First Hawaiian Bank Review
Written by
Rudri Patel
Edited by
Emily Gadd
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First Hawaiian Bank pairs its deep community roots with a diverse range of financial services.
First Hawaiian Bank offers various financial products, including checking and savings options, CDs, business banking, and wealth management. With 48 branches in Hawaii, it is a convenient option for locals.
First Hawaiian Bank, named one of GoBankingRates’ best banks in Hawaii, has been serving the community since 1858. Headquartered in Honolulu, it operates 48 branches across the Hawaiian Islands, as well as locations in Guam and Saipan. The bank offers a full range of financial services, including deposit accounts, loans, credit cards, investment options, and wealth management.
It is one of GOBankingRates’ best banks in Hawaii in 2025.
First Hawaiian Bank Checking Account
Each of First Hawaiian’s three checking accounts targets a specific type of customer. It’s important to understand what you need when you’re comparing the best checking accounts on the market. Pure, Priority Banking Gold, and Priority Banking Platinum come with its own benefits.
- A low minimum deposit is required for all checking accounts.
- No monthly service charge on e-statements with Pure Checking.
- Free checks and online bill pay with Priority Gold Checking.
- Preferred CD rates and waived annual fees on lines of credit with Priority Banking Platinum.
Best For
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Banking in Hawaii
Loan Options
Low Minimum Deposit
Convenient Options for Everyday Banking
First Hawaiian Bank offers versatile checking accounts with low minimum opening deposits and options to waive monthly fees. With features like free checks, preferred rates on CDs, and rewards for higher balances, these accounts provide flexible and convenient banking solutions.
Fees
Up to $22
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$20
Pros
- Minimum of $20 deposit on all checking accounts
- Monthly maintenance fees are waived easily
- Can get $250 or $350 off on loan administration fees with Priority Gold or Platinum
Cons
- Monthly maintenance fees
- Minimum APYs
Quick Take
First Hawaiian Bank offers several checking accounts but access to in-person banking is concentrated in one region. Although the minimum deposit to open an account is low, customers may want options that have higher APYs.
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First Hawaiian Savings Accounts
First Hawaiian Bank offers savings accounts with low minimum deposit requirements and the security of FDIC insurance. While all accounts have maintenance fees, they can be waived by maintaining minimum balances. Additional benefits include overdraft protection for linked checking accounts and bonus interest opportunities with the Yes Savings account, making these options both accessible and flexible for savers.
- A low minimum deposit is required
- FDIC insured for added security
- Waivable maintenance fees for eligible accounts
- Maximizer Savings account provides tiered interest rates
Best For
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Banking in Hawaii
Loan Options
Low Minimum Deposit
Secure and Flexible Options
First Hawaiian Bank’s savings accounts are FDIC insured and require a low minimum deposit to open. With waivable maintenance fees and tiered interest rates through the Maximizer Savings account, they offer secure and flexible options for growing your savings.
Fees
Up to $10
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$20
Pros
- Low minimum deposits
- Overdraft protection for checking accounts when linked
- The Yes Savings account offers bonus interest rates when requirements are met
Cons
- Low APYs compared to other banks
- Monthly maintenance fees
- $50 charge if account closed within 180 days of opening
Quick Take
First Hawaiian Bank offers choices with their savings account. The minimum deposit of $20 is attainable for most customers. However, the monthly maintenance fees (if they aren’t waived) and the low APY may not make it the best savings option.
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First Hawaiian CD Accounts
First Hawaiian Bank offers a variety of CDs, with competitive rates for 12-month CDs opened online. Shorter-term CDs, such as six-month options, are available in-person and provide returns that are higher than standard savings accounts.
- Minimum deposit of $500 to $100,000 depending on the type of CD chosen
- No monthly maintenance fees
- Various options for in-person and online CDs
Best For
Mobile App
Low Monthly Fees
Banking in Hawaii
Loan Options
Low Minimum Deposit
Secure Savings with Competitive Options
First Hawaiian Bank offers a range of CDs with competitive rates, including special options for online 12-month CDs and in-person shorter-term CDs, providing a secure way to grow your savings.
Fees
No monthly maintenance fees
APY
Up to
Min Opening
$500 to $100,000
Pros
- A variety of choices for CDs
- Options for eCDs and in-person CDs
- Varying deposits and lengths
- FDIC insured
Cons
- Interest rates may be lower than competitors
- Early withdrawal penalties
- Limited online CD options
Quick Take
First Hawaiian Bank offers choices with their savings account. The minimum deposit of $20 is attainable for most customers. However, the monthly maintenance fees (if they aren’t waived) and the low APY may not make it the best savings option.
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Banking Experience
A First Hawaiian Bank review wouldn’t be complete without a look at how day-to-day banking works. Here’s what you need to know:
Customer Service
General customer service inquiries are available by phone at 888-844-4444 or 808-844-4444 if on Oahu. For online and mobile banking questions, call 888-643-4343 on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. Or, log in to FHB online and send a secure message.
Accessibility and Branch Availability
First Hawaiian Bank has 49 branches in Hawaii, three in Guam and two in Saipan for a friendly, “mahalo” banking experience. Contact the branch itself or consult the ATM and branch locator for hours.
Mobile and Digital Experience
First Hawaiian’s mobile banking app provides a full-featured banking experience so you can check balances, contact customer service, find branches, pay bills and more. Your information is safe because the app is compatible with fingerprint and face recognition and uses 128-bit Secure Socket Layer or SSL encryption.
You can download the app on Google Play or the App Store. Customers give the First Hawaiian mobile banking app a good review overall:
- Google Play: 3.3 out of 5 stars
- Apple Store: 4.0 out of 5 stars
Convenience and Ease of Use
First Hawaiian Bank’s app and website let you handle most of your banking needs quickly and easily. For other services, you can visit a local branch, call for support or send a secure message through the online portal.
Comparable Bank Options
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
Up to $22
$0
No monthly service fee
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$20
$0
$0
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
Up to $10
$0
$0
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$20
$0
$0
SELECTED BANK
MOST COMPARABLE
MOST COMPARABLE
Fees
Fees
Fees
No monthly maintenance fees
No monthly service fee
No monthly service fee
APY
APY
APY
Up to
Up to
Up to
Min Opening
Min Opening
Min Opening
$500 to $100,000
$0
$0
First Hawaiian Bank vs. Bank of Hawaii
Both banks have a strong presence in Hawaii and emphasize community-oriented service with wide product ranges. However, Bank of Hawaii stands out with three interest-bearing checking account options, compared to First Hawaiian’s single offering.
First Hawaiian Bank vs. Central Pacific Bank
Central Pacific Bank is a better option for those looking to maximize savings, as some of its accounts offer higher interest rates. However, First Hawaiian Bank provides a broader selection of checking account options to meet varied needs.
First Hawaiian Bank vs. American Savings Bank
American Savings Bank differentiates itself with a focus on financial education, offering tools and resources to help customers build savings and manage their finances. It also provides a money market account, which its competitors lack. That said, First Hawaiian Bank is a better choice if you prefer personalized banking services and maintain high combined deposits.
Final Take
First Hawaiian’s status as the state’s first — and largest — bank makes it a good choice for customers who want a wide branch network and access to a variety of financial products. If First Hawaiian ticks most of your boxes, you can open an account online or stop by a local branch to get started.
FAQ
- Does First Hawaiian Bank charge for using an ATM?
- If you choose a non-network ATM, you will be charged a $3 fee.
- What is the transfer limit for First Hawaiian Bank?
- External transfers are determined by the account type and customer relationship. You can view your limits online. Internal transfers are based on the current available balance in the source account plus any available credit in an associated line of credit.
- Does First Hawaiian Bank work with Zelle?
- Yes, First Hawaiian Bank works with Zelle, so customers can send and receive money.
- How much can you withdraw from First Hawaiian Bank?
- The ATM withdrawal limit per day is $1,000. The withdrawal limit for in-person transactions depends on the available balance in the account.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 11, 2024.
This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
To determine rankings for the Best CD Accounts of 2025, GOBankingRates considered the following factors (excluding neobanks): (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) number of branch locations as sourced from the FDIC; (3) minimum deposit to open an account; (4) 12-month CD APY rate; (5) 60-month CD APY rate, and (6) the average mobile app rating between the Google Play (Android) and Apple stores. All factors were then scored and combined, with the lowest score being the best. Factors (1) and (2) were weighed 0.5 times, factor (3) was weighed 2 times, and factors (4) and (5) were weighed 4 times. All products and offerings had to be available as of Nov. 1, 2024, to be considered. Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 11, 2024.
To determine the Best Money Market Accounts of 2025, GOBankingRates analyzed the following factors from all banks (excluding neobanks): (1) total assets as sourced from the FDIC; (2) number of branch locations as sourced from the FDIC; (3) minimum deposit to open an account; (4) APY on the money market account; (5) the minimum balance needed to earn the APY; (6) monthly money market fee ratio (percentage of the minimum to avoid fees compared to the monthly fee itself); and (7) the average mobile app rating between the Google Play (Android) and Apple stores. All factors were then scored and combined, with the lowest score being the best. Factors (1) and (2) were weighed 0.5 times, and factor (4) was weighed 4 times. All products and offerings had to be available as of Nov. 1, 2024, to be considered. Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Dec. 11, 2024.
