Capital One Platinum vs Bilt Mastercard: Which Is Better In 2026?

Bilt Mastercard® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at why we like the Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees).

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• It allows you to earn rewards on rent payments without paying a transaction fee.
• The card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for renters.
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.

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Pros

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• Points can be transferred to a variety of high-value airline and hotel partners.
• Redeem points for flexible options, including travel, fitness classes, or even a down payment on a home.
• You can pay rent and earn rewards even if your landlord doesn't accept credit cards, as Bilt can mail a check on your behalf.

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Cons

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• The rewards structure is primarily points-based, which may be less appealing for users who prefer cash back.
• Some cardholders have reported issues with customer service and the functionality of the mobile app.
• Earning points is contingent on meeting a monthly transaction requirement, and there's a cap on rewards earned from rent.

Bilt Mastercard® vs Capital One Platinum

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Capital One Platinum or Bilt Mastercard®, depends entirely on your financial goals. Each card serves a distinct purpose, catering to different types of consumers.

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• Capital One Platinum: This card is a straightforward credit-building tool designed for those with fair credit who are looking to establish or repair their credit profile. It serves as a stepping stone for improving credit health without the complexity of a rewards program.
• Bilt Mastercard®: This card is best for renters who want to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense. It is also valuable for those who spend frequently on dining and travel.

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Redemption

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Capital One Platinum: This card does not offer a rewards program, as its primary function is to help users build or improve their credit history.

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Bilt Mastercard®: Points earned with this card can be redeemed in a variety of ways, including transferring to travel partners or even putting them towards a future home down payment.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To eliminate the guesswork from choosing a new credit card, financial tools like Kudos allow you to compare thousands of cards using your actual spending data for personalized recommendations.

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• Test drive credit cards: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings from different cards based on your real transaction history, complete with a breakdown of rewards by category and net value calculations.
• Get approval odds: Receive a detailed analysis of your approval likelihood for various cards based on your credit report.
• Maximize rewards at checkout: The platform can autofill the best card to use during online checkout, ensuring you earn the most rewards on every purchase.
• Stack rewards: Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card points by shopping at participating stores through Kudos Boost.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer within three months of being approved for a card through Kudos, the platform will match it.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Platinum?

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The Capital One Platinum Credit Card is tailored for individuals focused on building or rebuilding their credit profile. It's an excellent fit for first-time cardholders, students, or anyone with a fair credit score—typically in the 580-669 FICO® range—who needs to establish a positive payment history. Consumers seeking a straightforward credit-building tool without an annual fee will find this card particularly useful for improving their financial standing.

Who Should Choose the Bilt Mastercard®?

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The Bilt Mastercard® (See Rates & Fees) is primarily designed for renters who want to earn rewards on their largest monthly expense without paying transaction fees. Beyond rent, it's also an ideal fit for individuals who frequently dine out or travel, given its competitive rewards rates in these categories. With no annual fee, it's a compelling option for those looking to maximize rewards on everyday spending across rent, dining, and travel.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Capital One Platinum vs Bilt Mastercard® comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the right fit, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent credit cards on the market that might better suit your financial goals and spending habits.

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[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

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_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

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Tips for Application Success

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score to ensure it aligns with the card’s typical requirements.
• Review card requirements to confirm you can meet them, such as minimum monthly transactions or spending thresholds.
• Define your goals to ensure the card’s benefits, whether for rewards or credit-building, match your financial objectives.

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Application Strategy

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• Apply via a trusted partner to ensure you are viewing the correct and best available offer.
• Target credit-builder cards, like the Capital One Platinum, if you have fair credit and want to improve your score.
• Check for unique usage rules, like the Bilt Mastercard’s transaction minimum, to confirm the card fits your habits.

Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Which card is better for building credit?

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The Capital One Platinum is designed for individuals who are new to credit or are looking to improve their credit score. The Bilt Mastercard is generally intended for users with a good to excellent credit history.

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Do either of these cards have an annual fee?

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No, both the Capital One Platinum and the Bilt Mastercard® come with no annual fee.

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Can I earn rewards with the Capital One Platinum card?

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The Capital One Platinum card does not offer a rewards program. Its main benefit is providing a pathway to build or rebuild your credit history.

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What are the requirements to earn rewards with the Bilt Mastercard?

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To earn points with the Bilt Mastercard®, you must use the card for at least 5 transactions each statement period. You can earn points on rent payments without a transaction fee, earning up to 100,000 points per calendar year on rent.

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