In this podcast episode, we’ll talk about how JAL awards can be changed, we’ll talk about the Amtrak USA Rail Pass, and we’ll discuss Bilt 2.0: Half-baked, confusing, but potentially very rewarding.
(At the time of this recording, running ad for Bilt on the audio-only version of this podcast. Despite that, all opinions expressed here are our own. We will always tell you what we believe, good or bad.)
Introducing the new and confusing Bilt 2.0
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Giant Mailbag
(0:58) – JAL Mileage Bank awards can not be changed (but they can be cancelled for a reasonable fee
See Nick’s post about the best uses of Japan Airlines Mileage Bank miles here
See our podcast episode 325 “Sweet-spot awards courtesy of Japan Airlines” here
Awards, Points, and More
(04:09) – Like MaxFHR but for The Edit
(05:33) – Amtrak USA Rail Pass for $250 (usual: $499)
(08:08) – Saks has filed for bankruptcy
(11:24) – United MileagePlus Status Match Challenge
Learn more about the United MileagePlus Status Match Challenge here
Main Event: Bilt 2.0
Learn more about Bilt 2.0 here
And find our opinion on Bilt 2.0 here
(14:13) – The transition from old to new
(19:07) – 3 Bilt Cards
(20:23) – 2 rewards currencies…
(21:51) – Is Bilt Cash valuable?
(26:33) – More card details
(29:20) – What do we know about Bilt Cash?
(40:48) – Card Reviews / who are they for?
(1:03:46) – Find out some answers to frequently asked questions here: https://frequentmiler.com/bilt-2-faq/
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Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder
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watch the tone on Bilt yoder or I will come for you
I posted this on YouTube but it ate the comment.
JMB rules clearly state no changes on awards for their own (JAL) metal.
They also clearly states that changes are permitted to a limited extent on single-partner awards.
I haven’t gone and looked at what the rules are for oneworld awards (multi-partner).
So the section about JAL allowing changes should not be news.
Forgetting about rent/mortgage, is this not basically a Venture-like 2x card with its own set of transfer partners? If someone likes the Venture earning structure and Bilt’s transfer partners are a better fit, why not? Bilt can be a very simple card for some. But, some seem to have a personal fixation about Bilt. And, they can’t seem to grasp that others might find the card attractive. Me, me, me
I like the support Fred, keep it up, we are a super cool company and anyone not using us is a fool
I appreciate how you maintained your journalistic integrity and didn’t hype up the new cards. Independent opinions and journalism, regardless of financial incentives, is not lost of this one reader. Thank you
I don’t have the angst that others are expressing throughout the points world. the Bilt link smoothly approved me for the top card. I’ll use the first year perks to offset rent payment fees while earning points, one way or another, plus earn 2 pts/$1 on my misc spend to enjoy the good variety of transfer partners. The math works for me. After the first year, we’ll see…
Already listened, and will have to listen at least one more time before deciding what card to get. Also, props for the disclaimer about the ads, and for the articles detailing all the problems with this launch. As best I can tell, y’all are by far the most detailed on the problems of the major voices in this space, and I appreciate that. It’s much appreciated, and reflects well on you, especially after the hysterics when the ads first started.