On paper, this unlocks some of the lowest domestic award prices you’ll find anywhere — with Spirit awards starting as low as 2,500 points.

But like most ultra-low-cost plays, the value is very real only if you understand the rules.

This article breaks down:

✨ How Bilt → Spirit transfers work
✨ When 2,500–9,000 point flights actually show up
✨ Who this is (and isn’t) good for
✨ The Spirit fee traps that kill value
✨ How to earn Bilt points without rent or the Bilt credit card

Let’s get into it.

The mechanics are straightforward, but you want to do this carefully.

Bilt transfers to Spirit 1:1, with a 1,000-point minimum per transfer.

To transfer:

• Open the Bilt app or website
• Go to Rewards → Transfer Partners
• Select Spirit Airlines (Free Spirit)
• Link your Free Spirit account
• Enter the number of points and confirm

Transfers are generally instant or near-instant, and they are final — so only move points once you’ve found the exact flight you want.

⚠️ Important: Do not speculatively transfer points. Spirit uses dynamic pricing, and once points are moved, they’re stuck there.

Spirit uses dynamic award pricing, meaning the points required depend on route, date, and demand.

Dynamic doesn’t automatically mean bad value — it just means you need to be selective.

Here’s where this partnership shines:

✨ Short, nonstop flights
✨ Off-peak or midweek travel
✨ Early morning or late evening departures
✨ Routes between Spirit focus cities

This is where you’ll often see awards in the 2,500 to 9,000 point range, which is excellent for domestic travel.

There are no blackout dates on award seats, but cheap pricing is still capacity-controlled. Holidays, Sundays, and peak travel windows will cost more points.

This is where people either win or burn points.

Before transferring, always compare:

• Cash price of the ticket
• Points price + mandatory taxes/fees

I aim for at least 1.5¢ per point when redeeming Bilt points.

If the cash fare is cheap and the points price doesn’t clear that bar, I’ll pay cash and save my points for a better redemption later.

Low absolute point costs are great — but only if the value checks out.

This setup isn’t for everyone — and that’s okay.

It works best for:

✨ Budget travelers
✨ Light packers (personal item only)
✨ Flexible dates
✨ People who live near Spirit nonstop hubs

Spirit-heavy cities include:

Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Detroit, and Baltimore.

Where this really shines is short trips:

• Weekend getaways
• Family visits
• Last-minute plans
• 1.5–2.5 hour flights

Multiple short trips at 2,500–9,000 points each can deliver way more total travel than blowing points on one long redemption.

Spirit’s pricing model is simple — but unforgiving.

Your base fare (or award ticket) includes:

• Your seat
• One personal item

Everything else costs extra.

To keep ultra-low-cost flights actually cheap:

• Fly with personal item only
• Accept auto-assigned seats
• Bring your own snacks
• Check in on the app
• Prepay for any bags online if needed

Airport fees for bags and boarding-pass printing are higher, so preparation matters.

If you try to fight Spirit’s model, you’ll lose. If you work with it, the value can be excellent.

Yes — Spirit has been in bankruptcy proceedings.

On December 15, 2025, Spirit announced $100 million in new funding, which is a positive signal — but it’s still something to factor into your strategy.

My rule here is simple:

👉 Only transfer points when you’re ready to book immediately.

That minimizes risk and keeps your points flexible.

Good news: you don’t need to pay rent — or even have the Bilt credit card — to use this strategy.

Bilt isn’t taking new card members right now, but anyone can open a free Bilt Rewards account.

Here’s how to earn points anyway.

Link any existing credit or debit card to Bilt Dining, activate offers, and earn points at participating restaurants.

This stacks on top of whatever rewards your card already earns.

Book cash flights or hotels through the Bilt portal to earn points when transfers aren’t the best value.

This keeps your points stash growing and flexible.

📅 Rent Day (1st of Every Month)

Rent Day often includes:

• 5x earning promos
• Partner bonuses
• Games, quizzes, and surprise offers

Timing planned purchases around Rent Day can add up fast.

Rakuten is one of the easiest ways to earn points on spending you already do.

• Install the browser extension or app
• Activate cash back before checkout
• Confirm tracking

New users can earn $50 cash back or 5,000 Bilt points after spending $50 through Rakuten using my referral link.

This is one of the fastest ways to build a starter points runway.

Bilt → Spirit transfers can be excellent for budget travelers on short domestic flights if you:

• Transfer only when ready to book
• Target off-peak, nonstop routes
• Control fees aggressively
• Keep your points flexible

This isn’t a luxury play — it’s a smart, practical way to stretch points into more trips.

✨ Travel more, for less — Rachel Points