Expedia One Key Card: Up to $600 Bonus from Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo and Expedia just teamed up to launch a brand new family of travel rewards cards called the One Key Cards. Right now, they're offering a pretty sweet sign-up bonus that can get you up to $600 in OneKeyCash. If you're someone who books travel through Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo regularly, this could be a no-brainer.

Two Cards, One Big Bonus

There are actually two versions of this card: the standard One Key Card and the premium One Key+ Card. The main difference is the annual fee and the bonus structure.

With the no-annual-fee One Key Card, you'll get $400 in OneKeyCash after spending just $1,000 in the first three months. That's a pretty low bar for a decent bonus. Plus, you earn up to 9% back on Expedia and Hotels.com bookings, 5% on Vrbo, and 3% on everyday stuff like gas, groceries, and dining.

If you travel more often, the One Key+ Card might be worth the $99 annual fee. You'll earn $600 in OneKeyCash after spending $3,000 in the first three months, plus an extra $100 anniversary bonus each year. The earning rates are similar but you get 2% back on all other purchases instead of 1.5%.

Perks That Actually Matter

Both cards come with some solid travel protections. You'll get a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which is a huge time-saver at airports. No foreign transaction fees means you can use the card abroad without extra charges. There's also cell phone protection, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, and auto rental collision damage waiver.

One of the coolest features is the member pricing. With the standard card, you get Silver status which unlocks savings of 15% or more on over 10,000 hotels worldwide. The One Key+ card gives you Gold status for 20% or more off. That's on top of the cash back you're already earning.

Things to Watch Out For

Before you jump in, consider how much you actually spend on Expedia and its sister sites. The bonus rewards are great if you're a regular user, but if you mostly book direct with airlines or hotels, the earning rates on other purchases are just okay.

Also, remember that OneKeyCash is tied to the Expedia ecosystem. You can't transfer it to airline miles or hotel points. So if you prefer flexible travel rewards, this might not be your best bet.

The One Key+ card's anniversary bonus is a nice perk, but you need to keep the card for a full year to get it. Factor in the $99 annual fee when deciding if it's worth it.

Bottom Line

• The no-fee One Key Card is great for light travelers who want a simple bonus and no annual cost.
• The One Key+ Card offers a higher bonus and better ongoing rewards, but only if you spend enough to justify the $99 fee.
• Both cards shine for Expedia/Hotels.com/Vrbo loyalists, but less so for general travel spend.
• Don't forget the member pricing discounts – they can really add up on hotel bookings.

Common Questions