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You can build your position in the future of AI by acquiring the FET token securely and with deep liquidity on the BYDFi spot market.

Bilt Rewards is a loyalty program designed specifically for renters, allowing you to get points for paying rent without the pesky 2-3% transaction fees typically charged by landlords or payment platforms. Launched in 2021, Bilt made waves by offering a no-annual-fee Bilt World Elite Mastercard® that lets you earn 1 point per dollar on rent payments (up to 100,000 points per year) when you make at least five transactions per billing cycle.

But here’s the kicker:  you don’t even need the Bilt Mastercard to start earning. By joining the free Bilt Rewards program, you can pay rent through the Bilt app and earn a flat 250 points per month, though the real rewards come with the card.

Whether your landlord accepts credit cards or prefers checks, Bilt’s innovative BillPay feature ensures you can pay rent and earn points seamlessly by generating a unique routing and account number or mailing a check on your behalf.

Beyond rent, Bilt lets you earn points on dining (3x points), travel (2x points), and even Lyft rides (5x points when linked). These points are incredibly flexible, redeemable for travel with major airlines and hotels, Amazon purchases, fitness classes, or even toward a future home down payment. With partnerships like United Airlines, Hyatt, and Southwest Rapid Rewards, Bilt points are valued at around 2.05 cents each, making them a powerful currency for savvy spenders.

Why Bilt Stands Out for Renters

Paying rent is often a financial dead-end—no rewards, no benefits, just a big chunk of your income gone. Bilt flips this on its head. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1- No Transaction Fees on Rent Payments: Unlike other credit cards that incur a 2-3% fee when paying rent, the Bilt Mastercard lets you earn rewards for paying rent without extra costs. This is huge for renters spending $1,500-$3,000 monthly, as it turns a fixed expense into a rewards-generating opportunity.

2- Instant Approval Credit Cards: The Bilt Mastercard is issued by Wells Fargo and is accessible to many with decent credit. While it requires a credit check, the application process is straightforward, and approval can be quick for qualified applicants. No annual fee sweetens the deal.

3- Build Credit While Paying Rent: Bilt reports on-time rent payments to all three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) for free, helping you boost your credit score. This is especially valuable for renters in Bilt Rewards Alliance properties (over 4 million units across the U.S.).

4- Flexible Redemption Options: From booking flights with American Airlines to redeeming points for SoulCycle classes or Amazon purchases, Bilt points offer unmatched flexibility. You can even use points to pay future rent or save for a home down payment (1.5 cents per point).

5- Rent Day Bonuses: On the first of every month, Bilt’s “Rent Day” promotion doubles your points on non-rent purchases (6x on dining, 4x on travel), making it the perfect time to maximize rewards.

Is Bilt Available in Canada?

For our neighbors up north wondering, “Is Bilt available in Canada?”—the answer, unfortunately, is no, not yet. Bilt Rewards is currently limited to the United States, with its Bilt Rewards Alliance covering over 4 million rental properties across the country. There’s no official word on Canadian expansion, but given Bilt’s rapid growth—processing $50 billion in annual rent payments and aiming for $1 billion in annual recurring revenue by Q1 2026—it’s not far-fetched to hope for future international availability.

For now, Canadian renters can explore similar rewards programs or check if their existing credit cards offer points on rent payments, though fees may apply. Stay tuned to Bilt’s official channels for updates on global expansion.

How to Start Earning Rewards for Paying Rent

Ready to get points for paying rent? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get started with Bilt:

1- Sign Up for Bilt Rewards: Download the Bilt app (available on iOS and Android) or visit biltrewards.com to create a free account. No credit card is required to join the loyalty program.

2- Check for Bilt Rewards Alliance: In the app, enter your address to see if your property is part of the Bilt Rewards Alliance. If it is, you can pay rent directly through the app. If not, Bilt’s BillPay feature lets you pay via check, ACH, or even Venmo, earning points regardless of your landlord’s payment preferences.

3- Apply for the Bilt Mastercard: For maximum rewards, apply for the no-annual-fee Bilt Mastercard. You’ll need to make at least five transactions per billing cycle to earn 1 point per dollar on rent (up to 100,000 points annually). Without the card, you’ll earn a flat 250 points per rent payment.

4- Link Your Accounts: Connect your Bilt account to partners like Lyft or dining programs to stack rewards. You can also link non-Bilt credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) to earn 1 point per dollar on rent, though a 3% fee applies after July 21, 2025.

5- Redeem Your Points: Use points for travel, dining, fitness, or even rent credits. For the best value, transfer points 1:1 to partners like Hyatt or United Airlines.

Is Bilt Worth It? A Commercial Perspective

For renters, the Bilt Rewards program is a no-brainer if you want to get points for paying rent without fees. The ability to earn up to 100,000 points annually with the Bilt Mastercard can translate to $2,000+ in value (based on 2.05 cents per point), especially if you redeem for travel. Even without the card, the free program offers 250 points per rent payment, which is better than nothing.

However, there are a few caveats:

• You must use the Bilt Mastercard at least five times per billing cycle to unlock full rewards. Otherwise, you’re capped at 250 points per rent payment.
• Non-Bilt credit cards incur a 3% fee for rent payments, which may outweigh the rewards unless you’re chasing a big sign-up bonus.
• If you don’t rent or your landlord doesn’t accept digital payments, the program’s value diminishes.
• For those who rent and want to maximize their spending, Bilt is a top contender among instant approval credit cards with unique benefits tailored to renters. Pair it with strategic spending on Rent Day, and you could be jetting off on a free vacation or slashing your next rent bill in no time.

Final Thoughts: Should You Join Bilt Rewards?

Bilt Rewards is a groundbreaking way to turn your rent—an expense you’re already paying—into a source of valuable rewards. With no transaction fees on rent payments, a no-annual-fee credit card, and a robust loyalty program, it’s a win for renters looking to earn rewards for paying rent. While it’s not yet available in Canada, U.S. renters can start earning points today and unlock a world of travel, dining, and financial perks.

Ready to transform your rent into rewards? Sign up for Bilt Rewards at biltrewards.com or download the app to explore how you can get points for paying rent. Have questions or experiences with Bilt? Drop them in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!

You can visit the BYDFi platform to learn more about investments and successful ways to live a successful life.

[For a full breakdown of the technology, read our main guide: What Is The Graph (GRT)?]

Ready to invest in the foundational infrastructure of Web3? You can acquire the GRT token on the BYDFi spot market.

User Pain Point: If you’re a single borrower or have older federal loans (like Perkins or FFEL), you might be wondering if REPAYE is your best bet. The good news? You can consolidate these loans at studentaid.gov to become eligible, but weigh the pros and cons, as consolidation may reset your repayment clock.

The SAVE Plan: The Next Evolution or a Legal Limbo?

The Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan is the Biden administration’s attempt to overhaul REPAYE, promising even lower payments and faster forgiveness. But here’s the kicker: legal challenges have thrown it into chaos. Let’s address your burning questions: Has the SAVE plan been approved? and When will the SAVE plan go into effect?

SAVE Plan Approval Status

As of July 2025, the SAVE plan is partially on hold due to federal court injunctions. Lawsuits from Republican-led states have blocked key features, including the ability to calculate payments using the SAVE formula and offer forgiveness after 10–25 years. Nearly 8 million borrowers enrolled in SAVE (or transitioned from REPAYE) are currently in an indefinite administrative forbearance, meaning no payments are due, but interest will resume accruing on August 1, 2025.

When Will the SAVE Plan Go Into Effect?

Parts of SAVE, like the increased income exemption (225% of the poverty line vs. REPAYE’s 150%), were implemented in August 2023. However, the full rollout—particularly the reduced payment rate of 5% for undergraduate loans—was slated for July 2024 but is now stalled. The U.S. Department of Education is urging borrowers to check studentaid.gov/SAVE action for updates, as the legal battles could drag on.

What Does This Mean for You? If you’re enrolled in SAVE, you’re in a holding pattern. You can stay in forbearance (no payments, no forgiveness progress) or switch to another IDR plan like Income-Based Repayment (IBR), which remains unaffected by the lawsuits and offers forgiveness after 20–25 years.

How Does REPAYE Work Compared to the SAVE Plan?

Example: A single borrower in California with an AGI of $40,000 and a family size of 1 would pay:

REPAYE: ~$112/month (10% of discretionary income after subtracting 150% of poverty guideline).

SAVE: ~$56/month (5% of discretionary income after subtracting 225% of poverty guideline, if undergrad loans).

Pro Tip: Use the Loan Simulator at studentaid.gov to estimate your payments under different plans. This tool is a lifesaver for visualizing your options

REPAYE Loan Forgiveness: Is It Worth It?

The promise of REPAYE loan forgiveness is tempting, but is it too good to be true? After 20–25 years of payments, any remaining balance is forgiven, but there’s a catch: the forgiven amount is considered taxable income by the IRS. For example, if $50,000 is forgiven, you could owe taxes on that amount, potentially thousands of dollars depending on your tax bracket.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): If you work for a government or nonprofit employer, you can qualify for PSLF after 10 years (120 qualifying payments) under REPAYE or SAVE, and the forgiven amount is tax-free. However, if you’re on SAVE during the current forbearance, those months don’t count toward PSLF unless you switch to IBR or make voluntary payments.

User Concern: If you’re a teacher or public servant, you might be worried about losing PSLF progress due to the SAVE forbearance. Contact your loan servicer to switch to IBR or explore the PSLF Buy Back program to buy back forbearance months for credit.

Should You Stick with REPAYE, Switch to SAVE, or Explore Other Options?

Choosing the right repayment plan depends on your financial situation, career path, and goals. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision:

Stick with REPAYE If:

• You’re not eligible for PAYE or IBR (e.g., older loans or no financial hardship).
• You’re single or don’t mind spousal income being included in payment calculations.
• You want the interest subsidy to keep your balance in check.

Consider SAVE If:

• You have a low income (below $32,800 for a single borrower or $67,500 for a family of four) for $0 payments.
• You have undergraduate loans and want lower payments (5% vs. 10%) or faster forgiveness (10–20 years).
• You file taxes separately from your spouse to exclude their income.

Explore Other IDR Plans If:

PAYE: Best for single borrowers or those with high earning potential, as payments are capped at the standard 10-year plan amount. Only available for loans after October 2007.

IBR: Ideal for borrowers with FFEL loans or those nearing 20–25 years of payments.

ICR: Suitable for Parent PLUS borrowers or those wanting a slight payment reduction.

Final Thought

Choosing the right student loan repayment plan can feel overwhelming, but understanding your options is key to managing your debt effectively. The REPAYE plan offers a solid, income-driven solution with generous interest subsidies and forgiveness after 20 to 25 years, making it a valuable choice for many borrowers.

However, with the SAVE plan aiming to provide even lower payments and faster forgiveness, the landscape is evolving—though current legal challenges mean you should stay informed before making a switch.

If you’re navigating repayment now, use tools like the Loan Simulator at studentaid.gov, weigh your financial situation, and consider factors like spousal income, loan types, and eligibility.

Whether you stick with REPAYE, wait for SAVE’s resolution, or explore other IDR plans, the most important step is to stay proactive and engaged with your loan servicer to optimize your repayment journey.

To start your staking journey, the first step is to acquire the asset. You can find a liquid and secure market for EGLD on the BYDFi spot exchange.

Solana (SOL): The Speed Demon Finding Its Footing
Solana has had a turbulent past, but following a series of critical network upgrades throughout 2024, it has emerged more robust and faster than ever. Its claim to fame is transaction speeds that can dwarf its competitors, with fees so low they are practically negligible. Staking SOL is a breeze through user-friendly wallets like Phantom or through liquid staking protocols like Marinade Finance.

You can generally expect APYs in the 7% to 12% range. The real innovation here is  liquid staking,  which gives you a tradable token (like mSOL) representing your staked SOL. This means your assets aren’t just sitting idle; you can use them as collateral in other parts of the DeFi ecosystem to potentially compound your earnings. For the US-based investor looking for a balance of yield and accessibility, Solana is a compelling starting point.

Cosmos (ATOM): The Architect of Interconnected Blockchains
While some blockchains are isolated islands, Cosmos envisions an "Internet of Blockchains"—a network of independent, yet interconnected, chains. Staking ATOM, the native token of the Cosmos Hub, is like investing in the foundational protocol of this entire ecosystem. The yields here are consistently attractive, often sitting between 15% and 20% when you stake through wallets like Keplr.

The process involves delegating your tokens to a validator of your choice, which encourages a healthy, decentralized network. It’s a model that particularly resonates with our European readers, who often appreciate the project’s transparent governance and alignment with a broader vision for a connected web. A word of caution: like many advanced staking systems, Cosmos has a slashing  mechanism, meaning your staked funds can be slightly penalized if your chosen validator acts maliciously or goes offline. This makes choosing a reputable validator not just a matter of optimization, but of security.

Polkadot (DOT): Betting on a Multi-Chain Future
Polkadot operates on a unique "parachain" model, where specialized blockchains connect to a central relay chain, all sharing its security. Staking DOT is fundamental to this process, and the network rewards participants handsomely for their role in maintaining consensus and participating in parachain auctions. Current yields are robust, typically ranging from 12% to 18%.

Engaging with the Polkadot ecosystem requires a bit more technical comfort, often involving the official Polkadot.js portal. However, for the investor who believes the future of Web3 will be multi-chain and specialized, staking DOT is a direct way to align with that thesis. The rewards are paid in DOT, allowing you to steadily grow your position in a project that aims to be the plumbing for the next generation of the internet.

The Critical Choice: Liquid Staking vs. Traditional Lock-Ups

As you delve deeper, you’ll encounter a fundamental fork in the road: the choice between traditional (locked) staking and liquid staking.

Traditional staking is straightforward. You delegate your tokens to a validator for a set period, during which they are locked and un-tradable. In return for this illiquidity, you often receive a slightly higher base reward. This is the "set it and forget it" approach, perfect for the long-term holder with deep conviction in a project.

Liquid staking, on the other hand, is a game-changer for active portfolios. When you stake through a protocol like Lido (for Ethereum) or Marinade (for Solana), you don’t just get rewards; you receive a derivative token—stETH or mSOL—that represents your staked position. This token can be freely traded, used as collateral to borrow against, or deposited in other DeFi protocols to farm additional yield. You’re essentially earning your staking rewards while still keeping your capital liquid and productive.

The trade-off is a marginally lower base APY. So, which path is right for you? If the thought of your assets being locked up gives you anxiety, or if you enjoy the flexibility of deploying your capital across multiple strategies, liquid staking is your answer. If your sole focus is maximizing the yield on a long-term hold and you have no intention of selling, traditional staking might be the slightly more profitable route.

Navigating the Shadowy Corners: Where High Yields Hide High Risks:

1- The Inflation Engine: A project launches with a token that has a massively inflationary supply. They offer a 10,000% APY to attract depositors, but this simply means they are printing new tokens at an astronomical rate to pay the rewards. The value of each token plummets as the supply explodes, often leaving you with a larger number of tokens that are collectively worth less than your initial investment.

2- The Ponzi Scheme: These protocols rely on a constant stream of new investors to pay rewards to the old ones. The moment the inflow of new money slows, the house of cards collapses, and the last people to withdraw are left with nothing.

3- The Soft Rug Pull : The developers create a token, lure in liquidity with unbelievable yields, and then suddenly sell their entire holdings, crashing the price and abandoning the project.

Beyond these blatant scams, even legitimate staking carries risks. The volatility of the underlying asset is paramount. Earning a 20% APY sounds fantastic until the price of the token drops 60% in a market downturn. You’ve gained yield but lost principal. There’s also smart contract risk—the chance that a bug in the staking protocol’s code could be exploited by hackers. This is why sticking to well-audited, time-tested platforms is non-negotiable.

Your First Steps on the Staking Journey

First, choose your battlefield. For absolute beginners, a centralized exchange like Coinbase, BYDFi, or Kraken is the most straightforward option. The user interface is simple, and they manage the technical validators in the background. For those who value sovereignty and security above all, learning to use a non-custodial wallet like Phantom (for Solana) or Keplr (for Cosmos) is the ultimate goal.

Next, fund your account or wallet. Use your local currency to purchase one of the established assets we’ve discussed—SOL, ATOM, or DOT are perfect starting points.

Now, the main event. On an exchange, you’ll simply find the "Earn" or "Staking" section, select your asset, and click "Stake." In a non-custodial wallet, you’ll navigate to the staking section, where you’ll be presented with a list of validators. Take a moment to choose one with a good track record, a high uptime percentage, and a reasonable commission rate. Then, delegate your tokens.

Finally, manage your rewards. You can choose to automatically re-stake your earnings (compounding your returns) or periodically claim them to diversify into other assets or take profits. Remember to keep a meticulous record of all your staking rewards, as they are considered taxable income in most countries.

The Final Word: Patience Over Promises

In the end, the most successful stakers are not the ones chasing the highest number on a dashboard. They are the patient, disciplined investors who understand that in the world of crypto, a sustainable and secure 8-15% APY on a blue-chip asset is a monumental wealth-building tool. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. By focusing on fundamentally sound projects, understanding the risks, and starting with a clear strategy, you can confidently use staking to transform your cryptocurrency from a speculative asset into a genuine source of passive income. Ignore the sirens of 10,000%; the real treasure is found in the steady, consistent growth of the ecosystem's bedrock.

What is Solana?

Before diving into the details of the best exchanges for Solana, let’s quickly review what makes Solana unique.  Solana is a high-performance blockchain designed for dApps and crypto projects. It is known for its fast transaction speeds, with a processing capacity of over 65,000 transactions per second (TPS).

its low transaction fees, which make it an attractive option for developers and users alike.

Solana’s ecosystem has exploded in recent years.  it now supports a wide variety of projects, including DeFi protocols, NFTs, DEXs, and more. One of the main reasons people flock to Solana is the promise of fast and affordable transactions,  making it an ideal choice for trading crypto, especially for day traders and high-frequency traders.

Is Solana the Future of DEX Trading?

The network’s speed and cost make it ideal for DEX development, Ethereum’s gas fees are still high, even after L2 rollouts.  Solana offers near-instant confirmation and ultra-low fees—two things DEX users crave. DEX Solana platforms are growing in volume month over month, According to DeFiLlama, Solana-based DEXs are now doing billions in monthly volume. This trend isn’t slowing down.

features of Solana

1. High Throughput

Solana can process up to 65,000 transactions per second (TPS). t uses a unique consensus mechanism to achieve high speed without sacrificing decentralization.

2. Proof of History (PoH)

A cryptographic clock that timestamps transactions. Helps nodes agree on transaction order efficiently, boosting speed and reducing overhead.

3. Low Transaction Fees

Average cost per transaction is less than $0.01. Enables microtransactions and makes the network ideal for DeFi, NFTs, and gaming.

4. Scalability

Solana does not rely on Layer 2 solutions. It scales horizontally with network bandwidth and hardware improvements.

5. Fast Block Times

Blocks are produced every 400 milliseconds, enabling near-instant confirmations.

6. Smart Contract Support

Supports smart contracts via the Rust, C, and C++ programming languages using the Sealevel parallel runtime. Allows multiple smart contracts to run concurrently, improving efficiency.

7. Developer-Friendly Ecosystem

Growing ecosystem with tools like Solana CLI, Solana SDKs, and Anchor framework. Vibrant support for DeFi, NFT marketplaces, and Web3 applications.

8. Validator Network

A decentralized network with thousands of validators. Incentivized participation ensures security and decentralization.

9. Growing Ecosystem

Hosts major projects like Phantom Wallet, Magic Eden, Raydium, and more. Actively used in sectors like DeFi, NFTs, gaming, and payments.

10. Interoperability

Supports bridges to Ethereum (e.g., Wormhole) and other chains. Promotes cross-chain asset transfers and composability.

Top Solana DEXs in 2025

1. Jupiter

Jupiter has rapidly ascended to the top of the DEX space, surpassing Uniswap, one of the largest DEXs in the DeFi landscape.  In 2024, the platform boasted a daily trading volume of $900 million. Jupiter isn’t just a regular DEX—it’s a DEX aggregator.

That means it searches all the other Solana DEXs (like Raydium and Orca) to find you the best price for your trade. Specifically, Jupiter aggregates liquidity from various sources, ensuring optimal swap routes and exceptional trade execution.

People love Jupiter, because it’s fast, it has low fees (sometimes zero for swaps!), and it supports tons of tokens. Plus, Jupiter offers cool tools like limit orders (where you set the price you want) and dollar-cost averaging (a way to buy a little bit at a time).

Its native token, JUP, offers holders opportunities to participate in governance, enjoy fee discounts, and potentially earn through the protocol.

2. Raydium

Raydium is one of the pioneering DEX platforms on Solana, serving as both an automated market maker (AMM) and a liquidity provider. Launched back in 2021, it’s been a fan favorite for years, and in 2025, it’s still going strong. As of mid-2024, it achieved one of the highest trading volumes among Solana-based DEXs, exceeding $500 million.

But what makes it special is its connection to Serum, a super-liquid order book that boosts its speed and options.  The integration with Serum allows users to place limit and market orders in a decentralized environment.

Raydium has the deepest liquidity of any Solana DEX and is also a launchpad for new tokens, which is why meme coin fans flock to it. With its native RAY token, you can stake and earn rewards too.

If you want a reliable, fast, and fun best Solana exchange, Raydium is a top choice.

3. Orca

Orca is a top-performing Solana swap DEX renowned for its AMM functionality and competitive fees.  Its custom order book algorithm ensures rapid and efficient price discovery.  Ranking third among Solana-based platforms, Orca boasts daily trading volumes exceeding $360 million.

Orca prides itself on its user-friendly approach, offering an easy way to swap tokens with minimal effort.  This DEX is all about keeping things simple. It’s perfect for beginners who want to dip their toes into crypto trading.

What sets Orca apart? It has a “Fair Price Indicator” to keep trades fair and a feature called Whirlpools, which lets you focus your money in specific price ranges for bigger rewards. Its native token, ORCA, plays a multifaceted role in the platform, from governance and staking for fee discounts to participating in future protocol upgrades.

4. Lifinity

Lifinity is an innovative DEX platform that leverages the Proactive Market Maker (PMM) system, with a strong emphasis on concentrated liquidity.  The platform derives high-fidelity market data from Pyth for pricing, significantly improving capital efficiency and minimizing risks associated with impermanent loss.

Recording daily trading volumes exceeding $100 million, Lifinity is carving a significant niche within the Solana DeFi sphere.  It's designed for seamless interoperability across distinct blockchain networks, enabling efficient cross-chain exchanges.

5. Drift Protocol

Drift Protocol is a bit different from the others.  It’s a Solana DEX that mixes the best parts of decentralized and centralized exchanges.  In 2025, it’s gaining fans fast, with a total value locked of over $300 million.  Drift lets you trade perpetual swaps with up to 10x leverage, which means you can make bigger moves with less money.

It’s secure, fast, and transparent, with a focus on keeping your funds safe. Drift is perfect for serious traders who want more control and options.

If you’re ready to level up your trading game, Drift might just be the best Solana exchange for you.

Final thought :

After months of using different DEXs on Solana, I’ve made my decision—I’m not going back to centralized exchanges unless I absolutely have to.  The benefits are too good to ignore. If you're still on the fence, just try making a swap on Orca or Jupiter.

The speed, control, and cost will blow your mind.  Don’t just take my word for it—try it yourself.

Ready to dive in? Check out BYDFi’s beginner tutorial for a step-by-step walkthrough and start your bitcoin journey today!