Resident loyalty is no longer a “nice to have” in real estate—it’s a must. With rising competition, property managers and developers are looking for ways to stand out, improve retention, and deliver value beyond four walls and amenities. That’s why rent rewards programs have emerged as a growing trend, and why comparisons like Bilt rent rewards vs. Paylode perks are becoming increasingly relevant.
On one side, Bilt Rewards offers a points-based system that lets residents earn rewards for paying rent. On the other, Paylode delivers merchant-funded, everyday perks designed specifically for real estate. Which program truly delivers real value for residents—and measurable ROI for property managers? Let’s break it down.
What are Bilt rent rewards?
Bilt rent rewards is Bilt’s flagship program that lets residents earn points when they pay rent. These points can be redeemed across travel, dining, fitness, and other partner categories.
Key elements of Bilt rent rewards include:
- Points accumulation: Residents earn points with each rent payment.
- Redemption flexibility: Points can be used for travel, shopping, or fitness perks.
- Bilt rent day bonus: Special promotions occur on the 1st of the month, offering double points or exclusive deals.
- Credit card integration: Renters using the Bilt Mastercard can earn even more points.
The goal is to make rent payments feel more rewarding—but how effective is this model really?
Limitations of Bilt rent rewards
While the idea of earning points on rent is appealing, the model has clear drawbacks:
- Unclear value of points
Not all points are equal. Redemption values differ by partner, making it hard for residents to gauge the true worth of what they’ve earned. - Short-term excitement, not long-term loyalty
Bilt’s rent day bonus creates monthly engagement spikes, but resident loyalty quickly fades after the promotion ends. - Higher operational costs
Property managers often shoulder the cost of points-based programs, raising OPEX without guaranteed retention. - Generic ecosystem
Bilt’s rewards center on airlines and national brands, which don’t always align with resident needs in local real estate markets.
This raises an important question: are points enough to build loyalty in real estate, or do property managers need a different approach?
What makes Paylode perks different?
Paylode perks are built with real estate expertise at the core. Instead of points, Paylode uses merchant-funded rewards that deliver immediate, transparent value to residents.
Here’s what makes Paylode unique:
- Merchant-funded model: Perks are covered by merchants, reducing costs for property managers.
- Everyday engagement: Residents access perks year-round for behaviors like on-time rent payments, referrals, renewals, or going paperless.
- Instant gratification: Rewards have a clear, real-world value, unlike fluctuating points systems.
- Customizable programs: Property managers can tailor perks to their resident base, whether multifamily, student housing, or residential real estate.
Explore how Paylode’s resident perks create stronger connections with tenants.
Bilt rent rewards vs. Paylode perks: A side-by-side comparison
Why Paylode perks deliver more value
- Clarity of value
A $10 grocery perk is always worth $10. Points, on the other hand, vary in redemption value. - Consistent engagement
Residents don’t have to wait for rent day bonuses. Paylode ties perks to multiple behaviors throughout the month. - Lower operating expenses
Because merchants fund the perks, property managers can deliver loyalty programs without heavy costs. - Tailored to real estate
Unlike Bilt’s consumer-first model, Paylode was designed specifically for the real estate industry.
Learn how Paylode supports residential real estate loyalty.
Resident experience: Points vs perks
Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of two residents:
- Resident A (Bilt): Pays rent, earns 2,500 points. Later realizes that points can’t cover much more than a fitness class or a small travel discount. The value feels unclear, engagement drops until next month’s promotion.
- Resident B (Paylode): Pays rent and instantly receives a grocery discount or subscription perk. They can use it immediately, feel recognized, and are more likely to renew their lease.
The difference is in transparency and timing: perks build long-term trust and satisfaction.
Why merchant-funded perks outperform points in real estate
Traditional points programs like Bilt mirror airline and credit card models—but real estate has unique needs:
- Rent is a fixed, recurring expense. Residents expect value every month, not just on special promotions.
- Property managers need ROI. Loyalty must connect to renewals, referrals, and satisfaction—not just marketing buzz.
- Perks deliver relevance. Offers can be localized and personalized, unlike one-size-fits-all point systems.
Paylode’s approach bridges these gaps with sustainable loyalty designed for housing markets.
Conclusion: The smarter loyalty choice
Bilt rent rewards introduced the concept of earning points for paying rent, but its points-based model brings complexity, unclear value, and higher costs for property managers. Paylode perks, by contrast, deliver clear, instant, and merchant-funded rewards designed for real estate loyalty.
For property managers, the choice is clear: Paylode is not only a smarter alternative to Bilt—it’s the future of resident loyalty programs.
Ready to transform resident experience? Explore the Paylode platform, discover perks, or book a demo today.
FAQs
1. What are Bilt rent rewards?
Bilt rent rewards allow residents to earn points when paying rent through the Bilt platform, redeemable for travel, dining, or fitness perks.
2. What is the Bilt rewards rent day bonus?
Bilt offers special promotions on the 1st of the month, often doubling points or adding exclusive offers.
3. How are Paylode perks different?
Paylode delivers instant, merchant-funded perks tied to resident behaviors like rent payments, renewals, or referrals, making loyalty consistent and cost-effective.
4. Which is better for real estate loyalty: Bilt or Paylode?
Bilt’s points system may appeal to frequent travelers, but Paylode offers everyday value, lower costs for operators, and tailored real estate engagement.
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