Booking hotels does not have to drain your travel budget. Thanks to a growing number of cashback apps, travelers can now save significantly on accommodations without changing their booking habits. Whether planning a weekend getaway or a month-long adventure, using cashback apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta can help stretch your dollars further and make room for more experiences.
How Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta Work for Hotel Savings
Each of these apps offers a slightly different approach to cashback. Fluz allows travelers to instantly buy discounted hotel gift cards from brands like Hotels.com, Priceline, and more. Rather than prepaying, you can purchase a Fluz gift card for the exact amount needed at checkout, ensuring you maximize cashback on the spot. Additionally, Fluz members often stack this with hotel loyalty points and credit card rewards for even greater savings.
Rakuten partners with major travel sites such as Expedia and Booking.com, offering a percentage back when users click through Rakuten’s portal before booking. Cashback rates vary, but during promotions, travelers can see bonuses of up to 10% back.
Meanwhile, Ibotta focuses more on app-based promotions and targeted deals. While Ibotta’s hotel offerings are less extensive compared to Fluz or Rakuten, users can occasionally find cashback offers on platforms like Choice Hotels or specific travel packages.
Real-World Example of Stacking Rewards
Imagine booking a $500 hotel stay. Here’s how the savings could add up:
- Purchase a $500 Hotels.com gift card through Fluz and earn 4% cashback ($20).
- Book through Hotels.com and earn loyalty stamps (collect 10 stamps for a free night).
- Use a rewards credit card to earn an additional 2% cashback ($10).
Combined, you would save approximately $30 immediately, plus accrue rewards toward a future free stay.
Best Tips for Maximizing Hotel Cashback
- Compare cashback rates before booking. Use CashBackMonitor to track which platform currently offers the best deal.
- Combine cashback with loyalty points. Booking through certain portals like Hotels.com Rewards or Marriott Bonvoy can still earn points even if you use a gift card.
- Time your booking. Cashback bonuses often increase during holiday sales, Black Friday, and major travel weekends.
- Always activate offers first. Especially important for Rakuten and Ibotta, where tracking begins after clicking their portal or activating a deal in the app.
- Double-check stacking policies. Some hotel brands restrict points or perks when booking through third-party sites.
Final Thoughts
By using cashback apps smartly, travelers can significantly reduce hotel costs without sacrificing quality. Apps like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta turn everyday hotel bookings into opportunities to earn back money, making every trip a little more rewarding.
