Travel Smarter: How to Stack Discounts, Rewards, and Cashback

Planning a trip to the coast doesn’t have to come with full-price costs. By learning to stack discounts, loyalty rewards, and cashback offers, you can unlock serious savings on everything from flights and hotels to dining and excursions. This travel strategy isn’t just for frequent flyers—any traveler can make their budget go further with a bit of coordination and the right tools.

Here’s how to travel smarter by stacking offers and optimizing every booking.

1. Start with a Rewards Credit Card

Begin your stack with a rewards credit card that offers points or cashback on travel purchases. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Capital One Venture Rewards give extra value for hotel, airfare, and dining transactions.

Make sure to:

• Use your travel card for all major trip expenses

• Redeem points or miles for statement credits, upgrades, or bookings

• Check for special travel portal deals or partner offers

2. Add a Cashback App Like Fluz, Rakuten, or Ibotta

Next, use a cashback platform to stack even more rewards on top of your credit card benefits. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz let you earn money back when booking travel, dining out, or shopping for trip essentials.

For example, you can buy a Hotels.com gift card with cashback on Fluz and still earn points through your credit card when making the purchase. Fluz also offers cashback options for brands like Delta, Uber, Airbnb, and Uber Eats.

3. Shop Through Brand Loyalty Portals

Hotels, airlines, and even rental car companies offer loyalty programs that reward you for direct bookings. Enroll in programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or Delta SkyMiles to earn free nights or flight perks faster.

Whenever possible:

• Book directly with the brand to avoid losing points through third-party bookings

• Check the loyalty program’s portal for exclusive member rates

• Combine points with cash when it makes sense for redemption value

4. Look for Coupon Codes or Browser Extensions

Install browser tools like Honey or Capital One Shopping to find coupon codes automatically at checkout. Many travel sites also accept promo codes or offer sitewide deals during holidays and peak booking periods.

Check platforms like RetailMeNot or Slickdeals for up-to-date codes on flights, hotels, and vacation packages.

5. Use Discounted or Cashback Gift Cards

Purchase gift cards at a discount or with cashback using Fluz or marketplaces like Raise. For example, you can buy an Uber gift card online through Fluz and apply it to rides to and from the airport—or even for food delivery while you’re at your resort.

These gift cards can often be used alongside points, promo codes, and credit cards—making them a key part of your discount stack.

6. Stack Loyalty Points + Cashback + Rewards on One Purchase

Here’s an example of how it all works together:

• Use a travel rewards credit card to buy a Hotels.com gift card from Fluz

• Earn cashback through Fluz and points from your card

• Use the gift card on a discounted room rate during a Hotels.com promotion

• Stack with a browser coupon code if available

That one transaction just gave you rewards in three different forms—without changing how you normally book.

Final Tips to Maximize Stacking Success

• Read the terms of each platform to make sure benefits can be combined

• Use incognito mode when searching for flights to avoid dynamic price changes

• Track gift card balances and expiration dates carefully

• Keep receipts and confirmations in a folder or travel app like TripIt

Stacking is one of the most effective ways to lower your travel costs without giving up convenience or comfort. Once you get into the rhythm, you’ll wonder why you ever paid full price.