Bilt processes most payments within one to two business days
When you make a payment through Bilt, the money typically reaches your account within one to two business days from the date you submit it. The exact timing depends on the payment method you chose, the day and time you submitted it, and whether the transaction hits a weekend or holiday.
Bilt is a credit card issued by Deserve Inc. that rewards rent payments. Payments submitted on a weekday before the processing cutoff (usually 5 p.m. Eastern) tend to post the next business day. Payments submitted after hours or on weekends enter the queue for the following business day.
If you are paying rent through Bilt and need the landlord to receive funds by a specific date, submit your payment at least three business days before your lease due date to account for processing time plus the time it takes your landlord's bank to receive and clear the transfer.
Key Takeaways
- Bilt processes payments within one to two business days, not including weekends or federal holidays.
- Payments submitted before the daily cutoff (usually 5 p.m. Eastern) post faster than those submitted after hours.
- Your landlord's bank may take an additional one to two business days to receive and clear the transfer after Bilt sends it.
- Submit rent payments at least three business days before your due date to ensure your landlord receives funds on time.
How the processing timeline works
Bilt's processing clock starts when your payment is submitted, not when you authorize it. If you schedule a payment for a future date, that date becomes the processing start date. A payment scheduled for Thursday will begin processing on Thursday, even if you set it up on Monday.
The one to two business day window is Bilt's internal processing time. Once Bilt sends the payment out of its system, your landlord's bank becomes responsible for receiving and posting it. Most banks clear incoming transfers within one to two additional business days, though some may take longer depending on the transfer method and the receiving bank's processing schedule.
Bilt does not process payments on weekends or federal holidays. If you submit a payment on Friday at 6 p.m., it enters the queue for Monday morning processing (assuming Monday is not a holiday). The one to two business day count then begins on Monday.
Payment method affects how fast money moves
Bilt offers multiple ways to pay rent: ACH transfer (direct bank-to-bank), check, and wire transfer. ACH transfers are the most common and typically take one to two business days through Bilt, then one to two more days for your landlord's bank to receive it. Wire transfers move faster—usually same-day or next-day—but Bilt may charge a fee for this service.
If Bilt sends a check on your behalf, add five to seven business days to the timeline for mail delivery and your landlord's bank to process the check. Checks are slower but useful if your landlord does not accept electronic transfers or if you need a paper record for your lease agreement.
Ask your landlord which payment method they prefer and whether they have a deadline for receiving funds. Some landlords accept payments up to five days after the due date without penalty; others do not. Knowing this helps you decide whether to pay by ACH (slower but cheaper) or wire (faster but possibly more expensive).
What to do if your payment is delayed
If your payment has not posted after two business days, log into your Bilt account and check the payment status. Bilt shows whether the payment is pending, processing, or complete. If it shows complete but your landlord has not received it, the delay is likely on your landlord's bank side, not Bilt's.
Contact Bilt's customer service with your payment confirmation number and the date you submitted the payment. They can confirm whether Bilt sent the payment and provide a reference number to give your landlord's bank. Your landlord's bank can then trace the incoming transfer using that reference number.
If you are at risk of a late fee or eviction notice, tell your landlord immediately that you have submitted payment through Bilt and provide them with the confirmation number. Most landlords will hold off on filing late fees while the payment is in transit, especially if you can show proof of submission.
Scheduled payments versus same-day payments
Bilt lets you schedule payments in advance or submit them immediately. A scheduled payment gives you control over the exact date processing begins, which is useful if you want to time the payment to arrive by a specific date. An immediate payment processes right away, but you have less control over when your landlord receives it.
If you schedule a payment for the 1st of the month and submit it on the 25th of the previous month, processing does not begin until the 1st. This is useful for planning, but it also means you cannot speed up the payment if something changes. Immediate payments are better if you are close to your due date and need the money to move quickly.
Holidays and weekends add days to the timeline
Bilt does not process payments on Saturdays, Sundays, or federal holidays recognized by the U.S. banking system (New Year's Day, MLK Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas). If your due date falls on a holiday or weekend, your landlord's bank may not process incoming transfers that day either.
If you submit a payment on Friday before a three-day holiday weekend, expect it to process on Tuesday at the earliest. The one to two business day count starts on Tuesday, so your landlord might not see the money until Wednesday or Thursday. Plan ahead during holiday periods by submitting payments earlier than usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel a payment after I submit it?
Yes, but only if the payment is still in pending status. Once Bilt marks it as processing or complete, you cannot cancel it. Log into your account immediately and look for a cancel option next to the payment. If you cannot cancel it yourself, contact Bilt's customer service right away with your payment confirmation number.
What if Bilt sends the payment but my landlord says they never received it?
Ask Bilt for the reference number and date the payment was sent. Give this information to your landlord's bank so they can search their incoming transfers. Banks can trace ACH transfers and wires using the reference number. If the bank confirms they never received it, Bilt will investigate and may resend the payment or issue a refund.
Does Bilt charge a fee for fast processing?
Bilt does not charge extra for standard ACH processing. Wire transfers may carry a fee depending on your account type and Bilt's current pricing. Check your Bilt account or contact customer service to confirm whether a wire transfer fee applies before you choose that method.
What time of day should I submit a payment to make sure it processes the next day?
Submit your payment before Bilt's daily cutoff, usually 5 p.m. Eastern time. Payments submitted before the cutoff on a business day typically process the next business day. Payments submitted after the cutoff or on weekends process on the following business day instead.
If I pay rent through Bilt, do I still earn rewards?
Yes. Bilt rewards rent payments made through the card. The rewards rate and terms depend on your specific Bilt card and any current promotions. Check your cardholder agreement or Bilt's website for the current rewards structure on rent payments.