One Key+ Card review: Valuable perks for Expedia loyalists

One Key+ Card overview

The One Key+™ Card (see rates and fees) 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 (see rates and fees) 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.

One Key+ Card pros and cons

One Key+ Card welcome offer

With the One Key+ Card, new cardholders can earn $350 in OneKeyCash™ after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

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

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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.

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.

Related: How you can save on all aspects of your trip with One Key — Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo's loyalty program

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.

Apply here: One Key+ Card

For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Amex, click here.