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The Upgraded Points Podcast: Bilt 2.0 Explained [Episode 44]

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Katie Corrigan Seemann
Updated: 
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
& Jestan Mendame
The Upgraded Points Podcast: Bilt 2.0 Explained [Episode 44]
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Bilt 2.0 made a big splash in January 2026, with the launch of 3 new Bilt credit cards and the introduction of Bilt Cash. However, it wasn’t all good news. Critics immediately attacked the program for its complexity. But, is Bilt 2.0 really all that bad, or are we missing something?

“The Upgraded Points Podcast” is your essential points-and-miles travel podcast. Each episode includes insider tips, real-world travel experiences, and points-and-miles strategies from the experts at Upgraded Points.

What’s Going on With Bilt 2.0?

In January 2026, 3 new Bilt credit cards were introduced — the Bilt Blue Card (rates & fees), the Bilt Obsidian Card (rates & fees), and the Bilt Palladium Card (rates & fees) — and we got the first details about Bilt’s new currency, Bilt Cash.

The internet reacted strongly and swiftly. This program confused even the most seasoned points-and-miles professionals, and The New York Times said, “It is the most complicated rewards system we’ve ever seen.”

Bilt hastily responded 2 days later, introducing an additional option for earning rewards. Instead of appeasing critics, it just made everything more complicated.

In this episode, Katie Corrigan Seemann and Chris Hassan are breaking down the new Bilt program as simply as possible to help you understand if it’s worth your time or if it’s something to skip.

They will go over the details of the 3 new credit cards, show you how Bilt Cash can be used, and give you a final take on whether or not Bilt 2.0 is worth it.

Plus, they’ve got some good news about a new Priority Pass+ app and will share details about the transition of American Airlines credit cards from Barclays to Citi.

Listen to this week’s episode on Apple Podcasts:

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Do you have a question or comment for the show? Email us at podcast@upgradedpoints.com.

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About Katie Corrigan Seemann

Katie has been in the points and miles game since 2015 and started her own blog in 2016. She’s been freelance writing since then, and her work has been featured in publications like Travel + Leisure, LongWeekends Magazine, AAA The Extra Mile, Forbes Advisor, and Fortune Recommends.

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