What the Bank of Hawaii credit card is and who should consider it
Bank of Hawaii (BOH) offers a rewards credit card designed mainly for people who live in Hawaii or travel there regularly. The card earns points on purchases, which you can redeem for cash back, travel, or gift cards. It's not a card for everyone — the annual fee and rewards structure make the most sense if you spend enough to offset the cost, or if you're based in Hawaii where BOH branches are common.
The card itself is a Visa, so it works at most merchants worldwide. But the rewards rates and benefits are built around Hawaii-based spending and travel. If you rarely visit Hawaii and don't bank with BOH, a different card might give you better value.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of Hawaii's credit card charges an annual fee, so you need to spend enough to earn rewards that cover it and then some.
- The card earns points on all purchases, with bonus rates on certain categories like dining and travel, which you redeem for cash back or travel credits.
- You'll need a credit score in the good to excellent range (typically 670 or higher) to be considered, though the exact requirement varies.
- The card is most useful if you live in Hawaii, have a BOH bank account, or travel to Hawaii frequently enough to use the rewards.
Rewards structure and how points actually work
The BOH card earns points on every purchase you make. The base rate is typically 1 point per dollar spent, but you earn more points in bonus categories — usually dining, travel, and gas. Bonus categories often earn 2 or 3 points per dollar, though these can change, so check BOH's website for the current rates.
Points don't expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing. You redeem them through BOH's rewards portal, where you can convert points to cash back (usually at a rate like 1 point = 1 cent), travel bookings, gift cards, or merchandise. The cash back option is straightforward — you can deposit it directly into a BOH bank account or take it as a statement credit.
The math matters here: if the annual fee is $95 and you earn 1 point per dollar on $10,000 in annual spending, that's 10,000 points. At 1 cent per point, that's $100 in rewards — barely enough to break even. You need to either spend more, hit bonus categories regularly, or use travel redemptions (which sometimes offer better value per point).
Annual fees and other costs to factor in
Bank of Hawaii charges an annual fee to hold this card. The exact amount depends on which version of the card you get — the bank offers different tiers, and some have higher fees but also higher rewards rates or additional perks. Check BOH's current offerings because these change.
Beyond the annual fee, there are standard credit card costs: interest charges if you carry a balance (the rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions), foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the US, and late payment fees if you miss a due date. None of these are unique to BOH, but they're real costs to budget for.
Some versions of the card waive the annual fee for the first year, which gives you time to test whether the rewards justify keeping it. If you're on the fence, that's worth asking about when you're considering the card.
Credit score and income requirements
Bank of Hawaii typically looks for applicants with a credit score of 670 or higher, though the exact cutoff can vary. A score in that range signals to the bank that you've managed credit responsibly in the past. If your score is lower, you may still be considered, but approval is less likely.
The bank also reviews your income and existing debt to make sure you can handle the credit limit they're offering. You don't need to be wealthy — they're looking for stable income and a debt-to-income ratio that suggests you can pay your bills. If you've had recent late payments, collections, or a bankruptcy, those will weigh against you.
You can check your own credit score for free through AnnualCreditReport.com (the official site for your federally mandated free reports) or through many banks and credit card issuers that offer free score monitoring. Knowing your score before you explore helps you decide whether to proceed or wait until you've improved it.
How to compare this card to other options
Before you commit to the BOH card, compare it to other rewards cards that might fit your spending better. If you don't live in Hawaii and don't travel there, a card with no annual fee or a lower fee might serve you better. Cards from Chase, American Express, Discover, and Citi often have strong rewards programs with no annual fee or with fees that are easier to justify.
The comparison comes down to three numbers: the annual fee, your typical annual spending, and the rewards rate in the categories where you spend most. If you spend $15,000 a year and earn 1.5 points per dollar on average, that's 22,500 points. At 1 cent per point, that's $225 in rewards. Subtract the annual fee and you're ahead. But if you spend $5,000 a year, the math doesn't work.
Also consider whether you value the non-rewards benefits — some cards offer travel insurance, purchase protection, or concierge services. BOH's card may include some of these, but they're often secondary to the rewards structure. Read the full benefits list on BOH's website to see what else comes with the card.
The process process and what happens next
You can explore for the BOH credit card online through Bank of Hawaii's website, in person at a BOH branch if you're in Hawaii, or by phone. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your personal information, income, employment history, and existing debts.
After you submit, BOH will pull your credit report (this is called a hard inquiry and will show on your credit report). You'll usually get a decision within minutes to a few days. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, BOH will send you a letter explaining why, and you can dispute any errors on your credit report if you believe the decision was based on incorrect information.
Once your card arrives, set up it through BOH's website or app, set up online access to your account, and link it to your bank account if you want to pay the bill automatically. Most people set up autopay for at least the minimum payment to avoid late fees, though paying the full balance each month keeps you out of debt.
Rewards redemption and account management
After you've earned points, redeeming them is straightforward. Log into your BOH credit card account online or through the mobile app, go to the rewards section, and choose what you want. Cash back deposits to your BOH bank account (or posts as a statement credit if you don't bank with BOH). Travel redemptions book through BOH's travel portal, and gift cards are emailed or mailed depending on the retailer.
Keep an eye on your account between redemptions. Points don't expire, but your account can be closed if you don't use the card for an extended period (usually 12 to 24 months of inactivity). If that happens, you may lose your points. To keep the account active, charge something small to it every few months.
You can also manage your account through BOH's mobile app, which shows your balance, points total, recent transactions, and payment due date. Set up payment reminders or autopay so you never miss a due date — one late payment can trigger a penalty interest rate and damage your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Bank of Hawaii customer to get this card?
No, you don't need an existing BOH bank account to open the credit card. However, having a BOH checking or savings account can make managing the card easier and may unlock additional perks or discounts. If you don't bank with BOH, you can still use the card and redeem rewards, but you may have fewer options for how you receive cash back.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Points typically remain in your account for a set period after you close the card — usually 60 to 90 days. After that, they expire. Redeem your points before you close the account, or keep the account open if you think you might use the card again. Contact BOH directly to confirm their specific policy.
Can I transfer my points to another person or combine them with someone else's account?
Most credit card rewards programs, including BOH's, don't allow point transfers between cardholders. Points are tied to the account they were earned on. You can't combine points with a spouse or family member, though you can both earn points on separate cards and redeem them individually.
What's the difference between the BOH card and a basic rewards card with no annual fee?
The main difference is the annual fee. No-fee cards often have lower rewards rates (like 1 point per dollar with no bonus categories) or higher redemption thresholds. The BOH card may offer higher bonus rates in certain categories, but you have to spend enough to make the annual fee worthwhile. Do the math for your own spending before deciding.
If I'm denied, can I reapply later?
Yes, you can reapply after a few months, especially if you've improved your credit score or reduced your debt in the meantime. Each process triggers a hard inquiry, so space them out — explore multiple times in a short period can hurt your score. Wait at least 3 to 6 months before reapplying.