Rakuten to Add Bilt Rewards as a Transfer Partner: A Game Changer for Travel?
Hey everyone, Phillip here from Points of Phillip! Today, we're discussing a potentially HUGE development in the world of travel rewards. Doctor of Credit reported a leak/rumor suggesting that Rakuten will soon allow you to transfer your cashback (or Membership Rewards points) to Bilt Rewards.
While I haven't been able to independently verify this information, the potential impact is significant enough to warrant a discussion. So, let's dive into what this could mean for your travel game!
What is Rakuten?
If you're not familiar, Rakuten is a cashback portal that allows you to earn rewards (either cash back or American Express Membership Rewards points) on online purchases. You simply start your shopping journey through the Rakuten website or app, click on the retailer you want, and Rakuten tracks your purchase to award you the appropriate cashback or points.
Rakuten + Bilt: Why This Matters
The rumored addition of Bilt Rewards as a transfer partner is a big deal because it opens up a whole new range of possibilities for maximizing your rewards.
Here's a quick recap of what Bilt Rewards offers:
Transfer Partners: Bilt has a unique set of transfer partners, including airlines like United, Southwest (exclusive to Chase Ultimate Rewards, except for Bilt), Alaska Airlines (Atmos), and Hawaiian Airlines (Atmos), along with hotel programs like Hyatt, Marriott, IHG, and Accor Live Limitless.
Rent Rewards: Primarily, Bilt allows you to earn points on rent payments without fees.
Who Will Benefit Most from This Change?
This Rakuten-Bilt partnership is most exciting for those who:
Fly United or Southwest: Bilt is one of the few programs that allows you to transfer points to both of these airlines.
Value Alaska Airlines (Atmos) Points: The loss of Amex as a transfer partner made it harder to get Alaska miles. Now, Rakuten via Bilt could be your solution.
Are Chase Ultimate Rewards Users: If you primarily earn Chase points, Bilt could be a great way to augment your travel strategy by transferring to valuable programs not offered by Chase.
Love Hyatt Hotels: Rakuten via Bilt can be an effective way to gain access to Hyatt Points, even from shopping purchases.
Rakuten: A Quick Overview
Rakuten offers cashback and Membership Rewards points at a wide variety of retailers. Here are a few examples:
Belk
Yui
Brooks Brothers
Macy's
Sofi
When using Rakuten, be mindful of potential conflicts with other shopping portals. Make sure you activate the Rakuten offer and disable any other browser extensions that might interfere.
Bilt Rewards: A Closer Look at Transfer Partners
Here's a quick breakdown of Bilt's transfer partners and why they're valuable:
Airlines:
Alaska Airlines (Atmos): Book American Airlines flights at favorable rates.
United: Great for domestic travel and access to Star Alliance partners.
Southwest: Easy to use for domestic flights.
Virgin Atlantic: Good for booking Delta flights and other opportunities.
Japan Airlines: A solid option for premium cabin redemptions.
Air Canada (Aeroplan): Access Star Alliance award availability.
Qatar Airways: Great for QSuites redemptions.
And more!
Hotels:
Hyatt: Consistently offers excellent value for points.
Accor Live Limitless: Access Fairmont and other European-based hotels.
While Bilt also partners with Marriott and IHG, these transfers are generally not recommended due to poor value compared to other options.
Amex Membership Rewards: Still a Strong Option?
Even with the potential addition of Bilt, American Express Membership Rewards remains a valuable program. Here's why:
Delta SkyMiles: If you frequently fly Delta, Amex is the way to go.
Hilton Honors: Amex offers a 1:2 transfer ratio to Hilton, which may be more appealing than the 1:1 ratio offered by Bilt.
Wide Range of Airline Partners: Amex has a comprehensive list of airline partners, offering flexibility for international travel.
Strategizing Your Rewards: Amex vs. Bilt
When choosing between transferring your Rakuten rewards to Amex or Bilt, consider the following:
Which ecosystems do you primarily earn in?
What are your travel goals?
What credit cards do you already have?
If you:
Primarily use Chase cards and want access to Hyatt, United, or Southwest.
Want Alaska Airlines (Atmos) miles.
Value domestic travel.
...then Bilt is likely the better option.
If you:
Frequently fly Delta.
Want to transfer to Hilton.
Value international travel and Amex's broad range of airline partners.
...then Amex may be the better choice.
Final Thoughts
The potential integration of Bilt Rewards into the Rakuten ecosystem is an exciting development. It has the potential to unlock significant value for travelers who prioritize United, Southwest, Alaska Airlines and Hyatt. I'm curious to hear what you all think of this news!