Traveling doesn’t have to drain your wallet. While most people look for flight discounts and hotel deals, one of the most underrated tools for lowering travel costs is the simple gift card. By using gift cards strategically—especially from platforms that offer cashback—you can save on flights, accommodations, dining, and more before you even leave home.

Here’s how gift cards can instantly reduce your out-of-pocket travel expenses.

Use travel gift cards with cashback rewards

Many travelers don’t realize that major airlines and hotel chains accept gift cards just like credit cards. What makes gift cards even better is when you purchase them through platforms that offer cashback. With Fluz, for example, you can earn cashback with a Delta Air Lines gift card, get rewards with a Marriott gift card, or save money with a Southwest Airlines gift card—all while applying them directly to your bookings.

That means you can reduce your costs before the trip even begins, while still enjoying the same service and flexibility you’d get from a direct purchase.

Combine gift cards with hotel and airline loyalty programs

Gift cards don’t interfere with loyalty programs. In fact, you can still collect points and status-qualifying nights or miles when you use gift cards to pay. Booking through the Marriott Bonvoy platform with a gift card? You’ll still earn Bonvoy points. The same applies when flying with airlines like Delta or American Airlines.

Using a gift card just changes your payment method—not the value or rewards structure of your stay or flight.

Use dining gift cards on the road

Travel expenses add up quickly when it comes to food. But you can control those costs with restaurant gift cards. With Fluz, you can earn cashback with a Chipotle gift card, get rewards with a Buffalo Wild Wings gift card, or save money with a Panera Bread gift card while grabbing quick and convenient meals during your trip.

Since Fluz allows you to buy gift cards on demand—even at the register—you’re not locked into preplanning every purchase. This flexibility means you can still earn while you eat, even on a busy travel day.

Apply the strategy to ride-shares and fuel

If your trip includes local transport or road trips, consider transit and fuel gift cards. You can earn cashback with an Uber gift card, save on Uber Eats with a gift card, or get cashback at Shell with a gift card. For drivers, this is especially useful when fuel prices surge and every dollar counts.

Why gift cards work better than promo codes

While promo codes may offer small percentage discounts or come with restrictions, gift cards are accepted just like cash—and can be used in combination with other offers or loyalty benefits. They also typically don’t expire quickly and can be saved for future trips if plans change.

Stack savings with travel credit cards

Using a rewards credit card to purchase a gift card from Fluz gives you two layers of benefits. You’ll earn points from your credit card and cashback from Fluz. This stackable approach allows you to maximize returns on essential spending.

How to get started

If you’re planning an upcoming trip, map out where you expect to spend money—flights, hotels, dining, transportation—and buy gift cards accordingly. Just make sure the brands you select accept gift cards online or in-store, and that your destination has those options available.

For real-time flexibility, download Fluz and buy gift cards on demand as you go. You’ll never miss a cashback opportunity again.