Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold: Side By Side Comparison
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Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard vs. Delta SkyMiles Gold: Side By Side Comparison

Both Hawaiian and Delta SkyMiles Gold have similar annual cashback values and diverse airline benefits, so there is no clear winner
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Choosing between the Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard and the Delta SkyMiles ® Gold American Express Card depends on your travel habits and preferences. Let's explore them side by side:

General Comparison

The Hawaiian Mastercard, issued by Barclays,  is ideal for those enchanted by the tropical allure of Hawaii. Issued by Amex, the Delta SkyMiles Gold card is your go-to if you're a frequent flyer with Delta Airlines. Both cards have similar annual fees, offer a nice welcome bonus, and don't charge foreign transaction fees. However, their points reward system is a bit different as well as their extra benefits:

Here's a side-by-side comparison of the card's main features:

Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review

Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard
Delta SkyMiles Gold
Annual Fee
$99
$150, $0 intro first year. (See Rates and Fees.)
Rewards
3X miles per dollar spent on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, 2X miles per dollar spent on gas, dining and grocery store purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
2X miles on delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the U.S) and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.
Welcome bonus
60,000 bonus HawaiianMiles after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days
40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
0% Intro APR
N/A
N/A
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0. See Rates and Fees.
Purchase APR
21.24% – 29.99% variable
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Rewards Battle: A Side-by-Side Analysis

We checked how many points you earn when you spend money with each card, and there is no clear winner in this category.  Both cards offer a higher points rewards ratio on groceries, and overall, the Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard earns more points. However, on the bottom and considered each mile worth, the annual worth in points is similar for both cards:

Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review

Spend Per Category
Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard
Delta SkyMiles Gold
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
30,000 miles
30,000 miles
$5,000 – Restaurants
10,000 miles
10,000 miles
$5,000 – Airline
15,000 miles
10,000 miles
$5,000 – Hotels
5,000 miles
5,000 miles
$4,000 – Gas
8,000 miles
4,000 miles
Total Miles
68,000 miles
59,000 miles
Estimated Redemption Value
1 mile ~ 1.1 cent
1 mile = ~1.3 cents
Estimated Annual Value
$748
$767

Which Card Provides Better Travel Perks & Insurance?

Delta SkyMiles Gold stands out as a frontrunner in delivering extra airline and travel benefits, primarily due to its comprehensive selection of travel insurance and an annual statement credit:

Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard

Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard

  • Free Checked Bags: Get two free checked bags (up to $140 value per roundtrip) for eligible flights when you purchase tickets directly from Hawaiian Airlines using your card.

  • $100 Companion Discount: Enjoy an annual $100 companion discount for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines after each account anniversary.

  • 50%-Off Companion Discount: Receive a one-time 50% off companion discount for roundtrip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines.

  • Discounted Award Flights: Access discounted award flights on Hawaiian Airlines with your World Elite Mastercard.

  • Mastercard World Elite Benefits: World Elite Mastercards give you some cool deals from other stores, and they also come with good things like special benefits at hotels, a helpful concierge service, cell phone protection, and fraud protection.

Delta SkyMiles Gold

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review

  • TakeOff 15: Save 15% on Award Travel when booking Delta flights (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
  • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back each year on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings at delta.com with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.

  • $200 Delta Flight Credit: When you spend $10,000 on purchases in a year, you'll get a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use for your next travel.

  • First Checked Bag Free: Receive complimentary first checked bag on Delta flights.
  • Pay with Miles Discount: You can receive up to $50 off the cost of your Delta flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem.
  • 20% Back on In–flight Purchases: Receive a 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
  • ShopRunner: Enjoy free 2-day shipping at 100+ online stores when you enroll in complimentary ShopRunner membership with your Delta Platinum card.
  • Purchase Protection: Your card can protect eligible purchases from theft or accidental damage for up to 90 days.
  • Extended Warranty: Extend the manufacturer's warranty on eligible purchases by up to one extra year when you use your card.
  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: When you use your card to reserve and pay for a rental vehicle and decline the collision damage waiver (CDW), you can be covered for damage or theft of the rental vehicle in a covered territory.
  • Baggage Insurance Plan: Travel with peace of mind knowing your baggage is covered for loss, damage, or theft when you purchase a common carrier ticket with your card.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.

When You Might Prefer The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card?

Here are the main reasons why you may prefer the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card:

  • Frequent Delta Traveler: If you find yourself often boarding Delta flights, the Delta SkyMiles Gold card is your go-to choice, offering tailored benefits like priority boarding and a free checked bag.

  • Value Travel Insurance: If travel insurance is a priority, Delta SkyMiles Gold takes the lead with its extensive coverage such as car rental loss and damage or baggage insurance plan.

Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Prefer The Hawaiian Mastercard?

Here are the main reasons why you may prefer the Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard:

  • Frequent Hawaii Traveler: If you're a regular visitor to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard is your top choice, offering substantial rewards for Hawaiian Airlines purchases and additional perks tailored to Hawaii-bound travelers.

  • Appreciate Companion Discounts: If you often travel with a companion, the Hawaiian Mastercard's one-time 50% off companion discount and $100 companion discount can significantly enhance your travel experience, making it an attractive option for pairs or groups.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for an airline credit card with travel rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:

united explorer

southwest_rapid_rewards_premier_art

United℠ Explorer Card
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Annual Fee
$95 ($0 first year)
$99
$99 (waived for the first 12 months)
Rewards
1X – 2X 2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases
1X – 3X 3X points on Southwest® purchases,2X on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car partners, local transit and commuting, including rideshare, internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming and 1X points on all other purchases.
1X – 2X Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
Welcome bonus
50,000 miles 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
50,000 Points 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
50,000 Miles 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
$0
Purchase APR
21.99% – 28.99% variable
21.49%–28.49% variable
21.24% – 29.99% (Variable)

Compare Delta SkyMiles Gold Card

The Delta SkyMiles Gold offers higher annual cashback and better perks than the Delta Blue card. But is it worth the annual fee? It depends.

Delta SkyMiles Blue vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: How They Compare?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum is more expensive but offers more premium benefits than the Delta Gold. Here's our complete comparison.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card vs Platinum: How They Compare?

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Delta SkyMiles Gold vs Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority: Which Gives You More?

If you're a dedicated Delta traveler, the Delta SkyMiles Gold may be your top pick, while the Amex Gold offers a broader range of benefits.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Card vs. Amex Gold: Which One Wins?

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum is more expensive but offers more premium benefits than the Delta Gold. Here's our complete comparison.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card vs Platinum: How They Compare?

While the Delta SkyMiles Gold extra perks are better, the JetBlue Plus Card is our winner in this comparison due to its higher cashback value.

The JetBlue Plus Card vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: Side By Side Comparison

The Delta SkyMiles Gold and the United Explorer Card offer airline benefits and similar fees. The SkyMiles Gold is our winner – here's why.

United Explorer vs Delta SkyMiles Gold: Side By Side Comparison

The Delta Gold and AAdvantage Platinum Select offer similar cashback value, but the Delta card is the winner due to its diverse travel perks.

Delta SkyMiles Gold vs. Citi/ AAdvantage Platinum Select: Which Card Wins?

While Alaska Visa Signature card offers higher miles rewards ratio on airline, the Delta SkyMiles Gold is our winner. Here's why.

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Compare Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard

While the Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard offers a higher miles rewards ratio, we think the Alaska card offers a bit better airline perks.

Hawaiian World Elite Mastercard vs. Alaska Visa Signature: How They Compare?

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.