Bilt Rewards Reshapes the Landscape, Adding Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways as Exclusive 1:1 Partners

In a stunning display of ambition that has sent shockwaves through the loyalty program world, Bilt Rewards has fundamentally altered the value proposition for U.S. travelers. With two back-to-back announcements in May 2025, the innovative platform that allows members to earn points on rent has added airline heavyweights Japan Airlines (JAL) and Qatar Airways as 1:1 transfer partners.

This isn't an incremental update; it's a seismic shift in the rewards landscape. For the millions of U.S. travelers who rent, this transforms the single largest monthly expense—an amount that previously offered zero return—into a direct currency for some of the most aspirational travel experiences on the planet. These strategic additions place Bilt on equal footing with long-established programs, making it an essential tool for any serious rewards enthusiast.

The Japan Airlines Exclusive: A New Gateway to Asia

The partnership with Japan Airlines, which went live on May 13, 2025, is a genuine game-changer. Bilt is now the only U.S. loyalty program with a direct 1:1 transfer partnership to JAL Mileage Bank. Previously, accessing these valuable miles was a challenge for Americans, often requiring transfers from less common programs or at unfavorable ratios. Now, Bilt members have a direct, high-value pathway.

"We're always working to ensure we offer nothing less than exceptional service quality to our members, so welcoming Japan Airlines as our latest travel partner was a no-brainer,” said Ankur Jain, Founder and CEO at Bilt. From our perspective as financial advisors, this partnership’s value cannot be overstated. JAL Mileage Bank is revered for its reasonable award chart, generous stopover policies, and access to JAL’s award-winning premium cabins. Accessing it at a 1:1 ratio unlocks incredible potential.

Real-World Value: JAL Business Class to Tokyo

One of the most coveted redemptions in travel is a seat in JAL's modern business class, especially the private suites on its new A350-1000 aircraft.

• The Redemption: A one-way business class flight from New York (JFK) to Tokyo (HND) can be booked for as few as 55,000 JAL miles, according to the JAL Mileage Bank Award Chart.
• The Strategy: A Bilt member paying their $3,000 monthly rent with the Bilt Mastercard® earns 3,000 points. Add in dining and other routine spending, and accumulating 55,000 points becomes achievable within a year without any unusual effort.
• The Return: With cash prices for this route often soaring past $5,000, using 55,000 Bilt points represents a phenomenal return of over 9 cents per point. This transforms a monthly necessity like rent into a deeply discounted luxury experience.

Furthermore, as a pillar of the oneworld alliance, JAL Mileage Bank allows Bilt members to book award flights on partners like American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and British Airways, often with more favorable terms than booking through the partners' own programs. You can see all partners on the Oneworld Alliance Member Page.

The Qatar Airways Addition: Your Direct Ticket to Qsuites

Just days after the JAL news, on May 22, 2025, Bilt added another oneworld heavyweight: Qatar Airways. Members can now transfer Bilt points 1:1 to the Qatar Airways Privilege Club, which uses the versatile Avios currency.

While other programs also partner with Qatar, Bilt’s inclusion is significant. It makes access to the world’s best business class, the Qsuite, possible through a no-annual-fee credit card program—a truly unprecedented offering. The Qsuite features private suites with closing doors, lie-flat beds, and exceptional onboard dining, making it a pinnacle of luxury travel.

Real-World Value: A Luxurious Journey to the Middle East and Beyond

Imagine flying from a U.S. hub like Chicago or Dallas to Doha, Qatar.

• The Redemption: A one-way flight in a Qsuite typically costs 70,000 Avios.
• The Strategy: By channeling rent and daily spending through the Bilt ecosystem, a member can accumulate the 70,000 points required for this award.
• The Return: With cash fares for Qsuites frequently ranging from $7,000 to $10,000, this redemption can yield an incredible value of 10 cents per point or higher. It stands as one of the most aspirational redemptions in the points and miles world.

The Big Picture: Bilt Now Plays in All Three Major Alliances

With these two powerhouse additions, Bilt Rewards now boasts transfer partners in all three major global airline alliances, a level of diversity that solidifies its top-tier status:

• Oneworld: Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Iberia, American Airlines.
• Star Alliance: Air Canada Aeroplan, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, United MileagePlus.
• SkyTeam: Air France/KLM Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic.

This comprehensive coverage ensures that no matter where you want to go, your Bilt points provide a viable pathway. The ability to earn these flexible points by simply paying rent—an expense that was previously a sunk cost—is what makes Bilt's model so disruptive and uniquely powerful for today's traveler.

Our Take: A New Era for Travelers Who Rent

Bilt Rewards has officially graduated from an interesting niche player to an undisputed travel rewards titan. By securing an exclusive 1:1 partnership with Japan Airlines and adding a direct, high-value link to Qatar Airways, Bilt has delivered a clear and compelling proposition. It provides a pathway for millions of Americans to turn their largest monthly bill into once-in-a-lifetime travel.

For anyone who pays rent and dreams of premium international travel, the Bilt Rewards program, anchored by the Bilt Mastercard®, is no longer just an option to consider—it's an essential component of a modern rewards strategy.

Disclaimer: Award availability is dynamic and subject to change. Always confirm that award seats are available with the airline before transferring your points, as all transfers are final and irreversible.