Bilt Rewards, a popular loyalty program recognized for its ability to earn rewards on rent and its co-branded credit card, is continuously expanding its list of transfer partners. On October 10, 2024, Bilt announced the addition of two new transfer partners: TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go and Accor Live Limitless (ALL). Users can now transfer Bilt Rewards points to TAP at a 1:1 ratio and to Accor at a 3:2 ratio.
These new partnerships offer users more flexibility in utilizing their Bilt points. TAP Air Portugal, a member of the Star Alliance, provides opportunities for cost-effective flights to Europe and beyond. On the other hand, Accor Live Limitless broadens the range of hotel options, particularly in Europe and luxury markets.
While having more options is generally positive, these new partners may not offer significant advantages compared to existing partners available through Bilt Rewards. Users should carefully evaluate their travel plans and consider factors such as award availability and point-transfer ratios before making a decision. Although these partners can be beneficial for European travel, it is essential to crunch the numbers to maximize the value of Bilt points.
TAP Miles&Go, one of the newly added partners, offers competitive mileage redemptions for award flights between the U.S. and Europe, Europe and Africa, and within Asia. Business-class flights to Europe can be booked for relatively low point costs on certain travel days, making it advantageous for travelers with flexible dates.
However, there are drawbacks to using the TAP Miles&Go program. The website can be challenging to navigate, and award prices may not always be more affordable compared to other airlines. Award availability, particularly for business-class seats, can be limited, and some routes may have surcharges that diminish the overall value of points. Additionally, flights on TAP Air Portugal often require connections in Portugal, which may not be convenient for travelers heading to other destinations.
Adding TAP Miles&Go and Accor Live Limitless as transfer partners is a positive development for specific use cases. However, most Bilt Rewards members may want to explore other transfer options for maximum value.
Accor Live Limitless, the other new partner, offers a diverse portfolio of brands ranging from budget-friendly to luxury accommodations. ALL functions more like a rebate program, where every 2,000 points are worth 40 euros (approximately $44) towards the cash price of a stay.
While there are no standout redemption opportunities with ALL, users can still benefit from using points for affordable hotel stays in Europe, especially at mid-range brands like Novotel and Ibis. The ability to combine cash and points for luxury properties like Fairmont and Sofitel can help offset high costs.
However, the fixed value of ALL points may not provide the highest value compared to other hotel programs. Bilt Rewards also partners with Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt, which offer larger hotel collections. The 3:2 transfer ratio with Accor Live Limitless could potentially reduce the value of points compared to other 1:1 hotel transfer partners.
Overall, users should carefully consider their travel preferences and goals when deciding how to redeem Bilt points through these new transfer partners. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each partnership to make the most of loyalty rewards.