Bilt Rewards vs. Mesa Rewards: The Battle for Homeowner Points

For years, homeowners have missed out on earning rewards on their biggest monthly expense—their mortgage. With 84.9 million mortgages in the U.S. and Americans collectively owing $12.59 trillion, that’s a massive amount of spending with zero points earned. Unlike rent, which Bilt Rewards made rewarding, mortgage payments have traditionally been off-limits for points and miles enthusiasts due to credit card processing fees and lender restrictions.

But that’s changing. New programs like Mesa Rewards and Bilt’s upcoming mortgage perks are shaking up the game, finally letting homeowners earn on what was once an untouchable category. Mesa is all-in on homeowners, offering points for mortgage payments, home improvement, and even pet store purchases. Meanwhile, Bilt—already a powerhouse in the rent space—is expanding into mortgages while maintaining top-tier airline and hotel transfer partners like Alaska Airlines, Hyatt, and United.

With these two programs competing for homeowners’ attention, the question is: Would you rather earn travel perks or reinvest in your home? Let’s dive into what each program has to offer.

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Feature: BILT rewards/ Mesa Rewards Target Audience | Renters & Homeowners (new mortgage rewards) | Homeowners (mortgage-focused)

Earning Points | Rent payments (1x), mortgages (upcoming), 3x dining, 2x travel, 1x all other spend | Mortgage payments (1x), 3x home improvement & maintenance, 2x groceries/gas/EV charging, 1x other purchases

Transfer Partners | United, Alaska Airlines, Hyatt, Emirates, and more | No current partners (promises to add soon)

Redemption Options | Travel (flights, hotels), rent/mortgage payments, down payment savings, fitness, lifestyle experiences | Mortgage payments, home improvement, luxury home goods, pet stores, contractor network

Card Offerings | No annual fee card, premium card in development | No annual fee card, possible future premium product

Corporate Backing | Established program with major investors (valued at $3.1B) | New startup, young and ambitious team

Unique Features | Bilt Rent Day (bonus earning on 1st of the month), fitness rewards, elite status perks | Homeowner-focused rewards (luxury furniture, pet care, contractor services)

Program Longevity | Over 3 years, strong market presence | Brand new, yet to prove sustainability

Pros & Cons of Bilt and Mesa Rewards

Bilt Rewards

✅ Pros:

• First-mover advantage with a $3.1 billion valuation and prestigious backers like Kenneth Chenault (former CEO of American Express).

• Strong travel transfer partners with major airlines and hotels, making points more versatile.

• No-fee rent rewards have been a game-changer, and mortgage rewards could be the next big thing.

• Established credibility with a track record of offering sustainable rewards.

❌ Cons:

• Stricter rent reward requirements incoming (e.g., potential engagement rules beyond just making rent payments).

• Mortgage earning isn’t fully live yet, and there’s uncertainty on how competitive it will be against Mesa.

• Upcoming premium card may dilute the appeal of the no-fee card if benefits don’t justify the cost.

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Mesa Rewards

✅ Pros:

• Built from the ground up for homeowners, offering bonus points on home improvement, maintenance, and everyday home-related expenses.

• Strong focus on partnerships with luxury home goods, contractors, and pet stores, setting it apart from Bilt’s travel-heavy approach.

• Ambitious leadership with former Bilt employees and TikTok-era strategists, potentially making it more attractive to modern homeowners.

• No restrictions yet on earning mortgage rewards, unlike Bilt, which is still rolling out changes.

❌ Cons:

• No transfer partners (yet)—meaning homeowners can't move their points to airlines and hotels like with Bilt.

• As a new startup, it has yet to prove it can maintain a sustainable rewards model like Bilt has.

• No established investor base like Bilt’s, which could impact long-term funding and expansion.

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Which program is better?

• For years, Bilt Rewards dominated the space of earning rewards on rent, giving renters a way to turn their largest monthly expense into points for travel, fitness, and even a down payment on a home. Backed by a $3.1 billion valuation and prestigious investors like Kenneth Chenault, Bilt has built a strong reputation with partnerships spanning United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Hyatt, and more.

  But now, the game is changing. Mesa Rewards is emerging as a serious competitor, shifting the focus away from renters and into the massive homeowner market. CEO Kelley Halpin is leading this new venture with a young, ambitious team, including former Bilt employees and growth strategists from TikTok who are looking to reinvent how homeowners earn rewards.

  At its core, Mesa is positioning itself as the anti-Bilt—instead of prioritizing travel rewards, Mesa aims to make homeownership more rewarding by offering bonus points on maintenance, home improvement, groceries, and even pet expenses. They’ve also teased the introduction of luxury home partnerships and a contractor network where homeowners can use their points for real-world upgrades.

  Meanwhile, Bilt is not backing down. Their new mortgage rewards are on the way, along with an upcoming premium credit card, ensuring that homeowners who already trust Bilt can continue using the program long after they stop renting. However, with Mesa doubling down on homeownership-specific benefits, the competition is heating up.

  Who Wins? It Depends on What You Value.

  If you’re loyal to travel rewards, Bilt is still the stronger pick—with transfer partners like United and Hyatt, you can turn your mortgage payments into premium flights and hotel stays. But if you’re more focused on reinvesting in your home, Mesa is already shaping up to be the best choice for homeowners, with its emphasis on home improvement, luxury goods, and pet-friendly perks.

  The real question is whether Mesa can scale its vision the way Bilt has. Right now, Bilt has the brand, the money, and the partnerships, but Mesa has the fresh perspective and homeowner focus. With promises of transfer partners soon, Mesa could become a true alternative for those who feel left behind by Bilt’s growing focus on travel.

  For now, Bilt has the first-mover advantage, but Mesa’s approach is a fresh take that could carve out a new rewards niche for homeowners. Will Mesa manage to take on Bilt and build a better mousetrap for mortgage rewards? Only time will tell.

  What Do You Think?

  Would you rather earn homeowner perks like free home upgrades and pet store discounts, or travel rewards for your next vacation?