One Key+ Card review: Full details
One Key+ Card overview
The One Key+™ Card (see rates and fees) is a new card from Expedia that comes with valuable earning rates and some unique benefits with Expedia’s One Key travel rewards program. If you use Expedia and its affiliated services frequently, the card could be a good fit for your wallet. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
One Key is, in short, a loyalty program from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. It’s free to join and allows travelers to earn rewards for their purchases across all three travel apps — the first program of its kind.
The program has two cobranded credit cards: the One Key™ Card (see rates and fees) and the One Key+ Card. The One Key+ Card is the more premium of the two, offering a number of perks that help to offset its $99 annual fee. It also has a recommended credit score of 670 for new applicants.
Here’s what else you need to know about this program and this card.
One Key+ Card pros and cons
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One Key+ Card welcome offer
With the One Key+ Card, you’ll earn $600 in OneKeyCash after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.
It’s important to note that OneKeyCash is not, in fact, redeemable for cash and can only be used with Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.
This welcome offer is easy to earn and easy enough to cash in on if you use those platforms often.
Related: This month’s best welcome offers
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One Key+ Card benefits
The One Key+ Card comes with a few perks that more than make up for its annual fee. You’ll get $100 in OneKeyCash each year upon your cardholder anniversary, plus a statement credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. If you don’t already have either of those services and can make use of the $100 in OneKeyCash, you’ll be able to cover its annual fee even before factoring in earning rates and a welcome offer.
You’ll also get automatic Gold status in the One Key rewards program, with savings of 20% or more on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll reach Platinum when you spend $30,000 or more per calendar year, which gives you savings of 30% or more.
That’s a solid list of benefits for a card with a $99 annual fee, especially if you don’t already have access to Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. That credit alone can make it well worth it to pay this card’s annual fee.
Earning rewards with the One Key+ Card
The One Key+ Card comes with 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo; 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, at grocery stores and on dining; and 2% in OneKeyCash on other purchases.
Those are solid earning rates with some nice bonus categories, although it’s again worth nothing that you won’t be able to do much with your rewards outside of Expedia, Hotel.com and Vrbo redemptions.
Related: Airline and hotel dining rewards programs: Which is best for you?
Redeeming rewards with the One Key+ Card
Once again, OneKeyCash is not, in fact, redeemable for cash and can only be used at Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.
If you often book travel through one of those sites, this card will make sense for you. Otherwise, you’ll be better off looking elsewhere.
Which cards compete with the One Key+ Card?
There are a number of cards that can match up well with the One Key+ Card.
For additional options, see our list of the best hotel credit cards.
Related: Marriott Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott Bonvoy Boundless
Is the One Key+ Card worth it?
Most travelers will want more flexible rewards than OneKeyCash, which can only be redeemed with Expedia, Hotels.com or Vrbo. But if you don’t mind that aspect of the One Key+ Card, it’s a solid card with enough benefits to offset its annual fee.
Bottom line
The One Key+ Card is a straightforward earner with Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo and also comes with a number of valuable perks and earning rates.
It’s a card that will make sense for consumers who frequently use these platforms and want to take advantage of a few solid benefits along the way. However, those who prefer to book travel directly will do better with a different travel rewards credit card.
Apply here: One Key+ Card
