First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Credit Card Review

The First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Credit Card offers cardholders generous cash back rewards on everyday purchases, making it a potentially valuable addition to the wallets of Hawaii residents looking for straightforward rewards without complicated redemption structures.

Key Features of the First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Card

The First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Credit Card provides 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases with no categories to track or quarterly activations required, creating a hassle-free rewards experience that appeals to consumers who prefer simplicity in their financial products.

This card stands out in the regional banking landscape by offering automatic cash back that gets credited to your statement each month when you earn at least $25 in rewards, eliminating the need to manually redeem points or navigate complex rewards portals.

Fees and Interest Rate Structure

The First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Credit Card comes with a competitive variable APR ranging from 18.24% to 27.99% based on creditworthiness, positioning it within market standards for similar cash back products offered by regional banks.

Cardholders should note the card carries a $0 annual fee, making it an affordable option for Hawaii residents who want to earn rewards without paying for the privilege, though foreign transaction fees of 3% apply for international purchases.

Rewards Program and Redemption Options

Cash back earned with the First Hawaiian Bank card is automatically applied as a statement credit once you accumulate $25 in rewards, streamlining the redemption process compared to cards that require manual redemption through online portals or phone calls.

The flat 1.5% cash back rate applies universally to all purchases without category restrictions, making this card particularly valuable for consumers whose spending doesn’t align with the typical bonus categories offered by national bank cards (like groceries, gas, or dining).

New cardholders can benefit from a modest welcome bonus of $150 after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening, providing an immediate return that enhances the card’s first-year value proposition compared to other regional bank offerings.

Travel Benefits and Protection Features

While not primarily marketed as a travel card, the First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Credit Card includes standard Mastercard benefits like secondary auto rental collision coverage, which can save travelers money by allowing them to decline rental companies’ expensive insurance options.

The card provides purchase protection on eligible items against damage or theft for 90 days, offering security for significant purchases that extends beyond manufacturer warranties and giving cardholders additional peace of mind when shopping.

Travel emergency assistance services are available to cardholders 24/7, providing help with lost luggage tracking, emergency card replacement, and referrals to local medical or legal professionals when traveling outside familiar territory.

Digital Banking Integration

The First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Credit Card seamlessly integrates with the bank’s mobile app and online banking platform, allowing cardholders to check balances, view transactions, pay bills, and manage their rewards from any device with internet access.

Security features include instant purchase alerts, the ability to lock your card temporarily if misplaced, and zero liability protection against unauthorized transactions, creating a comprehensive safety net that addresses modern concerns about digital payment security.

Cardholders can set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and maintain their credit scores, with flexible payment scheduling options that accommodate various payday schedules and financial management preferences.

Fonte: Pixabay

Conclusion

The First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Credit Card delivers solid value through its straightforward 1.5% cash back structure and automatic redemption system, making it particularly appealing to Hawaii residents who value simplicity and prefer banking with a local institution that understands the unique economic landscape of the islands.

The absence of an annual fee enhances the card’s overall value proposition, especially for moderate spenders who might not generate enough rewards to offset fees charged by premium rewards cards, while still providing a competitive suite of Mastercard benefits and protections.

For consumers with established relationships with First Hawaiian Bank, this card represents a convenient way to consolidate financial products under one institution while earning respectable rewards, though those who spend heavily in specific categories might find higher value in national cards offering bonus rates in those spending areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What credit score is needed for the First Hawaiian Bank Cash Back Credit Card?
   Applicants typically need a good to excellent credit score (670+) for approval, though First Hawaiian Bank may consider existing customer relationships when evaluating applications.

2. How does the cash back redemption work with this card?
   Cash back is automatically credited to your statement once you accumulate $25 in rewards, with no manual redemption steps required.

3. Can military members stationed in Hawaii get special terms on this card?
   First Hawaiian Bank offers military-specific benefits on some products, but applicants should contact the bank directly to discuss current military offers on this particular card.

4. Is there a foreign transaction fee when using this card internationally?
   Yes, the card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less ideal for frequent international travelers compared to no-foreign-fee alternatives.

5. How does this card compare to the Bank of Hawaii cash back offerings?
   The First Hawaiian Bank card’s flat 1.5% rate is competitive with Bank of Hawaii’s offerings, though specific promotions, relationship bonuses, and approval criteria may differ between institutions.