Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Hawaiian Airlines World Elite: Which Is Better In 2026?

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® Breakdown

‍

[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "2297", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Frequent Travelers", "headerHint": "Hawaiian Airlines Flyers"} ]]

‍

Why We Like It

‍

Here’s a closer look at why we recommend the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®.

‍

• It offers a valuable companion ticket discount, making it a great choice for those who frequently travel with a partner to and from Hawaii.
• The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® lets you earn miles on everyday spending categories like gas, dining, and groceries, not just on travel.
• Cardholders benefit from a generous checked bag allowance and expanded travel flexibility thanks to a partnership with JetBlue.

‍

‍

Pros

‍

• Includes a significant companion ticket discount, making it ideal for those who travel with a partner.
• Allows cardholders to earn miles on common spending categories, not just airfare.
• Features travel-friendly perks like a checked bag allowance and expanded flight options through a partner airline.

‍

Cons

‍

• Some of the card's main perks, like the companion discount and checked bag allowance, come with significant restrictions.
• The airline’s limited route network and potentially lower value for non-flight redemptions can reduce the card's overall flexibility.

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® vs Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards

‍

Categories

‍

When deciding which is better, the Capital One Quicksilver Student or Hawaiian Airlines World Elite, it's essential to consider your primary spending habits and financial goals. These cards serve very different purposes, making the right choice dependent on your individual needs.

‍

• Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is designed for students who want to build their credit history while earning straightforward rewards. It is also a strong choice for those studying abroad or who travel occasionally.
• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is best suited for frequent travelers to and from Hawaii, especially those who fly with a companion. It offers benefits tailored to maximizing value with the airline.

‍

Redemption

‍

Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards: Rewards are earned as cash back, which can be redeemed in a variety of flexible ways, such as for a statement credit or a check. This makes it easy to use your earnings without being tied to a specific travel program.

‍

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®: Points are redeemed as HawaiianMiles, which can be used for flights on Hawaiian Airlines and its partners. You can also use miles for things like seat upgrades or sharing miles with friends and family.

‍

Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

‍

To make an informed decision, you can use a tool like Kudos, which evaluates nearly 3,000 credit cards to provide personalized recommendations based on your actual spending habits.

‍

• Test drive credit cards using your real spending data to simulate potential earnings before you apply.
• Receive a detailed analysis of your approval odds based on your credit report.
• Get a welcome offer guarantee, where Kudos will match a better public offer if you find one within three months of approval.
• Earn additional Kudos Boost rewards on top of your credit card rewards when shopping at partner stores.
• Monitor your transactions, spending, and credit score to stay on top of your finances.

Who Should Choose the Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards?

‍

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is tailor-made for students with limited or fair credit who are looking to build a strong credit history, as noted in a recent card review. It's also an excellent choice for those studying abroad, thanks to its lack of foreign transaction fees, and for students who travel, due to its bonus cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Ultimately, this card is ideal for any student seeking a simple, no-annual-fee option to earn straightforward cash back on all their purchases while establishing their financial footing.

Who Should Choose the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®?

‍

The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® is a strong option for frequent travelers to and from the Aloha State, especially those loyal to the airline. According to a NerdWallet review, its value shines brightest for those who travel with a partner, thanks to a significant companion ticket discount offered annually. The card is also a good fit for anyone wanting to earn HawaiianMiles on everyday spending while taking advantage of perks like free checked bags and flexible redemption options.

Alternatives to Consider

‍

If our Capital One Quicksilver Student vs Hawaiian Airlines World Elite comparison has you thinking neither card is the right choice, don't fret. We've highlighted a few other excellent options that might be a better fit for your spending habits and financial goals.

‍

[[ COMPARE_CARD * {"ids": ["509", "118"], "bestCategoryIds":["17", "18", "19"], "bestForTexts":["Exceptional Value", "Generous Travel Rewards"]} ]]

‍

_{Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.}

‍

Tips for Application Success

‍

Before You Apply

‍

• Check your credit score – Know where you stand as requirements can range from fair to excellent credit.
• Align the card with your goals – Decide if you are building credit, earning cash back, or maximizing travel perks.
• Review all eligibility rules – Some cards have specific requirements, like student status or how to qualify for key benefits.

‍

Application Strategy

‍

• Time your application around planned spending to help meet introductory bonus requirements and maximize card-specific perks.
• Research redemption options beforehand to ensure the rewards align with your lifestyle and spending habits.
• Take advantage of application processes that let you see your offer before committing to a hard credit inquiry.

Our Methodology

‍

We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

‍

Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

‍

Can I get the Hawaiian Airlines card as a student?

‍

While students can apply for any card, the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® generally requires a good to excellent credit score. Issuers will review your entire financial profile, including income and existing credit history, which can be a high bar for some students.

‍

What credit score do I need for these cards?

‍

The Capital One Quicksilver Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is aimed at applicants with fair to good credit. For the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®, you'll typically need a good or excellent credit score, which is often defined as a FICO score of 670 or above.

‍

Is it better to earn cash back or airline miles?

‍

It really depends on your personal goals. Cash back provides ultimate flexibility for any expense, while airline miles can deliver superior value if you are a frequent traveler who can strategically redeem them for high-cost flights on that specific airline.

‍

‍