Paying rent has always been one of life’s biggest recurring expenses, yet until recently, it offered little in return. Platforms like Bilt Rewards brought attention to the idea of earning points for rent payments, creating excitement among renters. But is Bilt really the best option for residents and property managers? Or are there smarter alternatives better suited for long-term engagement and value?
In this guide, we’ll compare Bilt pay rent with Paylode, focusing on how property managers and real estate developers can transform rent payments into a powerful resident loyalty strategy. We’ll highlight the limitations of Bilt and show why Paylode’s real estate-focused loyalty platform delivers more consistent, cost-effective, and rewarding experiences.
Why rent rewards programs matter in real estate
For most residents, rent is their single largest monthly expense. Traditional loyalty programs in industries like airlines, telecom, or credit cards allow users to earn points for everyday spending. Real estate has lagged behind—until now.
Offering rent rewards provides benefits like:
- Increased resident retention: Perks tied to rent make residents think twice before switching properties.
- Improved resident experience: Rewards transform paying rent from a chore into a benefit.
- Competitive advantage for property managers: Properties with perks stand out in competitive housing markets.
This is where Bilt and Paylode enter the conversation—but their approaches couldn’t be more different.
How Bilt pay rent works
Bilt Rewards is a platform that lets residents pay rent through its app or partnered property managers and earn points for paying rent. Those points can be redeemed for travel, dining, or fitness perks.
Key features of Bilt pay rent include:
- Points system: Residents earn Bilt points for every rent payment.
- Bilt rent day bonuses: Extra promotions and rewards offered on the 1st of each month.
- Partnership network: Bilt partners with airlines, hotels, and fitness companies for point redemption.
- Credit card integration: Renters can apply for the Bilt Mastercard to expand earning potential.
At first glance, this seems attractive. But points-based systems like Bilt come with limitations—both for residents and property managers.
The limitations of Bilt Rewards
While Bilt has generated buzz, its model raises several challenges:
- Complex redemption system
Residents must navigate a points-based model, with varying redemption values depending on the partner. A point earned doesn’t always translate into real-world value, making it hard for residents to calculate actual savings. - Limited flexibility for property managers
Bilt’s rewards are designed around its ecosystem, not customized for property managers. This restricts real estate operators from creating tailored programs for their residents. - Business-funded model
Property managers typically absorb the cost of providing Bilt rewards, raising OPEX without clear ROI. - Focus on short-term excitement
Bilt’s promotions like Bilt rent day create one-off spikes in engagement, but not necessarily long-term loyalty.
This is where Paylode offers a smarter, more sustainable alternative.
How Paylode transforms resident loyalty
Paylode is built with real estate expertise at its core. Instead of trying to copy credit card-style point systems, Paylode focuses on merchant-funded perks that deliver consistent value to residents while lowering costs for property managers.
Here’s how Paylode stands out:
- Perks, not points: Residents receive instant rewards like discounts, local offers, or digital perks that they can use immediately—no confusing redemption process.
- Merchant-funded model: Perks are funded by merchants, not property managers, reducing operating expenses.
- Customizable loyalty programs: Property managers can design loyalty and perks programs tailored to their resident demographics.
- Engagement beyond rent day: Rewards are tied to behaviors like on-time payments, renewals, or referrals, creating ongoing engagement.
Explore how Paylode’s resident perks can transform tenant experience.
Bilt vs. Paylode: A direct comparison
Why Paylode is better for real estate operators
If you’re a property manager, the question isn’t just “Do residents earn something for paying rent?”—it’s “Does the loyalty program drive long-term retention and ROI?”
Paylode delivers on three key fronts:
- Lower operational cost: With a merchant-funded model, property managers don’t have to worry about skyrocketing expenses.
- Tailored resident experience: Paylode’s programs adapt to the needs of real estate operators, whether multifamily, student housing, or residential real estate.
- Engagement at multiple touchpoints: Beyond rent day, perks can be tied to paperless billing (switch to paperless), on-time payments, or renewals.
Real estate case: How Paylode helps retain residents
Imagine a residential real estate operator with 500 units. Using Bilt, they’d provide points to residents each month, with limited visibility into whether those points drive satisfaction or renewals. The cost is shouldered by the operator.
With Paylode:
- Residents receive instant perks funded by merchants.
- Operators customize rewards for specific milestones like move-ins, lease renewals, or referrals.
- Engagement increases, while operational costs remain low.
This approach drives higher retention, improved tenant satisfaction, and measurable ROI.
See how Paylode supports residential real estate.
Why merchant-funded perks outperform points
Unlike traditional points programs:
- Perks are immediate: Residents don’t wait months to redeem.
- Perks are clear in value: A discount or offer has transparent worth.
- Perks are cost-efficient: Merchants carry the expense.
- Perks build ongoing loyalty, not one-time hype.
This makes Paylode a sustainable option for long-term real estate loyalty strategies.
Conclusion: The smarter way forward
While Bilt pay rent introduced the idea of earning rewards for paying rent, its points-based model comes with complexity and higher costs for property managers. Paylode takes a smarter approach—focusing on real estate loyalty, merchant-funded perks, and resident engagement beyond rent day.
For property managers and real estate developers, the choice is clear: Paylode isn’t just an alternative to Bilt—it’s the better long-term solution for rewarding residents and building loyalty.
Ready to elevate your resident experience? Explore the Paylode platform, discover perks, or book a demo today.
FAQs
1. What is Bilt pay rent?
Bilt pay rent allows residents to earn points when paying rent through Bilt’s app or partnered properties.
2. What is Bilt rent day?
Bilt rent day is a monthly promotion (on the 1st) where residents can earn bonus rewards or points.
3. How does Paylode differ from Bilt?
Paylode uses merchant-funded perks, provides instant resident rewards, and is built specifically for real estate, making it more cost-effective and engaging for property managers.
4. Why are perks better than points?
Perks deliver clear, instant value and don’t require confusing redemption processes. They’re also funded by merchants, lowering costs for operators.
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