You don’t need to be a frequent flyer or loyalty points pro to get more value from your hotel stays. In fact, some of the best hotel travel hacks come from simple “stacking” strategies that combine loyalty programs, cashback apps, and payment perks to maximize rewards—without needing a spreadsheet or elite status.
This guide breaks down how casual travelers can stack rewards without the complexity, all while saving money and earning bonuses at their favorite hotel brands.
Step 1: Join a Hotel Loyalty Program
Even if you only travel occasionally, joining a hotel’s free loyalty program is the foundation of any good reward stack. These programs allow you to earn points, unlock member-exclusive rates, and access perks like free Wi-Fi or late checkout.
Sign up here:
You’ll begin earning points immediately with every qualifying stay, and many hotels now offer mobile check-in and digital keys through their apps for added convenience.
Step 2: Add Cashback with Travel Rewards Apps
Before booking, check if you can earn cashback using a rewards platform like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fluz. These apps let you stack rewards on top of the hotel’s own loyalty program.
A great example is purchasing hotel gift cards through Fluz. You can earn cashback with a Marriott gift card, get rewards with a Hilton gift card, or earn cashback with a Hyatt gift card—then use the gift card to pay for your hotel and still earn hotel loyalty points.
Even better, Fluz allows you to buy gift cards for the exact amount you need—so you’re not stuck with leftover balances.
Step 3: Use a Travel Rewards Credit Card
If you have a credit card that earns travel points or miles, make it your payment method when purchasing gift cards or booking directly with the hotel. Many cards offer 2x–5x points on travel purchases and additional perks such as:
- Travel protections (trip delay, cancellation, lost luggage)
- Statement credits for hotel stays
- Automatic elite status with select hotel programs
Cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred®, American Express Green®, or Hilton Honors American Express® Card are popular options. Be sure to check the terms to understand how your benefits stack.
Step 4: Book Direct to Unlock More Perks
Booking directly with the hotel brand is usually the only way to earn loyalty points and elite night credits. Sites like Expedia or Hotels.com may offer convenience, but they typically exclude you from loyalty benefits.
Use your loyalty login and apply your gift card at checkout. This lets you collect:
- Cashback from Fluz (on the gift card purchase)
- Hotel loyalty points from your stay
- Credit card points from your payment method
Keep It Simple and Repeatable
You don’t need elite status or 100K points to make stacking worth it. Even one night at a mid-range hotel can return value when you apply this method. Over time, those small wins add up—free nights, upgrades, or hundreds in cashback.
Conclusion
By stacking hotel loyalty programs, cashback apps, and smart payment strategies, you can travel like a pro—without being one. All it takes is a few extra steps and the right tools to turn your next hotel stay into a high-value booking.
