Bilt Adds Japan Airlines to Its Growing List of Travel Partners
Bilt, the rapidly growing housing and neighborhood commerce network that allows members to earn valuable rewards on rent and everyday spending, has announced a landmark partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL), one of Asia’s premier full-service carriers. This new alliance marks a pivotal step forward for both companies, creating more value for consumers and redefining what’s possible with everyday spending—particularly in the rental space.
As of today, Bilt Members can transfer their Bilt Points to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank at an industry-leading 1:1 ratio. This makes Japan Airlines the first Japanese airline partner for Bilt and its second partner in Eastern Asia, reinforcing Bilt’s commitment to offering broad, flexible, and premium travel redemption options. It also establishes Bilt as Japan Airlines’ first 1:1 point transfer partner in North America, underscoring the strategic nature of this collaboration.
Bridging Rent Payments with Global Travel
Founded on the idea of converting rent payments—a typically unrewarded monthly expense—into opportunities for travel, savings, and lifestyle perks, Bilt has quickly become a game-changer in the loyalty and rewards space. By integrating daily and essential expenses into a powerful rewards ecosystem, the company empowers members to access experiences previously reserved for high-spending travelers or premium cardholders.
With the inclusion of Japan Airlines, Bilt Members now gain access to a network that spans over 400 cities in more than 60 countries. As a core member of the oneworld Alliance, JAL brings with it access to dozens of partner airlines, creating seamless global travel options for members redeeming Bilt Points for Mileage Bank miles.
“This partnership with Japan Airlines is a major win for our members,” said Ankur Jain, Founder and CEO of Bilt. “We’re always looking to raise the bar when it comes to offering flexible and meaningful rewards. JAL is widely recognized for its impeccable service, extensive global network, and rich cultural experiences. Now, our members can turn their rent into miles that can take them from their apartment in New York to the bustling streets of Tokyo or the tranquil islands of Okinawa.”
Jain emphasized that this partnership embodies Bilt’s mission: to turn everyday financial responsibilities into life-enhancing benefits. “This isn’t just about miles—it’s about transforming housing expenses into global mobility and unforgettable adventures,” he added.
A Strategic Partnership with Global Impact
For Japan Airlines, the collaboration offers an opportunity to engage a younger, rent-paying demographic in North America—a market where loyalty to international carriers is typically cultivated through premium credit card usage or frequent business travel. By partnering with Bilt, JAL is uniquely positioned to tap into a new segment of U.S. consumers who may not be traditional loyalty members but now have a reason to join the airline’s Mileage Bank program.
“Japan Airlines is delighted to join forces with Bilt,” said Yasushi Omori, Senior Vice President of Mileage and Lifestyle Business at JAL. “This partnership enables us to reach a dynamic and growing community of renters and homeowners in the U.S., while offering them the ability to seamlessly turn their Bilt Points into world-class travel through our network. We’re proud to offer them our signature service, hospitality, and access to some of the most culturally rich and scenic destinations in the world.”
With this move, JAL becomes a more accessible choice for Americans planning travel to Asia and beyond. Whether it’s leisure travelers booking dream vacations or professionals arranging long-haul business trips, the flexibility and simplicity of the 1:1 transfer ratio make JAL miles more attainable than ever.
How It Works: Unpacking the Value of Bilt Points
At the core of Bilt’s value proposition is its ability to transform rent—a major and unavoidable monthly expense—into high-utility rewards. Members can pay rent through Bilt without incurring transaction fees, a unique offering in the loyalty landscape. These payments, combined with everyday spending at local merchants through the Bilt network, generate Bilt Points that can be used in a variety of meaningful ways.
With the Japan Airlines partnership, those points now become even more valuable. The 1:1 transfer ratio means that every point earned through rent or neighborhood spending equates to a full mile in JAL’s Mileage Bank. These miles can then be used for:
- Award flights within Japan and across Asia
- Upgrades to business or first class
- Redemption for oneworld partner flights, including carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways
- Special experiences, such as curated cultural tours and travel packages available to JAL members
This partnership is particularly appealing for those looking to maximize travel rewards without having to accumulate points through large credit card spend or frequent flying. Bilt now serves as an equalizer, giving renters—who make up nearly 44 million households in the U.S.—the chance to access elite travel benefits simply by paying their rent and participating in their local economy.
Unlocking Additional Bilt Membership Benefits
Beyond the travel perks, Bilt members enjoy a growing suite of lifestyle benefits that extend beyond the home. Two standout programs include:
- Rent Day Rewards – On the first of each month, Bilt introduces new offers, bonuses, and limited-time point boosts. These include enhanced transfer rates to travel partners, extra earnings on rent, and exclusive experiences for active members.
- Neighborhood Benefits™ – Members gain access to special deals at curated local businesses including restaurants, fitness studios, pharmacies, and coffee shops. This initiative not only drives local commerce but also helps members earn more points in their day-to-day routines.
In combination with Bilt’s transfer partnerships with other global carriers and hospitality groups—such as American Airlines AAdvantage, World of Hyatt, and now Japan Airlines—these programs position Bilt as one of the most versatile and accessible loyalty platforms available today.
Important Notes for Members Transferring to JAL
To ensure a smooth experience, Bilt has outlined a few key guidelines for members transferring their points to Japan Airlines. For newly created Mileage Bank accounts (less than 60 days old), there may be a brief waiting period of up to seven days before miles can be redeemed. This safeguard helps prevent fraudulent activity and ensures that new accounts are securely verified. For established Mileage Bank accounts older than 60 days, transfers and redemptions will be processed without delay.
Bilt recommends that members who plan to travel soon create or verify their JAL Mileage Bank account well in advance of any anticipated redemptions.
As Bilt continues to grow its ecosystem of strategic partnerships, this latest collaboration with Japan Airlines signals a broader commitment to bridging everyday financial life with extraordinary experiences. It underscores the company’s vision: that essential, often overlooked payments like rent can unlock not just points—but possibility.
With more airline, hotel, and lifestyle partners expected to join the Bilt network in the near future, members can look forward to even more ways to make their spending work harder for them.
For renters and homeowners alike, the message is clear: Your rent is no longer just a cost—it’s a gateway. And now, thanks to Bilt and Japan Airlines, that gateway leads all the way to Japan and beyond.