United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank Review

The United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank is a travel-centric credit card designed for individuals who frequently fly with United Airlines and want to maximize their rewards on everyday purchases such as gas and groceries. With the allure of bonus miles, complimentary United Club lounge passes, and other travel-related perks, the card is aimed at making your travel experience seamless and more rewarding. In this review, we’ll delve deep into every aspect of this card to help you make an informed decision.

United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank Key Takeaways

– Rewards: Earn 2x miles per $1 spent on gas, groceries, and United Airlines tickets purchased through United ticketing channels. Earn 1x mile per $1 spent on everything else.
– Bonus Miles: Earn 30,000 bonus United miles after spending $1,500 within the first three months of opening a new account.
– Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 thereafter.
– APR: 18.00% Variable APR for purchases and cash advances.
– Introductory Balance Transfer APR: 2.99% fixed APR for the first eight billing cycles following the account opening for balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening, then 18.00% Variable.
– Credit Score Requirement: Good to Excellent (670-799).
– Travel Benefits: Includes free checked bags, statement credits for in-flight purchases, and complimentary United Club lounge passes.
– Additional Coverage: Includes MasterRental car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption coverage, and purchase protection.

United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank Pros and Cons

Pros

1. Generous Rewards Structure: Earning 2x miles on gas, groceries, and United Airlines tickets provides ample opportunities to accumulate miles quickly, especially for frequent travelers.
2. Sign-Up Bonus: The 30,000 bonus United miles after spending $1,500 in the first three months can significantly kickstart your mileage balance, potentially covering a domestic round-trip flight.
3. Travel Perks: Complimentary checked bags and United Club lounge passes add significant value, especially for frequent flyers.
4. Low Introductory Balance Transfer Rate: The 2.99% intro APR for balance transfers can help you save on interest for the first eight billing cycles.
5. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, as you won’t incur extra costs for foreign purchases.
6. Comprehensive Coverage: The card offers various insurance and protection benefits, such as car rental insurance and trip cancellation/interruption coverage.

Cons

1. Annual Fee After First Year: While the $99 annual fee is waived for the first year, it kicks in thereafter, requiring assessment of whether the benefits justify the cost.
2. High Variable APR: The 18.00% variable APR can be quite high, especially if you carry a balance month-to-month.
3. Balance Transfer Fees: While the introductory rate is attractive, the fees associated with balance transfers ($5 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater) can add up.
4. Limited High-Earning Categories: The 2x miles are limited to gas, groceries, and United Airlines tickets, which may not cover all high-spending categories for some users.

United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank Benefits

Rewards Program

The rewards structure is straightforward, allowing cardholders to earn miles on everyday purchases and travel expenses. Here’s how you can maximize your earnings:
– 2x Miles on Gas and Groceries: These are common spending categories for most households, making it easier to rack up miles quickly.
– 2x Miles on United Airlines Tickets: If you frequently fly with United, this is a great way to accumulate miles for future travel.
– 1x Mile on All Other Purchases: While not as lucrative as the 2x categories, it still provides value for everyday spending.

Sign-Up Bonus

One of the most compelling features of this card is the 30,000 bonus United miles you can earn after spending $1,500 within the first three months. This is a substantial bonus that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including:
– Flights: Redeem miles for United Airlines flights, potentially covering a domestic round-trip.
– Upgrades: Use miles to upgrade to a higher class of service.
– Other Travel Expenses: Miles can also be used for hotel stays, car rentals, and more through United’s travel partners.

Travel Benefits

The United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank is packed with travel perks designed to enhance your travel experience:
– Free Checked Bags: Cardholders and one companion on the same reservation receive their first and second checked bags free on United-operated flights. This benefit alone can save you hundreds of dollars annually if you travel frequently.
– Inflight Purchase Credit: Receive a 25% statement credit on inflight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi.
– United Club Lounge Passes: Enjoy two complimentary United Club lounge passes annually, which provide access to comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, and other amenities.
– MasterRental Coverage: Mastercard car rental insurance covers your rental vehicle against physical damage and theft, giving you peace of mind on your travels.
– Trip Cancellation/Interruption Coverage: This insurance reimburses you for pre-paid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted due to covered reasons.

Additional Coverage

Apart from travel benefits, the card also offers various protections and insurances:
– Fraud Protection: Monitor and protect against fraudulent activities on your account.
– Purchase Protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft for a certain period.
– Extended Warranty Protection: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases.
– Airline Baggage Delay Insurance: Reimburses you for essential purchases if your checked baggage is delayed.

Rates and Fees

Understanding the rates and fees associated with the United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank is crucial for making an informed decision:
– Purchase Intro APR: None.
– Purchase APR: 18.00% Variable.
– Intro Balance Transfer APR: 2.99% fixed for the first eight billing cycles for transfers made within 30 days of account opening.
– APR for Cash Advances: 18.00% Fixed.
– Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $99 thereafter.
– Balance Transfer Fee: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
– Cash Advance Fee: $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
– Penalty Fees: Up to $40 for late payments and returned payments.

How to Avoid Paying Interest

To avoid interest charges, ensure you pay your entire new balance by the payment due date each month. The due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing cycle, giving you ample time to settle your balance.

Conclusion

The United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank is an excellent option for frequent travelers who primarily fly with United Airlines and want to earn rewards on everyday purchases like gas and groceries. The combination of a generous sign-up bonus, robust travel perks, and comprehensive coverage makes this card a strong contender in the travel rewards category.
However, the card does come with some drawbacks, such as the $99 annual fee after the first year and a high variable APR. Therefore, it is essential to assess your spending habits and travel frequency to determine if this card aligns with your financial goals and lifestyle.
By leveraging the card’s benefits and managing your account responsibly, you can maximize your rewards and enjoy a more convenient and rewarding travel experience. Whether you’re a frequent flyer looking to earn miles or someone who values travel-related perks, the United® Card from First Hawaiian Bank offers a compelling package worth considering.