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Bilt Rewards Adds Southwest Airlines as Latest Travel Transfer Partner
Bilt Rewards is at it again — this time adding another notable travel brand to its point transfer program.
About the Addition of Southwest Airlines:
This morning, Bilt announced that it would be partnering with Southwest Airlines. As a result, Bilt members can now transfer their Bilt Points to Southwest’s Rapid Rewards Program at a rate of 1:1.
With the addition of Southwest, Bilt now has a total of 19 travel transfer partners, including 14 airlines and five hotel brands. While most of these programs transfer at a rate of 1:1, Accor Live Limitless maintains a rate of 3:2, meaning 3,000 Bilt Points can be converted to 2,000 ALL points.
UPDATE: Bilt has also announced a transfer bonus for Southwest Airlines that will be available on May 1st, 2025 for Rent Day. Those with the regular level Blue status will earn a 25% bonus while those with Silver status will earn 50%, Gold will earn 75%, and Platinum status members will earn a 100% bonus.
Other Bilt News:
The partnership with Southwest comes hot on the heels of Bilt unveiling another point redemption option for members. Yesterday, the company launched the ability for customers to apply their Bilt Points toward student loan payments. Currently, five loan servicers — Nelnet, MOHELA, Sallie Mae, Aidvantage, and Navient — but more are expected to be added in the coming months. With this redemption option, points are valued at one cent each.
What They’re Saying:
Revealing this new addition to their travel partner line-up, Bilt founder and CEO Ankur Jain stated, “We’re thrilled to welcome Southwest Airlines to our growing roster of top travel partners. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to provide the most valuable and flexible rewards for our members.”
Jain continued, “Now, your housing payment that was once just a monthly expense can unlock travel experiences with one of America’s most popular airlines, giving our members access to more destinations across the U.S. and beyond.”
Meanwhoel, Southwest’s VP and chief product officer Jonathan Clarkson said of working with BIlt, “This collaboration allows Southwest to connect with a unique audience of renters and homeowners across the United States while offering them the opportunity to use their Bilt Points to fly Southwest and experience our legendary hospitality, extensive network, and the most flexible airline rewards program in the industry.”
My Thoughts:
Over the weekend, reports surfaced that a Bilt transfer page for Japan Airlines had gone live for a short time before disappearing. Thus, I was expecting an announcement regarding JAL this week — and, instead, got this as well as yesterday’s news about the student loan redemptions. Wild.
Obviously this news also comes at a trying time for Southwest as it shifts its identity as a carrier. Next month, the airline will do away with its long-held “bags fly free” promotion and, starting next year, it will also move to a reserved seating model.
Despite that, this is still a big get for Bilt as, previously, only Chase Ultimate Rewards points transferred to Rapid Rewards. Plus, this could mean that Bilt Members can look forward to Southwest transfer bonuses on future Rent Days (note: I wrote this before confirmation came today). Outside of that possibility, this may not be the most lucrative transfer option overall, but it’s one I bet will be popular among more casual travelers.
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