As of October 28, 2026, Bilt has announced Bilt Cash changes that cap hotel redemptions at twice a year, make up to 1.25x points on housing the default reward and give Bilt Cash a 12-month life. Existing cardmembers can opt out of the new default, so the right move depends on how you use the card.
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How Bilt Cash hotel limits change
Today, members can redeem up to $1,200 per year in Bilt Cash toward Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings with a two-night minimum, at $50 a month for Blue and Silver and $100 a month for Gold and Platinum. Under the announced changes, those redemptions are limited to twice per year. The limits are $50 semi-annually for Blue and Silver, $100 semi-annually for Gold and Platinum and $200 semi-annually for Palladium cardmembers. For anyone who valued monthly hotel redemptions, that is a clear reduction.
| Member group | Each redemption | Annual total |
|---|---|---|
| Blue and Silver | $50 | $100 |
| Gold and Platinum | $100 | $200 |
| Palladium cardmembers | $200 | $400 |
What the new Bilt housing reward default means
By default, cardmembers will earn up to 1.25x points on rent or mortgage payments, and Bilt is retiring Flexible Bilt Cash mode, which earns 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spending in addition to points. The housing points tier with your monthly everyday spend as a share of your rent or mortgage. Existing cardmembers do not have to move: they can opt out of the new benefits in card settings before their account anniversary, keep eligible annual credits and stay in Flexible Bilt Cash mode, although they will no longer be able to switch between the two options.
New cardmembers can choose Flexible Bilt Cash mode through Dec. 31, 2026. From Jan. 1, 2027, the up to 1.25x housing points reward becomes the automatic earning rate for them.
How Palladium and Obsidian annual credits change
Palladium cardmembers will go from $200 Bilt Cash plus a $400 hotel credit each year to $600 in Bilt Cash annually, which can be used more flexibly. Obsidian cardholders will go from a $100 annual hotel credit to $100 in Bilt Cash. Annual credits will also arrive based on the account anniversary year instead of Jan. 1. There are no changes to points earning rates on the cards, and the Points Accelerator is unchanged.
When Bilt Cash expires under the new rules
Until now, Bilt Cash has expired at the end of the calendar year, with a rollover of $100. Under the new rules, Bilt Cash expires at the end of the month, 12 months after it is earned. For example, Bilt Cash earned in October 2026 would expire on October 31, 2027. This gives members more time to redeem, which addresses a common frustration.
Who should opt out of the Bilt Cash changes
If you spend heavily on everyday purchases and use Bilt Cash for the Points Accelerator, staying in Flexible Bilt Cash mode may keep more value, since existing cardmembers can choose it. If your spending is mostly rent or mortgage and your everyday spending roughly matches it, the up to 1.25x housing points may fit better. If you relied on frequent monthly hotel redemptions, the new twice-a-year limits are the biggest change to plan around.