Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or someone who occasionally plans getaways, finding ways to save on travel and earn rewards can significantly impact your overall experience. That’s where Expedia’s loyalty program, One Key, comes in. Designed to reward you for booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and more, Expedia’s loyalty program can stretch your travel dollars further—if you know how to use it to its full potential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Expedia loyalty program, including how it works, how to earn and redeem points, insider tips to maximize your rewards, and common pitfalls to avoid.
What Is Expedia’s One Key Loyalty Program?
Expedia rebranded its rewards system in 2023 under a unified loyalty umbrella called One Key, combining loyalty programs from Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo into a single streamlined experience.
Under One Key, travelers earn OneKeyCash, a flexible rewards currency that can be applied to eligible bookings across Expedia’s platform family. This simplified structure makes it easier to earn and redeem rewards whether you’re booking a hotel on Hotels.com, a vacation rental on Vrbo, or a flight through Expedia.
How Does One Key Work?
1. Earning OneKeyCash
When you make an eligible booking while logged into your Expedia account, you automatically earn OneKeyCash. Here’s a breakdown of how it typically works:
- Hotels, Vacation Rentals, and Activities: Earn 2% in OneKeyCash.
- Flights: Earn 0.2% in OneKeyCash.
- Car Rentals and Packages: Usually earn 2% in OneKeyCash.
So, if you spend $1,000 on a hotel booking, you’ll earn $20 in OneKeyCash, which you can use on future eligible purchases.
2. Redeeming OneKeyCash
You can apply your OneKeyCash as a partial or full payment on eligible bookings. There are no blackout dates, and the redemption is straightforward—just choose the “Apply OneKeyCash” option at checkout.
Keep in mind:
- You can’t redeem OneKeyCash for flights alone (but it can be used for packages).
- Some third-party or non-participating properties may not allow OneKeyCash redemption.
One Key Membership Tiers
The One Key loyalty program includes four tiers, each unlocking additional benefits the more you travel:
1. Blue (Entry Level)
- Free to join
- Earn and redeem OneKeyCash
- Access to members-only deals
2. Silver (Earned after spending $500)
- Price Drop Protection on select hotels
- Priority customer service
- 15% extra OneKeyCash on eligible bookings
3. Gold (Earned after spending $5,000)
- Room upgrades at VIP Access properties (when available)
- 20% bonus OneKeyCash
- Free hotel perks like breakfast or spa credits at select properties
4. Platinum (Earned after spending $10,000)
- All Gold benefits
- 25% bonus OneKeyCash
- Platinum support line
- Double room upgrades (when available)
The more you book through Expedia’s brands, the more perks you unlock—including better customer service, travel upgrades, and more value from your rewards.
How to Earn More with Expedia’s Loyalty Program
Let’s dive into practical strategies to maximize your OneKeyCash earnings.
1. Book Bundled Packages
Expedia rewards bundled purchases—flights + hotels, or hotel + car rental—with higher point values and exclusive discounts. Not only do you earn OneKeyCash, but bundled packages often cost less overall than booking separately.
2. Leverage Promotions and Bonus Events
Expedia regularly runs promotions where you can earn bonus OneKeyCash or double/triple your earnings. Keep an eye on your email or the “Deals” section for:
- Limited-time bonus offers
- App-exclusive promotions
- Seasonal sales (e.g., Black Friday, Cyber Monday)
Joining during these events can significantly boost your rewards.
3. Stay at VIP Access Properties
These are specially selected hotels that offer enhanced service and benefits for One Key members. You’ll often get:
- Extra OneKeyCash
- Free room upgrades
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Free breakfast or credits
Gold and Platinum members especially benefit here.
4. Use the Expedia App
The app sometimes offers exclusive discounts and earns extra rewards points. Plus, it makes it easy to manage your itinerary and receive trip updates.
5. Refer Friends
Expedia’s referral program rewards you for bringing in new users. If your friends sign up and make a booking, you both receive rewards. Terms may vary, so check your account dashboard for current referral bonuses.
6. Take Advantage of Credit Card Perks
Some travel credit cards offer bonus rewards when booking through travel portals, including Expedia. Check if your card has:
- Additional cash back or points when booking through Expedia
- Travel protection benefits (e.g., trip delay or cancellation insurance)
- Travel credits or concierge services
Pairing a rewards card with OneKeyCash can double-dip your earnings.
7. Keep Your OneKeyCash Active
OneKeyCash expires after 18 months of inactivity, so even a small booking can keep your account active and your rewards safe.
Strategic Booking Tips
Book Early for Flexibility and Earnings
Expedia often allows free cancellation on many properties. Booking early lets you:
- Lock in lower prices
- Earn OneKeyCash
- Rebook later if prices drop
Combine this with Price Drop Protection if you’re a Silver member or higher.
Filter by “Member Prices”
When searching for hotels or vacation rentals, use the “Member Price” filter to access lower rates and higher earnings. Some properties offer 10% or more in savings just for being logged in.
Stack with Other Discounts
Expedia allows stacking of:
- Coupons or promo codes
- Credit card discounts
- OneKeyCash
This can result in deep discounts on high-ticket items like international flights or resort stays.
How Expedia Compares to Other Travel Loyalty Programs
| Feature | Expedia One Key | Booking.com Genius | Hotels.com (legacy) | Marriott Bonvoy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Earning System | OneKeyCash (cash-equivalent) | Discounts only | Free night after 10 stays | Points (variable redemption) |
| Redemption Flexibility | Flights, hotels, cars, activities | Limited | Hotels only | Hotels, flights (via partners) |
| Blackout Dates | None | Varies | None | May apply |
| Tier Benefits | Yes (Silver, Gold, Platinum) | Yes | No tiers | Yes (Elite Status) |
Expedia’s flexibility in cash-like rewards and the ability to book across multiple types of travel make it more user-friendly than points-based programs—especially for travelers who don’t stay loyal to one hotel chain or airline.
Pitfalls to Avoid
Not Logging In Before Booking
You must be logged into your Expedia account when booking to earn OneKeyCash. If you check out as a guest, you miss out on earnings—even if you’re a member.
Ignoring Expiration Dates
OneKeyCash expires after 18 months of no earning activity. Set a calendar reminder to make a small booking before that happens.
Assuming All Properties Are Eligible
Some third-party or independently managed properties do not allow OneKeyCash redemptions or earnings. Always check the fine print under the property listing.
Forgetting Tier Progress
If you’re just shy of reaching the next membership level, it might be worth making an additional small booking to unlock bonus perks and accelerate future earnings.
Real-Life Example: Putting It All Together
Let’s say you’re planning a 5-day vacation to New York:
- Flight: $400 roundtrip
- Hotel (VIP Access): $900 total
- Car Rental: $300
Total: $1,600
Here’s how this plays out with Expedia’s One Key:
- Earn 0.2% on flights = $0.80
- Earn 2% on hotel = $18
- Earn 2% on car = $6
- VIP Access Hotel bonus (Gold) = extra $3.60 (20% bonus)
- Total Earned = ~$28.40 in OneKeyCash
If you hit Gold status after this booking, your future stays could also include perks like upgrades or breakfast credits. That’s real value returned on your travel investment.
Final Thoughts: Is Expedia’s One Key Program Worth It?
Absolutely—especially for frequent or even semi-frequent travelers. The program offers a simple, flexible, and valuable way to earn and redeem rewards. While flight earnings are relatively low, the real payoff is in hotel stays, car rentals, and bundled bookings.
By taking advantage of tier perks, bonus events, and strategic stacking of deals, you can maximize every dollar you spend on travel—and turn your adventures into future savings.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an international escape, Expedia’s One Key loyalty program makes it easy to travel smarter, earn more, and enjoy greater perks along the way.
Quick Checklist for Maximizing Expedia Rewards
✅ Always book while logged into your Expedia account
✅ Aim for VIP Access hotels and bundled bookings
✅ Use the Expedia app for exclusive deals
✅ Keep your activity going to avoid point expiration
✅ Monitor your status and benefits
✅ Stack credit card and promo offers when possible
✅ Refer friends for bonus rewards
✅ Book early and take advantage of cancellation flexibility
Want more travel tips, reward program hacks, and destination guides? Stay tuned—your next adventure could be more rewarding than ever.
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