Significant changes are on the horizon for Bilt cardholders as the rewards program prepares for a major structural overhaul in 2027. Among the most impactful shifts is a move away from earning 4% Bilt Cash on everyday purchases made using premium Bilt credit cards. Starting in January 2027, all newly approved cardholders will be restricted to the "housing-only" rewards option. While this alternative grants up to 1.25 points per dollar spent on rent or mortgage payments, it completely eliminates the ability to earn Bilt Cash.

Fortunately, Bilt has announced a grandfather clause allowing existing cardholders to maintain their current earning capabilities. However, keeping this legacy feature requires direct action from the user. Cardmembers must manually opt into the legacy structure within the Bilt mobile application before their individual cardmember anniversary date arrives.

The functionality to secure this preference is already fully live within the Bilt app. Current holders of the Bilt Palladium Card or the Bilt Obsidian Card who wish to continue earning 4% Bilt Cash into 2027 and beyond must navigate the app settings promptly. Missing this window means permanently transitioning to the new default framework once the annual renewal hits.

How to Opt Out of Bilt’s New Reward Structure

Although Bilt’s sweeping new reward structure officially takes effect on January 1, 2027, eligible cardholders do not need to wait until the calendar turns to make their preference known. The option to preserve the current earning mechanism is already accessible in the account portal, and completing the process early ensures that no deadlines are accidentally overlooked during the busy holiday season.

The exact deadline to make this crucial choice depends entirely on the individual’s cardmember anniversary date. For instance, a cardholder whose account anniversary falls in mid-February technically has until that specific date in 2027 to make the selection. However, once that deadline passes and the anniversary arrives, the decision becomes permanent. Cardholders cannot change their minds later and switch back once the lock-in period takes effect, making early confirmation a safer strategy for those who rely heavily on the existing reward mechanics.

The process within the Bilt app is designed to be straightforward. Users navigate to their account preferences, locate the reward structure settings, and make the explicit choice to retain Bilt Cash rather than accepting the incoming housing-centric default. A successful selection generates a confirmation screen within the application, alongside a visual indicator confirming that the legacy earning structure remains active for the upcoming year.

Why You May Want to Keep Bilt Cash

The decision to retain Bilt Cash largely comes down to strategic point optimization, particularly for holders of the ultra-premium Bilt Palladium Card. While Bilt Cash offers flexibility across various redemption avenues, its integration with Bilt’s powerful point accelerator program makes it an exceptionally lucrative asset for high-spending members.

Under the current rules, Obsidian and Palladium cardholders can utilize accumulated Bilt Cash balances to unlock an extra point per dollar spent across all purchases up to a specific spending threshold. This accelerator can be activated multiple times per year, effectively transforming everyday spending into a massive influx of transferable travel points. For a cardholder maximizing this feature to its fullest extent, the combined earning rate drastically outperforms standard travel credit cards available on the market.

Reaching the required threshold to maximize these accelerators, however, relies heavily on the steady accumulation of 4% Bilt Cash. Under the upcoming housing-only reward structure, the baseline accumulation of Bilt Cash drops significantly, making it mathematically impossible to trigger the maximum number of annual accelerators. Cardholders who depend on these elevated earning tiers to amass tens of thousands of bonus points each year find that retaining the legacy structure is essential to preserving the card’s long-term value proposition.

If You Want the New Reward Structure, There Is Nothing You Need to Do

While high-spending enthusiasts and point maximizers will likely rush to preserve their current status, Bilt’s incoming reward system may appeal to a different segment of the consumer base. For cardholders who find managing multiple reward currencies cumbersome, or for those whose primary financial focus is maximizing returns strictly on rent and mortgage payments, the transition requires no effort at all.

The new housing-only reward structure serves as the default setting within the Bilt app, and by January 2027, it will become the sole option available for any new accounts opened. Existing cardholders who are entirely satisfied with this streamlined approach do not need to adjust any settings or visit the app to confirm a choice. The system will automatically transition un-opted accounts into the new framework upon their respective cardmember anniversaries.

For those uncertain about which path makes the most financial sense for their unique spending habits, analytical tools such as rewards calculators can help project long-term value under both structures. Weighing the steady stream of Bilt Cash against the simplified housing rewards helps clarify whether preserving the legacy setup is worth the administrative step.

Bottom Line

The 2027 changes represent a fundamental evolution for the Bilt ecosystem, but existing Bilt Palladium and Obsidian cardholders have a narrow window to protect their current earning potential. Updating account preferences within the Bilt app before the annual cardmember anniversary is the only way to safeguard the ability to earn 4% Bilt Cash. Failing to act before this deadline results in an automatic, irreversible shift to the housing-only reward model.

Consumers who are not yet cardholders still have a brief opportunity to access the expiring model. Prospective applicants must apply, secure approval, and accept a new Bilt credit card before the end of the year, immediately following up with the appropriate app selection to lock in the preferred reward structure. With significant structural changes looming across the travel rewards landscape, timely action remains critical for anyone looking to maximize the full earning potential of their Bilt account.