If you’ve booked a hotel recently on Hotels.com, you’ve probably seen something called One Key™ or One Key Cards pop up. You might’ve asked yourself: “What is this?” or “Is this just another credit card I don’t need?” Let’s break it down in simple terms — because for frequent travelers (and even occasional weekenders), One Key could actually save you serious money.
So, What Is One Key?
One Key™ is a travel rewards program that combines Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo under one loyalty system. That means when you book on any of those sites, you earn a type of reward currency called OneKeyCash™.
Every time you book hotels, car rentals, or vacation homes through one of those platforms, you rack up OneKeyCash. You can then use those rewards to save on your next trip — no blackout dates, no weird rules. It’s basically travel cash, but digital.
So in very simple terms the One Key Cards are travel credit cards designed to boost how much OneKeyCash you earn. There are two options:
One Key™ Card (No Annual Fee)
- Earn up to $400 in OneKeyCash after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months (promo ends Aug 5, 2025).
- Get 3% back in OneKeyCash when you book on Hotels.com, Expedia, or Vrbo.
- Earn 3% at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.
- 1.5% back on everything else.
- Automatic Silver status = up to 15% off on 10,000+ hotels worldwide.
One Key+™ Card ($99 Annual Fee)
Best for: Frequent travelers who want bigger rewards, annual bonuses, and better hotel perks.
Main Features:
- $99 annual fee
- Welcome bonus: Up to $600 in OneKeyCash after spending $3,000 in 3 months
- Rewards:
- Same 3% back on Hotels.com, Expedia, and Vrbo
- 3% back on gas, groceries, and dining (same as free card)
- But 2% back on all other purchases (vs. 1.5%)
- Automatic Gold status in One Key:
- 20% off hotel prices with Gold member deals
- $100 OneKeyCash anniversary bonus every year
- Extra perks:
- Travel insurance coverage
- Cell phone protection
- No foreign transaction fees
- TSA PreCheck® / Global Entry® credits
Which One Should You Pick?
| Feature | One Key™ (Free) | One Key+™ ($99/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Up to $400 | Up to $600 |
| Spend Requirement | $1,000 in 3 months | $3,000 in 3 months |
| Rewards on travel | 3% | 3% |
| Rewards on other | 1.5% | 2% |
| Member Status | Silver (15% hotel discounts) | Gold (20% hotel discounts) |
| Anniversary Bonus | ❌ | $100/year |
| Travel Perks | Basic | Premium insurance + TSA PreCheck |
| Foreign Fees | None | None |
Do You Really Need This Card? Or Why This Matters for Travelers
Let’s say you’re booking a $1,000 hotel stay in Tulum via Hotels.com. With a One Key Card:
You’d earn $30 in OneKeyCash just for that trip.
You could apply that $30 to your next booking — maybe a romantic night in NYC or a family-friendly hotel in Orlando.
If you booked with the One Key+ Card, you’d get more back on everyday spending too — helping you save even faster.
If you travel even a few times a year — for weddings, work, weekend escapes — this card turns your bookings and everyday spending into real rewards. Plus, the member pricing with Silver or Gold can unlock hotel discounts you’d otherwise miss.
And with no blackout dates, your points aren’t stuck waiting for a “deal window.” You just apply OneKeyCash at checkout like a gift card.
How Is This Different From Booking.com or Expedia?
Great question. Expedia is actually part of this whole One Key ecosystem — so your rewards work across Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. That’s what makes One Key more flexible than most programs.
Meanwhile, Booking.com doesn’t have a similar unified rewards card. They do offer “Genius” discounts for loyal users, but there’s no cashback system or points program built around credit card rewards. You save — but you don’t earn.
So, in our opinion the One Key Card is a great add-on for your travel toolkit. If you travel more often or want the best hotel discounts and a nice yearly bonus, the One Key+ Card might be worth the $99 fee.
Both cards are backed by Wells Fargo, offer travel insurance perks, and come with no foreign transaction fees — a big win for American and international travelers.
Some things to keep in mind:
OneKeyCash earned on bookings won’t expire if you make an eligible booking at least once within 18 months. OneKeyCash received through promotions can expire sooner. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash.
