Bilt Rewards and Rakuten — one among our favourite on-line purchasing portals — simply introduced a brand new partnership. By way of this partnership, you may redeem cash-back rewards from Rakuten for Bilt Factors.
Bilt founder and CEO Ankur Jain wrote in a press launch, “We’re thrilled to launch this partnership at present, simply as the vacation purchasing season kicks into excessive gear. Beginning proper now, whether or not you are furnishing your condo, purchasing for the vacations, or checking objects off your weekly to-do checklist, you are incomes factors that may ebook you a flight to Tokyo, assist to cowl subsequent month’s lease, or unlock unique experiences. The combination is seamless: hyperlink your accounts, store as you usually would via Bilt or Rakuten, and accumulate your rewards. That is the present that retains on giving.”
As Jain mentioned, you may uncover and store Rakuten gives straight throughout the Bilt app, or you may store via Rakuten’s web site, browser extension or app. No matter the way you store Rakuten gives, you may earn cash-back rewards which you can then redeem for Bilt factors.
Associated: Bilt Rewards is not only for renters — here is why there’s one thing for everybody now
Nonetheless, you will want to hyperlink your Rakuten account via the Bilt app. When you accomplish that, choose “Bilt Factors” as your Rakuten cost methodology after which store via Rakuten as you usually would. Since Bilt factors are your Rakuten cost methodology, you will get Bilt factors mechanically every quarter (since Rakuten has a quarterly payout schedule).
To be clear, you will solely have the ability to get Bilt factors as your Rakuten payout methodology for purchases when you hyperlink your accounts and choose Bilt factors as your cost methodology. And there are some limited-time gives to get members to hyperlink their accounts and decide in to earn Bilt factors when utilizing Rakuten.
For the primary six months, all Bilt member standing tiers will take pleasure in a 1:1 conversion ratio. This 1:1 conversion ratio means $10 in Rakuten money again will equal 1,000 Bilt factors. After that time, Bilt members with Blue standing will obtain 50 Bilt factors per greenback in Rakuten money again, and Bilt members with Silver standing or increased will proceed to get 100 Bilt factors per greenback of Rakuten money again.
Moreover, Bilt members will earn 2,500 bonus Bilt factors in the event that they join Rakuten via the Bilt app after which make a qualifying buy of $25 or extra. Observe that this bonus applies to new Rakuten members solely.
Do you have to hyperlink your Rakuten and Bilt Rewards accounts?
Rakuten means that you can earn cash-back rewards at 1000’s of on-line retail retailers. Nonetheless, for many factors and miles fanatics, opting to earn Amex factors as a substitute of Rakuten money again has been a profitable rewards-earning possibility. You’ll earn 100 Amex factors per greenback spent in Rakuten money again.
Reward your inbox with the TPG Day by day e-newsletter
Be part of over 700,000 readers for breaking information, in-depth guides and unique offers from TPG’s consultants
However, with Rakuten’s new partnership with Bilt, do you have to swap your incomes possibility?
Since TPG values Amex factors at 2 cents apiece, per our November 2025 valuations, 100 Amex factors equals $2.
For the primary six months, Bilt members will earn 100 factors per greenback spent in Rakuten money again. Subsequently, 100 Bilt factors equals $2.20, per our November 2025 valuations, by which we worth Bilt factors at 2.2 cents apiece. Nonetheless, following the six-month promotional interval, Bilt’s Blue standing members (entry-level tier) will solely earn 50 Bilt factors per greenback spent, which is valued at $1.10.
Whereas incomes Membership Rewards factors via Rakuten might yield the next worth for non-Bilt standing holders, the latter has 22 airline and lodge switch companions in comparison with Amex’s 20 companions. Moreover, to earn Membership Rewards factors, you will need to have an present eligible Amex card, whereas Bilt doesn’t require members to be cardholders to earn rewards factors.
Subsequently, for individuals who haven’t got an eligible Amex card or for individuals who worth journey rewards factors over money again, incomes Bilt factors could possibly be an amazing possibility.
Associated: One of the best bank cards for on-line purchasing
Backside line
General, Bilt continues to ascertain itself as a stronghold throughout the rewards house, driving innovation within the methods members can earn and redeem factors.
Bilt’s partnership with Rakuten is one more instance of how members can earn worthwhile rewards with out having to open or spend on a bank card. For these trying to earn transferable rewards, linking your Bilt and Rakuten accounts is a simple (and probably cost-saving) step to absorb your factors journey.
Associated studying:
