Booking a hotel doesn’t have to be a one-step process that drains your wallet. With the right strategy, you can combine loyalty programs, credit card points, and discounted gift cards to save significantly on every stay. Whether you’re eyeing a quick getaway or a luxurious weeklong escape, stacking rewards and gift cards can unlock unexpected value.

Start with a Hotel Loyalty Program

If you’re not already signed up for a hotel loyalty program, that’s your first move. Major chains like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt offer points for every stay, which can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, and perks like early check-in or late checkout.

Even better—booking directly through the hotel’s website usually earns more points and qualifies you for member-exclusive rates. This sets the foundation for savings you can build on with credit cards and gift cards.

Add Credit Card Points and Travel Portals

Next, consider whether your credit card can boost the value of your booking. Travel-focused cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture, or Amex Platinum often earn bonus points on hotel bookings, especially when made through their respective travel portals.

Some cards even let you transfer points directly to hotel partners. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards can transfer to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio, while Amex Membership Rewards points can be used for Marriott and Hilton. This lets you turn everyday purchases into free stays with a little planning.

Buy Discounted Gift Cards for Instant Cashback

Here’s where the savings really stack. Instead of paying out of pocket, consider purchasing a hotel brand’s gift card at a discount using a cashback platform. For example, you can earn cashback with a Marriott gift card or get rewards with a Hyatt gift card when buying through Fluz.

Platforms like Fluz offer instant cashback on digital gift card purchases, letting you fund your reservation at a lower net cost. Unlike points, which accumulate over time, gift card cashback can be earned immediately at checkout and used right away.

Brands available on Fluz include:

• Marriott – Perfect for both business and leisure travelers.

• Hyatt – Great for upscale and boutique stays.

• Hilton – A versatile option with global coverage.

• Hotels.com – Ideal for comparing properties across hotel brands.

You can even stack this by paying for the gift card with a rewards-earning credit card, essentially double-dipping your cashback and credit perks.

Combine Everything for Maximum Value

Let’s break it down with an example:

• You book a $300 Marriott stay through the Marriott site (earning Bonvoy points).

• You pay using a gift card purchased from Fluz, where you earned cashback with a Marriott gift card.

• That gift card was paid for using a travel rewards credit card, earning 2–3x points on purchases.

• Result: Loyalty points, cashback, and credit card rewards—all on the same transaction.

This method works particularly well when booking in advance or during promotional periods, where Fluz often offers boosted cashback rates.

What to Watch Out For

Some tips to ensure smooth stacking:

• Always check the terms: Some travel portals or discount sites may void loyalty points if you don’t book directly.

• Use the full gift card amount: Hotels typically allow split payments if needed.

• Don’t forget taxes and fees: Make sure your gift card covers those to avoid surprises at checkout.

Conclusion

Hotel stays can be a major expense—but they don’t have to be. When you combine loyalty programs, credit card rewards, and platforms like Fluz to buy a Hilton gift card online or get rewards with a Hotels.com gift card, you’re no longer booking at face value. You’re booking smarter, maximizing value at every step.