Compare Credit Cards

Cards By Brand

Top Offers

Finder is committed to editorial independence. While we receive compensation when you click links to partners, they do not influence our content.

United® Credit Card from First Hawaiian Bank review

Steven Dashiell

Last updated: Oct 10, 2020

A unique United card for Hawaiian residents.

Get this card if you want a United card to earn rewards on everyday purchases.

Pick something else if you don’t live in Hawaii, Guam or the Northern Marianas.

Apply with a good credit score of 670 or higher.

25,000

Miles as welcome offer

Up to 2x

Miles

Annual fee

for the first year ($99 thereafter)

16.24%

Purchase APR (variable)

Details

Product Name	United® Credit Card
Card type	Mastercard
Annual fee	$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)
Purchase APR	16.24% variable
Balance transfer APR	2.99% intro for the first 8 months (then 16.24% variable)
Balance transfer fee	$5 or 5% of the transaction, whichever is greater
Cash advance rate	18% fixed
Cash advance fee	$10 or 5% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater
Penalty APR	18% fixed
Foreign transaction fee	None
Late payment fee	Up to $40
Returned payment fee	Up to $40

Recommended minimum credit score	670
Security deposit	N/A
Minimum age	18 years of age

Welcome Offer	25,000 miles after spending $1,500 in the first 3 months
Rewards	2x miles on gas, groceries and United, and 1x miles on all other purchases
Base Rewards	1x miles

Expert review

Review by

Steven Dashiell

steven.dashiell@finder.com

Steven Dashiell is a credit cards writer at Finder. He's worked on 250 Finder articles and counting, helping readers embrace and maximize credit cards. Backed by nearly a decade of research and reporting experience, Steve's work can be seen on Debt.com, CreditCards.com and Lifehacker.

Expert review

Most United credit cards are under the Chase umbrella, but this new United offering comes courtesy of First Hawaiian Bank. This card earns 2x miles on United purchases, groceries and gas stations, 1x miles on everything else and comes with a 25,000 bonus mile signup bonus after you spend $1,500 within 3 months of account opening. The card also comes with a 2.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 8 months — reverting to 16.24% variable — a few handy United perks and a waived annual fee for your first year, reverting to $99.

The United® Credit Card from First Hawaiian Bank has a few interesting features that help differentiate it from the Chase lineup. First is the interesting earning categories: You won’t find many travel cards on the market that offer rewards on groceries and gas. This makes it a great card if you only travel on occasion. You can make everyday purchases and end up with enough miles for a trip or two without much effort.

This card is also the only non-Chase United card. That means it’s totally exempt from the Chase 5/24 rule, allowing you to take advantage of the modest signup bonus without worry while adding another United earning category to your wallet.

The card’s $99 annual fee gets you a few United perks, including two free checked bags each flight and two complimentary United Club passes each year. Oddly, the card is missing a few perks you might expect out of a mid-tier card, such as discounts on in-flight purchases and priority boarding.

Finally, this card comes with a 2.99% intro APR on balance transfers for eight months. A few months ago, I may have politely shrugged at this feature. However, with a majority of providers dropping intro balance transfer offers from their cards in recent months, I’d consider even a figure like 2.99% noteworthy.

Now for the big caveat: you can only pick up this card if you’re a resident of Hawaii, Guam or the Northern Marianas. Rather unfortunate, as the card works well as an entry-level United card or a companion to one of the other Chase United cards in your wallet. But if you can qualify for the card and want to expand your United earning options with everyday spending, this card is a solid option.

How to apply for the United® Credit Card from First Hawaiian Bank

Here’s how to apply for the United® Credit Card from First Hawaiian Bank:

Go to the First Hawaiian Bank website.
On the main page, click on the navigation bar underneath Apply Online and select United® Credit Card. Click Apply.

You can also apply by traveling to the United® Credit Card main page:

Go to the First Hawaiian Bank website.
Click the menu bar at the top of the page.
Click on Personal.
Select United® Credit Card from the drop down menu. It is filed under Credit Cards.
Click Apply Now on the new page.
Fill in your information and click Submit.

What credit score do I need to qualify for the United® Credit Card?

You’ll need a good credit score of 670 or higher to qualify.

Card benefits

Earn miles. You’ll earn 2x miles on United tickets purchased through United, on grocery stores and on gas stations. Earn 1x miles on everything else.
Signup bonus. Earn 25,000 miles after you spend $1,500 in your first 3 months. This is worth around $250, give or take depending on how you redeem those miles. You can check out our United redemption guide for more information.
Intro APR. This card comes with a 2.99% intro APR on balance transfers for 8 months. After that, your APR reverts to 16.24% variable.
United perks. Enjoy two free checked bags each flight, expanded award availability, two United Club one-time passes each year and complimentary premier upgrades on select award tickets.
No foreign transaction fees. You won’t pay any extra fees on purchases made abroad or through international websites.

What to watch out for

Limited availability. You can only apply and qualify for this card if you live in Hawaii, Guam or Northern Marianas.
Annual fee. After your first year, you’ll pay $99 annually to use this card.

Compare credit cards

{"niche":"USCCF"}

Name	Foreign transaction fee	Welcome offer	Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card	None	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, a value of up to $750 through Chase Ultimate Rewards	5x points on Lyft, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases	Earn a signup bonus worth $750 with this popular travel card. Combine with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards for even greater value.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Reserve®	None	50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	10x points on Lyft rides, 3x points on dining and travel after earning your $300 travel credit and 1x points on all other purchases	Get a generous $300 in annual travel credits, 3x points on travel and dining, and a 50% bonus on point redemptions with Chase's premier card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card	None	35,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants and at US supermarkets and 1x miles on all other purchases	With a welcome offer worth up to $600, up to 2x miles on select purchases, and assorted Delta perks, this is a strong choice for Delta fans. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card	None	10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months	2x miles at restaurants and on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and dining with this simple, entry-level Delta card, and pay no annual fee. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi	None	N/A	4% at gas stations on up to $7,000 annually (then 1%), 3% at restaurants and on travel, 2% at Costco and 1% on all other purchases	Get 3% back on your travel and dining purchases with no foreign transaction fees and use the card for your Costco membership.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card	None	50,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus 30,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 9 months	5x points on Southwest between 12/1/2020 and 3/31/2021 on up to $2,000 spent per month, then 2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rentals and 1x points on all other purchases	Earn 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, plus 30,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 9 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card	3% of the transaction value	50,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus 30,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 9 months	5x points on Southwest between 12/1/2020 and 3/31/2021 on up to $2,000 spent per month, then 2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open, plus 30,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 9 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card	None	40,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus $100 after making a Delta purchase in the same timeframe	3x miles on Delta and direct hotel purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and US supermarkets and 1x miles for all other purchases	This card boasts a welcome offer worth up to $720, an annual companion certificate and valuable Delta perks. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card	None	50,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus 30,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 9 months	5x points on Southwest between 12/1/2020 and 3/31/2021 on up to $2,000 spent per month, then 2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases	Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 30,000 after spending $10,000 in the first 9 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card	None	40,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	3x miles on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases	Delta's luxury offering shines with access to Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, an annual companion certificate and more valuable travel perks. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
British Airways Visa Signature® Card	None	50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	3x Avios on British Airways and partner airlines, 2x on hotels and 1x on all other purchases	50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
United℠ Explorer Card	None	40,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months	2x miles at restaurants, hotels and United and 1.5x miles on all other purchases	40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
United Gateway℠ Card	None	10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x miles on United Airlines purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting and 1x on all other purchases. Plus, 3x miles on grocery store purchases up to $1,500 per month through 9/30/2021	10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

Compare up to 4 providers

Bottom line

If you’re an eligible resident, the United® Credit Card from First Hawaiian Bank is an interesting everyday spending option for amassing United miles. If you’re not interested in the earning categories of the United Explorer or already have that card, this card makes for a solid pickup.

Those outside of Hawaii, Guam and the Northern Marianas will need to compare other travel card options to find one that fits the bill.

Ask an expert

Click here to cancel reply.

Display Name

Your Email (will not be published)

Your Question

I agree to Finder’s terms of use and privacy and cookie policy, and I opt in to receive email from Finder

Subscribe me to Finder’s free weekly newsletter for budgeting tools, timely news and savings essentials to take control of your finances

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our finder.com Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookies Policy.

Ask a question Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our finder.com Terms of Use and Privacy and Cookies Policy.

Feedback

Go to site

Best credit cards of 2021: See our winners and top picks

Find the best personal loan offer

Boost your savings with higher yields:

Find the best lenders for your mortgage

Compare Credit Cards

Cards By Brand

Top Offers

Balance Transfer Calculator

United® Credit Card from First Hawaiian Bank review