Exclusive: Bilt’s new AI ‘Neighborhood Concierge’ takes on Amazon and other e-commerce giants

Fortune

by Diane Brady

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bilt Rewards, a leading loyalty and payments platform for U.S. apartment buildings, has unveiled its AI-powered Neighborhood Concierge service, enabling seamless interaction with local merchants and partners. This innovative concierge allows Bilt’s 5.5 million members to perform tasks like paying rent, booking amenities, reserving dining spots, ordering groceries, scheduling rides, and redeeming loyalty points—all within the app. By integrating with buildings, restaurants, gyms, grocery stores, and car services, Bilt aims to create a frictionless hub for all neighborhood-related activities. The service reflects Bilt’s broader vision to transform homes into central hubs for local commerce. Unlike traditional smart home platforms like Amazon’s Alexa+, which focuses on direct purchasing, Bilt emphasizes neighborhood-centric interactions. This approach is supported by former American Express CEO Ken Chenault, who highlights Bilt’s ability to anchor local commerce through its payment infrastructure and seamless integration with property owners. Bilt’s journey began in 2019 as a rent rewards system, but it quickly expanded by partnering with major landlords and introducing a co-branded credit card with Wells Fargo. These efforts positioned Bilt as a key player in the smart home and local commerce space. The company’s ability to integrate payments and loyalty across multiple platforms has set it apart from competitors. This innovation matters because it taps into an underserved market: local commerce tied to housing. By focusing on neighborhood ecosystems, Bilt is challenging tech giants like Amazon to rethink their strategies in the smart home arena. Its success could redefine how people interact with their living spaces and local businesses, making it a significant player in the future of urban living and digital commerce.

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/26/2026