Cashback apps are no longer just for groceries and online shopping—they’re also a smart way to save on hotel stays. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip or a long vacation, platforms like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz can help you cut costs and earn rewards on bookings you were already going to make. And the best part? These savings can stack with hotel loyalty points and credit card rewards when used correctly.

Here’s how to use cashback platforms to your advantage when booking a hotel.

Start With a Loyalty Program

Before even browsing cashback sites, sign up for a hotel rewards program. Top programs like Hilton Honors, Marriott Bonvoy, and World of Hyatt let you earn points and gain perks like room upgrades, free breakfast, and early check-in.

Loyalty members typically get better rates when booking direct—and when paired with cashback strategies, the savings increase without sacrificing benefits.

Use Cashback Portals Like Rakuten and Ibotta

Rakuten is one of the most established cashback platforms for hotel bookings. Users can search for hotel partners like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com and earn a percentage back—often 3–10% depending on the brand and timing.

Similarly, Ibotta occasionally features limited-time hotel booking cashback offers through its app. These are often seasonal and vary based on travel demand.

To use them:

• Log into your cashback portal.

• Click through to the hotel or booking site.

• Complete your booking as normal.

Cashback will track within a few hours or days and can be redeemed for PayPal, bank deposits, or gift cards once your stay is completed.

Buy Discounted Gift Cards Through Fluz

A lesser-known but highly effective strategy involves using Fluz to purchase hotel brand gift cards. With Fluz, you can earn cashback with a Hilton gift card, get rewards with a Hyatt gift card, or buy a Marriott gift card online and use it to pay for your reservation.

This is especially valuable because:

• The cashback is instant.

• You still earn hotel loyalty points if booking directly.

• You can pay the exact amount due at checkout, avoiding leftover gift card balances.

For third-party bookings (like through Expedia or Hotels.com), you can also earn cashback with a Hotels.com gift card before checking out.

Stacking Example: Maximum Rewards

Let’s say you’re booking a $400 Hilton stay:

• Start your search through Rakuten and earn 5% cashback on the booking.

• Pay using a Hilton gift card bought through Fluz and earn additional instant cashback.

• You’re logged into Hilton Honors, earning loyalty points.

• Use a credit card that earns bonus travel points for the gift card purchase.

That’s four layers of rewards on a single hotel stay—without compromising flexibility or perks.

Tips to Keep in Mind

• Use one portal at a time. Clicking through both Rakuten and Ibotta may void tracking. Choose one and stick with it for that transaction.

• Use gift cards only where allowed. Some booking platforms may not accept gift cards as payment—check before purchasing.

• Track your cashback. Always keep confirmation emails and screenshots in case you need to dispute missing rewards.

Conclusion

Using cashback sites when booking hotels is one of the easiest travel hacks available. Whether you’re earning 5% from Rakuten, leveraging seasonal offers on Ibotta, or choosing to earn cashback with a Marriott gift card through Fluz, every dollar you save makes future travel more accessible. With the right strategy, you can stack cashback, hotel loyalty, and credit card perks to get the best value from every stay.