The Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card: A Tale of Confusion and Uncertainty
After months of silence, the Hawaiian Airlines credit card has resurfaced, but its return only adds to the mystery that has shrouded it.
The card, now known as the Hawaiian Airlines Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard, is offering a tempting sign-up bonus of 60,000 Atmos Rewards points for a $2,000 spend within 90 days. But here's where it gets controversial... this card's journey has been anything but straightforward.
Last fall, when HawaiianMiles shut down and Atmos Rewards took over, the card seemed to vanish into thin air. Application links were broken, and cardholders were left in the dark. Barclays and Hawaiian insisted the card was not going away, but the evidence suggested otherwise. We covered the confusion extensively, and it seemed like a never-ending saga.
Now, the card is back, but the picture is far from clear. When we first reported on its disappearance, Barclays provided a statement, assuring us that the Hawaiian credit card program would remain intact. However, the sudden disappearance and reappearance of application links raise questions about the stability of this arrangement.
The bigger picture reveals an even more tangled web. While Barclays remains the issuer, the card is now associated with Bank of Hawaii, adding complexity 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.
And this is the part most people miss... the Bank of America connection. Alaska Airlines has a highly profitable credit card partnership with Bank of America, which is seen as a crucial part of their business strategy. When Alaska acquired Hawaiian, many expected Hawaiian's card portfolio to follow suit. But, surprisingly, that hasn't happened yet.
The Hawaiian-branded card continues to exist in a state of limbo, earning Atmos points instead of HawaiianMiles, and coexisting with Alaska's cards. There's no clear roadmap for how long this arrangement will last. For travelers solely focused on points, there are more lucrative options available. However, for Hawaii residents who value continuity and the familiar branding, this feels more like a temporary reprieve than a fresh start.
So, the card is back, but the uncertainty lingers. What do you think? Is this a welcome return or a confusing mess? Share your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
