The Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card: A Tale of Confusion and Uncertainty
After a prolonged period of silence, the Hawaiian Airlines credit card has resurfaced, but its return only adds to the enigma that has shrouded it for months.
The card, now known as the Hawaiian Airlines Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard, is once again open for applications. It offers a generous sign-up bonus of 60,000 Atmos Rewards points for spending $2,000 within the first 90 days, along with a $99 annual fee. A business version also exists, providing 50,000 points for $4,000 in spending, bringing back the familiar Hawaiian-themed card.
But here's where it gets controversial... This card's reappearance is a bit of a head-scratcher. Last fall, when HawaiianMiles shut down and Atmos Rewards took over, the card seemed to vanish into thin air. Travelers were left with broken links and no clear answers.
At the time, Barclays and Hawaiian Airlines assured us that the card was not going away. Yet, application pages were nowhere to be found, leaving cardholders in the dark. We covered this confusion extensively, and for a while, it seemed like a mystery with no resolution.
Now, the card is back, but the story is far from over. When we first reported on its disappearance, Barclays provided a statement attributed to Doug Villone, the Head of Cards and Partnerships. He claimed that the Hawaiian credit card program would "remain intact for the next several years." While this may still be true, the sudden disappearance and reappearance of application links suggest a much more complex situation.
The bigger picture reveals an intriguing web of partnerships. Barclays remains the issuer, but the card is now accessible through Bank of Hawaii, adding another layer to an already intricate setup. For loyal Hawaiian flyers, it's difficult to determine if this is a genuine comeback or just a behind-the-scenes shuffle.
This distinction is crucial because Alaska Airlines has a highly successful credit card partnership with Bank of America. This alliance is considered one of Alaska's most valuable assets, potentially rivaling the revenue generated by its flights. When Alaska acquired Hawaiian, many expected Hawaiian's card portfolio to eventually follow suit and join Bank of America.
However, that hasn't happened yet. Instead, the Hawaiian-branded card exists in a state of limbo, earning Atmos points instead of the previous HawaiianMiles and coexisting with Alaska's cards. There's no clear roadmap for how long this arrangement will last.
For travelers solely focused on earning points, there are more lucrative options available, including significantly larger bonuses on Alaska's Atmos cards. For Hawaii residents who value continuity and the legacy of Hawaiian Airlines, this return feels more like a temporary reprieve than a fresh start.
The card may be back, but the uncertainty surrounding it since the merger persists.
And this is the part most people miss... The future of this card is still uncertain, and its fate could have a significant impact on the loyalty programs and rewards landscape for Hawaiian travelers. So, what do you think? Is this a welcome return or a confusing mess? Let us know in the comments!
