The long-standing rumor has finally been confirmed: Japan Airlines Mileage Bank has officially joined a transferable rewards program. The Oneworld alliance member is the latest to join Bilt’s transfer partner line-up, providing yet another way to turn your rent payments into a vacation.
The news leaked early last month when the JAL partner page on Bilt was published prematurely. But now it’s official.
Starting today, Bilt Rewards members can transfer points to Japan Airlines Mileage Bank at a 1:1 ratio and most transfers should go through within 10 minutes.
Normally, JAL Mileage Bank members have to wait 60 days after enrollment to redeem miles. Bilt Rewards members can redeem their miles within 7 days of transferring them to JAL. Once your JAL account is 60 days old, you won’t be subject to the 7-day waiting period to redeem miles.
You can sign up for JAL Mileage Bank on the U.S. website. Once you provide your email, you’ll get a confirmation link to fill out the registration form and sign up for your account. After signing up, be sure to link your JAL Mileage Bank account on Award Wallet to track your balance.
Why this is good news
Japan Airlines (JAL) Mileage Bank miles have been notoriously difficult to earn. JAL’s only transfer partner up until now has been Marriott Bonvoy. Even with an upcoming devaluation (June 10, 2025), JAL continues to offer great value for mileage redemptions. Here are some examples of sweet spot awards you can book with JAL miles:
- U.S. to Japan from 50,000 miles each way in business class/55,000 miles after June 10, 2025
- U.S. to Japan from 70,000 miles each way in first class/from 110,000 miles after June 10, 2025
- New York (JFK) to Dubai (DXB) in Emirates business class for 80,000 miles each way
However, it’s worth noting that JAL Mileage Bank miles expire 36 months after they’re earned. So I wouldn’t recommend transferring Bilt points to JAL unless you plan on redeeming them soon after.
How to link your JAL Mileage Bank account on Bilt
Bilt’s transfer partnership with JAL Mileage Bank went live this morning and you can start transferring Bilt points as soon as you link your accounts. To link your Mileage Bank account to your Bilt Reward account, follow these steps:
- Open up the Bilt Rewards app
- Click on “Rewards” at the bottom of the screen
- At the top of the page, click on “Transfer”
- Scroll down the list until you find JAL Mileage Bank
- Click on the blue “Enroll or link accounts” button on the bottom of the screen
- If you haven’t signed up for JAL Mileage Bank, click “enroll.” Otherwise, select “link existing account.”
- Enter your name and Mileage Bank number and click on the “Link your account” button.
Final thoughts
Bilt adding a new transfer partner is definitely good news. The fact that it’s Japan Airlines Mileage Bank is a plus because JAL doesn’t have many transfer partners to begin with. This fact may be why the program hasn’t been as devaluation-prone as others. That could very well change with this new Bilt transfer partnership.
But in the meantime, it means Bilt Rewards members get to diversify their rewards portfolio and hopefully there’s a transfer bonus promotion in the works for next Rent Day. Time will tell.
