7 Credit Card Myths About Travel Rewards for Hawaii (and the Truth Behind Them)

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I was reluctant to use credit cards for our Hawaii trips for the first few years of The Hawaii Vacation Guide. Then, hotel rates, rental cars, tours, and food prices all increased. Erica and I did our homework and came to peace with the common credit card myths.

We have been enjoying Hawaii reward travel without anxiety for the past few years. Our wallets appreciate the extra cash. Additionally, our credit scores have improved since we were approved for over ten cards in the past three years.

The truth is, with a few simple habits, travel rewards can be an easy way to save hundreds (or even thousands) on your trip to Hawaii. Let’s bust the biggest myths holding back malihini (visitors in Hawaiian).

Myth 1: Getting multiple cards will hurt my credit

This was the biggest myth that stopped me from getting into travel rewards. My parents instilled in me the importance of personal financial discipline, with a touch of fear, to maintain a high credit score.

Erica and I both have scores above 820 after being approved for ten cards each over the past three years.

It is true! Opening a new credit card may cause a slight, temporary dip in your credit score of three to ten points for about three months. But over time, it will improve.

Here is what affects your credit score:

• Payment history: 35% The biggest thing you can control! Pay on time and in full each month!
• Account inquiries: 10% Applying for a new credit card results in an account inquiry. This is where you can get a minor hit on your score, but only for a short while.
• Credit Utilization: 30%  How much of your credit are you using? It is better to have a lot of available credit and not use much of it. It is bad to have a small amount of credit and use most of it.
• Credit age or history: 15%  Don’t close your oldest credit cards. I have had a basic, no-annual-fee credit card for the past 15 years. I keep it in my sock drawer.
• Diverse credit: 10%  How diversified is your credit? Home loans, car loans, credit cards, and other financial products.

The short-term impact of applying for a card is due to an account inquiry.

The long-term benefits include more available credit, resulting in a better utilization ratio, which can improve a credit score.

More available credit lowers your utilization rate, a key factor in building a healthy credit score. Responsible use is what matters most.

Myth 2: I will forget to pay my credit cards off

This is the number one fear, but the solution is simple: set up autopay.

Paying your balance in full each month helps avoid interest and maintains a strong credit score. No mental energy is required. You can sleep easily at night.

The Golden Rule of Rewards Travel: Always pay in full to avoid interest.

Here are the solutions we use to pay our credit cards:

• Set up auto-pay on your credit card’s portal
• Set payment reminders in your calendar. Then, you know to have enough money in your checking account, and you can remember to confirm the auto-pay went through.
• Link your cards to budgeting apps. We no longer due this, but budgeting apps are a great way to stay in control of your spending. Maybe we should do this again…

Credit card myth takeaway: The fear of forgetting to pay your credit card bill is valid, but it can be easily managed with the right systems.

Myth 3: I can’t stay organized

Juggling multiple cards sounds complicated, but organization tools make it easy. A simple spreadsheet, app, or even carrying just one or two cards can keep things stress-free while still earning big rewards.

We use the free Travel Freely app.

Zac, the founder of Travel Freely, made a very useful app! Here are the benefits we enjoy:

• The app notifies you when your time to meet the minimum spend is almost up, so you can ensure you have spent what you need for the bonus.
• Keep track of all your points from your various cards and receive a weekly record of the changes.
• Keep track of your spouse’s cards, too
• Let you know when an annual fee is due so you have time to decide whether to keep, cancel, or downgrade it.
• Let you know the optimum time to apply for another credit card.

Tip: Focus on cards that align with Hawaii travel goals (transferable points cards). We share the Best Credit Cards for Hawaii and how to use them to maximize points for your Hawaiian vacation.

Myth 4: I don’t want to carry a lot of credit cards

I carry a money clip. It holds my driver’s license, debit card, and one credit card. You don’t need to keep every card in your wallet.

I use our favorite travel reward card for everyday purchases and keep the others at home for booking travel or hotels. Less bulk, same rewards. There is no need to carry my business credit cards with me.

When working to achieve the minimum spend for a welcome bonus, keep that card at the top of your wallet.

Don’t let this myth drive you crazy; any points are worth more than no points!  

The main thing is to get a card, reach the minimum spend on it, get your bonus points, and do that over and over again. That is how we gain so many points every year.

Credit card myth takeaway: Like our Hawaii packing list, we focus on only carrying essential items with us when we leave the house.

Myth 5: My life is busy, I don’t have time

Travel rewards take minutes, not hours. Once you set up autopay and use your cards for regular expenses, the points add up automatically. A nearly free trip to Hawaii is worth the small effort.

Tip: Start with one card, automate payments, and let points build in the background.

We applied the lessons learned from our travel rewards experience and distilled them into our Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles. Instead of learning all this across the internet, start with that article.

Credit card myth takeaway: As you see your miles add up, you will catch the fever and kick yourself for not starting sooner.

Myth 6: I can’t meet the minimum spend

Meeting minimum spend doesn’t mean spending more—it means shifting purchases you already make. Use your card for groceries, gas, insurance, or other essential expenses, such as utilities.

It’s unfortunate to say, but our grocery bills nearly meet our minimum spend requirements. I eat a lot! When we lived on Maui, this was definitely the case. Hence, one of the first articles I wrote was about Where to Find Cheap Groceries on Maui.

Definition: The minimum spend refers to the amount required to achieve the sign-up bonus. For example, earn 100,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first three months.

The best credit cards are those with high welcome bonuses. Therefore, our strategy is to apply for cards that offer promotions and/or high sign-up bonuses. Those bonuses can get you free Hyatt Hotel stays in Hawaii in two to three months.

Credit card myth takeaway: There is no need to overspend—just shift existing spending onto the card.

Myth 7: It takes too long to get rewards

This was my second biggest fear about getting into travel rewards. Is it going to take me a year to earn enough points? My trip will be over by then.

In reality, most cards give welcome bonuses within 2–3 months after you hit the minimum spend. That’s often enough points for a round-trip ticket to Hawaii in less than a season.

As our motto is Book Early when planning a Hawaii trip, ideally, you are planning six to nine months out for your trip. That is enough time to earn points for free nights.

Credit card myth takeaway: Rewards can be surprisingly fast if you choose the right card.

Credit Card Myths Debunked: Time for Hawaii!

Travel rewards don’t have to be stressful, time-consuming, or risky. Most of the fears around credit cards are just myths, and with the right approach, you can earn flights and hotel stays for Hawaii faster than you think.

By staying organized, paying cards in full, and using everyday spending wisely, you can unlock dream-worthy rewards without changing your lifestyle. Don’t let myths keep you grounded.

Hawaii is closer than you think. Start with our free guide below on earning free nights in Hawaii, and the card combinations that make that dream a reality.