United Club vs Hawaiian Airlines World Elite: Which Is Better In 2025?

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2297", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Hawaiian Airlines Flyers"} ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

Here’s a breakdown of why we like the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®.

‍

• Cardholders can earn bonus miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases and on everyday spending categories like gas, dining, and groceries.
• While the card has an annual fee, it offers valuable companion ticket discounts and has no foreign transaction fees.
• The two free checked bags benefit for the primary cardmember can nearly offset the card's annual fee with just one round-trip flight per year (publisher-formulated estimate).

‍

Pros

‍

• Receive a companion ticket discount each year for flights between Hawaii and North America.
• The rewards program extends beyond travel, offering bonus miles on everyday purchases at gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores.
• Partnership with JetBlue allows for earning and redeeming miles across both airlines, increasing travel flexibility.

‍

Cons

‍

• The free checked bag benefit is exclusive to the primary cardmember and does not extend to companions.
• The card’s value is maximized for travelers who fly to or from Hawaii, as the airline offers limited nonstop service from the U.S. mainland.
• It lacks certain premium travel benefits, such as airport lounge access, which are available with some other airline credit cards.

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® vs United Club

‍

Categories

‍

When deciding which is better, the United Club or Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard, it's important to consider your travel habits and loyalty to specific airlines. This comparison breaks down who each card is best for.

‍

• The United Club℠ Card is best for frequent United Airlines flyers and international travelers who prioritize premium airport services like lounge access and travel protections.
• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is ideal for those who regularly travel to or from Hawaii, especially with a companion, and want to earn rewards on both airline and everyday purchases.

‍

Redemption

‍

United Club℠ Card: Rewards are redeemed through the United MileagePlus program, offering flexibility for booking flights on United and its partners, or for use on upgrades and other travel experiences.

‍

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: Points are redeemed as HawaiianMiles, which are best used for award flights on Hawaiian Airlines, especially for trips to the islands, though they can also be used with partner airlines.

‍

Travel Perks

‍

• United Club℠ Card: Cardmembers receive a full United Club membership, granting access to United Club locations and participating Star Alliance partner lounges worldwide. Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: This card does not offer complimentary lounge access, but it may provide a one-time discount for purchasing a Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club membership.
• United Club℠ Card: The travel ecosystem is built around United Airlines and its extensive Star Alliance network. Key perks include Premier Access services like priority check-in and boarding, plus free first and second checked bags for the cardmember and a companion on the same reservation. Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: The ecosystem is focused on travel with Hawaiian Airlines. It offers a free first checked bag for the primary cardmember on qualifying flights and an annual companion discount for a roundtrip flight between North America and Hawaii.
• United Club℠ Card & Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: Both cards are designed for international travel, as neither typically charges foreign transaction fees on purchases made abroad.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

To make an informed decision, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare top-rated cards based on your own spending habits.

‍

• The ability to ‘test drive’ credit cards using your real spending data to see personalized reward projections before you apply.
• Detailed analysis of your approval odds for specific cards, helping you avoid unnecessary credit inquiries.
• A welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better public offer if you find one within three months of applying through their platform.
• Access to exclusive offers and a Kudos Boost feature for earning extra rewards on top of your card rewards.
• Comprehensive management of your credit cards, including monitoring your credit score and tracking your progress toward sign-up bonuses.

Who Should Choose the United Club?

‍

The United Club℠ Card is tailor-made for frequent United flyers and those who prioritize comfort, offering premium access to airport lounges to enhance their travel days. Business and international travelers will also find significant value in its benefits, such as priority services and robust travel protections. Ultimately, it's an ideal choice for loyal United customers looking to maximize their travel experience and earn Premier Qualifying Points toward elite status.

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

‍

The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is tailor-made for individuals who frequently travel to and from Hawaii, particularly those who fly with a companion. Cardholders can maximize value through perks like an annual companion ticket discount and accelerated mileage earning on everyday purchases like gas, dining, and groceries. According to a NerdWallet review, the card is also a strong choice for loyal Hawaiian Airlines customers who can take advantage of the JetBlue partnership for expanded travel options.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

If the United Club vs. Hawaiian Airlines World Elite comparison didn't produce a clear winner for your wallet, you're not out of options. Let's explore a few other travel rewards cards that could be a better match for your spending and travel style.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

‍

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Tips for Application Success

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check your credit score - Most premium cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan for the welcome offer - Ensure you can meet the spending requirement through your normal purchases.
• Align benefits with your habits - Confirm the card’s perks align with your typical travel and spending.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Know the issuer's rules - Be aware of application restrictions from certain banks, such as Chase's 5/24 rule.
• Time your application strategically - Apply before a big trip to maximize unique benefits like companion passes or lounge access.
• Leverage existing relationships - Your chances may improve with banks where you already have an account.

Our Methodology

‍

We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

‍

Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

Can I access the United Club with a Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard?

‍

No, the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard does not provide access to the United Club. Lounge access benefits are specific to the card and airline program you hold.

‍

What lounge access does the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard offer?

‍

The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard does not include complimentary lounge access as a standard benefit. However, cardholders may be eligible for discounted Premier Club memberships at select Hawaiian airports.

‍

Is a United Club membership included with any credit cards?

‍

Yes, a full United Club membership is a primary benefit of the United Club℠ Infinite Card. Other premium travel credit cards may also offer access to various lounge networks.

‍