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The Best News!
I remember when shopping portals first came on the scene. One more step, one more tab, and then I’d forget to click anyway. I wasn’t earning much, either. Honestly, the whole thing kind of just stressed me out, and I said forget it.
That changed the day I realized I could earn American Express points and get more than one cent per point. Now, it’s gotten even better: You can earn Bilt points through Rakuten.
STOP– before you sign up for Rakuten, make sure you’re using a referral link like this one. Otherwise you’ll be missing out on free bonus miles (or money if you prefer to use it that way.)
Until now, Bilt points have been notoriously hard to earn. You could basically earn points through rent and one card. Within a week, Bilt announced two big shifts: you can earn through Rakuten right now, and starting in February, you’ll be able to earn on your mortgage too. Read all the details here: Bilt Rewards Newsroom+1.
If you’re just getting started with points, read my Free Beginner’s Guide before diving in. One step at a time, friends.
Why Does This Matter? Why Should It?
Bilt has transfer partners that are the most simple to use and get A LOT of value. Some of my favorites are Hyatt for high value hotel stays, Alaska Airlines routes via Atmos Rewards, and Southwest for super practical domestic flights. Earning into Bilt through Rakuten makes those balances grow on purchases we were making anyway. And because holiday shopping is when many of us spend the most, the timing is perfect.
The quick version (read this part if you’re busy)
- For the first 6 months of this partnership, $10 in Rakuten cash back = 1,000 Bilt points for everyone. After that, Blue members earn 50 Bilt points per $1 in Rakuten cash back, while Silver/Gold/Platinum keep the 1:1 value. Payouts follow Rakuten’s standard quarterly schedule.
- You link accounts in the Bilt app and choose Bilt points as your Rakuten “payment” method. Done.
How to Set Up
- Create or sign in to Rakuten using this link to get $50 after you spend $50. (that’s effectively 5,000 Bilt points during the introductory period).
2. Create a Bilt Account here (If you don’t already have one.)
Click sign up.
Enter your email.
Verify.
Enter your info.
Voila! You have an account.
3. Open the Bilt app → link Rakuten and select Bilt points as your payout choice. If your login emails match, it’s usually seamless.
- This step is important. I tried to do this the other way around and it did not show Bilt as an option for the payout. If you can’t find it, just click on this link: www.bilt.com/p/rakuten.
When you click ‘join now’ it will already link to the existing email address that you used to earn 5,000 points instead of the 2,500 Bilt offers to new sign ups and will give you this message:
- Shop like normal through Rakuten (website, app, or the browser button). Your quarterly payout will land as Bilt points. Rakuten FAQs if you are interested.
TRM tip: Put earning on auto-pilot by downloading the Rakuten app, allowing the browser extension on your phone, and adding it on your desktop.
Let’s Talk Numbers (and Expectations)
For six months, the math is fantastic: $10 cash back tracked in Rakuten equals 1,000 Bilt points. After that window, if you’re Blue (the default when you first join), it drops to 50 points per $1; if you’re Silver or higher, you keep the 1:1. That’s why I’ll be funneling my Rakuten earnings into Bilt during the promo period, then reassessing later.
Curious about status? Blue/Silver/Gold/Platinum are based on points earned (with some non-qualifying categories), and higher tiers hold onto better earnings after month six. Don’t spend extra just to chase it, but let your normal budget do the work.
Where These Bilt Points Go in my House
- Hyatt continues to deliver outsized value for families, especially with breakfast benefits tied to elite status, spacious suite options, and reasonable award prices that make longer stays attainable.
- With Atmos Rewards (through Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian), I’m seeing consistently solid domestic pricing, which can make a huge difference when you’re booking 4–6 seats together for a family trip.
- And of course, there’s Southwest. You already know how much I love it for its practical routes, flexible policies, and family-friendly booking options.
Just remember: always check award space before transferring points, since most transfers are one-way and can’t be reversed.
If you’re still learning how portals fit into the bigger picture, read this next: All About Shopping Portals.
While You’re Here
If you want step-by-step family strategies (deals, points news, transfer bonus updates), join us on social media!
- Free weekly newsletter for all the latest updates
- Instagram for trip recaps and news
- Facebook group where we help each other learn and travel even more
Summing Up
For the next six months, I’m switching my Rakuten earnings to Bilt points. It’s a simple move that finally makes earning Bilt realistic for non-renters, and it feeds the partners where we consistently find value for a family of six. After the promo window, I’ll evaluate. If I’m Blue status, I may toggle back to a different payout. If I’m holding a higher Bilt status, I’ll probably keep the Bilt setting instead of switching back to American Express. Either way, the setup is worth the five minutes today.
Ready to try it?
Start here: Join Rakuten and spend $50, get $50 → link accounts in the Bilt app → shop like normal. Then peek at your Bilt balance on the next Rakuten payout. I think it will surprise you!
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