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by Jennifer Yellin Jen has spent more than 15 years immersed in the world of points and miles. Her work has been featured in The Points Guy, CNN Underscored, and Forbes, in addition to her own travel blog, Deals We Like.

Hi, Reader. Bilt Rewards is one of our favorite loyalty programs, thanks to its long list of excellent transfer partners and perks. But the company is making some significant changes to its program in 2027.

The good news is that most of the updates are positive, and some of our favorite changes start immediately. But there's one very important update that existing cardmembers will need to be aware of, with a deadline to make a permanent decision.

Here's a full look at what's coming next with Bilt, when all the updates take effect, and what Bilt members need to know.

Bilt Cash is getting more flexible

One of the biggest improvements Bilt just introduced is a new expiration policy for Bilt Cash. Currently, all but $100 in Bilt Cash expires at the end of each calendar year. But starting today, it'll expire 12 months after it's earned instead.

This gives members more flexibility when deciding how and when to redeem their Bilt Cash. Rather than rushing to use it before December 31st, members will have until the end of the month a full year after it's earned. For example, $100 earned in February 2026 expires on February 28, 2027.

What is Bilt Cash?

Bilt Cash is separate from Bilt points and can be used toward credits for services you already use, exclusive experiences, and enhanced benefits that aren't always available with points alone. Some options include credits for Grubhub, Bilt partner restaurants, and Lyft rides.

Flexible Bilt Cash is being retired (but there's a way to keep it)

However, there are also changes in how you earn Bilt Cash. Starting on each cardmember's account anniversary, Bilt is retiring its Flexible Bilt Cash rewards option, which allows members to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash¹ on all eligible everyday, non-housing purchases made with their Bilt card.

Instead, the Housing-only option will become the standard choice for members who want to earn points on their rent or mortgage. With this option, members can earn up to 1.25x points per dollar on housing¹, with the number of points earned tied directly to their everyday credit card spending.

However, there's an important exception for existing cardholders. If you're a Bilt Card member by the end of 2026 (including cards opened between now and then), you can be grandfathered into the Flexible Bilt Cash option.

It isn't automatic, though. On your account anniversary, your card switches to the Housing-only option unless you opt in to keep earning 4% Bilt Cash. And once you choose, you'll no longer be able to switch between the two options on a monthly basis.

If you prefer earning Bilt Cash on everyday spending, this is an important change to understand before the new rules take effect. And if you aren't sure which option to select moving forward, we'll run through the math for you in a future newsletter.

Combined Bilt Cash credits

Bilt is also updating the annual credits available to Bilt Palladium and Bilt Obsidian cardholders. Instead of receiving certain benefits as separate credits, eligible cardholders will receive a combined Bilt Cash credit, giving members more flexibility in how they redeem it.

• ​Bilt Palladium: Palladium cardholders currently receive a $200 Bilt Cash credit and a $400 hotel credit. Under the new structure, these benefits will be combined into a single $600 annual Bilt Cash credit¹.
• ​Bilt Obsidian: Instead of receiving a $100 Bilt Travel Hotel credit, members will receive $100 annually in Bilt Cash credit¹.

Additionally, annual Bilt Cash credits for Palladium and Obsidian cardholders will be deposited on their account anniversary instead of on January 1st of each year.

This change starts on your cardmember account anniversary. However, if you're an existing cardholder and decide to keep your Flexible Bilt Cash option, you'll also keep the original Bilt Cash credit structure instead of getting these new combined credits.

Bilt Cash hotel redemptions are becoming more limited

Another change affects members who redeem Bilt Cash toward Bilt Hotel bookings.

Currently, members can redeem Bilt Cash toward hotel stays on a monthly basis, with a limit of $50 per month for those with Blue and Silver status and $100 per month for those with Gold and Platinum status.

Starting January 1, 2027, members will be limited to two Bilt Cash redemptions per year instead of monthly ($50 each for Blue and Silver, $100 for Gold and Platinum, and $200 for eligible Palladium cardholders). The change means members will have fewer opportunities to use Bilt Cash toward hotel bookings.

This probably won't affect most members, but it's something to keep in mind if this is how you commonly redeem your Bilt Cash.

Enhanced elite status benefits

Bilt is also expanding benefits for those with elite status, including rental car status matches and the ability to use points when booking hotels.

Rental car status matches

Bilt members will be able to match their Bilt status to earn elite benefits with both SIXT and Hertz car rental loyalty programs.

• Bilt Platinum members: Match to SIXT ONE Platinum Status and Hertz President's Circle®
• Bilt Gold and Silver members: Match to SIXT ONE Gold Status and Hertz Five Star®

These matches give Bilt elite members the opportunity to receive benefits such as upgraded cars, the ability to skip the counter at many locations, a complimentary additional driver for a spouse or domestic partner, and more. The available benefits depend on the reciprocal status earned and the respective rental car program.

Redeem Bilt Points for Home Away from Home bookings

Starting in 2027, Bilt Gold and Platinum members will be able to redeem their Bilt Points for Home Away from Home hotel bookings. This adds to the flexibility of Bilt Points, giving members another option when it comes to redeeming points.

Introduction of Daily Rewards

Another major addition is Daily Rewards, a feature that gives members more opportunities to earn rewards and potentially win larger prizes.

Here's how it works: Beginning January 15, 2027, every on-time monthly rent or mortgage payment earns a Daily Reward. Members can also earn a Daily Reward by completing one qualifying activity per day with a participating neighborhood partner.

Each Daily Reward reveals two reward options, and members can choose one to claim — either an instant prize or a collectible that builds toward the chance to win a grand prize. Instant prizes include smaller rewards, such as Bilt Points, Bilt Cash, or a credit to a neighborhood partner. Meanwhile, potential grand prizes include:

• $1 million toward the purchase of a home
• 10 million Bilt Points
• Free rent or mortgage payments for a year
• Free Lyft rides for a year
• A dream getaway

The chance to win $1 million toward a home is particularly noteworthy. While winning isn't guaranteed, Daily Rewards add another potential source of value for members who participate throughout the year.

What this means for Bilt members

Bilt Rewards is making a number of changes in 2027, with greater flexibility around Bilt Cash among the most notable improvements. Extending the expiration window to 12 months after earning it should make it easier for members to use their rewards on their own schedules.

Daily Rewards also introduces the possibility of winning significant prizes, and elite members will gain additional rental car and hotel booking benefits.

However, the changes to housing rewards deserve attention, particularly for members who currently rely on Flexible Bilt Cash. Existing cardholders can retain that option, but they'll lose the ability to switch between rewards structures every month. And if you apply before 2026 ends, you'll still be able to opt in to the Flexible Bilt Cash option.

If you're a Bilt member, it's worth reviewing how you currently earn and redeem rewards so you understand which updates will affect you.