One key + card overview
The One Key+™ card (see Rates and Fees) is a relatively new card from Expedia that comes with valuable income rates and one of Expedia’s key travel rewards programs and receives some unique benefits. If you use Expedia and its affiliate services frequently, this card may be a perfect fit for your wallet. Card rating*: ⭐⭐
*Card ratings are based on the opinions of TPG editors and are not affected by the card issuer.
In short, one key is Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO’s loyalty programs. It can be joined for free and allows travelers to receive purchase rewards in all three travel apps, the first program of its kind.
The program has two common branded credit cards: One-click™ card (see Rates and Fees) and One Key+ Card. A key+card is the higher premium of both, offering privileges that help offset its $99 annual fee.
We recommend that new applicants have a credit score of at least 670. Here is what you need to know about this program and this card.
Advantages and disadvantages of one key + card
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One key + card welcome offer
With the One Key+ card, new cardholders can get a $600 limited-time offer in OneKeyCash™ after spending $3,000 purchases within the first three months of opening an account.
It is important to note that OneKeyCash cannot be redeemed for cash and can only be used with Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. The usual offer on this card is $400 for OneKeyCash, for the same spending requirement, so this offer is worth it due to the increase in bonuses.
If you use these platforms frequently, this welcome quote is easy to make money, and it is easy to make money.
Related: The Best Welcome Offer of the Month
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One key + card benefits
A key + card comes with some allowance, not just to make up for its annual fee.
After your cardholder anniversary, you will receive $100 in OneKeyCash annually, as well as a statement of global admission or TSA Precheck up to $120.
If you don’t have any of these services yet and can take advantage of $100 from OneKeyCash, you can pay its annual fee even when earning a money-making rate and welcome quotes.
Even if you already have global entry or TSA Precheck, you can use credit to pay for your friend or family member’s application fee.
You will also get an automatic golden status in a key rewards program that includes 20% or more of over 10,000 hotels worldwide. After spending $30,000 or more per calendar year, you’ll reach Platinum, which saves you 30% or more.
Like most travel cards, One Key+ also offers some travel protections, including no foreign transaction fees and cellular phone protection.
Here is a reliable benefit list for a $99-year card, especially if you don’t have access to global entries or TSA Precheck. That credit alone makes the card’s annual fee worth it.
Related: How to Use a Key to Save Every Fitness Programs in Travel – Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO
Earn rewards with a key + card
Earn one-click + card:
These are stable income rates with some nice bonus categories, although again it’s worth noting that you won’t be able to make a lot of rewards outside of Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO redemption.
Related: Airline and Hotel Catering Rewards Program: Which is the best for you?
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. Otherwise, it is better to use a different travel card.
Which card competes with a key + card?
There are many cards that can effectively compete with One key + card.
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 or VRBO. But if you don’t mind this aspect of a one-click+card, it’s a reliable card with enough benefits to offset its annual fee.
Bottom line
A key+ card is a direct earner with Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO, and also comes with many valuable privileges and earning rates.
This is a card, and it makes sense for consumers who often use these platforms and want to take advantage of some solid benefits in the process. However, those who prefer to book a trip directly will perform better with different travel reward credit cards.
Apply here: One key + card
For the rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Award, click here.
