As of December 17, 2025, Bilt Rewards has officially added Spirit Airlines as a 1:1 transfer partner.
This makes Bilt the first major transferable currency (beating Chase, Amex, and Citi) to partner directly with the ultra-low-cost carrier. For most of you holding valuable Bilt points, my initial advice is simple: Put your phone down. Do not transfer a single point until you understand the math.
On paper, a 1:1 transfer ratio sounds standard. But when you treat loyalty programs like software systems—as I do—you realize that converting a high-value currency (Bilt) into a revenue-based currency (Spirit) is usually an arbitrage error. However, there are exactly two scenarios where this transfer makes sense, and one involves the legendary “Big Front Seat.”
The Math: Why You (Probably) Shouldn’t Transfer
In the world of travel points math, not all currencies are created equal. Bilt Rewards points are arguably the most valuable currency in 2025 because of their unique transfer partners like Hyatt and Alaska Airlines.
I value Bilt points conservatively at 2.0 cents per point (cpp). This means 10,000 Bilt points are worth $200 in travel if used correctly.
Spirit Airlines’ “Free Spirit” program is revenue-based. The points price is tied directly to the cash price of the ticket. Historically, Spirit points are worth between 1.0 and 1.3 cents each. Let’s look at the redemption math:
| Currency | Nominal Value | Cost of 10k Points | Redemption Value | Net Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bilt Rewards | 2.0 cents | $200 (Opportunity Cost) | $200 (Hyatt/Alaska) | Breakeven |
| Spirit Airlines | 1.1 cents | $200 (Transferred) | $110 (Flight Credit) | -$90 Loss |
The Verdict: If you transfer 10,000 Bilt points to Spirit to book a $110 flight, you are effectively lighting $90 of value on fire. You would be better off paying cash for the cheap Spirit flight and saving your Bilt points for a high-value Hyatt redemption.
The Exception: When to Transfer to Spirit
If the math is so bad, why does this partnership exist? As an efficiency-driven traveler, I see two specific “sweet spots” where this transfer unlocks value.
1. The “Big Front Seat” Arbitrage
Spirit’s “Big Front Seat” is basically domestic First Class without the free drink. It’s a wide, comfortable leather recliner. Occasionally, Spirit prices these seats aggressively low in cash, which translates to a low points price.
If you find a transcontinental Big Front Seat for 15,000 Spirit points (approx. $165 value) when competing airlines are charging 50,000 miles for domestic First, the utility value shifts. You are sacrificing potential value for immediate comfort at a low absolute cost.
2. The “Rent Day” Bonus Potential
This is the real play. On the 1st of every month, Bilt runs “Rent Day” promotions, often doubling transfer rates (e.g., 75% to 150% bonuses). If Bilt offers a 100% transfer bonus to Spirit, the math changes completely:
- Transfer: 5,000 Bilt Points → 10,000 Spirit Points (with 100% bonus).
- Redemption: Book a flight worth $130.
- CPM: You got $130 of value for 5,000 Bilt points. That is 2.6 cents per point.
Pro Tip: Never transfer speculatively. Only move points if there is an active bonus or you are staring at a seat you need to book immediately.
⚠️ Critical Warning: Bankruptcy Risk
We cannot ignore the elephant in the room. Spirit Airlines has faced significant financial turbulence in 2025, including Chapter 11 restructuring rumors. When an airline faces insolvency, their loyalty points can become vulnerable.
My Rule: Do not use Spirit as a “savings account.” Only transfer points if you are ready to book a ticket immediately for travel in the near future. Leaving points sitting in a Free Spirit account is a risk you shouldn’t take.
Step-by-Step: How to Link and Transfer
If you’ve crunched the numbers and decided to pull the trigger (perhaps for a quick solo trip down the coast), the process is seamless. Bilt’s integration is one of the best in the industry.
- Open the Bilt App: Navigate to the “Travel” tab and select “Transfer Partners.”
- Link Accounts: Select Spirit Airlines. You will need your Free Spirit member number. The name on your Bilt account must match your Spirit account exactly.
- Initiate Transfer: Enter the amount (min 1,000 points).
- Verify: Bilt transfers are typically instant. Log in to your Spirit account to confirm receipt.
- Book: Navigate to Spirit.com, search for your flight, and toggle “Points” to finalize the booking.
Note: If you are new to this ecosystem, check my guide on hard vs. soft credit inquiries before applying for the Bilt Mastercard to understand the impact on your credit report.
Comparison: Bilt vs. The Field
Currently, Bilt is the only major transferable currency to partner with Spirit 1:1. This gives it a unique edge for budget travelers that Amex and Chase lack.
If you are deep in the Amex vs. Chase ecosystem, your only option for Spirit flights is to book through their travel portals at a fixed rate (usually 1.0 to 1.5 cents per point). Bilt’s direct transfer capability offers more flexibility, especially if you hold Spirit elite status, which waives redemption fees.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
For the average luxury traveler, this partnership is a “pass.” You work too hard to earn Bilt points to redeem them for 1.1 cents on a budget carrier. Stick to Hyatt for hotels or save on rental cars using other hacks.
However, for the calculated travel hacker, this is a tool in the toolkit. It’s perfect for topping off an account for a specific award or exploiting a future Rent Day bonus. Just remember: math comes first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Bilt transfer to Spirit take?
Transfers are typically instant. However, during high-traffic periods like “Rent Day” (the 1st of the month), delays of up to 24 hours can occur. Always search for award availability before initiating the transfer.
Do Spirit points expire?
Yes. Free Spirit points expire after 12 months of inactivity. You can reset the clock by earning or redeeming points, or by holding a Spirit credit card. Bilt transfers count as “activity,” resetting the expiration for your entire balance.
Can I transfer Spirit points back to Bilt?
No. Point transfers are one-way streets. Once you send your points to Spirit, they are locked in that program forever. This is why we advise against speculative transfers.
Is Spirit a better transfer option than United or American?
Almost never. United (Star Alliance) and American (Oneworld) offer “outsized value” potential, meaning you can redeem points for Business Class flights worth thousands of dollars. Spirit is revenue-based, capping your value at roughly 1.3 cents per point.
For more official details on the program, visit the Spirit Free Spirit page or the Bilt Rewards transfer hub. Always check the DOT Air Consumer website for rights regarding flight cancellations.
