Wells Fargo One Key+™ Card Review: Powerful Rewards for Expedia Group Loyalists
Unpack the Wells Fargo One Key+™ Card, a powerful earner that rewards Expedia Group loyalists with generous OneKeyCash on travel and everyday spending. See how its impressive benefits easily outweigh the annual fee.
| Annual Fee | $99.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | Earn $350 in OneKeyCash |
| Rewards Rate | 2%-3% in OneKeyCash |
Overview
The One Key+™ Card from Wells Fargo makes a strong impression with a generous welcome offer and a powerful rewards structure. New cardholders can earn $350 in OneKeyCash after meeting the initial spending requirements. The ongoing rewards are a standout, offering 3% in OneKeyCash not only on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo bookings, but also on common everyday categories like gas, groceries, and dining. With an impressive 2% back on all other purchases, it's a compelling earner across the board.
While the card carries a $99 annual fee, its benefits are designed to easily outweigh the cost for frequent travelers. A $100 OneKeyCash credit on your card anniversary effectively cancels out the fee, and a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $120) adds significant value. Other premium perks include automatic Gold status within the One Key program and no foreign transaction fees. The main catch is that your rewards are locked into the Expedia ecosystem, as OneKeyCash can only be redeemed for travel booked through its platforms. This makes the card a home run for loyal Expedia Group customers, but less ideal for travelers who value more flexible redemption options.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
- No foreign transaction fees
- Automatic elite status
- Travel and lifestyle credits
- Travel and purchase protections
Things to consider
- Annual fee
Benefits
High Earning on Travel and Everyday Spending
The One Key+™ Card packs a punch with a generous rewards structure that extends far beyond travel. Cardholders earn a competitive 3% back in OneKeyCash on bookings through Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. More impressively, that same 3% rate applies to common everyday categories, including gas stations, grocery stores, and dining. To round it out, the card offers an excellent 2% back on all other purchases, making it a strong choice for all your spending. New cardmembers can also earn a valuable welcome offer: $350 in OneKeyCash after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, which is a solid bonus for a card in this class.
Valuable Credits and Travel Perks
For a card with a modest $99 annual fee, the One Key+™ Card is loaded with perks that can easily offset the cost. Each year on your account anniversary, you receive $100 in OneKeyCash, effectively paying you to keep the card if you book at least one trip through the One Key ecosystem. Frequent travelers will also appreciate the statement credit of up to $120 for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee. The benefits don't stop there; cardholders receive automatic One Key Gold status, unlocking discounts of 20% or more at thousands of hotels. The card also includes a suite of valuable protections, including no foreign transaction fees, cell phone protection, and trip cancellation coverage, providing significant peace of mind on the road.
Drawbacks
The primary consideration for potential applicants is the card's restrictive rewards ecosystem. While the earning rates are high, all rewards—from ongoing spending to the sign-up bonus and the annual anniversary credit—are paid out in OneKeyCash. This currency can only be redeemed for bookings on Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo. This makes the card a poor fit for travelers who value the flexibility to book directly with hotels and airlines or for those who simply want the option of cash back or a statement credit.
Furthermore, while the $99 annual fee is effectively offset by a $100 anniversary bonus and other valuable credits, the lack of a 0% introductory APR offer is a notable omission. More importantly, the card’s terms do not specify a regular APR range, which is a significant lack of transparency. This makes the One Key+™ Card a potentially risky choice for anyone who might carry a balance, as the cost of borrowing is completely unknown.
Decision Guidance
This card is a clear winner for travelers who consistently book through Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo, as its premium benefits easily offset the annual fee and its rewards rates are excellent. The main trade-off is that your rewards are locked into this ecosystem, making it a poor choice for anyone who values flexible redemption options like cash back or direct airline transfers. If you want to convert high everyday spending into travel booked exclusively through these platforms, this card is hard to beat.
Summary
The One Key+ Card is a compelling choice for travelers loyal to Expedia, Hotels.com, or Vrbo, offering excellent rewards on both travel and everyday spending categories like gas and groceries. Its travel credits more than cover the annual fee, but the major tradeoff is that your rewards can only be used within the One Key ecosystem, limiting its appeal for anyone who prefers more flexible redemption options.