What the Hawaiian Airlines credit card offers
Hawaiian Airlines offers a co-branded credit card through a bank partner that earns points on purchases, with bonus points for sign-up and higher earning rates on Hawaiian Airlines tickets and certain categories. The card comes with a yearly fee, though the exact amount and current sign-up bonus vary depending on the card issuer and the current promotion running at the time you look.
The card is designed for people who fly Hawaiian Airlines regularly or plan to book travel through the airline. Points earned on the card can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related purchases through the Hawaiian Airlines loyalty program. Unlike some airline cards, this one does not require you to maintain elite status to use the benefits.
The card also typically includes perks like checked baggage credits, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges on certain Hawaiian Airlines routes, though the specific benefits depend on which version of the card you hold. These benefits are meant to offset the yearly fee for frequent flyers.
Key Takeaways
- The Hawaiian Airlines credit card earns points that can be redeemed for flights and upgrades through the airline's loyalty program.
- The card charges a yearly fee, and the current amount and sign-up bonus change based on promotions and the card issuer.
- Cardholders typically receive benefits like checked baggage credits and priority boarding on Hawaiian Airlines flights.
- Points earned on the card do not expire as long as your account remains open and active with at least one transaction every 24 months.
- You can transfer points to other loyalty programs in some cases, though redemption options vary by card version.
How to earn points with the card
Points are earned on every purchase you make with the card. The earning rate is usually higher on Hawaiian Airlines tickets and certain categories like dining or gas, and lower on other purchases. For example, you might earn 3 points per dollar on airline tickets but only 1 point per dollar on general purchases — the exact rates depend on the specific card product.
When you first open the card, you typically receive a sign-up bonus of points after you spend a certain amount within the first few months. This bonus is often the largest chunk of points a new cardholder receives, so it is worth factoring into whether the card makes sense for your travel plans.
Points also accumulate from activities beyond credit card spending. Some Hawaiian Airlines loyalty program members earn points from flights themselves, hotel stays booked through the airline's partners, and car rentals. If you link your credit card account to your loyalty account, these points combine in one place.
Redeeming points for flights and upgrades
Points are redeemed through the Hawaiian Airlines loyalty program website or mobile app. You search for available flights on your desired dates, and the system shows you the point cost for each option. Award availability varies by route and date — popular routes during peak travel times may have fewer point redemptions available than off-peak flights.
You can use points to book a full round-trip ticket or to upgrade an existing paid ticket to a higher cabin class. Upgrades are often cheaper in points than booking a full award ticket, so if you already have a paid ticket, checking upgrade availability is worth doing.
Points do not expire as long as your credit card account remains open and you have at least one transaction (a purchase, payment, or loyalty activity) every 24 months. If your account closes or goes inactive, you may lose unused points, so it is important to keep the account active if you plan to use points later.
Understanding the yearly fee and benefits
The card charges an annual fee that is due each year on your account anniversary. The fee amount varies depending on which version of the card you hold and current promotions — some versions cost more than others and may include additional benefits to justify the higher cost.
The main benefits that offset this fee are the checked baggage credit (usually one free checked bag per flight), priority boarding, and access to airport lounges on certain Hawaiian Airlines routes. If you fly Hawaiian Airlines at least a few times per year, these benefits alone can cover the yearly cost.
Some versions of the card also offer statement credits for incidental airline fees, such as seat selection or baggage fees on other carriers, though this varies by card product. Review the specific benefits listed for the card version you are considering before opening an account.
How to open a Hawaiian Airlines credit card account
You can open an account online through the card issuer's website, which is usually linked from the Hawaiian Airlines website under the credit card section. The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and asks for personal information, income, and employment details.
You will receive a decision within minutes to a few business days. If you are approved, the card is mailed to you and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you can set up it through the issuer's website or mobile app and begin earning points on purchases when ready.
If you already have a Hawaiian Airlines loyalty account, link your new credit card to it during the process process or shortly after opening the account. This ensures that points from credit card spending and flights combine in one place and are easier to track.
What happens if you close the card or stop using it
If you close the credit card account, your points do not disappear when ready, but they may be at risk if your loyalty account becomes inactive. Hawaiian Airlines loyalty accounts are considered inactive if there is no account activity (a flight, credit card transaction, or other earning activity) for 24 months. Once an account is inactive, points may be forfeited.
If you want to keep your points but do not want to pay the yearly fee, you have a few options. Some cardholders downgrade to a no-fee version of the card if one is available, which keeps the account open without the annual charge. Others keep the card open but use it infrequently — as long as you make at least one transaction every 24 months, your points remain safe.
Before closing the card, check your points balance and consider whether you have enough to book a flight or upgrade. It is often better to use the points before closing the account rather than risk losing them.
Comparing this card to other airline cards
The Hawaiian Airlines card is most useful if you live in Hawaii, fly to Hawaii regularly, or frequently use Hawaiian Airlines for inter-island travel. If your travel is concentrated on Hawaiian Airlines routes, the earning rates and benefits are tailored to your needs.
If you fly multiple airlines equally, a general travel rewards card or a card from a different airline may offer more flexibility. General travel cards let you redeem points for flights on any airline, while airline-specific cards lock you into one carrier's program. The trade-off is that airline cards usually offer higher earning rates and better perks for that specific airline.
Consider how often you fly Hawaiian Airlines per year and whether the checked baggage credit and priority boarding benefits are worth the yearly fee to you. If you fly fewer than two or three times per year, the fee may not pay for itself in benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Hawaiian Airlines points to book flights on other airlines?
No, Hawaiian Airlines points can only be redeemed for Hawaiian Airlines flights and upgrades. Some cards allow you to transfer points to partner loyalty programs, but this depends on the specific card product. Check the terms of your card to see if transfer options are available.
What is the difference between the standard and premium versions of the Hawaiian Airlines card?
Premium versions typically charge a higher yearly fee but include additional benefits such as higher sign-up bonuses, statement credits for airline fees, or lounge access on more routes. The standard version has a lower fee and fewer perks. Choose based on how much you fly and whether the extra benefits justify the higher cost.
Do I earn points on the yearly fee itself?
No, the yearly fee does not earn points. Only purchases and other may have access to activities earn points. However, the sign-up bonus and ongoing earning rates are designed to help offset the cost of the fee over time if you use the card regularly.
What happens to my points if I move away from Hawaii?
Your points remain in your account and do not expire as long as your credit card account stays open and active. You can still redeem them for Hawaiian Airlines flights even if you no longer live in Hawaii. However, if your account becomes inactive for 24 months, your points may be forfeited.
Can I earn points on purchases made outside the United States?
Yes, you earn points on purchases made anywhere the card is accepted, including international transactions. However, the card may charge a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States, which varies by card issuer. Check your card terms for the exact fee amount.