Bilt Credit Card for Airbnb Renters: Does It Work?

The rise of the gig economy and remote work has transformed how people live and travel. Airbnb rentals have become a popular choice for digital nomads, freelancers, and even long-term renters looking for flexible housing options. But with frequent moves and rental payments, managing finances can get tricky. Enter the Bilt Credit Card—a card designed specifically for renters. But does it actually work for Airbnb renters? Let’s break it down.

What Is the Bilt Credit Card?

The Bilt Credit Card is a rewards card that allows users to earn points on rent payments without transaction fees. Traditionally, paying rent with a credit card incurs hefty processing fees, but Bilt partners with landlords and property management companies to bypass these charges.

Key Features:

• Earn Points on Rent: 1x point per dollar spent on rent (up to 50,000 points annually).
• No Transaction Fees: Unlike other cards, Bilt doesn’t charge fees for rent payments.
• Travel & Dining Rewards: 2x points on travel, 3x points on dining.
• Flexible Redemption: Points can be used for travel, fitness classes, or even toward a future down payment.

Can Airbnb Renters Use the Bilt Card?

This is where things get interesting. Since Airbnb operates as a short-term rental platform, it doesn’t fall under traditional "rent" payments. However, there are still ways Airbnb renters can benefit from the Bilt Credit Card.

Option 1: Paying Through Bilt’s Payment System

If you’re staying in an Airbnb long-term (30+ days), some hosts may allow direct rent payments. In this case, you could potentially use Bilt’s rent payment feature if the host is registered with Bilt’s network.

Option 2: Using the Card for Travel & Dining

Even if you can’t pay rent directly, Airbnb stays often involve travel and dining expenses. The Bilt card offers:
- 3x points on dining (great for trying local restaurants).
- 2x points on travel (including flights, hotels, and ride-sharing).

This means frequent Airbnb users can still rack up rewards on related spending.

The Pros & Cons for Airbnb Renters

Pros

✅ No Foreign Transaction Fees – Ideal for international Airbnb stays.
✅ Solid Rewards on Travel & Dining – More valuable than many general travel cards.
✅ Rent Reporting to Credit Bureaus – Helps build credit if you use it for traditional rent.

Cons

❌ Limited Rent Payment Flexibility – Most Airbnb hosts won’t accept Bilt’s payment system.
❌ Lower Rewards on Non-Rent Spending – Other travel cards may offer better general rewards.
❌ Annual Fee? – Currently, no annual fee, but future changes could affect value.

How Does It Compare to Other Travel Cards?

Bilt vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred

• Bilt: Best for renters who want to earn on rent (if applicable).
• Chase Sapphire Preferred: Better for general travel (higher sign-up bonus, broader rewards).

Bilt vs. Capital One Venture

• Bilt: No annual fee, but fewer travel perks.
• Capital One Venture: Comes with lounge access and higher travel rewards.

Bilt vs. Airbnb’s Own Credit Card

Yes, Airbnb has a co-branded card (through Barclays). However, it’s only available in the U.S. and has limited benefits compared to Bilt’s flexibility.

Real-World Use Cases

Case 1: The Digital Nomad

• Stays in Airbnbs for 3+ months in different cities.
• Uses Bilt for dining and local transport (3x/2x rewards).
• Pays "rent" via Bilt if the host allows it.

Case 2: The Frequent Mover

• Leases Airbnbs between apartment leases.
• Uses Bilt to build credit history via rent reporting.

Case 3: The Budget Traveler

• Stays in Airbnbs to save on hotels.
• Maximizes Bilt’s travel rewards for flights and dining.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

For traditional renters, the Bilt Credit Card is a no-brainer. But for Airbnb renters, the value depends on usage:

• If you stay in long-term Airbnbs and can pay rent via Bilt, it’s a great way to earn rewards on housing.
• If you use Airbnb for short stays, you’ll benefit more from the travel and dining perks than the rent feature.
• If you want a pure travel card, competitors like Chase Sapphire may offer better value.

Ultimately, the Bilt Credit Card is a unique product that bridges the gap between renting and travel—making it a compelling option for the modern, flexible renter.