One Key Card Review: Expedia Rewards Without an Annual Fee

Overview of the One Key Card

The One Key™ Card (see rates and fees) is a new offering with no annual fee, featuring solid earning rates and unique perks within Expedia's OneKey travel rewards program. If you're a frequent user of Expedia and its partner services, this card may be a great fit for you. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

One Key is a loyalty program offered by Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. Joining is free and allows travelers to earn rewards on purchases made across all three travel platforms, making it the first rewards program of its kind.

The One Key Card is a simplified alternative to the $99-annual-fee One Key+™ Card (see rates and fees). Despite its lower fee, the earnings rates may still appeal to certain cardholders. It has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670.

Here’s what else you should know.

Pros and Cons of the One Key Card

Welcome Offer for the One Key Card

With the One Key Card, you can earn $400 in OneKeyCash after making $1,000 in purchases within the first three months.

It’s crucial to understand that OneKeyCash cannot be redeemed for cash; it can only be used through Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. Nonetheless, this welcome offer holds significant value for frequent users of the platform and is fairly easy for many travelers to attain.

Advantages of the One Key Card

The One Key Card offers limited benefits, but it grants you automatic Silver tier status in the One Key rewards program, which provides discounts of 15% or more at over 10,000 hotels globally. You can achieve Gold status by spending $15,000 or more each calendar year.

While the One Key+ Card offers more benefits for most users, the One Key Card may be a better choice if you prefer to avoid an annual fee.

Earning Rewards with the One Key Card

With the One Key Card, you’ll earn 3% back in OneKeyCash when using Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo, as well as 3% at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, and 1.5% on all other purchases.

These earning rates are impressive, especially with the appealing bonus categories, but it's important to note that your rewards will have limited use outside of redemptions through Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.

Using Rewards with the One Key Card

Again, OneKeyCash cannot be converted to cash and is exclusively usable at Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo.

If you frequently book travel on these platforms, this card could be a great fit for you. However, if not, you might find better value with a different travel rewards credit card.

Which Cards Are Alternatives to the One Key Card?

If you're seeking more travel benefits or flexible rewards, consider choosing one of these alternative cards.

• For enhanced perks: The One Key+ Card has a $99 annual fee but offers superior earning rates and extra benefits that justify the higher cost. For further information, check out our full review of the One Key+.
• For more Marriott Bonvoy benefits: The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card offers perks such as automatic Bonvoy Silver status and five elite night credits annually, along with an earning rate of 3 points per dollar at eligible Marriott Bonvoy hotels — all with no annual fee. For more details, see our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Bold.
• If you frequently stay at Hilton properties: The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and enables cardholders to earn Hilton Honors points while enjoying automatic Hilton Honors Silver status. For more information, refer to our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex.

For more options, check out our list of the best hotel credit cards.

Is the One Key Card Worth It?

Many travelers may prefer more flexible rewards than OneKeyCash, which is only redeemable through Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. However, if you’re okay with this limitation, the One Key Card is a strong no-annual-fee option that allows you to earn rewards fairly easily.

Conclusion

If you're looking for a card that generates rewards with Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo, along with a straightforward welcome offer, you've found your match.

While it may not be the most valuable travel card available, the One Key Card is a practical choice for consumers who wish to utilize these platforms without the burden of an annual fee.