CREDIT CARD
Mastercard

Bilt Mastercard Credit Card

4.25 of 5
šŸ’µ
Annual fee
Free
šŸŒŽ
Foreign transaction fees
No
šŸ”„
Balance Transfer Fee
Yes
āœ…
Bonus Points
Yes
SEE HOW TO APPLY

The Bilt MastercardĀ® is a unique rewards credit card that offers renters the ability to earn rewards points on rent payments without any transaction fees.

Issued by Bilt Rewards, this card is specifically tailored for individuals who rent their living spaces and want to maximize the value of their rent payments.

It offers points on every purchase, including rent payments, which are typically excluded from most credit card rewards programs.


About the Issuer

The Bilt MastercardĀ® is issued by Bilt Rewards, a relatively new and innovative company that has partnered with major banks to bring renters an easy way to earn rewards through everyday spending.

Bilt Rewards is part of the Mastercard network, which is recognized globally for its secure payment platform and wide acceptance at merchants.

Bilt Rewards is designed with renters in mind, offering a unique opportunity for those who may not have had the chance to earn rewards on rent payments before.


Who Is This Card For?

The Bilt MastercardĀ® is ideal for:

  • Renters who want to earn rewards on their monthly rent payments. The ability to pay rent with a credit card and earn rewards is a game-changer for those who have been unable to gain rewards from their housing costs in the past.
  • Frequent travelers who want to earn travel rewards points. Bilt Rewards points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more, making this card a good option for travel enthusiasts.
  • Fitness enthusiasts who want to earn points towards fitness memberships and workout classes, as Bilt offers partnerships with popular fitness companies such as Peloton and SoulCycle.
  • Consumers who want a no-annual-fee card that still offers the opportunity to earn valuable rewards on every purchase.

Who Should Avoid This Card?

  • Homeowners who donā€™t rent their living space wonā€™t be able to take full advantage of the rent payment feature of this card.
  • Individuals who prefer traditional rewards systems that focus solely on travel or cashback rewards might find the Bilt Rewards program to be more niche and specific.

Top Benefits of the Bilt MastercardĀ®

Earn Points on Rent Payments

  • The standout feature of the Bilt MastercardĀ® is its ability to allow users to earn rewards points on rent payments. Cardholders can earn 1x points for every dollar spent on rent with no transaction fees, which is unique compared to most credit cards.

Ā Earn Points on Everyday Purchases

  • In addition to rent payments, cardholders earn 1x points on all other purchases, including groceries, dining, travel, and more. This makes the Bilt MastercardĀ® a versatile option for people who want to earn rewards on a variety of everyday expenses.

Ā Welcome Bonus

  • New cardholders can earn a generous welcome bonus of 30,000 Bilt Rewards points after making three purchases within the first three months of card membership. This is a great start to building up your rewards points.

Ā No Annual Fee

  • One of the most attractive features of the Bilt MastercardĀ® is its no annual fee structure. This makes it accessible for cardholders who want to earn rewards without having to worry about paying an annual fee to enjoy the benefits of the card.

Ā Flexible Redemption Options

  • Bilt Rewards points can be redeemed for a wide range of rewards, including travel, gift cards, fitness classes, merchandise, and even as a rent payment. Cardholders can use their points in any way that suits their needs, giving them maximum flexibility.

Ā Bonus Categories

  • In addition to earning points on rent and everyday purchases, cardholders can earn 2x points on travel and 3x points on dining, which include both restaurants and takeout. These categories make it easy to rack up points with frequent purchases.

Fees & Interest Rates

Annual Fee: $0
APR (Interest Rate): 15.99% – 22.99% variable
Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the cash advance, whichever is greater
Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
Foreign Transaction Fee: None
Minimum Payment: The greater of $25 or 1% of the balance (plus fees and interest)


Is the Bilt MastercardĀ® Worth It?

For renters, the Bilt MastercardĀ® is a game-changer. Hereā€™s why:

Pros:

Earn points on rent payments with no fees, which is a rare feature for credit cards.
1x points on everyday purchases and 3x points on dining, making it a solid card for regular spending.
No annual fee, which makes it accessible for everyone.

Cons:

Limited redemption for homeowners, as renters will benefit most from the cardā€™s features.
Interest rates are higher than average for those who carry a balance.
Points are best used for specific categories, so cardholders who donā€™t find value in fitness or travel rewards may not get as much out of the program.

Fees and charges

REVOLVING CREDIT INTEREST RATE

Late Payment: Up toĀ $40;

OTHER FEES

ā— APR: 20.49% - 28.49%;
ā— Balance Transfer Fee: Up to 5% for each balance transfer, with a minimum of $5;
ā— Cash Advance: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each advance.

Expert review

The Bilt Mastercard is an excellent choice for those looking to earn rewards on rent payments without extra fees.

It offers 1x point on all purchases, with the opportunity to earn 2x points on travel and 3x on dining, making it appealing for consumers who spend in these categories.

Additionally, it has no annual fee and a flexible rewards platform.

However, the variable APR can be high, and the value of rewards may not be as competitive as other cards.

SEE HOW TO APPLY

You will remain on this site

+Positive points

  • Earn Points on Rent: Get rewards on rent payments with no additional fees.
  • Flexible Rewards: Redeem points for travel, rent, and other rewards through the Bilt Rewards platform.
  • 1x Point on All Purchases: Earn 1x point for every dollar spent on everyday purchases.
  • 2x Points on Travel & 3x on Dining: Boosted rewards for travel and dining, making it a great option for frequent travelers and foodies.
  • No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits without having to pay a yearly fee.

- Negative points

  • High Variable APR: Interest rates can be high, especially if you carry a balance.
  • Limited Rewards Value: The overall value of rewards may not be as competitive as other cards.
  • Rent Payment Restrictions: Rent payment flexibility may be limited in certain areas.

Expert rating

Fees
4,00
Benefits
4,50
Final Rating
4,25

CREDIT CARD
Visa

Applied Bank Secured Visa Credit Card

4 of 5
šŸ’µ
Annual fee
Free
šŸŒŽ
Foreign transaction fees
Yes
šŸ”„
Balance Transfer Fee
Yes
āœ…
Bonus Points
Yes
SEE HOW TO APPLY

The Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card is a secured credit card designed for individuals looking to build or rebuild their credit.

Secured cards require a security deposit that acts as a credit limit, and the Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card is no exception.

This card provides an opportunity for those with less-than-perfect credit to improve their credit score with responsible use.


About the Issuer: Applied Bank

Applied Bank is a financial institution based in Delaware, specializing in providing credit cards and banking products to individuals seeking credit solutions.

Applied Bank is particularly known for offering secured credit cards to those with limited or poor credit history.

With a focus on helping consumers improve their financial standing, Applied Bank provides a range of affordable credit-building products.


Who Is This Card For?

The Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card is tailored for:

  • Consumers looking to build or repair credit: This card is ideal for those with no credit or poor credit who want to establish a positive credit history. It is also suitable for individuals who may have faced financial challenges in the past and need to rebuild their credit score.
  • First-time credit card users: If youā€™ve never had a credit card before and want to establish credit, this card offers a simple way to get started.
  • People who want a low-cost option: With an affordable annual fee, the Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card offers a budget-friendly option for users looking to improve their credit without incurring high costs.
  • Those who need a card for everyday use: The card can be used wherever Visa cards are accepted, giving you the ability to make purchases at millions of locations globally.

Who Should Avoid This Card?

  • People seeking rewards or travel perks: This is a secured card, so it does not offer cash back, points, or travel rewards, which may not be suitable for those looking for such benefits.
  • Those who canā€™t make the required deposit: Since the card requires a security deposit equal to your credit limit, it may not be ideal for individuals who do not have the funds available to place the deposit.

Top Benefits of the Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card

Ā Build or Rebuild Your Credit

The Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card is an excellent tool for building or rebuilding your credit score.

As long as you make timely payments and keep your credit utilization low, you will demonstrate responsible credit usage, which can help improve your credit report over time.

  • Report to the major credit bureaus: The card reports to all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), allowing you to track your credit progress.
  • Easy application process: The application process for this card is straightforward, and approval is generally easier for those with poor or limited credit history.

Ā Low Annual Fee

One of the standout features of the Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card is its affordable annual fee, which helps keep costs down while you work on improving your credit.

Compared to many other secured credit cards, the Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card offers a more cost-effective option for those who want to establish credit without paying excessive fees.

Ā Easy Access to a Credit Limit

Your credit limit is based on the amount of your security deposit, which can range from $200 to $1,000.

This means you can have a flexible credit limit based on how much you are willing to deposit, providing you with control over your spending and helping you manage your credit responsibly.

Ā VisaĀ® Global Acceptance

As a Visa card, the Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card is accepted at millions of merchants worldwide.

This makes it highly convenient for everyday purchases and allows you to use it wherever you need it, both online and in physical stores.


Fees & Interest Rates

Annual Fee: $48
APR (Interest Rate): 24.99% variable
Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the cash advance, whichever is greater
Late Payment Fee: Up to $39
Returned Payment Fee: Up to $39
Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount
Minimum Payment: The greater of $25 or 1% of the balance (plus fees and interest)


Is the Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card Worth It?

The Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card is a solid option for individuals who are looking to build or rebuild their credit, but it may not be the best choice for everyone. Hereā€™s a breakdown:

Pros:

Affordable annual fee compared to other secured credit cards.
Flexible credit limits based on your security deposit, ranging from $200 to $1,000.
Reports to all three major credit bureaus, helping you build or improve your credit score.

Cons:

High APR: The card comes with a high-interest rate of 24.99%, which can lead to significant interest charges if you carry a balance.
Foreign transaction fees: A 3% fee applies for purchases made outside of the United States, which could add up during international travel.
No rewards or benefits: The Applied BankĀ® Secured VisaĀ® Card is a credit-building card and does not offer any rewards programs or perks.

Fees and charges

REVOLVING CREDIT INTEREST RATE

Late Payment Fee: Up to $38
Returned Payment Fee: Up to $38

OTHER FEES

ā— APR: 23.99%;
ā— Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer;
ā— Cash Advance: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance.

Expert review

The Applied Bank Secured Visa Card is a solid option for those looking to build or rebuild credit.

With guaranteed approval regardless of credit history, it requires a security deposit that determines the credit limit.

It stands out for its low fixed APR, unlike other cards with variable rates.

However, it charges an annual fee and does not offer rewards or automatic upgrades to an unsecured card.

Ideal for those seeking a predictable and controlled way to improve their credit.

SEE HOW TO APPLY

You will remain on this site

+Positive points

  • Guaranteed Approval: No credit check required, making it accessible for all applicants.
  • Low Fixed APR: A stable interest rate, unlike variable-rate secured cards.
  • Credit Building Opportunity: Reports to all three major credit bureaus to help improve credit score.
  • Customizable Credit Limit: Deposit determines the credit line, allowing controlled spending.
  • Visa Acceptance: Widely accepted for purchases and online transactions.

- Negative points

  • Annual Fee: Charges a yearly fee, unlike some competitor secured cards.
  • No Rewards Program: Does not offer cashback or points on purchases.
  • No Automatic Upgrade: Requires manual application for an unsecured card.

Expert rating

Fees
3,50
Benefits
4,50
Final Rating
4,00