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TripAdvisor Rewards Program Review: Earn 5% Back in Trip Cash + Extra Rewards Through Kudos
July 1, 2025
TripAdvisor has officially launched its highly anticipated TripAdvisor Rewards program, offering travelers a simple and rewarding way to earn money back on their bookings.
What is TripAdvisor Rewards?
TripAdvisor Rewards is the travel giant's first foray into the loyalty space, designed specifically for how modern travelers actually plan and book their trips. Unlike complicated points-based systems, TripAdvisor keeps it refreshingly simple with its Trip Cash currency.
Key Features:
- 5% back in Trip Cash on qualifying hotel and experience bookings
- 1 Trip Cash = $1 off future bookings
- No expiration dates on earnings
- No status levels to maintain
- Automatic enrollment for existing TripAdvisor users
- Free to join with no hidden fees
How Does TripAdvisor Rewards Work?
The program launched on August 12, 2025, and is currently available exclusively through the TripAdvisor mobile app (iOS and Android). Here's how you can start earning:
Primary Earning Methods:
- Hotel Bookings: Earn 5% back in Trip Cash on qualifying stays
- Experience Bookings: Get 5% back on tours, activities, and attractions
- Community Engagement: Earn bonus Trip Cash for writing reviews, adding travel tips, and trip planning
Special Launch Offer:
New members who join today receive $30 off Things to Do when they download the app and verify their U.S. phone number.
Why TripAdvisor Rewards Stands Out
Simplicity First
Unlike traditional travel rewards programs that require complex point conversions and tier maintenance, TripAdvisor Rewards focuses on immediate value. Every dollar you earn in Trip Cash can be used directly toward future bookings.
Engagement-Based Earning
TripAdvisor recognizes that travelers don't just book - they research, plan, and share. The program rewards users for:
- Writing honest reviews
- Sharing travel photos and tips
- Participating in community forums
- Trip planning activities
Additional Perks:
- Price Match Guarantee (app bookings only)
- Flexible booking options, including free cancellation
- Trip planning tools with AI assistance
- Personal achievements and badges
The average Kudos user with 2–3 cards misses out on $441 annually in extra rewards simply by not using the optimal card for each purchase. When you multiply this across all your spending, the average person leaves up to $2,800 on the table every year by not maximizing what their credit cards can actually do. This is where strategic credit card management becomes crucial.
Getting Started with TripAdvisor Rewards
Step 1: Download the App
TripAdvisor Rewards is exclusively available through the mobile app. Download it from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
Step 2: Sign Up or Sign In
Existing TripAdvisor users are automatically enrolled. Just open the app and start earning. New users can create an account for free.
Step 3: Start Earning
Begin earning Trip Cash immediately by:
- Booking qualifying hotels and experiences
- Writing reviews of past trips
- Adding photos and travel tips
- Planning future trips
Step 4: Activate Kudos Boost
Don't leave money on the table! Activate Kudos Boost to earn additional rewards on your TripAdvisor purchases, along with 15,000+ partners.
Is TripAdvisor Rewards Worth It?
Absolutely! With zero cost to join, automatic enrollment for existing users, and straightforward earning mechanics, there's no downside to participating. However, it's important to note that you cannot stack TripAdvisor Rewards with Kudos Boost, since TripAdvisor requires bookings through their mobile app while Kudos Boost requires purchases on desktop or mobile browser. As much as we'd love to have you earn rewards with both TripAdvisor and Kudos simultaneously, you'll need to choose which reward system to prioritize for each booking. With Kudos, you'll earn 10% back at TripAdvisor right now, effectively doubling what you'll get from TripAdvisor itself.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
