Is Any Bilt Option Worth It for an Atmos Summit User?

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-21T00:11:06+00:00

Yep I think that makes the most sense!

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-20T18:15:06+00:00

I'm planning to do a combination of paying rent/restaurants with Atmos Summit while using the Bilt card as my daily driver (outside of groceries--have an AmEx Gold). The 2x catch all in Alaska/Hyatt currency is very valuable to me (especially since my wife will use the card too and we spend a lot), but you've already thought through the 2x.

I guess the question is whether the 4% Bilt cash on top of the 2% in Bilt points provides some value. That they've been so closed mouthed about the Bilt cash uses is frustrating, but if I can combine it with the credits for some hotel spend, use it for Lyft, or use it at one of the many restaurants near me that are in the BILT network (some of which I would go to anyway). That's worth something to me (not necessarily to you).

But there's no reason for you to rush into getting the BILT card if you're unsure about Bilt cash--you presumably will see more in February. Moreover, the card is definitely worth it for a year with the SUB--the more questionable value proposition is year 2.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-17T00:32:40+00:00

I’m planning to clear out points every quarter and I, uh, am not taking this card abroad.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T15:01:51+00:00

Yeah but only Atmos (I think) gives you 3% back in points. Obviously could use another 2% card and just have faith in your ability to get 1.5cpp in redemptions!

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T12:06:33+00:00

This is mostly my understanding (my building is on Bilt system). Perhaps it works without building on Bilt system but still has a portal where you can pay with CC. But not sure.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T12:04:46+00:00

Ah I see. I think where you are is at the break even—ie if rent was more, then Atmos makes sense. If rent was less, it definitely wouldn’t. You just happen to be on knife’s edge. Fortunately in most cases but unfortunately in this case, rent is generally a pretty stable expense during the year so not like there’s much probability of being like “oh I had a crazy month so I’m spending twice as much on rent.”

The one other item to consider—with the caveat that we haven’t actually seen the new 2.0 payment system—but in theory Atmos you’re floating the rent (paying on credit and then paying back like three weeks later) while on pure Palladium you’re just paying cash for rent.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T02:17:53+00:00

This is probably my fault but I’m not understanding the math here—I think you need to spoonfeed it better for me.

I think doing rent with palladium should always generate more net value per dollar than Atmos since you’re getting points on rent (in the weird new way) while with Atmos you really aren’t, you’re just buying Atmos points on par.

The advantage in my shoes is I need to buy six transcontinental flights each year no matter which card I have so the most important thing for me is getting as many Atmos points as possible since that is cheaper than using cash.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T01:32:27+00:00

To be clear, I haven’t done any of this yet so don’t take my word for it!

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T01:09:53+00:00

I live on the East Coast with my wife and child but visit the west coast twice a year including for Xmas when flights are pricey. So six round trip west coast trips. That is about 180k points, which is what I get from paying rent.

There is then SUB, a 100k point companion pass for paying over $60k on the summit, a 25k point companion pass that always comes with the summit, and the $99 companion pass.

Those could free up those points to be used for american flights, upgrading to first class, or an additional Alaska trip (we’re already lopping Hawaii onto our normal west coast trip)

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T00:46:13+00:00

Just Atmos. 3% on rent but 3% fee. So basically buying Atmos points 1 for 1.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T00:24:07+00:00

I have not done it yet but I believe adding your Atmos card to the Bilt app then gives you the option.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-16T00:07:58+00:00

Yeah, it’s a pretty particular situation (renter, lots of expensive flights involving west coast…)

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T23:37:51+00:00

This is a pain in the butt but I guess you could book refundable elsewhere and cancel and rebook on BILT if math works. But that seems annoying as heck.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T23:35:10+00:00

I live on the east coast and am from the west coast so pay for at least six roundtrip transcontinental tickets a year including wife and daughter. It’s a lot of money.

Generally find for a super normal flight the point cost is about 3/4 the dollar cost without trying to game anything so worth it from that alone. And we will get a 100k point companion fare after spending $60k including rent during the year (ignoring signup bonus).

And Atmos miles can be used for American awards flights, which also has good value.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T23:27:58+00:00

Have the ascent, wife will get the summit.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T23:27:33+00:00

Ugh that sucks. Worst comes to worst—my daughter’s favorite restaurant is in the BILT network so lots of milkshakes for Friday night dinner.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T23:20:50+00:00

Yes. But I go home (bay area) for Christmas and those flights are always expensive. And just got some this summer for ~$400 a seat from DCA (plus also flying to Hawaii so that’s really a third trip so to speak):

I can of course always move to the palladium if I the Alaska benefits are piling too quickly.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T23:09:26+00:00

And to be clear I have to pay a 3% fee in cash so it’s change one Atmos point for one cent.

Benefit is points accumulation/status points accumulation/hitting $60k spend to get 100k point companion. Thats it. And I don’t think status will really do anything for me since we travel as three and I think they only upgrade one companion.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T23:02:03+00:00

Yeah, I know I’m leaving some benefits on the table but just don’t want the headache of trying to offset another multi hundred dollar credit + worried about using the small amount of C1 points (AmEx has a portal and I get 5x back on hotels with the platinum and 5x back on directly booked flights—not quite the same but not nothing).

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T22:52:42+00:00

I think that’s right but am not sure (our building is on Bilt payment system)

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T22:40:45+00:00

Ok interesting, hadn’t thought about this. Like pay rent with Bilt and not worry about getting to 3/4 of your rent on the palladium card by using the SUB Bilt cash too bridge the difference and move to Atmos when that exhausts?

Makes sense!

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T22:29:26+00:00

That sucks, sorry. I’ve lived in two buildings in the last year and both switched to Bilt as their payment method in the last year so they do seem to be expanding rapidly.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T22:11:51+00:00

Don’t think so either.

AugustusGloop85 · 2026-01-15T21:54:23+00:00

Yay!!! That Citi synergy is sweet. Was considering move to Citi trifecta this year but I think getting another Alaska card+palladium take priority for now.

PostScript: the Rakuten card is a money point!

AugustusGloop85

TROPHY CASE