Core Insights - Fintech startup Mesa has decided to shut down its Homeowners Card program, which allowed cardholders to earn points for mortgage payments and other home-related expenses [1][2] - The shutdown is described as a business decision, with all accounts closed and credit cards deactivated as of December 12 [1] - Mesa launched the Homeowners Card in November 2024, backed by $9.2 million in funding, and aimed to provide rewards for home-related spending [2] Company Overview - Mesa offered two main products: mortgage loans with 1% cash back and a credit card that provided rewards for various home expenses [2] - The CEO emphasized that the card was designed to reward spending on essential home-related categories rather than traditional travel and dining [3] Market Context - The shutdown of Mesa's card has been noted by travel deal websites, indicating that cardholders experienced transaction declines prior to the closure [4] - Bilt, a competitor, plans to expand its rewards program to include points for mortgage payments, highlighting a potential gap in the market following Mesa's exit [3] Customer Impact - The only remaining option for Mesa cardholders to redeem their points is through a statement credit at a rate of 0.6% [5]

Mesa, a homeowner membership platform that turns everyday home expenses into rewards, has been steadily growing its list of redemption partners.Now, Mesa is continuing to grow its transfer partner list by launching a new partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts. The hotel chain operates more than 50 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Mexico, giving members a new way to redeem Mesa Points for free hotel nights.Here’s how the new partnership works and what it means for Mesa members looking to stretch their ...

Core Concept - Mesa Points is a loyalty program designed for homeowners, allowing them to earn points on mortgage payments, home-related purchases, and everyday spending, with flexible redemption options [4][5][53] Group 1: Program Overview - Mesa Points is primarily linked to the Mesa Homeowners Card, which rewards homeowners for various spending categories [4] - The program allows points to be earned on mortgage payments, groceries, gas, and other home-related expenses [4][22] - Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, mortgage credits, gift cards, and statement credits, providing versatility for users [4][26][53] Group 2: Earning Points - Users can earn points through multiple avenues, including using the Mesa Homeowners Card and referring friends [15][25] - The Mesa card offers a welcome bonus for new cardholders, enhancing initial points accumulation [16] - Points earning structure includes 3x points on home and family expenses, 2x points on everyday expenses, and 1x point on mortgage payments [22][24] Group 3: Redemption Options - Mesa Points can be redeemed for mortgage credits at a value of 0.8 cents per point, which is convenient for homeowners [29][55] - Points can also be transferred to airline partners, potentially yielding higher values, especially for premium cabin flights [32][55] - The travel portal allows booking flights and hotels directly, typically offering a value of around 1.25 cents per point [46][55] Group 4: Comparison with Other Programs - Mesa Points is unique in allowing direct mortgage redemptions, unlike competitors such as Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards [49][50][52] - While Chase offers broader transfer networks, Mesa Points specifically targets homeowners, providing tailored rewards for their spending [50][52] Group 5: Additional Features - Mesa Points do not expire as long as the account remains active, ensuring long-term value for users [47] - The program includes various credits and perks, such as annual credits with Thumbtack, Lowe's, and Wag! [22][24]

Core Viewpoint - The largest mortgage lender in the U.S., United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM), is partnering with the Bilt loyalty program to reward customers for making on-time mortgage payments, marking a shift in how rewards points are integrated into everyday financial transactions [1][2]. Group 1: Program Details - Starting in early 2026, UWM customers will earn Bilt points for each on-time mortgage payment, a development anticipated after UWM's investment in Bilt in July [2]. - Specific details regarding the point accumulation, including the timing and the amount of points earned per dollar, remain unclear, as well as eligibility for all UWM customers [3]. - Bilt points can be redeemed for various purposes, such as travel, dining, fitness classes, and eligible student loan payments through the Bilt platform [3]. Group 2: Strategic Implications - UWM's integration of Bilt into its servicing platform aims to transform borrowers' perceptions of mortgage payments and enhance client engagement for brokers, according to UWM's president and CEO, Mat Ishbia [4]. - Bilt has seen significant growth since its launch in 2021, introducing various programs that reward spending at local businesses and allowing point accumulation through partnerships, including one with Mastercard [5]. - A competing product, the Mesa Homeowners Card, will also offer rewards points on mortgages from any lender, indicating a growing trend in the mortgage industry towards reward-based incentives [6].