When it comes to smart shopping, savvy consumers know that stacking is the secret sauce. By layering multiple savings strategies—like using digital gift cards, coupons, sales, and cashback apps—you can dramatically reduce your total spend and stretch your budget further than ever.
In this post, we’ll break down how stacking works, compare major cashback tools, and walk through a real-life example using Fluz, Ulta Beauty, and a few additional tricks to show how small steps can lead to major wins.
What Is Stacking (and Why It Matters)?
Stacking refers to the practice of combining multiple discounts or cashback methods on a single purchase to maximize savings. While many people use just one deal or coupon at a time, stacking lets you layer:
• Gift card cashback apps (like Fluz)
• Store sales or BOGO offers
• Coupons or promo codes
• Store loyalty rewards
• Browser cashback tools (like Rakuten or Honey)
When used together, these tools don’t cancel each other out—they stack, which can lead to savings of 20%, 30%, or even more.
Real Example: Ulta Beauty Stacking Breakdown
Let’s say you’re doing a skincare and makeup haul at Ulta Beauty. Here’s how the stacking process looks in action:
1. Check for Active Sales or Promotions
Ulta often runs promos like:
• Buy one, get one 50% off
• Free gift with purchase
• 20% off one item (via email coupon or app)
For this example:
• 20% off one item
• Free gift with $50 skincare purchase
• Select items already discounted online
Total before savings: $75
2. Apply a Coupon
Use a valid Ulta code or app-exclusive offer. You can find these in:
• The Ulta app
• Ulta’s email list
• RetailMeNot or Honey extension
Savings with coupon: $15 off
New subtotal: $60
3. Buy a Fluz Gift Card
Instead of paying with your card, open the Fluz app, search for Ulta, and buy a gift card for the amount you need. At the time of writing, Ulta offers up to 6% cashback on Fluz.
Purchase a $60 Ulta gift card
Earn instant cashback: $3.60
Redeem the gift card at checkout, just like you would a normal payment method.
4. Earn Ulta Rewards Points
As a member of Ultamate Rewards, your purchase earns points that convert into future coupons.
Points earned on this purchase: ~60
(Value: ~$2 toward a future purchase)
Final Savings Breakdown
| Step | Action | Value |
| Promo Code | 20% off | $15 |
| Fluz Cashback | Gift card | $3.60 |
| Ulta Rewards | Points earned | ~$2 |
| Total Savings | $20.60 |
Effective Spend: $75 original value – $20.60 = $54.40
How Fluz Compares to Other Cashback Apps
| App | How It Works | Pros | Notes |
| Fluz | Buy gift cards before purchase | Instant cashback, works in-store or online | Stackable with all other methods |
| Rakuten | Browser extension or site redirect | Extra cashback on online purchases | Must shop through Rakuten site |
| Honey | Finds promo codes and cashback offers | Auto-applies coupons at checkout | Variable success rate with codes |
| Ibotta | Submit receipts or shop via app | Good for groceries and select retailers | More manual process, delayed rewards |
Why Fluz wins: You can use gift cards anywhere—including in-store—and get cashback instantly, with no waiting for payout periods.
Tips to Maximize Every Stack
• Shop during sale events like Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty or Target Circle Week
• Combine with loyalty perks like birthday gifts, points multipliers, or free shipping thresholds
• Use smaller gift card amounts (e.g., $25 x 2) to match cart totals and retain flexibility • Track cashback expiration dates and use them regularly to build a recurring reward habit
