Bilt travel portal: How to redeem and transfer points for flights, hotels and more
TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
In June 2022, Bilt launched its travel portal, which allows Bilt members to earn and redeem points for flights, hotels and rental cars. You can also use the Bilt travel portal to redeem points for activities, including theme park tickets.
Even if you don’t have the Bilt Mastercard®, you can still use the Bilt travel portal to earn Bilt Points, which can be transferred to various high-value value programs, including Air Canada Aeroplan and World of Hyatt.
Let’s look closely at what you need to know about the Bilt travel portal and how to use it.
The information for the Bilt Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
What is the Bilt travel portal?
The Bilt travel portal is where Bilt Rewards members can book travel. You can redeem your Bilt Rewards points at a fixed 1.25 cents apiece for flights, hotels and rental cars, but as we value Bilt points at 2.05 cents apiece, you’re often better off transferring your Bilt points to one of the program’s 18 airline and hotel transfer partners.
However, booking through the portal can sometimes be more advantageous if award space isn’t available for your preferred flight or hotel stay. Additionally, as the points price is tied to the cash cost of the flight or hotel stay, you could potentially save points if you’re booking an inexpensive flight or hotel stay by redeeming through the portal.
Expedia powers the Bilt portal, so you can book most travel through it.
Related: Earn points on rent: Your complete guide to the Bilt Rewards program
How to use the Bilt travel portal
To access the Bilt travel portal, you have two choices: using the app or going to travel.biltrewards.com and signing in to your Bilt account.
On both the app and website, you can book flights, hotel stays, car rentals and even things to do.
Remember that when you book hotels through the portal, you typically will not earn hotel points and elite credits and may not receive elite status perks because it’s considered a third-party booking.
However, flights booked through the portal will typically earn frequent flyer miles and qualify for elite status.
Related: 9 things to consider when choosing to book via a portal vs. booking directly
How to book flights through the Bilt travel portal
Booking flights through Bilt is easy. You can either search for flights through the app or website. However, we’d generally recommend using the app since it lets you check one-way award availability across all of Bilt’s transfer partners, thanks to the Point.me integration. This can help you decide if it’s most advantageous to transfer your points to one of Bilt’s airline transfer partners or redeem your points at a fixed 1.25 cents each in the app.
To start a search, enter your arrival and departure airports, travel dates, number of travelers and your desired cabin and hit “Search.”
As an example, here are the search results for a one-way flight from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in business class using the transfer partner plug-in (which, again, is only available through the app).
In this case, there’s an option to transfer 20,500 Bilt points to British Airways Executive Club to book the one-way flight in business class on American Airlines.
We always recommend confirming availability with the partner program before transferring your points. Bilt points can sometimes take up to 24 hours to appear in the account you're transferring to, so you may also want to contact the airline to place the ticket on hold. That way, you won’t lose your award ticket while waiting for your Bilt points to convert to Avios. (TPG has found in tests that Bilt points usually transfer to British Airways' loyalty program within minutes, but it could be worth staying on the safe side.)
American Airlines also sells this ticket for $380.61, which would require 30,449 points to book. Even though you’d earn AAdvantage miles (or miles with your preferred Oneworld carrier) on this flight, it would likely make more sense to transfer 20,500 Bilt points to Avios and then pay the $6 in taxes and fees.
Still, redeeming your Bilt points toward a cash ticket on the Bilt travel portal can be a nice option when there isn’t award space available.
You can also book flights through the Bilt travel portal when you’re not redeeming points.
Bilt Rewards members without a Bilt Mastercard earn 1 point per dollar on flights, hotels and rental cars booked through the portal, while members with a Bilt Mastercard earn 2 points per dollar spent. For reference, the Bilt Mastercard earns 2 points per dollar on flights, hotels, rental cars and cruises booked directly with the travel provider. Cardholders must use the card five times each statement period to earn points (see Rewards & Benefits).
Bilt members are familiar with all the benefits that come every first of the month on Bilt Rent Day. For February, Bilt is offering a one-day-only status-based transfer bonus to Aeroplan.
Between midnight EST on Feb. 1 and 2:59 a.m. EST on Feb. 2, Bilt members can earn up to a 150% bonus on Bilt point transfers to Aeroplan, depending on Bilt Rewards status. Bilt Blue members must transfer 2,000 Bilt points, but other tiers can transfer as few as 1,000 Bilt points.
The bonus rates are as follows:
- Blue: 75% bonus, so transferring 2,000 Bilt points would get you 3,500 Aeroplan points.
- Silver: 100% bonus, so transferring 1,000 Bilt points would get you 2,000 Aeroplan points.
- Gold: 125% bonus, so transferring 1,000 Bilt points would get you 2,250 Aeroplan points.
- Platinum: 150% bonus, so transferring 1,000 Bilt points would get you 2,500 Aeroplan points.
Remember, this is a one-day-only transfer bonus, so Bilt Rewards members have to act on Rent Day (Feb. 1) to receive the offer.
At TPG, we typically don't recommend transferring points without a specific redemption in mind. But if you've been considering a trip with Air Canada and are looking for a way to earn Aeroplan points, this could be a good chance to transfer your Bilt points and book your flight.
Plus, TPG has found the Bilt transfer time to Aeroplan is usually minutes after you initiate a transfer between accounts.
Related: How long do Bilt Rewards points take to transfer?
How to book hotels through the Bilt travel portal
Booking hotels is similar to booking flights on the travel portal. You can do it through the app or website. The general booking process is similar.
This can be a useful way to book hotels that aren’t affiliated with major chains like Hyatt and IHG, both of which are transfer partners of Bilt. Whether you book through the portal or elsewhere, compare the award rates of loyalty programs to find the best deal.
Here’s a sample search for hotels in Victoria, British Columbia, which hosts mostly boutique hotels.
Once you’ve selected your desired property, room and rate, you can specify how many points you want to use on the checkout page.
Then, run through the on-screen prompts to finalize your booking, and you’ll get an email confirmation.
Related: The best hotel rewards programs in the world
How to book rental cars and activities through the Bilt travel portal
You can also book rental cars and activities through the Bilt travel portal by using the app or website. The process of doing so is similar to booking flights and hotels. But there’s one key difference — you can’t earn points on activities.
To book a rental car, navigate to the “Cars” header from the main landing page and type in your itinerary, even if it’s a one-way rental. Then, select “Search,” and the results page will pop up. Once you choose your car, you’ll be prompted to select add-ons.
When you’ve finished selecting, you’ll head to the booking page, where you’ll input your personal information and choose how many points, if any, you’d like to redeem.
Finally, click “Things to do” from the main homepage to book activities. You can enter your destination and travel dates to see what’s available. For Universal Studios Hollywood, you can purchase a one- or two-day ticket. Parking is not included in this ticket.
If you don’t have enough points for the entire activity, you can apply the points you have at checkout and pay cash for the remaining balance.
Related: Iconic Universal Studios Hollywood celebrates 60 years of moviemaking and theme park thrills
Things to consider about the Bilt travel portal
Here are some general pointers to make the most of your experience with the portal.
First, compare the points required through the portal with those needed for partner transfers, considering any additional taxes and fees. It’s generally best to avoid booking chain hotels through the portal if you have elite status or wish to obtain it (or want to earn points in a given hotel loyalty program). Stays booked this way usually do not count toward status and may not qualify for elite benefits.
If you frequently book with cash through Bilt’s travel portal, consider opening the Bilt Mastercard. That way, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar instead of just 1 point per dollar. You should also consider using a card that earns high rewards on travel purchases.
Although you may find better rates by booking directly with the travel provider, if your plans are firm and the rates are comparable, booking through the portal can be worthwhile for earning extra points.
Remember that booking through third-party sites can lead to complications if you need to change your plans. Travel providers are generally more willing to assist you if you’ve booked with them directly.
Related: Why you don’t earn hotel points when booking through an online travel agency
Bottom line
With the Bilt travel portal, you can redeem your points to book flights, hotels, rental cars and activities. By searching for flights in the Bilt app, you can get an idea of award space using the Point.me plug-in. If award flights are unavailable or you come across a low-cost fare that requires fewer points, booking through the portal can be a smart choice.
Similarly, when it comes to hotels, it can be a great deal if you find a cheap rate or opt for a boutique property. However, you may not earn hotel points or receive elite benefits. It’s always wise to compare options and determine whether using the portal or transferring points to partners for an award is the more advantageous route.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.