Chase Sapphire Reserve vs Hawaiian Airlines World Elite: Which Is Better In 2025?

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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Here’s a closer look at what makes the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® a compelling choice.

• The card offers valuable companion ticket discounts that make it more affordable to travel with a partner.
• You can earn double miles on everyday purchases like gas, dining, and groceries, not just on Hawaiian Airlines flights.
• Checking two bags on just one round-trip flight can save you enough to cover the card's $99 annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• A strong welcome offer for new cardholders.
• No foreign transaction fees on international purchases.
• Expanded travel options through a partnership with JetBlue.

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Cons

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• The card’s most valuable benefits are geared toward travelers who frequently fly to and from Hawaii.
• Key perks like the companion ticket and free checked bags come with significant restrictions.
• Compared to general travel rewards cards, its points offer less flexibility as they are tied to a single airline.

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Hawaiian Airlines World Elite, comes down to your travel habits and spending patterns. Each card excels in its own niche, catering to different types of travelers.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: This card is a premium travel rewards card designed for frequent travelers who want to take advantage of extensive travel-related benefits and luxury perks.
• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: As an airline-specific credit card, this option is best for those who frequently fly with Hawaiian Airlines, especially travelers going to and from Hawaii.

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Redemption

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: With this card, you redeem points with great flexibility by booking travel through the Chase portal or transferring them to a wide range of airline and hotel loyalty programs. Points can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, and other options.
• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: This card earns miles directly in the HawaiianMiles program, which are primarily redeemed for flights on Hawaiian Airlines and its partners. Redemption is most valuable for those who fly the airline's routes, particularly to and from Hawaii.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®:
  • Features a comprehensive travel ecosystem built around the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, where points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Provides complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, offering access to a vast network of airport lounges worldwide.
  • Does not charge foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.
  • Includes a robust suite of travel protections, such as trip cancellation insurance and an auto rental collision damage waiver.
• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®:
  • Its travel ecosystem is focused on the HawaiianMiles program, with benefits and redemptions centered on Hawaiian Airlines and its partners.
  • Does not offer broad airport lounge access as a standard perk.
  • Does not charge foreign transaction fees.
  • Offers airline-specific benefits, such as a companion ticket discount and free checked bag allowances on eligible flights.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make an informed decision, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards and find the best fit for your spending.

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• Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, you can simulate your potential earnings with a new card based on your actual spending history. This feature shows you a personalized projection of annual rewards and net value without a hard credit pull.
• Personalized recommendations and approval odds: Get data-driven recommendations for cards that match your spending patterns and see a detailed analysis of your approval chances.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better public welcome offer for a card you got through Kudos within three months, they will match it.
• All-in-one management: Track your spending, monitor your credit score, and manage all your credit cards from a single platform.
• Exclusive rewards and offers: Unlock extra rewards through Kudos Boost when shopping at your favorite stores and gain access to special sign-up offers.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is tailor-made for frequent travelers with excellent credit who can maximize its suite of premium benefits. This card is a strong choice for those who dine out regularly, value airport lounge access through Priority Pass™ Select, and seek robust travel protections. As detailed in a comprehensive review, a key perk is the $300 annual travel credit; however, points are not earned on travel until after this first $300 is spent, as that amount goes toward the credit.

Who Should Choose the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®?

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The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is tailor-made for individuals who frequently travel to and from Hawaii, particularly those loyal to the airline. According to a NerdWallet analysis, its most compelling feature is the companion travel discount, making it a strong choice for couples or families who travel together. Cardholders also benefit from accelerated rewards on everyday spending categories like gas and dining, plus valuable perks such as two free checked bags on Hawaiian Airlines flights.

Alternatives to Consider

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So, our Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs. Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® comparison left you undecided? Not to worry—if neither of these cards is the right fit, there are several other excellent travel rewards cards to explore.

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Tips for Application Success

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Ready to apply? A little preparation can go a long way in securing a top-tier travel card.

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Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score. Premium cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card generally require good to excellent credit, so it’s wise to know where you stand before applying.
• Plan your spending. Most welcome offers require you to meet a spending threshold within the first few months. Map out your budget to ensure you can hit the target organically without forcing purchases or carrying a balance.
• Review the annual fee. Cards like the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® come with an annual fee, so make sure the card’s benefits will deliver more value than its yearly cost.
• Research the rewards. Whether it's transferring points to airline partners or booking flights directly, have a goal for your rewards to ensure the card aligns with your travel style.

Application Strategy:

• Use a trusted application source. Applying through a verified platform can sometimes provide access to the best available offers and a more streamlined process.
• Be patient with offers. Welcome offers can fluctuate. If you don’t see the best bonus right away, it can sometimes pay to wait, as different channels may display different offers over time.
• Double-check your information. Simple typos in your name, address, or income can lead to an instant denial. Accuracy is crucial for a smooth approval process.

Pro tip: Time your application around a large, planned purchase—like home renovations, a vacation package, or new furniture. This can help you meet the minimum spending requirement for a welcome offer quickly and naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Chase points for Hawaiian Airlines flights?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines is a transfer partner for the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program. This allows you to transfer points earned with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® to your HawaiianMiles account to book award flights.

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Which card has a higher annual fee?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® has a significantly higher annual fee than the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®. This fee is partially offset by benefits like the $300 Annual Travel Credit, but points are not earned on travel until after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases each year.

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Do both cards offer airport lounge access?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, which grants access to a global network of airport lounges. The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® does not offer a comparable lounge access benefit.