How to Travel for Free Using Points and Cashback Apps (No Credit Card Required)

Want to travel for free but don’t have a rewards credit card? No problem. Here’s how to turn points and cashback apps into free flights, hotels, and more.

1. Use Cashback Apps

Top apps:
- Rakuten (up to 10% back, pays via PayPal or check)
- Ibotta (grocery, travel, fuel)
- Upside (fuel and restaurants)
- Drop (gift cards to travel brands)
- Swagbucks (points redeemable for PayPal or gift cards)

2. Stack Everyday Loyalty Programs

Earn points when:
- Taking Lyft (Delta, Hilton)
- Ordering Uber Eats (Marriott)
- Shopping via airline dining portals
- Referring friends to Airbnb, Booking, etc.

3. Redeem for Travel Credits

Cash out for:
- Hotels.com gift cards
- Southwest and Delta eCredits
- Airbnb credit
- Visa gift cards (book anywhere)

4. Refer Friends

Top referral options:
- Hopper: $50 travel credit per referral
- Airbnb: occasional $20–$40 sign-up promos
- Rakuten: $30–$40 per friend
- Booking.com: Refer a friend and get travel credit

5. Watch for Hotel and Airline Freebies

No card required:
- Marriott, IHG, Wyndham offer free sign-up points
- Free night after two stays (sometimes)

Stack with app bonuses and “book via mobile” offers.

6. Use Survey and Microtask Sites

Earn travel gift cards by:
- Answering surveys
- Watching ads
- Playing games

Try:
- Swagbucks
- MyPoints
- InboxDollars
- Toluna

7. Book Through Cashback Travel Sites

Earn while you book:
- Rocketmiles (earn miles)
- Hotels.com Rewards (10 stays = 1 free)
- RebatesMe (cashback on travel sites)

8. Travel During Sales

Stack rewards with:
- Off-peak bookings
- Midweek flights
- Hotels offering 4th night free
- Airline promo codes + cashback

9. Combine and Stack Methods

Example:
- Use Upside to earn $15 → book flight on sale with that cash
- Use Hotels.com rewards for lodging
- Refer a friend to Hopper → get free room credit

10. Final Tip

You don’t need plastic to play the points game. With cashback apps, referral credits, loyalty bonuses, and travel-friendly gift cards — free travel is totally possible.