Bilt CEO Ankur Jain and United Wholesale Mortgage CEO Mat Ishbia recently unveiled a groundbreaking partnership during an appearance on ‘The Claman Countdown.’ This collaboration allows homeowners to earn rewards directly linked to their mortgage payments, enhancing the financial benefits tied to traditional housing costs.
Launching a new range of credit cards on Wednesday, Bilt aims to revolutionize how consumers approach housing expenses. The revamped program, known as Bilt 2.0, introduces three distinct credit card options, catering to different consumer needs, from a no-annual-fee card to a premium offering priced at $495. A standout feature of these new cards is that they enable users to pay their rent or mortgage without incurring any transaction fees—a first in the market according to Jain.
One of the primary objectives of the Bilt initiative is to make homeownership more accessible, particularly at a time when many Americans face challenges entering the housing market. With Bilt 2.0, users won’t earn a standard amount of points based solely on housing payments; rather, their everyday spending will influence how many points they can earn on rent or mortgage payments. This means that the more frequently consumers use their cards for daily purchases, the higher their potential rewards on housing costs.
The new cardholders will earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on all their everyday purchases, adding an attractive incentive. This Bilt Cash can be utilized for various monthly credits at participating restaurants, hotels, and rideshare services or to increase points on housing payments. For every $30 earned in Bilt Cash, users can redeem 1,000 points on rent or mortgage payments—again with no transaction fees. For instance, a renter with a $3,000 monthly payment accumulating $60 in Bilt Cash would earn 2,000 points, demonstrating the program’s potential benefits.
Amid increasing bipartisan concerns over affordability for consumers, Jain announced that all cardholders would enjoy a 10% APR for new purchases during the first year. This announcement coincides with recent proposals from lawmakers aiming to cap credit card interest rates at 10%, a move intended to shield consumers from being overcharged amidst rising interest rates that often reach beyond 20%.
Bilt is committed to its mission of supporting consumers—offering free credit reporting, rewards for down payments, and incentives for student loans. Jain noted that these initiatives collectively empower consumers and help them achieve financial stability.
In terms of accessibility, Bilt emphasizes that membership in their rewards program isn’t limited to cardholders. However, the new cards are designed to deepen engagement within Bilt’s ecosystem. Current users will need to select their new Bilt card by January 30, 2026, while maintaining their existing card numbers and subscription services. The system will effortlessly update in payment platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
The three card offerings include:
- Bilt Blue Card – No annual fee, earning 1X points on everyday spending and 4% back in Bilt Cash, with a $100 bonus at account opening.
- Bilt Obsidian Card – Featuring a $95 annual fee, earning 3X points on dining and groceries (up to $25,000 per year), along with additional travel benefits and a $200 bonus upon approval.
- Bilt Palladium Card – This premium $495 card offers significant benefits, including 2X points on all spending, a 50,000-point sign-up bonus, and $600 in annual credits for travel and cash, among various other premium perks.
As Bilt and United Wholesale Mortgage embark on this partnership, the focus on affordability and consumer rewards is expected to reshape the financial landscape for homeowners, making homeownership and everyday financial management more attainable for many.
