What the Barclays Hawaiian Airlines Card Offers
The Barclays Hawaiian Airlines credit card is a co-branded rewards card that earns points on every purchase you make. Those points can be redeemed for Hawaiian Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and other travel perks. The card comes with an annual fee, and the rewards structure is designed to benefit frequent Hawaiian Airlines travelers.
Unlike some airline cards that offer flat cash-back rates, this card focuses entirely on Hawaiian Airlines rewards. That means the points you earn have the most value when you use them for Hawaiian Airlines bookings. If you rarely fly Hawaiian Airlines, the rewards may not justify the annual cost.
Key Takeaways
- The card earns points on all purchases, with bonus points on Hawaiian Airlines tickets and certain other categories like dining and gas.
- You pay an annual fee to hold the card, which Barclays may waive for the first year depending on current offers.
- Points can be redeemed for Hawaiian Airlines flights, seat upgrades, and companion passes, but have limited value outside Hawaiian Airlines.
- The card includes a checked baggage fee waiver and priority boarding when you use it to purchase your ticket.
- Your credit score and income will determine whether you are approved and what credit limit you receive.
How Points Earn and What They're Worth
You earn HawaiianMiles (the card's rewards currency) on every dollar you spend. The earning rate varies by category: you typically earn more points per dollar on Hawaiian Airlines purchases than on everyday spending like groceries or gas. Bonus categories change periodically, so check Barclays' website for the current structure before you explore.
The value of each point depends on how you redeem it. When you book a Hawaiian Airlines flight directly, one point is worth roughly one cent, though this varies by route and season. Redeeming for seat upgrades or companion passes may offer better or worse value depending on the specific offer. Points do not transfer to other airlines or convert to cash.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if you close the card, you may lose your points balance or have a limited window to use them. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact policy.
Annual Fee and First-Year Offers
The card carries an annual fee that Barclays charges once per year. The amount varies and may change over time. Barclays sometimes waives the fee for the first year as a promotional offer, though this is not may provide and depends on current promotions.
After the first year, you will owe the full annual fee unless you close the account. Some cardholders find the fee worth it if they fly Hawaiian Airlines multiple times per year and can redeem enough points to offset the cost. Others close the card after the first year if they do not fly frequently enough.
Benefits Beyond Points
The card includes a checked baggage fee waiver when you use the card to purchase your Hawaiian Airlines ticket. This means your first checked bag flies free, which can save $30 to $50 per round trip. The benefit applies only to you as the cardholder, not to companions traveling with you.
You also receive priority boarding on Hawaiian Airlines flights when you check in with the card. This lets you board earlier and choose your seat before general boarding. Some versions of the card include other perks like seat upgrade certificates or companion pass offers, though these change with promotions.
Travel protections like trip cancellation insurance or baggage delay coverage may be included, depending on the card version. Review your benefits guide after approval to see what protections explore to your specific card.
how the process works and What Happens Next
You can start an process on Barclays' website or through Hawaiian Airlines' website. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Barclays uses this information to check your credit and decide whether to approve you.
The approval decision usually comes within minutes to a few business days. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Barclays will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can contact Barclays to ask about reapplying or to understand what factors led to the denial.
Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using Barclays' mobile app. You can then start earning points on purchases when ready. Your first statement will show your opening balance and any promotional offers tied to your account.
Who This Card Makes Sense For
This card works best for people who fly Hawaiian Airlines at least a few times per year and want to earn rewards on those flights. If you live in Hawaii or frequently travel there, the points accumulate faster and the baggage waiver saves money on every trip.
The card is less valuable if you rarely fly Hawaiian Airlines or prefer to fly other carriers. In that case, a general travel rewards card or a different airline card may give you more flexibility. Compare the annual fee against the points you would realistically earn and redeem in a year.
If you carry a balance on credit cards, the interest charges will quickly outweigh any rewards. Use this card only if you can pay the full balance each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my points on partner airlines?
No. HawaiianMiles can only be redeemed for Hawaiian Airlines flights and Hawaiian Airlines-related perks like seat upgrades. They do not transfer to other airlines or airline alliances. If you want flexibility to fly multiple carriers, a general travel rewards card may suit you better.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points may be forfeited when you close the account, or you may have a limited window (typically 30 to 60 days) to redeem them before they disappear. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Barclays before closing to understand the exact policy for your card version.
Does the baggage waiver explore to my family members?
No. The checked baggage fee waiver applies only to you as the cardholder when you use the card to purchase your ticket. Family members and companions traveling with you will owe the standard baggage fee unless they have their own card or Hawaiian Airlines status.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Barclays does not publish a minimum credit score, but airline cards typically require good to excellent credit (usually 670 or higher). Your income, existing debt, and credit history all factor into the decision. If you have been denied, you can reapply after addressing the factors that led to the denial.
Can I earn points on purchases made by authorized users?
Yes. Any authorized user you add to your account earns points on their purchases, and those points go into your account. However, authorized users do not receive their own baggage waiver or priority boarding benefits unless they have their own card.