An overview of a key card
A key™ Cards (see Rates and Fees) are an unfamiliar product with good yields and brings some unique benefits to Expedia’s Onekey Onekey Travel Rewards program. If you use Expedia and its affiliate services frequently, the card may make sense to you. Card rating*: ⭐⭐
*Card ratings are based on the opinions of TPG editors and are not affected by the card issuer.
One key is the loyalty program of Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. It can be joined for free and allows travelers to receive purchase rewards in all three travel apps (the first reward program of their kind).
A key card is $99-annual fee one-click+ cut version+™ Card (see rates and fees). However, given its yield, it is still suitable for some potential cardholders.
It has no annual fee and we recommend a credit score of 670 to increase your chances of approval. This is what you need to know.
Advantages and disadvantages of a key card
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A key card welcome offer
With a key card, new cardholders can buy a limited-time offer of $1,000 for $1,000 in the first three months of opening.
It is important to note that OneKeyCash is not actually redeemable for cash and can only be used with Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Still, this welcome offer offers decent value for those who use these platforms frequently and is relatively easy to make money for many travelers.
The usual welcome offer requires the same expenditure requirements, but offers a lower OneKeyCash™ bonus of $300, which makes the current quote worthwhile.
Related: Best Credit Card Welcome Offer
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Benefits of a key card
A key card is relatively short, but you will get an automatic silver tier status in a key rewards program that includes 15% or more savings from over 10,000 hotels worldwide. After spending $15,000 or more per calendar year, you will unlock the gold status.
For frequent travelers, the card provides some travel protection, including canceled travel and interruption protection, automatic rental collision loss exemption, and travel accident insurance.
The card also provides cellular phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with a key card. Cardholders can defend against losses or theft for up to $1,000, but with a deduction of $25 (limit for two paid claims every 12 months).
Just like most other travel credit cards, there is no foreign transaction fee for a single key card.
Again, a key+ card will win in terms of benefits for most users, but this card will make sense if you want to avoid paying annual fees.
Related: How to Use a Key to Save Every Fitness Programs in Travel – Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO
Earn rewards with one-click card
Using a key fob, you will get:
These are stable income rates with some nice bonus categories, but it is worth noting that you won’t be able to use rewards outside Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO redemption.
Related: Best Travel Cards in 2025
Redeem rewards with one key card
Again, OneKeyCash is not actually redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO.
If you book travel frequently through one of these websites, this card makes sense to you. But otherwise, you will get more value from other travel reward credit cards.
Which card competes with a key card?
If you want additional travel allowances or more flexible rewards, you may want to choose one of the cards.
For other options, see our list of the best hotel credit cards.
Related: Marriott Hotel Bonvoy Bold vs. Marriott
Is a key card worth it?
Most travelers will need more flexible rewards than OneKeyCash, which can only be redeemed with Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO. But if you don’t mind this aspect of a key card, it’s a solid unfamiliar product that can be rewarded relatively easily.
Bottom line
If you want a card that can earn rewards via Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO, and there are easy-to-reward startup offers, you’ve found it.
This is not the most valuable travel card out there, but a key card will make sense for consumers who want to take advantage of these platforms without having to worry about paying annual fees.
Apply here: One key card
For the rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Award, click here.
