Rakuten cemented its status as a go-to shopping portal years ago by adding the ability to earn Amex Membership Rewards points in lieu of cashback. An even more valuable option may soon be on the way.
As first reported by View from the Wing, an eagle-eyed Reddit user noticed Monday evening that Rakuten's website listed Bilt Rewards as a new option for getting paid out on online purchases – potentially allowing users to convert their earnings directly into Bilt points. As word rapidly spread, that mention was quietly removed late Monday or early Tuesday … but not before we confirmed it with a screenshot on Rakuten’s “Cash Back Balance” page.
So far, there's been no formal announcement from either Bilt or Rakuten. A representative from Bilt declined to comment.
But if this pans out as indicated, it'd be a huge win for travelers and a great way to earn some of most valuable points on the market.
Bilt Rewards, best known for allowing renters to earn points on rent payments without fees, has grown into one of the most valuable and versatile rewards programs available today, with a growing (and unbeatable) roster of more than 20 airline and hotel transfer partners and counting. But compared to the likes of American Express or Chase, Bilt points are hard to rack up.
Renters can sign up for a free Bilt Rewards account to earn points through the Bilt app, link accounts for rideshare and pharmacy rewards, and earn points on monthly payments.
Plus, travelers with the no-annual-fee Bilt Mastercard® allows you to earn 3x Bilt points per dollar spent on dining, 2x points per dollar spent on travel, and 1x point on all other eligible purchases … but there's no big welcome bonus to pad your stash from the outset.
A partnership with Rakuten would be a game changer: Opening the door to earning Bilt Rewards on thousands of online purchases. For many, it'll be a no-brainer to switch their Rakuten earnings from American Express point over to Bilt. That said, key details – like whether conversions would occur at a 1:1 ratio or if minimum thresholds apply – remain unknown.
Related reading: Bilt Rewards: Everything You Need to Know About Earning & Redeeming Points
Bottom Line
The leak may have gone up too soon, but it appears Rakuten is preparing to add Bilt as a new cash-out option. That would give Rakuten users yet another valuable way to turn everyday online shopping into travel rewards – this time through one of the most flexible (and fastest-growing) points programs around.
