Expedia’s One Key loyalty program has officially cemented its reputation: unless you have elite status, you’ll now earn just 1% back in rewards on hotel bookings. This marks a dramatic drop from the 10% back that Hotels.com Rewards once offered—a change that’s left many travelers questioning the value of booking through Expedia brands.
Our Take
Bad news for casual Expedia users. This is a textbook loyalty program devaluation: the One Key program’s 1% back rate is a shadow of the 10% Hotels.com loyalists used to enjoy. Unless you’re a heavy spender with elite status, there’s little incentive to stay loyal—savvy travelers can do much better with direct bookings or by leveraging credit card rewards.
What Changed
- Earning rate for non-status members: 10% back (Hotels.com Rewards) → 1% back (One Key)
- Applies to all bookings through Expedia, Hotels.com, and Vrbo
- No change for elite status members (higher tiers earn slightly more, but still far below old rates)
- Effective since One Key’s launch, but now widely noticed as the new norm
Who Benefits Most
- Expedia One Key elite members: If you book $10,000/year and reach top-tier status, you might earn up to 3% back ($300 in value)—still less than the $1,000 you’d have earned under the old Hotels.com Rewards.
- Travelers stacking with credit card rewards: Booking through Expedia with a 2% cash back card (like Citi Double Cash) nets you a total of 3% back—still less than the old program, but better than nothing.
- Occasional Expedia users who value simplicity: If you rarely book hotels and don’t want to track multiple programs, 1% back is at least automatic, if minimal.
Who Should Be Cautious
- Former Hotels.com loyalists: If you used to rely on the 10% back, you’re now earning 90% less—on $2,000 in bookings, that’s $180 less in rewards per year.
- Travelers who value elite perks: One Key’s elite tiers don’t offer meaningful upgrades or perks compared to hotel chain programs like Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors.
- Anyone booking luxury or long-stay properties: You’ll miss out on both richer rewards and elite recognition by booking through One Key instead of directly with the hotel.
What To Do Right Now
- Compare direct booking rewards: Many hotel chains offer 5–10% back in points plus elite perks—far outpacing One Key’s 1%.
- Use a top travel rewards card: Cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Amex Gold can earn you 2–5x points per dollar, worth far more than One Key rewards.
- Check your One Key status: If you’re close to an elite tier, see if the (modest) boost is worth it for your travel pattern.
- Redeem existing One Key rewards soon: Loyalty programs can devalue further—don’t let your balance sit unused.
