Editorial take: American Express Gold Card
The ultimate foodie card, earning bonus points at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. Plus over $400 in easy-to-use statement credits make the annual fee a no-brainer.
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Side-by-side
American Express Gold Card vs Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard
Both are well-respected travel cards. The American Express Gold Card comes from American Express at $325/yr; the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard from Bank of America at $99/yr. Below: side-by-side specs, an opinionated verdict, and the FAQs people actually ask before applying.
Bottom line
If you're not sure you'll use premium perks, start with the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard — its annual fee is significantly lower and the bonus values are similar. Upgrade later if you find yourself using the higher-tier benefits.
| Feature | American Express Gold Card | Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $325 | $99 |
| Sign-up bonus | 60,000 points | 70,000 miles |
| Bonus value (est.) | $1,200 | $980 |
| Min spend to unlock bonus | $8,000 in 6 mo | $2,000 in 3 mo |
| Issuer | American Express | Bank of America |
| Card category | travel | airline |
| Best earning category (Restaurants) | 4x | 1x |
| Transfer partners | amex-mr | hawaiian-miles |
| Headline benefits |
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Read the full review
American Express Gold Card
$325/yr · 60,000 points
Read the full review
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard
$99/yr · 70,000 miles
Editorial take: Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard
Niche card unless you fly Hawaii regularly. Note: Hawaiian + Alaska have merged loyalty into Atmos Rewards in 2025; the long-term direction of this card is in transition. Worth tracking if you're Hawaii-bound multiple times a year.
Common questions
- Which card has the bigger sign-up bonus, American Express Gold Card or Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard?
- The American Express Gold Card has the bigger bonus — 60,000 points, worth roughly $1,200, versus 70,000 miles (~$980) on the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard.
- Is the American Express Gold Card's $325 annual fee worth it compared to the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard?
- At $325/yr, the American Express Gold Card is in the mid-fee tier. Compare its specific perks (lounge access, travel credits, primary rental insurance) to the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard's — pick the one whose perks you'll actually use.
- Can I have both the American Express Gold Card and Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard?
- Yes, since they're from different issuers (American Express and Bank of America) the application rules don't conflict. Many points enthusiasts hold both — they pair well when one earns flexible bank points and the other earns a different currency.
- Should I get the American Express Gold Card or the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard first?
- Get the one whose sign-up bonus you can hit comfortably without overspending. American Express Gold Card: $8,000 spend in 6 months. Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard: $2,000 in 3 months. Pick the easier minimum spend if you're new to points; pick the larger bonus if you have planned big purchases coming up.
Card details on this page reflect the most recent data we've verified against the issuer's own site. Sign-up bonuses and fees can change at any time — confirm the current offer on the issuer's page before applying.