Bilt Rewards, a platform known for allowing users to earn points on rent, has announced a major expansion into the housing market. The company is partnering with United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) to offer rewards points on monthly mortgage payments, a move set to launch in early 2026.
This strategic partnership will allow both new and existing UWM customers to accumulate Bilt Points on their home loans, further broadening Bilt's loyalty ecosystem beyond the rental sector. While full details are still pending, the collaboration marks a significant step for the rewards company as it ventures deeper into homeownership finance.
Key Takeaways
- Bilt Rewards and United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM) have formed a partnership to offer points on mortgage payments.
- The program is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with a specific date yet to be announced.
- Both existing and future UWM customers will be eligible to earn Bilt Points on their monthly mortgage payments.
- The partnership will also include additional benefits like move-in gifts and milestone celebrations.
- This move places Bilt in direct competition with other platforms, such as Mesa Points, that already offer mortgage rewards.
Bilt Expands Rewards Program to Mortgages
Bilt Rewards is set to introduce a new way for consumers to earn loyalty points through a partnership with United Wholesale Mortgage. Starting in early 2026, homeowners with mortgages serviced by UWM will be able to earn Bilt Points on their regular, on-time payments.
This initiative represents a significant evolution for Bilt, which launched in 2021 with a primary focus on the rental market. The company gained popularity by offering a fee-free way for tenants to pay rent with a credit card and earn valuable, transferable rewards points.
By entering the mortgage space, Bilt is targeting a much larger segment of the U.S. housing market. The move aligns with its recent efforts to create a comprehensive loyalty program that covers various aspects of housing and personal finance, including student housing and loan payments.
From Rent to Homeownership
Bilt's original value proposition was centered on renters, a group traditionally excluded from earning rewards on their largest monthly expense. The company's expansion into mortgages suggests a strategy to retain customers as they transition from renting to owning a home, creating a long-term financial relationship.
The company has stated that all loans originating through UWM will feature "embedded Bilt benefits." These perks are expected to go beyond just earning points and may include tangible rewards and reminders to help homeowners manage their finances effectively.
Understanding United Wholesale Mortgage's Role
The choice of United Wholesale Mortgage as a partner is a strategic one. Based in Michigan, UWM is a dominant force in the American housing market. This partnership provides Bilt with immediate access to a massive customer base.
UWM by the Numbers
For the past 10 consecutive years, United Wholesale Mortgage has held the title of the largest mortgage lender in the United States. It is also the country's largest purchase lender, operating through a network of independent mortgage brokers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
UWM operates on a wholesale model, meaning it does not lend directly to consumers. Instead, it works with independent mortgage brokers who connect borrowers with UWM's loan products. This structure means that a large number of homeowners across the country may already have a UWM mortgage without interacting directly with the company brand.
When the program launches, existing UWM customers will be transitioned into the new rewards system. This will provide an instant user base for Bilt's new mortgage rewards offering, potentially engaging millions of homeowners from day one.
How the New Rewards Program Will Function
While the partnership has been announced, many specific details about how homeowners will earn points remain under wraps. Bilt has confirmed the program will reward on-time monthly payments, but the exact earning structure has not been finalized.
Expected Earning Rates
Industry observers speculate that the earning rate could mirror Bilt's current structure for rent payments. Renters using the Bilt Mastercard earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent, with an annual cap of 100,000 points. It is possible a similar model will be applied to mortgage payments.
It is also unclear if having the Bilt co-branded credit card will be a requirement to earn points or if it will simply enhance the earning potential. The company's current model for rent requires users to make at least five transactions per month on their Bilt card to earn points on rent, a condition that could potentially carry over to the mortgage program.
Additional Member Benefits
Beyond points, Bilt and UWM have promised a suite of additional benefits for members. These are intended to enhance the homeownership experience and include:
- Move-in gifts for new homeowners.
- Milestone celebrations to mark significant events.
- Strategic refinance reminders to help customers potentially save money.
The specifics of these benefits have not been detailed, but they suggest an effort to build a more engaging and supportive platform for homeowners beyond simple transaction-based rewards.
Market Context and Competitive Landscape
Bilt's entry into the mortgage rewards space is a logical next step but not an entirely new concept. The company will face competition from other fintech platforms that have already identified home loans as a valuable source for customer loyalty.
The most direct competitor is Mesa Points, which operates a homeowners-focused credit card. The Mesa card offers 1 point per dollar spent on mortgage payments, with the same 100,000-point annual cap that Bilt offers for rent. A key distinction is that Mesa does not require customers to use a specific mortgage provider, offering greater flexibility.
This raises important questions about Bilt's strategy. By tying its rewards program exclusively to UWM, Bilt may limit its potential market. However, the partnership gives Bilt access to the nation's largest lender, providing a significant scale that competitors may struggle to match.
According to reports, the success of Bilt's program will likely depend on the final earning rates and the perceived value of the exclusive UWM partnership compared to the flexibility offered by competitors like Mesa.
Bilt has successfully built a strong network of transfer partners for its points, including major airlines and hotel chains, which adds significant value to its rewards currency. This established ecosystem could be a major advantage in attracting and retaining homeowners.
Unanswered Questions and Future Outlook
As the early 2026 launch date approaches, several key questions remain unanswered. The answers will be critical in determining the program's appeal to homeowners.
The foremost question is the points earning rate. Will it match the 1 point per dollar offered by competitors, or will Bilt introduce a different structure? Similarly, will there be an annual cap on earnings, and if so, will it be the same 100,000-point limit seen in its rental program?
Another important factor will be the requirements for participation. Observers are keen to know if homeowners will need to hold the Bilt Mastercard and meet minimum transaction requirements to qualify for mortgage points.
The exclusive nature of the UWM partnership is also a point of interest. While it provides scale, it also creates a barrier for millions of homeowners who have mortgages with other lenders. Bilt's ability to grow in this sector may depend on whether it can successfully persuade potential homebuyers to choose a UWM-affiliated broker specifically to access these rewards.
Ultimately, this partnership signals a clear ambition from Bilt to become a central player in the financial lives of American households, from their first apartment to their family home. The final details of the program will reveal just how compelling its new offer will be.
