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Game-Changer: Bilt Rewards Adds Japan Airlines as Transfer Partner — Book Premium Cabins Before June Devaluation
December 12, 2024
In a major development for points and miles enthusiasts, Bilt Rewards has officially added Japan Airlines (JAL) Mileage Bank as its newest transfer partner. This partnership, which went live on May 13, 2025, allows Bilt members to transfer points to JAL at a favorable 1:1 ratio, with most transfers completing within 10 minutes. This addition is particularly significant as JAL Mileage Bank has historically been one of the most difficult airline currencies to acquire in North America. Until now, the primary method to transfer to JAL was through Marriott Bonvoy at an unfavorable 3:1 ratio, making Bilt the best transfer option by far for North American travelers.
Why This Partnership Matters
The Bilt-JAL partnership is groundbreaking as Bilt becomes the first and only 1:1 transfer partner for Japan Airlines Mileage Bank in North America. This exclusive relationship opens up valuable redemption opportunities that were previously difficult to access for most travelers.
Special Account Access for Bilt Members
A key advantage for Bilt members is the special exemption from JAL's typical 60-day account aging requirement. While Japan Airlines usually requires new Mileage Bank accounts to be at least 60 days old before making redemptions, Bilt has secured a special exception. Within 7 days after transferring (if your account is not already 60 days old), your JMB account will be unlocked for redemptions.
Pro tip: Even if you don't have immediate plans to transfer points, it's recommended to open a Japan Airlines Mileage Bank account now to start the 60-day timer.
Experience JAL's New Premium Cabins
The timing of this partnership couldn't be better. Japan Airlines recently launched stunning new first class and business class cabins on its Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. These new premium products have been receiving rave reviews, with the business class offering being so impressive that it could easily be mistaken for first class on many other airlines. With the new Bilt-JAL partnership, you can now use your Bilt points to experience these world-class cabins at potentially lower rates than through other frequent flyer programs, especially if you book before the June 10 devaluation.
Strategic JAL Redemptions to Consider (Book Before June 10!)
Japan Airlines recently announced upcoming changes to its award chart that will take effect on June 10, 2025. This gives travelers less than a month to take advantage of current award rates. Here are some high-value redemptions to consider:
One-way award pricing from North America to Japan (current rates):
- Economy: 25,000 miles
- Premium Economy: 32,500 miles
- Business Class: 50,000 miles
- First Class: 70,000 miles
After June 10, 2025, first class awards will increase significantly to 110,000 miles, making current rates particularly attractive for premium cabin travelers.
Partner Airline Redemptions
JAL's Mileage Bank program offers excellent value for partner bookings, including:
- Emirates Business Class: New York to Dubai round-trip for 110,000 miles
- Alaska Airlines First Class: Seattle to London for 60,000 miles one-way
- Oneworld Multi-Carrier Awards: Up to seven stopovers allowed on a single itinerary
JAL's distance-based award chart provides particularly good value for longer itineraries, as prices don't increase proportionally with distance.
Complete List of Bilt Rewards Transfer Partners
With the addition of Japan Airlines, Bilt Rewards now boasts an impressive lineup of 21 transfer partners, cementing its status as one of the most valuable transferable currencies:
Airlines (15 partners):
- Aer Lingus AerClub (1:1)
- Air Canada Aeroplan (1:1)
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue (1:1)
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan (1:1)
- American Airlines AAdvantage (1:1)
- British Airways Executive Club (1:1)
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles (1:1)
- Emirates Skywards (1:1)
- Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles (1:1)
- Iberia Plus (1:1)
- Japan Airlines Mileage Bank (1:1) - NEW!
- Southwest Rapid Rewards (1:1)
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles (1:1)
- United MileagePlus (1:1)
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (1:1)
Hotels (6 partners):
- Accor Live Limitless (2:1)
- Choice Privileges (1:1)
- Hyatt World of Hyatt (1:1)
- IHG One Rewards (1:1)
- Marriott Bonvoy (1:1)
- Wyndham Rewards (1:1)
Important Considerations for JAL Redemptions
Before transferring your Bilt points to Japan Airlines, keep these factors in mind:
- Award Chart Devaluation: Book before June 10, 2025, to take advantage of current rates, especially for first class
- Family-Only Redemptions: JAL Mileage Bank only allows redemptions for family members related by blood or marriage within two degrees of kinship
- Miles Expiration: JAL miles expire after 36 months regardless of account activity
- Transfer Bonus Potential: Based on past patterns with new partners, Bilt might offer a transfer bonus to JAL on its next "Rent Day" (June 1)
How to Earn Bilt Rewards Points
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The addition of JAL makes the Bilt Mastercard even more valuable. Here's how to maximize your Bilt points earning:
- Rent Payments: Earn 1x on rent payments with no transaction fees (up to 100,000 points annually)
- Dining: Earn 3x on dining expenses
- Travel: Earn 2x on travel purchases
- Other Purchases: Earn 1x on everything else
- Rent Day: Earn 5x points on the first of each month in select categories
Important Note: You must make at least 5 transactions per statement period to earn points on rent payments and other qualifying purchases. If you don't meet this requirement, you'll only earn a flat 250 points when using your Bilt Mastercard to pay rent through the Bilt app or website.
Bottom Line
The addition of Japan Airlines as a Bilt transfer partner represents a significant enhancement to an already impressive rewards program. With JAL's imminent award chart changes, now is the perfect time to consider booking premium cabin awards to Japan or leveraging JAL's valuable distance-based partner award charts. This partnership highlights Bilt's ability to identify and fill gaps in the points and miles market, giving its members access to redemption opportunities that aren't readily available through other programs. For those planning travel to Japan or looking to experience JAL's outstanding new premium cabins, the timing of this partnership launch couldn't be better. As Bilt continues to expand its transfer partner lineup, it's solidifying its position as one of the most versatile and valuable rewards currencies for travelers, especially those who pay rent.
Double the Cash, Zero the Worry
Looking for consistent rewards without the hassle? The Citi Double Cash® Card rewards you twice: 1% when you buy, another 1% when you pay—for a total 2% cash back on every purchase with no categories to track. Plus, smart balance transfer options help you take control of existing debt. Simple, powerful, perfect for today's savvy spenders.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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