Travelers looking to cut costs without compromising their experiences are turning to an often-overlooked strategy: gift cards that offer cashback. These digital cards aren’t just for gifting—they can help you save on flights, hotels, rideshares, and even travel gear. And when used strategically, they can become a powerful tool to extend your travel budget.

Here’s how to use cashback-enabled gift cards to your advantage and get rewarded for your next adventure.

Why cashback gift cards matter for travelers

When you book through platforms like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com, the cost can add up quickly. But with digital gift cards, you can often score a percentage back on your purchase—before you even complete your trip.

Apps like Fluz offer travelers the opportunity to buy gift cards for the exact amount due and earn instant cashback. Whether you’re reserving a room, renting a car, or paying for airport transportation, these rewards can accumulate fast.

For example, when you earn cashback with a Hotels.com gift card through Fluz, you’re effectively reducing the net cost of your booking. The savings stack even further if you’re combining gift cards with discounted booking windows or credit card points.

How to choose the best gift cards for your trip

When selecting a gift card, think about where you’ll spend the most. Some of the best options for travelers include:

• Hotels.com – Ideal for finding accommodations across thousands of properties

• Uber – Great for airport transfers and daily city transport

• Delta Air Lines – Most major U.S. airlines allow flight purchases using gift cards

• Airbnb – Offers unique local stays, often cheaper than hotels

Fluz also supports many of these brands, allowing you to get a discount on Uber rides or save money on Hotels.com bookings by simply choosing to pay with a digital gift card.

Stacking rewards for bigger travel savings

Want to maximize value? Use your cashback-enabled gift card in combination with:

• Loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors

• Credit card points or travel credit

• Seasonal deals and travel sales

• Booking platforms that allow gift card payments at checkout

This layered approach means you’ll save upfront via cashback, and again through points or member perks.

Final thoughts

Smart travel isn’t just about where you go—it’s how you book. By using gift cards that offer cashback rewards, you can reduce costs on the front end and free up more of your budget for memorable experiences. Platforms like Fluz make the process easy by offering instant savings on popular travel brands, giving you one more reason to book smarter.