One Key Card overview
The One Key™ Card is a no-annual-fee travel card tied to the One Key loyalty program from Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. It offers solid earnings for bookings across those platforms and a modest suite of travel protections. TPG editors give it a 3-star rating. Expect the best results if you frequently use Expedia, Hotels.com or Vrbo; otherwise more flexible travel rewards cards are likely better.
Key facts
– No annual fee.
– Recommended credit score: ~670+ for better odds of approval.
– Automatic One Key Silver status; Gold after $15,000 in spend per calendar year.
– Limited to OneKeyCash redemptions on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.
Pros and cons
Pros
– No annual fee.
– Strong bonus categories for purchases tied to Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo and common everyday categories.
Cons
– Outclassed by the paid One Key+ Card in earnings and benefits.
– Rewards (OneKeyCash) are restricted to Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, not redeemable for cash.
Welcome offer
New cardholders can earn $300 in OneKeyCash after spending $1,000 within the first three months. OneKeyCash is only usable with Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo, not as statement credit or bank cash.
Benefits and protections
– Automatic One Key Silver status: savings of about 15%+ on select hotels. Gold status after $15,000 annual spend.
– Trip cancellation and interruption protection.
– Auto rental collision damage waiver.
– Travel accident insurance.
– Cell phone protection: up to $1,000 per claim (two paid claims per 12 months) with a $25 deductible when the monthly phone bill is paid with the card.
– No foreign transaction fees.
Earning rates
– 3% back in OneKeyCash on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo.
– 3% back in OneKeyCash at gas stations, grocery stores and dining.
– 1.5% back in OneKeyCash on all other purchases.
These are respectable rates for a no-fee card, but the value is tied to how much you book through OneKey partners since rewards can only be redeemed there.
Redeeming OneKeyCash
OneKeyCash can be used exclusively on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo for travel bookings and is not redeemable as cash. If you frequently book on those sites, OneKeyCash is straightforward; if not, the restricted redemption options reduce overall flexibility and value compared with transferable points or bank cash back.
Competitors to consider
– One Key+ Card (paid, $99): higher earnings and more benefits, better if you’ll use the card enough to justify the fee.
– Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (no annual fee): hotel-specific perks like automatic Bonvoy Silver, five elite night credits, and 3x points at participating Marriott hotels.
– Hilton Honors American Express Card (no annual fee): earns Hilton points and grants Hilon Silver status for frequent Hilton guests.
If you want general travel flexibility or transferable currencies, choose a general travel rewards card instead.
Is the One Key Card worth it?
The One Key Card can be a good no-annual-fee option for people who regularly use Expedia, Hotels.com or Vrbo and want a simple way to earn and redeem credits for those bookings. Its earnings and protections are solid for a no-fee product, but most travelers will find more value from cards that offer transferable points or cash-back redemptions usable beyond a single travel ecosystem.
Bottom line
The One Key Card is a straightforward, no-fee card that rewards bookings on Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo while providing basic travel protections and some everyday bonus categories. It makes sense if you primarily book with One Key partners and value avoiding an annual fee; otherwise, look for cards with broader redemption options or stronger premium benefits.
