One Key+ Card review: Valuable perks for Expedia loyalists
Editor's Note
One Key+ Card overview
The One Key+™ Card is a relatively 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 and the One Key+ Card. The One Key+ Card is the more premium of the two, offering perks that help offset its $99 annual fee.
We recommend a credit score of at least 670 for new applicants. Here’s what else you need to know about this program and this card.
The information for the One Key Card and One Key+ Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
One Key+ Card pros and cons
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One Key+ Card welcome offer
With the One Key+ Card, new cardholders can earn $400 in OneKeyCash™ after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.
It’s important to note that OneKeyCash is not 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
One Key+ Card benefits
The One Key+ Card comes with a few perks that more than make up for its annual fee.
Upon your cardholder anniversary, you’ll receive $100 in OneKeyCash each year, plus a statement credit of up to $120 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.
Even if you already have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, you can use your credit to pay for a friend or family member’s application fee.
You’ll also get automatic Gold status in the One Key rewards program, which includes 20% or more in savings on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. You’ll reach Platinum after spending $30,000 or more per calendar year, which gives you savings of 30% or more.
Like most travel cards, the One Key+ also provides some travel protections, including no foreign transaction fees and cellular telephone protection.
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 earns:
- 3% in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo
- 3% in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores and dining
- 2% in OneKeyCash on other purchases
Those are solid earning rates with some nice bonus categories, although it’s again worth noting that you won’t be able to do much with your rewards outside of Expedia, Hotels.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 with a different travel card.
Which cards compete with the One Key+ Card?
There are a number of cards that can compete effectively against the One Key+ Card.
- If you want no annual fee: The One Key Card doesn’t have an annual fee but still comes with decent earning rates and benefits. To learn more, check out our full review of the One Key Card.
- If you want more Marriott Bonvoy benefits: The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (see rates and fees) comes with a $95 annual fee and gives you tons of Marriott Bonvoy perks and earning potential on your Marriott stays. You’ll get a free reward night certificate worth up to 35,000 points each year you hold the card, making the annual fee worth it. To learn more, check out our full review of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless.
- If you stay at Hilton properties more often: The Hilton Honors American Express Card has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and allows cardmembers to earn Hilton Honors points and enjoy automatic Hilton Honors Silver status. Terms apply for select benefits. To learn more, check out our full review of the Hilton Honors Amex.
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.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.