There’s one important rule when it comes to setting goals: you have to know when to reevaluate them. At the beginning of 2025, I made it a priority to cut 25% of my credit cards with annual fees. I had already selected the ones I planned to cancel as the fees came due.
One card on the chopping block was my Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard from Barclays.
I originally picked up the card in 2024 for the sign-up bonus, with the hope that the HawaiianMiles I earned would eventually convert to Alaska Mileage Plan miles once the merger between the two airlines was complete.
Well, now that a combined loyalty program is on the horizon… it seems like a good time to cancel the card, right?
I’m thinking… not so fast.
What Does the Future Hold?
Although Alaska and Hawaiian will continue to operate as separate brands (for now), their back-end operations are being integrated. That includes a combined loyalty program. Once HawaiianMiles is retired, all points will transfer to the new Alaska-led program.
What’s still unclear is what will happen to the HawaiianMiles credit card itself. There have been a few wild rumors circulating, but Barclays has publicly stated that their card—and their partnership with Hawaiian Airlines—are not going anywhere.
Recent History
In 2024, Barclays and Hawaiian Airlines renewed their long-standing partnership. According to the official press release:
Under the newly signed agreement, Barclays will continue to issue the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard® for consumers, and the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Business Mastercard® for small businesses.
While the press release didn’t specify the length of the extension, it’s clear that Barclays isn’t planning to exit the partnership anytime soon.
Recent Comments from Barclays
Doug Villone, Head of Cards and Partnerships at Barclays, recently shared in comments to Beat of Hawaii:
“We renewed our partnership agreement with Hawaiian Airlines in July 2024, and our consumer and small business credit card program will remain intact for the next several years… We continue to acquire new customers and service our existing customers with the enhanced benefits of the combined airlines. Cardmembers can continue to use their cards and earn valuable miles from their purchases.”
Déjà Vu? Think US Airways and American Airlines
This situation reminds me of what happened when US Airways merged with American Airlines. Barclays was able to continue issuing Aviator cards and marketing them onboard American flights, while Citi handled most other marketing for AAdvantage credit cards.
It’s speculation, but something similar could happen here. Barclays may continue to issue Hawaiian Airlines cards, particularly for Hawaii-based customers or those applying through Hawaiian Airlines flights or website promotions. Meanwhile, Bank of America (which issues Alaska’s cards) could handle the rest.
In fact, since Barclays also issues a Hawaiian Airlines card through Bank of Hawaii, it wouldn’t be surprising to see that regional angle maintained.
What Will I Do?
I said all that to say this: I’m not sure what will happen to the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard from Barclays. But I’m leaning toward keeping it for another year. Paying the annual fee might be worth it to keep my options open.
And with Hawaiian now offering flights to Asia from Seattle, I just might get some value out of it anyway.
Final Thought
Setting goals is great, but staying flexible is just as important. The HawaiianMiles card may have been on the chopping block, but for now, it’s getting a stay of execution.
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