Let’s face it. Online shopping is part of everyday life. From replacing household essentials to finding that perfect gift, it’s fast, convenient, and surprisingly rewarding. But here’s the real question: are you getting paid to shop? If not, meet Rakuten. Rakuten is the cashback platform that turns your everyday purchases into real travel rewards. And now, with its new Bilt Rewards partnership, you can earn points toward Hyatt stays and Japan Airlines flights without even leaving your couch.
What Is Rakuten?
Rakuten partners with thousands of popular online retailers to give you a percentage of your purchase back in cash and it’s completely free to use. Shop at Macy’s, Aesop, or Kiehl’s through Rakuten, and you might earn 4 ~ 15% cashback. Spend $100? That’s $10 back for a 10% rate. It’s simple and instant.
🔥 [EXPIRED] TODAY ONLY (November 11)🔥
Hundreds of stores are offering 11% cash back for Double-Eleven Day (11/11). Even better, some shops purchases through the Rakuten app can earn 15% cash back.
Imagine buying Lululemon’s Water Bottle Crossbody for $48 at today’s 11% promotion gives you $5.28 cash back or 528 Amex Membership Rewards (MR) points or Bilt Rewards points.
Further Reading: The Truth About the $895 Amex Platinum (From a Family Who Keeps It)
Wait….Bilt Rewards Partnership With Rakuten?
Yes, it’s official! As of 11/6/2025, Bilt Rewards is now a payout option on Rakuten. That means every dollar of Rakuten cashback can now become Bilt points instead.
How To Start Earning Bilt Rewards Points With Rakuten
- Open your Bilt app or Bilt website. Link your existing Rakuten account (MUST use the same email for both)
- Select “Bilt Points” as your Rakuten payment method
- Shop at participating Rakuten stores as usual
- Your Bilt points arrive automatically with Rakuten’s quarterly payout
- Redeem them for rent, travel, or even luxury award flights
Why Link Now?
For the first six months, Bilt Rewards offers an introductory 1:1 conversion rate promotion, meaning $10 cashback = 1,000 Bilt Rewards points even if you’re not an elite member of Bilt Rewards. (Me, as a blue member, now is definitely the best time to enjoy 1:1 conversion rate!)
Why Choose Bilt Rewards Over Amex Membership Rewards Right Now
While Amex Membership Rewards are powerful, Bilt Rewards brings a fresh advantage especially for family award travelers focused on Asia-Pacific. Here are Bilt Rewards’ hotel partners: IHG, Marriott, Accor, Hilton and Hyatt. The last of which usually lives only in the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem.
Here are Bilt Rewards’ airline partners: Avianca (LifeMiles), Flying Blue (Air France / KLM), Air Canada, Etihad Airways, Virgin Red, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Iberia, Aer Lingus, British Airways, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines (Atmos Rewards), and Japan Airlines.
For families mapping Asia-Pacific trips, three key partners stand out:
- Japan Airlines: rare 1:1 direct transfer opportunity in North America
- Alaska Airlines: the only bank partner beyond Bank of America co-branded cards like Bank of America Atmos Rewards Summit or Bank of American Atmos Rewards Ascent
- Cathay Pacific: an extra way to fuel family redemptions beyond American Express or Capital One
A Real-Life Example: How To Use Bilt Points For Japan Airlines Business Class
Let me show you exactly how this looks in real life, my own family’s Japan Airlines redemption. Japan Airlines releases business class award availability for the Airbus A350-1000 from Los Angeles to Tokyo Haneda. Those availability disappears fast in peak-season in December. When I found them, the cash fare was $6,800 per person which was peak of the peak and the saver business class ticket on Japan Airlines was 50,000 miles per person back then. If this partnership had happened, I would have used 50,000 (now 55,000) Bilt Rewards points (1:1 to Japan Airlines) for each business class seat. For our family, that single redemption saved over $27,000 for 4 of us in airfare.
Here’s the math:
- $6,804 / 55,000 points = 12.4 cents per point value
- For my friends flying out of Chicago, that same route priced closer to $8,000, about 14.5 cents per point.
That’s the beauty of this partnership of why I’m so excited about the new Bilt Rewards × Rakuten partnership. They can unlock some of the hardest-to-reach business class award availability to Asia on one of the best family-friendly airlines out there.
Hyatt: My Family’s Stay At Park Hyatt Niseko
Now let’s talk about Hyatt, the brand I’m completely obsessed with when traveling with my kids. Families love Hyatt because it’s consistent, generous to members with Globalist status, and simply feels personal. Until now, Hyatt points mainly came from Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR), which meant many of us had to guard our UR stash carefully. But with Bilt’s new partnership via Rakuten, there’s finally another way to earn Hyatt points. It is a total game changer for families.
When we stayed at Park Hyatt Niseko in Hokkaido Japan last summer, I redeemed points for two nights in a suite that was nearly 900 square feet. Even though it wasn’t peak ski season, the cash rate ranged from $500 ~ $800 per night. That redemption came out to about 2.3 cents per point in value, and honestly, the experience was every bit as luxurious as it sounds.
- Further Reading: The Best Summer For Family: Park Hyatt Niseko Review
How To Use Rakuten Like A Pro
- Create Your Account: Sign up for Rakuten using the referral link below to unlock a special bonus.
- Browse Participating Stores: From Under Armour and Lowe’s to Sam’s Club and Best Buy, Rakuten covers almost everything.
- Activate Cashback: Always click through Rakuten’s link before checkout to track your rewards.
- Link Your Bilt Rewards Account: Do this on the Bilt Rewards app or website as above (not on Rakuten). Once linked, your cashback automatically converts to Bilt Rewards points every quarter.
Limited-Time Sign-Up Bonus (Through 12/31/2025)
Rakuten regularly offers enticing sign-up bonuses, and right now, they’re running their best-ever deal:
- Sign up via the referral link below
- Make a $50 purchase at any participating store (e.g., Best Buy, GAP, Old Navy)
- Receive a $50 bonus = 5,000 Bilt points
That’s like getting $50 just for trying Rakuten. [Join Rakuten and Claim Your $50 Bonus Here]
Final Thoughts
With Rakuten and Bilt’s new partnership, shopping isn’t just spending , it’s a smart strategy. Whether you’re saving for business class flights, luxury hotel stays or simply want more value from your everyday purchases, this combo makes it effortless. So next time you click “Add to Cart,” make it count. Link your Bilt Rewards account, shop through Rakuten, and start earning toward your family’s next unforgettable trip to Asia.
Join Rakuten via referral links, enjoying $50 sign-up bonus today!
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Maria Fung is the voice behind Maria Points The Way. She helps Asian American families turn points and miles into unforgettable Business and First Class trips to Asia-Pacific. By simplifying loyalty program rules and guiding them through her proven 4-Stage System, she transforms travel from overwhelming to effortless—so families spend less time stressing and more time making meaningful memories together. Visit mariapointstheway.com to learn more.
