Frequent Miler on the Air

Best uses for Bilt points | Frequent Miler on the Air Ep297 | 3-14-25

Mar 14, 2025

Discover the multifaceted world of Bilt Rewards, where rewards extend beyond rent. Learn savvy strategies for credit card applications, like utilizing private browsing for better Amex offers. Dive into Marriott's new policies that could affect loyalty perks. Explore incredible Virgin Atlantic award availability for as low as 29K points. Join the conversation on maximizing savings with Aviator companion tickets, and uncover hidden potential in airline loyalty programs. Plus, fine-tune your award travel strategies for optimal value!

01:24:38

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Quick takeaways

Bilt Points are best utilized for high-value redemptions like travel or significant purchases instead of low-return options like rent payments.

Listener feedback highlights the complications of relying on Amex bonus points for certain payments, indicating a need for cautious engagement with rewards.

Recent changes in airline and hotel loyalty programs, like Southwest's fee adjustments and Marriott's guest rules, signal diminishing rewards for consumers.

Deep dives

Understanding Bilt Points and Their Value

Bilt Points are a rewards currency that can be accumulated through various spending categories, notably rent payments made with the Bilt credit card. Users are encouraged to maximize the value of their points by avoiding low-value redemptions such as paying rent or shopping on Amazon, which offer minimal returns on points. The podcast highlights that redeeming points for travel or significant purchases can yield much higher value compared to typical day-to-day expenses. For instance, points can be redeemed for travel or even applied as a down payment when purchasing a home, thus providing greater financial benefits.

Intro

4min

Navigating Credit Card Rewards and Tax Payments

2min

Navigating Amex Offers and Bonus Points

7min

Marriott & Loyalty Program Challenges

15min

Exploring Virgin Atlantic's Award Availability and Value

2min

Maximizing Travel Savings with Companion Tickets

3min

Maximizing Travel Savings Through Personal Experiences and Points Transfers

2min

Maximizing Bilt Points: Strategies and Pitfalls

12min

Maximizing Airline Loyalty Programs

20min

10.

Navigating Award Travel Strategies

16min

Bilt Rewards is a program that became famous for giving you rewards for your rent payments, but these days there are many ways to earn Bilt rewards. In this episode, we'll pay special attention to how you might want to use your Bilt points.

(01:15) - John writes in with a correction for Nick's statement that there's a "zero percent chance" the tax payment won't count toward the bonus.

(06:57) - Andrew writes in about applying for an Amex card by opening up a Private Browser and searching for the card there can bring up a higher offer.

(08:49) - Bilt 5x offers (targeted after asking for credit increase)

Learn more about the Bilt offer here.

Learn more about the Bilt spending offer for groceries, gas, and dining here.

(10:38) - Amex coupon credits and bonuses posting slowly (relax / don’t panic)

Learn more about Amex coupon credits and bonuses posting slowly here.

(13:30) - Marriott cracking down on "additional guest" reservations, which you can read more about here.

(20:47) - Southwest for the "win". Read about Southwest's disappointing updates here.

(23:28) - Check out our recent podcast episode about these Southwest changes here.

(23:38) - Nick finally gets his million

(25:14) - Reader winner updates

(28:38) - Excellent Virgin Atlantic business class availability as low as 29K points + $254

(31:26) - Aviator companion tickets for the win! Read more about this here.