Traveling is exciting—but expenses like fuel, lodging, and parking can add up fast. Thankfully, with the right strategy and the smartest cashback apps, you can reduce those costs and even earn while you spend.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to stack cashback, rewards, and loyalty perks to get the best deals on gas, hotel stays, and parking—whether you’re road tripping or planning a hybrid fly-drive itinerary.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cashback Apps
Not all cashback platforms are created equal. Here are three that work well for frequent travelers:
1. Fluz
- Best For: Gas, hotels, restaurants, parking, and everyday spending.
- How It Works: Buy gift cards in the app to earn instant cashback. Works with hundreds of brands, including travel essentials like:
- Why It’s Great: You can stack Fluz savings with promo codes, loyalty rewards, and credit card points.
2. Upside
- Best For: Gas purchases.
- How It Works: Check into participating gas stations, upload your receipt, and receive cashback to your Upside wallet.
- Bonus: Some Upside locations also offer restaurant and grocery cashback.
3. Rakuten
- Best For: Online hotel bookings, retail shopping.
- How It Works: Use Rakuten’s site or browser extension to earn cashback from major hotel brands like Marriott, Hilton, and Expedia.
- Bonus: Works well when paired with hotel loyalty accounts.
Step 2: Stack Your Savings
Here’s how to combine cashback tools for maximum effect:
Example: Booking a Hotel
- Use Rakuten to book a hotel through a portal like Booking.com or Expedia.
- Pay with a gift card purchased via Fluz for instant cashback.
- Earn hotel loyalty points if you’re logged in with a member account.
- Use a rewards credit card to pay the remaining balance.
Example: Parking Before a Flight
- Reserve a space at ParkWhiz, SpotHero, or Ace Parking using a Fluz gift card.
- Or choose long-term airport options like Eco Parking or ParkEase.
- If you’re leaving from a city or regional airport, check out SwiftPark for affordable long-term rates.
Example: Filling Up on a Road Trip
- Check Upside for the best local cashback offers on gas.
- If Upside isn’t available, use a Fluz-purchased gift card for Chevron to still earn instant cashback.
Step 3: Cashback vs. Loyalty Programs—Which Pays More?
The answer: why not both? When used strategically, cashback and loyalty rewards can work in tandem. Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Expense Type | Cashback Potential | Loyalty Value | Best Strategy |
| Hotels | 5–10% via Rakuten or Fluz | 5–20% in points | Use both |
| Gas | 5–25¢ per gallon (Upside) | Low | Use Upside or Fluz |
| Parking | 3–10% via Fluz merchants | Low or none | Fluz + reservation platform |
| Restaurants | 2–10% via Fluz or credit card | Moderate | Fluz gift card + loyalty number |
Cashback gives immediate financial value. Loyalty points can lead to free nights or upgrades—but take time to accumulate. Use both to build short- and long-term rewards.
Maximizing travel savings isn’t about clipping coupons—it’s about using the right tools in the right order. Fluz, Upside, and Rakuten each fill a niche in your savings strategy, and when combined with loyalty programs and smart booking, they unlock serious value.
Book smarter. Fuel up for less. Park like a pro.Start earning cashback on your travel expenses with Fluz, and let your next trip pay you back.
