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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
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Bilt 2.0 cards are now live — here's how to activate your card and set up your account
Augusta Stone is a credit cards writer for TPG. She joined the TPG team in 2023 and is excited to take points and miles beginners with her on a journey toward maximizing rewards.
February 7, 2026 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial note: TPG founder Brian Kelly is a Bilt adviser and investor.
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Quick summary
New cardholders who applied by Feb. 1 should now have their refreshed cards and can activate them through the app or by scanning a QR code.
The activation process includes linking a bank account for housing payments, which are now debited directly via ACH instead of against a credit limit.
After activation, users can add their card to a digital wallet and select a housing rewards structure, with options that may change for new applicants after Jan. 1, 2027.
Some redemption options for rewards are available immediately, while others will become accessible starting in March.
What to consider
Housing payments now require a linked bank account and are processed via ACH, not against a credit limit.
Rewards structures differ based on when you open your account, with a key change for new applicants after Dec. 31, 2026.
Certain limited-time offers, such as increased earning rates, have specific eligibility windows and may no longer be available.
What you'll miss from the article
Step-by-step guidance for activating your new card, selecting rewards options and troubleshooting common issues during the transition.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
If you haven't applied for a Bilt card yet, you can still apply for any of these cards now. However, Feb. 1 was the last date for those who held the Wells Fargo-backed Bilt Mastercard® to opt for a "seamless transfer" to one of the three options.
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.
If you have your new card in hand, it's now ready for you to start spending and racking up some points — but you have to activate it first.
Here is what cardholders need to do now to activate their new Bilt card.
How to set up your Bilt 2.0 card account
Assuming you have your new card in hand, open your Bilt app or scan the QR code from the mail you received with the card.
AUGUSTA STONE/THE POINTS GUY
Scanning this QR code takes you to the activation landing page.
If using the app, tap "Activate card" in the "Wallet" tab.
Activate card. BILT
If you haven't confirmed the bank account you wish to use for rent and mortgage payments yet, this will come up in the activation process. Remember, your housing payments will now be debited directly from your linked bank account via Automated Clearing House (ACH).
Previously, housing payments were made against your credit limit, but this has changed with Bilt 2.0.
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Next, you'll be prompted to place your phone on the back of your card to activate.
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You can also select "Enter CVC instead" and choose to activate that way.
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After following these steps, you'll see a screen while your card details are being verified.
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Once this process is complete (it took me just a couple of seconds), your card is officially activated. You should see a message confirming the activation.
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You'll also receive an email confirming the activation.
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After your card is activated, Bilt will prompt you to add the card to your Apple Wallet.
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Current cardholders on staff transitioning to the refreshed card weren't able to add their card to Apple Pay immediately. Bilt noted in an email that the transition could take some additional time.
However, new cardholders who were activating their first Bilt card had no problems setting up their cards for use in Apple Pay.
Bilt Palladium. BILT
After activating your digital wallet, you'll be asked to decide on your housing rewards structure. Your selection can be changed in the future, but to start, you can choose to earn 4% Bilt Cash on all purchases* or earn up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on rent or mortgage (depending on how much you spend in nonhousing purchases each month). Each Bilt Cash award expires 12 months after you earn it, on the last day of that month.
*Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, new Bilt cardholders will only have access to the housing-only rewards option. Cardholders who open an account by Dec. 31, 2026, can retain the 4% Bilt Cash earning option by opting out of the new benefits before their first card anniversary.
TPG tip: If you are spending a lot on the card in a hurry relative to your rent or mortgage payment amount because you are working to maximize your welcome offer, "Flexible Bilt Cash" may be a good earning selection to start.
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That's the last step to get it all started. Your new card should now be activated and should be ready for purchases.
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You can expect to see the Bilt Cash from your welcome offer already in your account upon activation. Some Bilt Cash redemption options don't come online until March, but there are some options available now if you want to start spending it right away.
Bilt Cash. BILT
TPG has already tried out using some Bilt Cash, redeeming $10 in Walgreens credit.
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Bilt Cash options for redemptions. BILT
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Bilt Cash options for redemptions. BILT
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Bilt Cash options for redemptions. BILT
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Bilt Cash options for redemptions. BILT
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Bilt Cash options for redemptions. BILT
It showed up as a gift card ready for use in the app just a few minutes later. You'll find it by going to the Rewards button and then clicking on "Everyday rewards." From that screen, scroll over to the "Gift cards" button and click on that. You'll see it under "Your gift cards" on that screen.
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Bilt Cash redeemed as a Walgreens gift card. BILT
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Bilt Cash redeemed as a Walgreens gift card. BILT
Frequently asked questions
Here are some common questions that may pop up on activation day.
When will I receive TPG's exclusive Bilt offer?
The TPG exclusive offer for eligible Bilt Palladium, Bilt Obsidian and Bilt Blue cardholders begins today, Feb. 7.
The offer was available for a very limited time for those who applied through TPG's link on a TPG page advertising the exclusive offer during the qualifying period (noon EST on Jan. 14 through noon EST on Jan. 15) and provides 5 Bilt points per dollar spent on all eligible purchases for the first five days of card membership (up to 50,000 points; offer no longer available). The time frame for using that offer for eligible cardholders begins today and the last day to earn 5 points per dollar spent on your purchases with this offer is Feb. 12. Contact Bilt Support if your transactions aren't earning the expected number of points.
TPG tip: Eligible cardholders should have received an email from Bilt confirming their enrollment for this 5x offer on Feb. 6. Those who think they are eligible but did not receive that email can contact support@biltrewards.com.
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When will I earn my Bilt card's welcome offer?
This depends on the card you selected.
Bilt Palladium Card: Earn 50,000 Bilt points and Gold status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days from account opening. Plus, receive $300 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved.
Bilt Obsidian Card: Receive $200 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved.
Bilt Blue Card: Receive $100 of Bilt Cash when you apply and get approved.
If you selected the Bilt Palladium, your three-month period to meet the spending requirement begins today, Feb. 7. The Bilt Cash portion of these offers should be available and ready to spend as soon as the card is activated. Keep in mind that only $100 of Bilt Cash will roll over each year.
What if I didn't transition to a refreshed Bilt card?
The Wells Fargo-backed Bilt Mastercard stopped working Feb. 6, which was also the last day you could service that specific card through your Bilt account.
If you didn't select a refreshed Bilt 2.0 card or close your Wells Fargo account, your Bilt Mastercard was transitioned into a no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph® Card (see ).
The three Bilt cards should now be ready for purchases as soon as you activate them. With exceptionally valuable Bilt points ready to be earned, it's a big day for cardholders.
