Bilt Rewards Transfer Partners

Bilt Rewards has carved out a unique position in the transferable points ecosystem by allowing renters to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense. Understanding Bilt transfer partners is essential for converting those points into meaningful travel value, whether booking business-class flights to Europe or luxury hotel stays.

This guide provides a practical framework for evaluating Bilt transfer partners, timing your transfers, and avoiding common mistakes that waste points. The focus is on decision-making tools and real-world redemption math, not theoretical maximums.

Bilt points transfer at varying ratios to airline and hotel loyalty programs. Partner availability, transfer times, and promotional bonuses change regularly, making current information critical for smart redemptions.

Helpful Tools

For the most current list of Bilt transfer partners, transfer ratios, and processing times, refer to the Credit Card Transfer Partners table. To calculate redemption value and compare transfer bonus scenarios, use the Award Travel Calculators—specifically the Cents Per Point (CPP) Calculator and Bank Points Transfer & Bonus Calculator.

Key Takeaways

• Bilt transfer partners change periodically; always verify the current roster and transfer ratios before moving points
• Transfer only after confirming award availability—speculative transfers risk devaluation and program changes
• Evaluate transfer bonuses using cents-per-point math against alternative redemptions, not headline percentages
• Bilt points typically deliver 1.25–2+ CPP on premium cabin flights; lower value on economy and most hotel transfers
• Transfer times vary from instant to 7+ days, depending on the partner; plan accordingly for time-sensitive bookings
• Keeping points in your Bilt account preserves maximum flexibility until you’re ready to book a specific award

What Bilt Transfer Partners Are (And Why They Change)

Transfer partners are airline and hotel loyalty programs that accept points from Bilt Rewards at negotiated ratios. When you transfer Bilt points to a partner, those points convert into the partner’s miles or points, which you then use to book award flights or hotel stays.

Bilt operates as an intermediary. The company negotiates agreements with each airline and hotel program, determining transfer ratios (often 1:1 but not always), processing times, and minimum transfer increments. These partnerships are contractual and can be added, removed, or modified based on business relationships and program economics.

Why partner rosters change: Airlines and hotel chains periodically exit transfer partnerships due to cost (they essentially purchase points from banks at wholesale rates), strategic shifts, or program restructuring. Bilt launched with a specific set of partners and has since adjusted that roster. Devaluations within partner programs—such as award chart increases or dynamic pricing changes—also affect redemption value even when the partnership remains active.

Transfer ratios matter significantly. A 1:1 transfer preserves point value on paper, but a 3:2 or 2:1 ratio immediately reduces your purchasing power. Always verify the current ratio in the Credit Card Transfer Partners table before initiating a transfer. Some partners may offer favorable ratios during promotional periods, temporarily improving value.

Partner categories typically include:

• Airline partners: Major U.S. carriers, international alliances (Star Alliance, Oneworld, SkyTeam members), and select regional or low-cost carriers
• Hotel partners: Global chains, boutique collections, and loyalty programs with broad footprints
• Occasional niche partners: Car rentals, cruises, or experiences (less common and usually poor value)

The practical implication: Never assume a partner you read about six months ago is still available or that transfers will be at the same ratio. Check current terms immediately before making transfer decisions.

When Bilt Points Are Most Valuable

Bilt points deliver the highest value when redeemed for Premium Cabin international flights through airline transfer partners. Business and first-class awards often return 1.5–2.5+ cents per point (CPP), significantly outperforming economy redemptions and most hotel bookings.

High-value scenarios (1.5–2.5+ CPP):

• Long-haul business class (transcontinental U.S., transatlantic, transpacific routes)
• First-class awards on carriers with true first-class products
• Awards on partners with favorable sweet spots (specific routes priced below market)
• Bookings during transfer bonus promotions that effectively reduce point cost

Moderate-value scenarios (1.0–1.5 CPP):

• Premium economy on long-haul routes
• Short-haul business class within regions
• Domestic first class on competitive routes
• Hotel transfers to programs with strong redemption rates (rare; most hotel programs trend toward 0.5–0.8 CPP)

Low-value scenarios (below 1.0 CPP):

• Economy award flights, especially domestic
• Hotel transfers to programs with dynamic pricing and inflated award costs
• Last-minute bookings with limited availability are forcing suboptimal routings
• Transfers to partners with high surcharges that inflate the effective point cost

The travel rewards math: Calculate CPP by dividing the cash ticket price by the points required (including taxes/fees paid separately). A $3,000 business-class ticket booked for 100,000 points plus $200 in fees delivers 2.8 CPP: ($3,000 – $200) ÷ 100,000 = 2.8 CPP. This math provides an objective comparison across redemption options.

When Bilt points underperform: Economy flights rarely justify transferring points unless availability is exceptional. Most hotel programs have shifted to dynamic pricing, aligning award costs closely with cash rates and delivering 0.5–0.8 CPP—below the value of premium flight redemptions. Bilt’s own travel portal (if available) may offer better hotel value by providing a fixed redemption rate, typically around 1.25 CPP.

Decision framework: Target premium cabin flights for maximum value. Use economy awards only when availability is scarce, and CPP exceeds 1.25. Avoid hotel transfers unless you’ve calculated CPP and confirmed it beats alternative uses.

Transfer Timing: When to Move Points (And When Not To)

The cardinal rule: Transfer points only after confirming award availability. Speculative transfers—moving points before securing a specific award—expose you to devaluation risk, program changes, and the possibility that availability disappears before you book.

When to transfer immediately:

• You’ve searched for award availability and found the exact flight or hotel stay you want
• Award space is limited (one or two seats remaining) and likely to disappear
• The booking window is closing (some programs release space that fills quickly)
• A transfer bonus is ending soon, and you have a confirmed redemption plan
• The partner program requires points in the account to hold or book awards

When to wait:

• You’re researching options but haven’t identified a specific award
• Award availability is wide open (many seats available across multiple dates)
• You’re booking far in advance, and availability may improve closer to departure
• A transfer bonus is rumored or expected soon (though never guaranteed)
• You’re comparing multiple redemption options across different partners

Transfer processing times vary significantly. Some airline partners receive transfers instantly or within hours. Others take 3–7 days. Hotel partners often process faster than airlines, but exceptions exist. Always check current transfer times in the Credit Card Transfer Partners table and build buffer time into your booking timeline.

Risks of early transfer:

• Devaluation: Partner programs can increase award costs after you transfer but before you book
• Availability loss: The award you wanted may be booked by someone else during transfer processing
• Program changes: Partners occasionally exit alliances or restrict redemption options
• Opportunity cost: Points locked in a partner program can’t be used for better redemptions that appear later

Best practice workflow:

1. Search award availability across multiple partners using airline and hotel search tools
2. Compare redemption value (CPP) for each option using the Cents Per Point Calculator
3. Identify the best option and verify award space is bookable
4. Check the transfer time for that partner and confirm it meets your booking deadline
5. Initiate transfer only after completing steps 1–4
6. Book the award immediately after points post to the partner account

This approach preserves flexibility while minimizing risk. Points in your Bilt account can move to any partner; points in a partner account are locked to that program.

Transfer Bonuses and Promotions (How to Evaluate Value)

Transfer bonuses offer a percentage increase in points when you move Bilt points to specific partners during promotional periods. A 25% bonus means 100,000 Bilt points become 125,000 airline miles or hotel points. These promotions appear attractive but require careful evaluation.

How to assess a transfer bonus:

1. Calculate the effective point cost. A 25% bonus reduces the effective cost of an award by 20% (not 25%). An award costing 100,000 miles normally requires 100,000 Bilt points; with a 25% bonus, you need 80,000 Bilt points (80,000 × 1.25 = 100,000). The math: 1 ÷ 1.25 = 0.80.
2. Compare CPP with and without the bonus. Use the Bank Points Transfer & Bonus Calculator to model scenarios. If a redemption delivers 1.8 CPP without a bonus, the same redemption delivers 2.25 CPP with a 25% bonus (1.8 × 1.25). Compare this to alternative redemptions on other partners.
3. Verify award availability during the promotion. Bonuses are worthless if no award space exists on routes you want to fly. Search availability before getting excited about a bonus percentage.
4. Consider alternative uses. A 25% bonus on a partner with poor redemption value may still deliver lower CPP than a non-bonus transfer to a partner with better sweet spots.

Common bonus structures:

• Targeted bonuses: 20–50% increases on specific partners, often rotating quarterly
• Seasonal promotions: Higher bonuses during off-peak travel periods to stimulate transfers
• Tiered bonuses: Larger percentages for higher transfer amounts (e.g., 15% on 50,000 points, 25% on 100,000 points)

When bonuses justify immediate transfer:

• You have a confirmed redemption plan with verified availability
• The bonus improves CPP meaningfully compared to alternatives (at least 0.3 CPP difference)
• The promotion ends soon, and you’re ready to book
• The partner program is stable with low devaluation risk

When bonuses are traps:

• You transfer speculatively, hoping to find availability later
• The bonus partner has limited route networks or poor award availability
• Baseline redemption value is already low (a bonus on 0.6 CPP still underperforms)
• You’re chasing the bonus percentage without calculatingthe  actual value

Real-world example: A 30% transfer bonus to an airline partner makes a 100,000-mile business-class award cost 76,923 Bilt points (100,000 ÷ 1.30). If that ticket costs $3,500 cash and $300 in fees, CPP is ($3,500 – $300) ÷ 76,923 = 4.16 CPP. Compare that to a non-bonus redemption on a different partner requiring 90,000 miles (90,000 Bilt points) for a $4,000 ticket with $400 fees: ($4,000 – $400) ÷ 90,000 = 4.0 CPP. The bonus wins, but only by 0.16 CPP—a marginal difference.

Decision framework: Evaluate bonuses using CPP math, not percentages. Transfer during promotions only when you have a specific redemption plan and the bonus materially improves value compared to your next-best option.

How to Compare Redemptions Using CPP (Decision Framework)

Cents per point (CPP) is the objective metric for comparing redemption value across Bilt transfer partners, cabin classes, and routes. CPP removes emotion and marketing hype, providing a standardized measure of purchasing power.

CPP formula:

CPP = (Cash Ticket Price – Taxes/Fees Paid on Award) ÷ Points Required

Step-by-step comparison process:

1. Identify 2–3 redemption options. Search award availability on multiple partners for your desired route and dates. Note points required and taxes/fees for each.
2. Find comparable cash prices. Search for the same flights or hotels on booking sites. Use the exact same dates, cabin class, and fare rules when possible. For flights, compare flexible/refundable fares if the award is changeable.
3. Subtract award fees from cash price. If an award costs 100,000 points plus $200 in taxes/fees, and the cash ticket is $2,500, your numerator is $2,300 ($2,500 – $200).
4. Divide by points required. $2,300 ÷ 100,000 = 2.3 CPP.
5. Repeat for each option. Calculate CPP for every redemption you’re considering.
6. Choose the highest CPP that meets your travel needs (routing, timing, airline preference).

Factors that complicate CPP calculations:

• Surcharges: Some airline partners impose high fuel surcharges on award tickets (often $300–$800+ on long-haul flights). These reduce the effective CPP significantly. Always include surcharges in your calculation.
• Dynamic pricing: Many programs no longer publish award charts and price awards based on demand. Compare the award cost to the cash price on that specific date, not a theoretical low-season price.
• Positioning flights: If an award requires backtracking or connecting through inconvenient hubs, factor in the cost (time and money) of positioning flights when comparing to direct paid options.
• Flexibility value: Refundable awards offer value beyond CPP if your plans may change. Assign a subjective premium (e.g., 0.2 CPP) if flexibility is important.

CPP benchmarks for Bilt transfer partners:

• Excellent: 2.0+ CPP (premium cabins on competitive routes)
• Good: 1.5–2.0 CPP (premium economy, short-haul business, favorable sweet spots)
• Acceptable: 1.25–1.5 CPP (economy on high-demand routes, select hotel redemptions)
• Poor: Below 1.25 CPP (usually better to use points elsewhere or pay cash)

When CPP isn’t everything: Occasionally, a lower-CPP redemption makes sense if it’s the only way to access award space, or if the higher-CPP option involves unacceptable routing (three connections, 18-hour journey). Use CPP as the primary decision factor, but apply common sense.

Using the Cents Per Point Calculator: Input cash price, award cost, and fees. The calculator returns CPP instantly and lets you model “what-if” scenarios (e.g., “What if there’s a 20% transfer bonus?”). This removes calculation errors and speeds up decision-making.

Decision framework summary:

• Calculate CPP for every redemption option you’re seriously considering
• Target 1.5+ CPP for transfers to be worthwhile
• Factor in surcharges, routing quality, and flexibility
• Use the calculator to model bonuses and compare scenarios quickly
• Choose the option with the highest CPP that meets your practical travel needs

Common Transfer Mistakes to Avoid

1. Transferring before confirming availability

The most expensive mistake. Transferring 100,000 Bilt points to an airline, then discovering no award space exists, leaves points stranded in a program you may never use. Always search and confirm availability first.

2. Ignoring surcharges and fees

Some airline partners impose surcharges of $500–$1,000+ on award tickets, particularly on transatlantic routes. A “100,000-point” award that costs $800 in fees delivers far lower CPP than a 120,000-point award with $100 in fees. Calculate the total out-of-pocket cost before transferring.

3. Chasing transfer bonuses without a plan

A 30% bonus sounds appealing, but it’s worthless if you don’t have a specific redemption in mind. Speculative transfers during promotions often result in orphaned points in programs you don’t use.

4. Transferring to hotel programs by default

Most hotel loyalty programs deliver 0.5–0.8 CPP due to dynamic pricing. Unless you’ve calculated CPP and confirmed it exceeds 1.25, hotel transfers usually underperform airline transfers or even Bilt’s own travel portal (if available).

5. Overlooking transfer times

Transferring points two days before a flight departure, only to discover the partner takes 5–7 days to process, can cost you the award. Check transfer times in the Credit Card Transfer Partners table and build in a buffer.

6. Transferring in non-standard increments

Many partners require transfers in increments of 1,000 or 5,000 points. Attempting to transfer 47,300 points may fail or round down, leaving you short of the award threshold. Verify increment requirements before initiating transfers.

7. Mixing up transfer ratios

Assuming all partners accept 1:1 transfers is dangerous. Some partners may transfer at 3:2, 5:4, or other ratios. A 100,000-point transfer at 5:4 yields only 80,000 airline miles. Always verify the current ratio.

8. Failing to account for devaluation risk

Airline and hotel programs regularly devalue awards – increasing the points required for the same flights or hotels. Transferring points months before booking exposes you to devaluation. Transfer as close to booking as practical.

9. Not comparing across multiple partners

Bilt transfer partners serve overlapping route networks (especially within alliances). The same flight may be bookable through three different partners at different point costs. Always compare options before committing to a transfer.

10. Ignoring alternative redemption methods

Sometimes paying cash, using a different points currency, or booking through Bilt’s travel portal (if available) delivers better value than transferring to a partner. Calculate CPP for all options, including non-transfer redemptions.

Mistake-avoidance checklist:

• ✅ Search and confirm award availability
• ✅ Calculate CPP including all fees and surcharges
• ✅ Verify current transfer ratio and processing time
• ✅ Compare redemption value across multiple partners
• ✅ Check transfer increment requirements
• ✅ Consider devaluation risk and timing
• ✅ Evaluate non-transfer alternatives (cash, portal, other points)
• ✅ Transfer only when you’re ready to book immediately

Step-by-Step Transfer Checklist (Decision + Execution)

This checklist walks through the complete process from initial research to booking your award. Follow these steps in order to maximize value and avoid mistakes.

Phase 1: Research and Planning

Step 1: Define your travel goal (destination, dates, cabin class, number of passengers).

Step 2: Review the current list of Bilt transfer partners in the Credit Card Transfer Partners table. Identify 2–4 partners that serve your destination.

Step 3: Search award availability on each partner’s website or using award search tools. Note:

• Points required for each option
• Taxes and fees (including surcharges)
• Routing and connection times
• Award availability (number of seats)

Step 4: Search cash prices for the same flights/hotels on the same dates. Use flexible or refundable fares if the award is changeable.

Step 5: Calculate CPP for each option using the Cents Per Point Calculator:

• Input cash price
• Input the award cost in points
• Input taxes/fees paid on award
• Review the CPP result

Step 6: Compare CPP across all options. Identify the highest-value redemption that meets your travel needs.

Phase 2: Pre-Transfer Verification

Step 7: Verify the transfer ratio for your chosen partner in the Credit Card Transfer Partners table. Confirm it hasn’t changed recently.

Step 8: Check transfer processing time. Confirm it allows enough buffer before your booking deadline (award space may disappear if you wait too long).

Step 9: Verify transfer increment requirements (1,000 points, 5,000 points, etc.). Calculate the exact amount to transfer.

Step 10: Confirm your Bilt account has sufficient points. Account for the transfer ratio if it’s not 1:1.

Step 11: Double-check award availability one final time. Ensure the space is still bookable before transferring.

Phase 3: Transfer Execution

Step 12: Log into your Bilt Rewards account. Navigate to the transfer partners section.

Step 13: Select your chosen transfer partner from the list.

Step 14: Enter your frequent flyer or hotel loyalty program number for the partner. Verify the number is correct (incorrect numbers can delay or prevent transfers).

Step 15: Enter the transfer amount in Bilt points. Confirm the amount matches your calculation from Step 9.

Step 16: Review the transfer summary:

• Partner name
• Transfer ratio
• Points being transferred
• Points you’ll receive in the partner account
• Loyalty program number

Step 17: Submit the transfer. Save the confirmation number or email.

Step 18: Monitor your partner account for the points to post. Transfer times vary; check daily if booking is time-sensitive.

Phase 4: Award Booking

Step 19: Once points post to the partner account, log into the partner’s website immediately.

Step 20: Search for your award again. Confirm availability is still present.

Step 21: Book the award. Complete payment for taxes and fees.

Step 22: Save your booking confirmation. Screenshot or print the itinerary.

Step 23: Set calendar reminders for:

• Seat selection windows
• Check-in opening (24–48 hours before departure)
• Any required reconfirmation (some international awards)

Phase 5: Post-Booking

Step 24: Review the partner’s change and cancellation policies. Understand fees and restrictions.

Step 25: Monitor award availability on your route. If better options appear (fewer connections, better times), consider changing if the fees are reasonable.

Step 26: Track any remaining Bilt points. Plan next redemptions using the same decision framework.

Time-saving tips:

• Create a spreadsheet comparing CPP across partners before starting transfers
• Bookmark the Credit Card Transfer Partners table for quick reference
• Set up accounts with major airline and hotel partners in advance (avoid delays during booking)
• Use award search tools that aggregate availability across multiple programs

When to abort the transfer:

• Award availability disappears during verification steps
• You discover high surcharges that weren’t initially visible
• A better redemption option appears while researching
• Transfer processing time exceeds your booking deadline

This systematic approach reduces errors, preserves flexibility until the last moment, and ensures you’re transferring points only when you’ve confirmed the redemption delivers strong value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Bilt points back from an airline or hotel partner?

No. Transfers from Bilt Rewards to airline and hotel partners are one-way and irreversible. Once points move to a partner account, they remain in that program permanently. This is why confirming award availability before transferring is critical—you cannot undo the transfer if plans change or the award becomes unavailable.

How long does it take for Bilt points to transfer to partners?

Transfer times vary by partner, ranging from instant to 7+ days. Some airline partners process transfers within hours; others take 3–5 business days. Hotel partners often transfer faster than airlines, but exceptions exist. Always check current transfer times in the Credit Card Transfer Partners table and build buffer time into your booking timeline. Never transfer points the same day you need to book unless the partner offers instant transfers.

Do Bilt transfer bonuses apply automatically?

Yes, when a transfer bonus is active for a specific partner, the bonus applies automatically when you initiate a transfer during the promotional period. You don’t need to enter a code or opt in separately. The transfer confirmation will show the bonus points you’ll receive. However, verify the promotion is still active before transferring—bonuses have specific start and end dates, often expiring at 11:59 PM ET on the final day.

What happens if I enter the wrong frequent flyer number?

Entering an incorrect loyalty program number can delay or prevent the transfer. In most cases, Bilt’s system will reject the transfer if the number format is invalid. If the transfer processes to the wrong account (e.g., a typo that happens to match someone else’s number), recovering those points is difficult or impossible. Always double-check loyalty program numbers before confirming transfers. Copy and paste from the partner’s website or app to avoid typos.

Are Bilt transfer partners the same as Chase or Amex partners?

No. While some overlap exists (major airlines and hotel chains partner with multiple banks), each bank negotiates separate agreements. Bilt’s transfer partner roster, ratios, and processing times differ from Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou. A partner available through Chase may not accept Bilt transfers, and vice versa. Always verify current partners in the Bilt-specific Credit Card Transfer Partners table.

Can I transfer Bilt points to someone else’s frequent flyer account?

Generally, no. Most airline and hotel programs require that the Bilt account name match the frequent flyer or loyalty account name. Some programs enforce this strictly and will reject transfers with mismatched names. A few programs allow transfers to household members or authorized users, but this is rare. Plan to transfer points only to your own loyalty accounts. If you need to book travel for someone else, transfer to your account and then book an award ticket in their name (most programs allow this).

Conclusion

Maximizing value from Bilt transfer partners requires a systematic approach: verify current partners and ratios, confirm award availability before transferring, calculate CPP to compare options objectively, and transfer only when you’re ready to book. This framework protects against common mistakes—speculative transfers, ignoring surcharges, and chasing bonuses without a plan—that waste points.

Bilt points deliver the strongest value when redeemed for premium cabin international flights, typically returning 1.5–2.5+ CPP. Economy awards and hotel transfers usually underperform, often falling below 1.25 CPP. Transfer bonuses can improve value materially but require careful evaluation using the Bank Points Transfer & Bonus Calculator to determine whether the effective discount justifies immediate transfer.

The Credit Card Transfer Partners table provides the current partner roster, transfer ratios, and processing times—essential information that changes periodically. The Cents Per Point Calculator removes guesswork from redemption comparisons, letting you model scenarios and identify the highest-value option quickly.

Next steps:

1. Review the current list of Bilt transfer partners and identify programs that serve destinations you want to visit
2. Create accounts with 3–5 key airline and hotel partners to streamline future transfers
3. Search award availability for an upcoming trip and calculate CPP using the framework in this guide
4. Bookmark the Credit Card Transfer Partners table and Award Travel Calculators for quick reference
5. Transfer points only after completing the step-by-step checklist and confirming availability

Smart use of Bilt transfer partners turns rent payments into premium travel experiences. The key is disciplined decision-making: research thoroughly, calculate objectively, and transfer strategically.

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