Bilt Rewards has expanded its airline partnerships by adding Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program as a transfer partner. This new collaboration allows renters to convert points earned from paying rent into Southwest points, potentially leading to free flights.
The addition of Southwest Rapid Rewards represents a significant expansion of Bilt’s travel rewards ecosystem, giving renters another major U.S. carrier option for their accumulated points. Bilt members can now transfer points earned from monthly rent payments directly to Southwest’s loyalty program.
How the Partnership Works
The new partnership functions similarly to Bilt’s existing airline transfer relationships. Members earn points when they pay rent through the Bilt platform or use the Bilt Mastercard for everyday purchases. These points can now be transferred to Southwest Rapid Rewards at what appears to be a 1:1 ratio, though specific transfer rates were not detailed.
For renters who fly Southwest regularly, this partnership creates a new pathway to earn Southwest points without additional spending beyond their necessary monthly housing costs. This could help travelers reach reward thresholds faster for Southwest’s popular flights across the United States, Mexico, Central America, and Caribbean destinations.
Growing Transfer Network
Southwest joins Bilt’s growing list of transfer partners, which already includes several major airline loyalty programs. The addition is particularly valuable because Southwest points offer consistent value with no blackout dates and the airline doesn’t partner with many other transferable points currencies.
For consumers, this partnership adds flexibility to their Bilt points, allowing them to choose from more airlines when planning travel. Southwest’s generous baggage policy (two free checked bags) and no change fees make it an attractive option for domestic travelers.
Bilt Rewards has positioned itself as the primary loyalty program focused on rental payments, a major monthly expense that traditionally earned no rewards. By adding Southwest, Bilt addresses a gap in its partner network, as Southwest has a dedicated customer base that values the airline’s unique benefits and route network.
Strategic Value for Both Companies
For Bilt, adding Southwest enhances the appeal of its rewards program, potentially attracting new users who prefer Southwest for their travel needs. The partnership may help Bilt compete more effectively with credit card rewards programs that already offer various transfer partners.
From Southwest’s perspective, the partnership opens a new channel for customer acquisition and engagement. By connecting with Bilt’s user base of renters, Southwest gains access to potential travelers who might convert their rent-earned points into flights.
The timing aligns with increased travel demand as more Americans return to regular air travel. For renters who fly Southwest frequently, the ability to earn points toward free flights simply by paying rent could provide substantial value over time.
This development comes as loyalty programs across the travel industry continue to expand their partnerships to offer consumers more ways to earn and redeem points, making the programs more valuable and encouraging continued engagement.
