Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® Review for 2022
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This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® is designed for business owners who primarily travel with Hawaiian Airlines. You can earn travel rewards that can be redeemed for free flights and share miles with family and friends for free. This card charges a low annual fee of $99 and comes with zero foreign transaction fees.
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Hawaiian Airlines loyalists
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
15.99% to 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$99
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days, and earn an additional 10,000 miles after a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days
- Earn a one-time 50% discount on one companion pass
- Earn 20,000 bonus miles with $50,000-$99,999 in annual purchases, OR 40,000 bonus miles with $100,000 or more in annual purchases
- Earn 3x miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases
Pros
- Potential 20,000-mile bonus each anniversary
- Receive a one-time discounted companion fare for one guest
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No free annual fee period
- No 0% introductory rate
- Only services flights to Hawaii
- Companion ticket: Receive a one-time 50% off companion discount for roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines
- Share miles: Allows you to send and receive miles from family and friends through HawaiianAirlines.com, without a fee
- Complimentary employee cards: Employee cards help you earn rewards faster and control business spending
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
15.99% to 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$99
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days, and earn an additional 10,000 miles after a purchase is made on an employee card in the first 90 days
- Earn a one-time 50% discount on one companion pass
- Earn 20,000 bonus miles with $50,000-$99,999 in annual purchases, OR 40,000 bonus miles with $100,000 or more in annual purchases
- Earn 3x miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases
Pros
- Potential 20,000-mile bonus each anniversary
- Receive a one-time discounted companion fare for one guest
- No foreign transaction fee
Cons
- No free annual fee period
- No 0% introductory rate
- Only services flights to Hawaii
- Companion ticket: Receive a one-time 50% off companion discount for roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines
- Share miles: Allows you to send and receive miles from family and friends through HawaiianAirlines.com, without a fee
- Complimentary employee cards: Employee cards help you earn rewards faster and control business spending
You can compare the features of one card to another by checking off this card and up to two more alternatives (see Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® Alternatives). This allows you to view the details of each card in a side-by-side comparison.
How We Evaluate Travel Rewards Business Credit Cards
When grading travel small business credit cards like the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard®, we first consider the introductory rewards, ongoing rewards, and additional card features. We also take into account the annual fee, ongoing annual percentage rate (APR), and introductory APR.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 25 |
Introductory Rewards | 25 | 25 |
Additional Features | 15 | 25 |
Annual Fee | 15 | 15 |
Introductory APR | 0 | 5 |
Ongoing APR | 3 | 5 |
Total Score | 78 | 100 |
Who the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® Is Best For
- Business owners who are frequent Hawaiian Airlines flyers: The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® offers premium rewards on purchases from Hawaiian Airlines that can be redeemed for free airline tickets.
- Business owners who spend on gas, dining, and office supplies: You can earn two miles per dollar spent on gas, dining, and office supplies.
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® Fees
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 15.99% or 24.99% variable—adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $99
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: None
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 3% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® Rewards
- 60,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days after opening an account
- One-time 10,000 bonus miles after adding at least one employee to your account within the first 30 days of opening an account and making a purchase on the employee card within the first 90 days of opening an account
- 3x miles on eligible Hawaiian Airlines® purchases
- 2x miles on gas, dining, and office supply store purchases
- 1x miles on all other purchases
- Up to 40,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary—earn 20,000 bonus miles with $50,000 to $99,999 in annual purchases, or 40,000 bonus miles with $100,000 or more in annual purchases
- Companion travel discount: You’re eligible to receive a one-time 50% discount toward one published full coach round-trip fare for a companion—this offer is good for 13 months after opening an account and is subject to change.
You can redeem your miles through the Hawaiian Airlines website. Miles can be redeemed anytime for free flights, with no expiry. You can also send and receive miles from family and friends through HawaiianAirlines.com, without a fee.
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® Additional Features
Share Miles
The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® allows cardholders to share earned miles with family and friends for free. Owners can transfer miles online to friends and family without any minimum or maximum balance requirements. Cardholders can pool miles together to redeem miles sooner. Owners can receive transferred miles up to 10 times per year. There’s no limit to the number of times cardholders can transfer rewards.
HawaiianMiles Select Partners
You may earn bonus miles per dollar spent at select HawaiianMiles partners. To be eligible, payments for purchases at select HawaiianMiles partners must be made with the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard®. Bonus miles will be credited only to your account within six to eight weeks.
Zero Liability Protection
With the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard®, cardholders aren’t responsible for any fraudulent activity. Mastercard offers this protection to ensure your bank won’t hold you liable for unauthorized transactions. To ensure the fraudulent activity is covered, business owners are obligated to report any loss or theft to their provider promptly.
Price Protection
The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® offers coverage for price differences on purchased items. If you see a printed or online advertisement at a lower price for an item you purchased, you can be reimbursed for the difference, up to $250 per claim. All claims must be submitted within 60 days of purchase. Items that aren’t covered under price protection include jewelry, art, used or antique items, collectibles of any kind, special order items, layaway items, and items for commercial use.
Mastercard ID Theft ProtectionTM
In the event of identity theft, cardholders have access to identity theft resolution services, where you can receive assistance with filing reports with law enforcement and with notifying your banks. Cardholders will also receive credit monitoring services as well as dark web and suspicious activity monitoring. This card also offers opt-out services that reduce direct mail campaigns, preapproved credit card offers, and marketing calls.
Travel Assistance Services
You’ll have access to select travel assistance services, which typically include detailed information on immunizations, currency exchange rates, and travel requirements. Refer to your Barclays guide to benefits for more specific coverage information.
Pros & Cons of the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard®
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Anniversary bonus: You can receive up to 40,000 bonus miles on your account anniversary after you meet certain spending thresholds. | No free annual fee period: This card does not waive the annual fee for the first year—you will be charged a $99 annual fee right away. |
| No foreign transaction fee: You can use your card to make purchases outside the United States without having to pay foreign transaction fees. | No 0% introductory rate: You can’t take advantage of interest-free financing if you plan to use this card to make a large purchase. |
| One-time 50% companion discount: You can enjoy a one-time 50% discount for roundtrip coach travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines. | Only services flights to Hawaii: Hawaiian Airlines only offers non-stop service flights to Hawaii from destinations in North America, Asia, and the South Pacific, as well as service to every major Hawaiian Island. |
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® Alternatives
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is an excellent alternative if you prefer to fly on Delta Airlines instead of Hawaiian Airlines. This travel business credit card offers premium Delta travel perks like complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Delta Sky Club®. You can earn unlimited miles that don’t expire and redeem them toward flights, seat upgrades, merchandise, and gift cards.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Unlocking the ultimate Delta travel experience
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$550
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- With complimentary access into Delta Sky Club®, you can relax before your Delta flight, or find downtime between connections. You’ll also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year so you can share the experience with others when you’re traveling together.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
- After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that’s an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X).
- Plus enjoy 3X miles per dollar on all eligible Delta purchases.
- With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 4x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
- Premium travel perks
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lucrative welcome bonus
Cons
- High annual fee
- No opportunity for introductory financing
- Balance transfers aren’t available
- Annual miles boost: Earn 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 each year.
- Companion certificate: Receive a companion certificate valid for one round-trip First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin Companion ticket each year upon renewal of your card.
- Free checked baggage: Receive free checked baggage for you and eight guests.
- Priority boarding: You can board your flight when Main Cabin 1 priority boarding is called.
- In-flight savings: Enjoy 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on select in-flight purchases.
- Baggage insurance: Covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked baggage.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$550
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- With complimentary access into Delta Sky Club®, you can relax before your Delta flight, or find downtime between connections. You’ll also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year so you can share the experience with others when you’re traveling together.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
- After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that’s an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X).
- Plus enjoy 3X miles per dollar on all eligible Delta purchases.
- With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 4x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.
- Terms and limitations apply.
Pros
- Premium travel perks
- No foreign transaction fees
- Lucrative welcome bonus
Cons
- High annual fee
- No opportunity for introductory financing
- Balance transfers aren’t available
- Annual miles boost: Earn 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 each year.
- Companion certificate: Receive a companion certificate valid for one round-trip First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin Companion ticket each year upon renewal of your card.
- Free checked baggage: Receive free checked baggage for you and eight guests.
- Priority boarding: You can board your flight when Main Cabin 1 priority boarding is called.
- In-flight savings: Enjoy 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on select in-flight purchases.
- Baggage insurance: Covers up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked baggage.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
The Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business is a great option if you want a low annual fee credit card that offers unlimited 2x miles on every business-related purchase. You can redeem these miles for flights, hotels, and vacation packages, as well as transfer miles to any of Capital One’s travel partners.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Unlimited 2x miles with every swipe
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introductory reward worth $500 in travel after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
- 2x miles per $1 spent
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fee credit
Cons
- You’ll pay an annual fee after the first year
- Doesn’t offer interest-free financing
- Airport security screening reimbursement: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or an $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every four years.
- Purchase assurance: Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12 month period.
- Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase.
- Travel medical emergency assistance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introductory reward worth $500 in travel after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
- 2x miles per $1 spent
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fee credit
Cons
- You’ll pay an annual fee after the first year
- Doesn’t offer interest-free financing
- Airport security screening reimbursement: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or an $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every four years.
- Purchase assurance: Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12 month period.
- Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase.
- Travel medical emergency assistance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.
The Business Platinum® Card From American Express
Another good alternative for business owners who travel frequently is the American Express Business Platinum Card®. You can enjoy luxury travel perks, including access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide. This card is best for business owners who can pay their balance in full every month.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Gaining access to unrivaled travel rewards and luxury travel perks like airport lounge access
Intro APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Regular APR
14.99% - 22.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$695
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Plus, 0% Intro APR for 12 months from the date of the account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time. After that, your APR will be 14.99% to 22.99% based on your credit worthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases with your Card, including up to $400 with Dell Technologies, up to $360 with Indeed, up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases. Enrollment required.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Premium travel rewards
- Free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Balance is due in full monthly
- High annual fee
- American Express lounges: Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than a dozen United States airports.
- Other airport lounges: Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every 4 1/2 years.
- Travel credit: Up to $200 annual statement credit toward air travel expenses like baggage fees and inflight food and drink.
- Rental status: Elite status at a number of car rental agencies.
- Free Wi-Fi: 10 annual free Gogo inflight Wi-Fi passes.
- Rebate for redeemed points: 35% points rebate if you book a business or first-class flight, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- Dell statement credit: Up to $400 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases.
Intro APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Regular APR
14.99% - 22.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$695
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Plus, 0% Intro APR for 12 months from the date of the account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time. After that, your APR will be 14.99% to 22.99% based on your credit worthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases with your Card, including up to $400 with Dell Technologies, up to $360 with Indeed, up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases. Enrollment required.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- $189 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $189 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more lounge location options than any other credit card on the market as of 9/2021.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Premium travel rewards
- Free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Balance is due in full monthly
- High annual fee
- American Express lounges: Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than a dozen United States airports.
- Other airport lounges: Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every 4 1/2 years.
- Travel credit: Up to $200 annual statement credit toward air travel expenses like baggage fees and inflight food and drink.
- Rental status: Elite status at a number of car rental agencies.
- Free Wi-Fi: 10 annual free Gogo inflight Wi-Fi passes.
- Rebate for redeemed points: 35% points rebate if you book a business or first-class flight, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- Dell statement credit: Up to $400 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases.
For other credit card alternatives, check out our guide to the best small business credit cards.
Bottom Line
The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® is suitable for business owners who fly regularly with Hawaiian Airlines and want to share miles with family and friends. This card offers rewards that can be used for free flights on Hawaiian Airlines and its partner airlines. If this isn’t what you’re looking for, visit our Credit Card Marketplace to find a better option.
