Is the Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card Worth It for Frequent Travelers?

When you think of dreamy island escapes, Hawaii instantly comes to mind. For many travelers, especially those on the West Coast, Hawaiian Airlines is the preferred carrier to reach the islands. If you fly often or even plan one big vacation a year, you may have wondered whether the Hawaiian Airlines credit card can truly enhance your travel experience. The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard by Barclays is one of the most popular co-branded airline cards in the United States. But is it actually worth it? This guide breaks down the benefits, fees, earning potential, and ideal user profile to help you decide.

What Makes the Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card Unique?

The strongest appeal of the Hawaiian Airlines credit card is its focus on helping travelers earn miles faster and redeem them more affordably. It is designed for people who want direct value from their card without complicated reward structures. Unlike general travel cards, this one focuses on exclusive airline benefits, preferred pricing, and perks that can significantly reduce the cost of a Hawaii vacation.

If your goal is to book flights to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, or the Big Island at a lower cost, this card can be an effective companion. It also supports award travel on partner airlines like Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and JetBlue, giving you more ways to redeem your points.

What Are the Key Benefits of the Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card?

1. A Valuable Welcome Bonus

The card regularly offers a generous welcome bonus after meeting the minimum spending requirement. Bonus amounts may vary throughout the year, but they usually provide enough miles for a one way ticket to Hawaii from select US cities. This gives new cardholders instant value.

2. Complimentary First Checked Bag

Cardholders receive one free checked bag on eligible Hawaiian Airlines flights. This benefit applies to the primary cardholder only. Since checked bag fees can quickly add up, this perk alone can save frequent travelers several hundred dollars per year.

3. Companion Discount for Travel

Every account anniversary, cardholders receive an annual companion discount. This allows them to bring a travel partner at a reduced fare on a round trip flight between Hawaii and the US mainland. This is one of the card’s standout perks and is extremely useful for couples and families planning vacations.

4. Reward Flights at a Discounted Rate

One of the most attractive features is access to discounted award pricing. Hawaiian Airlines cardmembers are eligible for reduced mileage rates when booking award flights. This helps you stretch your miles further and book more trips.

5. Earn More Miles on Everyday Spending

You earn Hawaiian Miles on the following spending categories:

• Bonus miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases
  
  

• Bonus miles on gas, dining, and grocery store purchases
  
  

• One mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases
  
  

The earning structure supports travelers who want to accumulate miles even when they are not flying.

6. No Foreign Transaction Fees

This card can be used internationally without additional fees. Since Hawaiian Airlines flies to Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, this benefit is helpful for global travelers.

7. Share Miles with Friends and Family

Hawaiian Airlines allows free mile transfers between accounts for cardholders. This is rare among airline programs and makes it possible to combine miles with family and friends to book reward flights faster.