World of Hyatt 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 why we’re fans of the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®.

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• Cardholders can earn accelerated miles on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, as well as on everyday spending categories like gas, dining, and groceries.
• While the card comes with an annual fee (See Rates & Fees), it offers valuable perks like free checked bags for the primary cardholder and a companion ticket discount.
• Checking two bags on just two round-trip flights per year could save you enough to offset the card's annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Offers a valuable companion ticket discount for travel between Hawaii and North America.
• Cardholders earn bonus miles on eligible airline purchases and on everyday spending categories.
• The primary cardholder receives free checked bags on Hawaiian Airlines flights.

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Cons

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• The free checked bag benefit doesn’t extend to traveling companions.
• Its benefits are heavily skewed toward travelers who fly to and from Hawaii, offering less value for others.
• The companion ticket discount is restricted to specific routes and becomes less generous after the first year of card membership.

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® vs World of Hyatt

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, World of Hyatt or Hawaiian Airlines World Elite, depends entirely on your travel habits and goals.

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• The World of Hyatt Credit Card is best for frequent travelers who are loyal to Hyatt properties. It helps cardholders maximize hotel rewards and earn elite status through stays and spending.
• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is ideal for individuals who regularly travel to or from Hawaii, especially with a companion. The card is most valuable for those who want to earn miles and receive benefits specific to Hawaiian Airlines.

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Redemption

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card: Points are primarily redeemed for stays at Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide. Cardholders can also transfer points to various airline partners or use them for other travel and wellness experiences.

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Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: Miles are best used for booking flights on Hawaiian Airlines, especially for travel to, from, and between the Hawaiian Islands. You can also redeem miles with partner airlines or for other travel-related rewards.

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Travel Perks

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• International Travel: Both the World of Hyatt card and the Hawaiian Airlines card are well-suited for international travel, as neither charges foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States.
• Lounge Access: The World of Hyatt card helps cardholders earn elite status, which can grant access to Hyatt Club lounges. The Hawaiian Airlines card, on the other hand, may offer benefits or discounts for its own Premier Club airport lounges.
• Booking Ecosystem: The Hyatt card's ecosystem revolves around its hotel portal but offers flexibility by allowing point transfers to airline partners. The Hawaiian Airlines card's ecosystem is focused on its own flight booking platform, with redemptions centered on Hawaiian Airlines and its partner carriers.
• Companion Perks: A standout feature of the Hawaiian Airlines card is its annual companion discount on flights. The World of Hyatt card offers a different kind of shared travel perk with its annual free night certificate, which can be used for a stay at an eligible Hyatt property.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To find the best card for your wallet, you can use a tool like Kudos to compare nearly 3,000 credit cards based on your unique spending habits.

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• Test drive credit cards before you apply by connecting your bank accounts to see personalized reward projections based on your actual spending history.
• Receive a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better offer if you find one within three months of approval.
• Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Earn extra rewards on top of your credit card points by shopping with Kudos Boost.
• Access exclusive offers, including a $20 bonus for new users who sign up with a code and make a qualifying purchase.

Who Should Choose the World of Hyatt?

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a strong contender for frequent Hyatt guests and value-oriented travelers who can maximize the brand's high-value points system. It's also an excellent choice for those looking to fast-track their way to elite status within the World of Hyatt program or for international travelers who can benefit from the lack of foreign transaction fees. Ultimately, this card is designed for travelers loyal to the Hyatt brand who want to enhance their stays with valuable perks and rewards, as detailed in a comprehensive review.

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

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The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is primarily designed for individuals who frequently travel to and from Hawaii, particularly those who often fly with a companion. Cardholders can maximize value through a one-time 50% companion discount and an annual $100 companion fare credit, in addition to earning accelerated miles on gas, dining, and grocery purchases. With perks like two free checked bags for the primary cardholder on Hawaiian Airlines flights, the card's benefits can easily outweigh its $99 annual fee for the right traveler, as detailed in a NerdWallet review.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our World of Hyatt vs Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® comparison has left you feeling like neither card is the perfect match for your wallet, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent travel rewards cards on the market worth considering.

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_{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

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Before You Apply

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• Check your credit score: Most rewards cards require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Know the issuer's rules: Some issuers, like Chase with its 5/24 rule, have specific application restrictions.
• Plan your spending: Ensure you can meet any welcome offer spending requirements without overspending.

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Application Strategy

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• Align the card with your habits: Choose a card that rewards your existing travel and spending patterns.
• Time your application strategically: Apply before a large planned purchase to help meet the spending threshold.
• Read the fine print on benefits: Understand how to qualify for perks like companion passes or free checked bags.

Our Methodology

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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.

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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

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Can I transfer points between World of Hyatt and Hawaiian Airlines?

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No, you cannot directly transfer points between the World of Hyatt and Hawaiian Airlines loyalty programs. Each program's points must be earned and redeemed within its own ecosystem.

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What are the annual fees for the World of Hyatt and Hawaiian Airlines cards?

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The annual fees for co-branded credit cards can vary, so it's important to check the card issuer's official terms for the most current information. Generally, travel rewards cards like these do have an annual fee to offset their benefits.

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Which card is better for international travel?

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The better card for international travel depends on your destination and spending habits. Consider which loyalty program has a stronger presence where you travel most and which card offers benefits like no foreign transaction fees.

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