Bilt x BLADE: Use Bilt Cash on BLADE flights! (New)

Advertiser Disclosure: nextcard may receive compensation from card issuers. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain. For the most up-to-date terms & conditions, refer to the official credit card application on the issuer's website.

You can now redeem up to $700 in Bilt Cash per calendar year on BLADE flights.

TL;DR

BLADE bookings are now available directly through the Bilt Travel Portal
Members can apply up to $350 in Bilt Cash per seat on two flights each calendar year
The new Bilt Cash benefit provides up to $700 in potential value per year
Bilt Cash can be combined with Bilt Points and a linked card at checkout

What Changed for Bilt and BLADE Bookings?

Bilt members can now search for, select, and book BLADE flights directly through the Bilt Travel Portal. The entire process takes place within the Bilt app, removing the need to switch to the BLADE app or complete a separate checkout flow.

The other big news is that you can use Bilt Cash at checkout now.

Additionally, Bilt Points can cover all or part of an eligible BLADE booking. Members who do not want to use points for the full amount can combine them with Bilt Cash or a linked payment card.

All Bilt members also earn an additional 2X Bilt Points on BLADE bookings made through the Bilt Travel Portal.

How the Bilt Cash Benefit Works

Bilt Members can now redeem Bilt Cash toward BLADE bookings: up to $350 per seat, for up to 2 flights per calendar year (total value up to $700/year)

Available Bilt Cash automatically appears as a payment option during checkout. Members can combine it with Bilt Points and a linked card when the credit does not cover the full booking.

There are several restrictions to understand:

Each credit applies to one seat booking.
If a seat costs less than $350, the unused credit does not carry forward.
Credits reset every January 1 and are not replenished after use during the same calendar year.
Bilt Cash covers the seat booking only, not incidentals such as luggage.

So just to be clear: you can use up to $700 in Bilt Cash for one flight, for two seats on that flight.

Is BLADE a good use of Bilt Cash?

It depends. I was taking a look at some New York <> JFK/EWR BLADE flights and pricing seems to float around $200/seat.

My biggest issue here is that the flights don't include a lot of baggage... only 25 pounds for the basic tier.

That's admittedly not a lot of weight. I can definitely make it work for a short trip, but longer trips would be more complex. I think my AWAY suitcase weighs 7.5 lbs alone, and that doesn't even include the weight of my backpack...

Additionally, there aren't many routes where it costs close to the $350 Bilt Cash max per seat. Eg the Hamptons redemption starts from $795 per seat.

As always, the value of this redemption will vary from person to person. You may find it useful. Others may not.

How to book BLADE via Bilt

Go to the Bilt App or website
Under Rewards, find the flight search box and toggle Blade
Enter your travel details
In checkout page, you'll see options to redeem Bilt Cash and Bilt Points

Existing BLADE Benefits for Bilt Members

Don't forget: Bilt already had an existing BLADE partnership, mostly related to your status tier and earnings.

All Bilt Members earn +2X Bilt Points on BLADE bookings made through the Bilt Travel Portal
Silver, Gold, and Platinum Members receive 10% off BLADE bookings made through the Bilt app
Gold and Platinum Members have access to BLADE lounges, even on days you're not flying (during operating hours; includes up to 2 drinks per visit)
Platinum Members can claim one complimentary BLADE flight per year from Manhattan to JFK or Newark, plus lounge access

I've currently have Gold, but I've never checked out the BLADE lounge.

I would probably use my complimentary BLADE flight if I reach Platinum (currently pretty close).

FAQ

How much Bilt Cash can you use on BLADE?

Members can apply up to $350 in Bilt Cash to one seat on as many as two flights per calendar year. That creates a maximum potential benefit of $700 annually.

Can you combine Bilt Cash and Bilt Points?

Yes. Bilt Cash can be combined with Bilt Points and a linked card during checkout in the Bilt Travel Portal.

Does Bilt Cash cover BLADE luggage fees?

No. The credit applies only to the seat booking and does not cover incidentals such as luggage.

Which Bilt membership tier gets a free BLADE flight each year?

Platinum members can claim one complimentary BLADE flight per year between Manhattan and JFK or Newark, plus BLADE lounge access. Gold and Platinum members also get BLADE lounge access even on non-flying days.

Do all Bilt members get a discount on BLADE bookings?

No. Only Silver, Gold, and Platinum members receive 10% off BLADE bookings made through the Bilt app. All Bilt members, regardless of tier, earn an additional 2X Bilt Points on BLADE bookings made through the Bilt Travel Portal.

Does unused Bilt Cash for BLADE roll over to the next year?

No. Bilt Cash credits for BLADE reset every January 1 and are not replenished after use within the same calendar year. If a seat costs less than $350, the unused portion of the credit does not carry forward.