no annual fee, this card not only caters to those who pay rent but also provides a range of additional perks that make it appealing to a broader audience. Whether you’re a seasoned renter or just starting out, the Bilt Mastercard could enhance your financial strategy.

One of the standout features of the Bilt Mastercard is its ability to earn points on rent payments—up to 100,000 Bilt Points each calendar year—without any transaction fees. This is particularly beneficial for those who typically pay their rent through traditional means, as it allows you to earn rewards without the extra cost. Additionally, by using the card for five transactions each statement period, you can earn points on rent and qualifying purchases, making it a versatile option for everyday spending.

The Bilt Mastercard mimics some of the benefits of popular travel cards, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, offering 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases—all without an annual fee. However, to maximize your rewards, it’s important to remember that you must use the card at least five times during each statement period to qualify for these points.

While the Bilt Mastercard is an attractive option for renters, it’s essential to note that it may not be the best choice for those still building their credit. A good to excellent credit score (670-850) is typically required for approval, which could limit access for some potential users.

Looking ahead, the Bilt Mastercard will undergo changes in February 2026, transitioning from its partnership with Wells Fargo to a new collaboration with Cardless. This will introduce three different card options, including one with no annual fee, another with a $95 fee, and a premium option at $495. More details are expected to be released this fall.

Although there is no welcome bonus for new applicants, the Bilt Mastercard offers a referral program where you can earn 2,500 Bilt Points for each successful referral, with bonuses for every fifth referral. This can be a great way to accumulate points quickly, especially if you have friends or family interested in signing up.

The benefits associated with the Bilt Mastercard are extensive and can be categorized into four main areas: rent-related benefits, credit-building opportunities, travel protections, and purchase credits. Rent-related benefits allow you to pay your rent with your credit card, earning points without any transaction fees. If your landlord isn’t part of the Bilt network, you can still make ACH payments or have Bilt send a check on your behalf, all without incurring additional costs.

Another key advantage is the credit-building feature, which allows you to have your rent payments reported to all three major credit bureaus. This can help establish a history of on-time payments, potentially boosting your credit score over time.

In terms of travel protections, the Bilt Mastercard offers impressive coverage for a no-annual-fee card. Cardholders can receive up to $5,000 in reimbursement for nonrefundable tickets if a trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason. Additional protections include an Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver and Cellular Telephone Protection, which covers up to $800 against damage or theft of your cellphone (subject to a $25 deductible).

As a World Elite Mastercard, users also gain access to monthly Lyft credits and can travel abroad confidently with no foreign transaction fees.

When it comes to earning points, remember that you need to make at least five transactions during each statement period to qualify for rewards. If you only use the card for rent payments, you’ll earn a flat rate of 250 points. However, if your rent payment is less than $250, you will still receive 250 Bilt Points. The maximum points you can earn from rent payments is 100,000 in a calendar year, which requires an average monthly rent of $8,333.

Bilt Rewards points are valued at approximately 2.2 cents per point, translating to an effective 6.6% return on dining purchases, 4.4% on travel, and 2.2% on other purchases. Additionally, Bilt offers “Rent Day,” where you can earn double points on the first day of each month for various purchases (excluding rent).

For those looking to redeem their points, Bilt provides a variety of options. You can book travel through the Bilt portal, purchase items from the Bilt Collection, transfer points to Bilt’s hotel and airline partners, or even use them to help cover your rent. However, keep in mind that redeeming points for rent payments offers the least value at just 0.55 cents per point.

The best value for your points comes from transferring them to one of Bilt’s 21 airline and hotel partners, such as Air France-KLM Flying Blue or United Airlines MileagePlus. This can yield a significantly higher return on your rewards.

While the Bilt Mastercard stands out for its unique features and benefits tailored for renters, it may not be the best fit for everyone. If you don’t prioritize earning rewards on rent payments, you might find better options among other travel rewards or no-annual-fee credit cards.

In summary, the Bilt Mastercard is an excellent choice for renters looking to earn rewards without transaction fees. Its combination of travel protections, credit-building opportunities, and various redemption options makes it a valuable addition to a diverse financial portfolio. However, if you’re not a renter or don’t consistently make multiple purchases each month, you may want to explore other credit card options that better align with your spending habits.

For those interested in applying for the Bilt Mastercard, you can find more information on their official website. Remember to review the rates and fees before making your decision to ensure it aligns with your financial goals.