When it comes to booking hotels, most travelers focus on one deal at a time — maybe they check a discount site, or maybe they redeem points through a loyalty program. But if you’re aiming to get the most value from your travel budget, there’s a smarter strategy: stacking cashback apps with hotel loyalty programs.

It’s not just about saving a few dollars. Done right, this approach allows you to double up on rewards, lower your upfront costs, and inch closer to free stays faster than you might expect. Let’s break down exactly how you can combine these two powerful tools.

Step One: Start with a Cashback App

Before you head straight to your favorite hotel’s booking page, pause and open a cashback platform. Apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta offer ways to earn cash back on travel expenses — and yes, that includes hotels.

For example, with Fluz, you can purchase gift cards for major hotel chains or online travel agencies and receive instant cashback at the time of purchase. That means you’re saving money upfront before you even book your stay. Whether you’re reserving with a specific hotel chain or using booking platforms like Expedia or Booking.com, Fluz helps you lower your initial spend immediately.

Rakuten and Ibotta, on the other hand, often offer rotating cashback deals for hotel bookings made through popular sites. Simply activate the offer before you book, and you’ll receive cashback after your stay is confirmed.

Step Two: Book Direct to Earn Loyalty Points

Next, if your goal is to build up hotel loyalty points, consider buying a hotel-specific gift card through Fluz and then booking directly with the hotel’s official site. Direct bookings are almost always required to earn loyalty points — third-party booking sites typically don’t count toward your points balance.

For example, let’s say you’re staying at a Hilton property. Purchase a Hilton gift card on Fluz, earn instant cashback, and use that gift card when you book directly through Hilton.com to earn Hilton Honors points at the same time.

It’s a simple way to stack two benefits: upfront cashback and future rewards.

Step Three: Layer on Credit Card Rewards (Optional Bonus)

If you’re using a travel rewards credit card, you might also earn points or miles on top of your cashback and loyalty program earnings. Just be sure to check whether your card offers bonus categories for travel spending, and use it to purchase your gift cards or complete your hotel booking.

This triple stack — cashback app, loyalty program points, and credit card rewards — is one of the most effective ways to maximize every dollar spent on lodging.

Step Four: Don’t Forget Cashback Apps for Extras

Your hotel expenses don’t end at booking. Think about meals, parking, or other hotel amenities. If you know you’ll be spending on-site, you can use cashback apps to purchase additional gift cards in advance and continue earning rewards throughout your stay.

For example, if you’re staying at a hotel that has an in-house restaurant or spa, check Fluz or Ibotta for applicable gift card or cashback deals.

Step Five: Track Promotions and Stack Seasonal Offers

Many loyalty programs and cashback apps run seasonal promotions. Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and others frequently offer double points periods, while apps like Rakuten boost cashback rates around major travel seasons.

If you time your bookings to align with these promos, you’ll accelerate your rewards even faster.