Most travelers book hotels and call it a day—but what if you could earn double or even triple rewards without changing your routine? With the right combination of loyalty programs, credit card perks, and cashback tools, you can stack rewards and turn each hotel stay into something much more valuable.
Here’s how to optimize your booking strategy to earn more from every trip—whether you’re traveling for business or leisure.
Start With a Loyalty Program
Major hotel brands like Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt all offer free loyalty programs that allow you to accumulate points and unlock member-only perks. If you’re not already signed up, start here:
Once enrolled, always log in before booking to ensure your stay is eligible for points. These programs offer benefits like free upgrades, bonus points, and late checkout as you move up through their elite tiers.
Stack With a Cashback App
The next layer is adding cashback through a rewards platform. Instead of paying the hotel directly with your credit card, consider purchasing a hotel-specific gift card through apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fluz. For example, you can earn cashback with a Hilton gift card, get rewards with a Hyatt gift card, or earn cashback with a Marriott gift card and still qualify for loyalty points when you use the gift card for payment.
This method is especially effective when you’re already planning to book directly with the hotel brand.
Add Credit Card Points for a Triple Stack
Using a travel rewards credit card is the final layer. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, American Express Green®, or co-branded Hilton and Marriott cards offer extra points for travel purchases and additional perks:
- Statement credits
- Free night certificates
- Trip protection and travel insurance
- Accelerated elite status
When you use your rewards card to purchase the hotel gift card through a cashback app, you’ll earn both card points and cashback—on top of hotel loyalty points.
Don’t Forget Booking Timing and Promotions
Many hotel brands offer seasonal promotions that let you earn bonus points during certain booking windows. Before completing your reservation, check:
These limited-time promos can often be stacked on top of gift card rewards and credit card points.
Tips for Seamless Stacking
- Always book directly with the hotel to qualify for loyalty points
- Double-check that gift cards are accepted at the property you’re booking
- Save all receipts and confirmation numbers in case you need to track rewards
- Don’t forget to register for promotions before your stay
The Bottom Line
Stacking hotel rewards isn’t about complexity—it’s about using the tools already available to you. By combining hotel loyalty programs, cashback platforms like Fluz, and your travel rewards credit card, you can earn more from each stay without paying more. Once you make it part of your routine, it becomes one of the easiest travel hacks to implement.
