The JetBlue Card is a co-branded rewards card that earns points on JetBlue flights and everyday purchases
JetBlue offers two versions of its rewards card through Barclays: the JetBlue Card and the JetBlue Plus Card. Both cards earn points on every dollar spent, with higher earning rates on JetBlue purchases. The main difference is the annual fee — the standard JetBlue Card has no annual fee, while the JetBlue Plus Card charges an annual fee in exchange for a larger sign-up bonus and additional perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding.
The cards are designed for people who fly JetBlue regularly or want to accumulate points toward free flights. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. You can redeem points for JetBlue flights, seat upgrades, or transfer them to JetBlue's travel partners, though the transfer partners are limited compared to other airline cards.
Key Takeaways
- The standard JetBlue Card has no annual fee and earns 1 point per dollar on most purchases, plus bonus points on JetBlue flights.
- The JetBlue Plus Card charges an annual fee but includes a sign-up bonus worth more points, a free checked bag, and priority boarding on every flight.
- Both cards earn points that can be redeemed for JetBlue flights, seat upgrades, or partner airline tickets, with no expiration date.
- You need a JetBlue account to use the card, and points are added to your existing account automatically after each purchase.
How earning and redemption work
The standard JetBlue Card earns 1 point per dollar on all purchases, plus 5 points per dollar spent on JetBlue flights booked directly with the airline. The JetBlue Plus Card earns the same rates but includes a sign-up bonus that typically ranges from 30,000 to 50,000 points, depending on the current offer. Both cards also offer periodic bonus categories — for example, extra points on dining or gas purchases — though these change throughout the year.
Points are deposited into your JetBlue account within one to three business days of a purchase. You can redeem them for one-way or round-trip flights on JetBlue, seat upgrades (like extra legroom or exit row seats), or through JetBlue's travel partners, which include airlines like American, Delta, and Lufthansa. The number of points required for a flight varies by route and demand — a short flight might cost 5,000 points, while a cross-country flight could cost 25,000 or more.
Annual fees and the JetBlue Plus Card trade-off
The standard JetBlue Card has no annual fee, making it a low-cost option if you fly JetBlue occasionally or want to build points without ongoing costs. The JetBlue Plus Card charges an annual fee (the amount varies by current offer, typically between $95 and $99) but includes benefits designed to offset that cost for frequent flyers.
The JetBlue Plus Card includes a free checked bag on every JetBlue flight, which saves $35 to $40 per round trip if you check luggage regularly. It also provides priority boarding, allowing you to board before most other passengers and find overhead bin space. The sign-up bonus on the Plus Card is larger than the standard card's bonus, which can cover the first year's fee if you meet the spending requirement. Whether the Plus Card makes sense depends on how often you fly JetBlue and whether you check bags — if you fly JetBlue four or more times per year and check a bag each time, the free checked bag alone may justify the fee.
What happens when you explore
You explore for either card through Barclays' website or JetBlue's website. The process asks for standard information: your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment status. Barclays will check your credit report and typically make a decision within minutes, though some applications are flagged for manual review and take one to two business days.
If you are approved, your card arrives by mail within seven to ten business days. You can usually set up it online or by phone once it arrives. If you do not already have a JetBlue account, you will need to create one to link your card and start earning points. Points earned on the card go directly into that account and are available for redemption when ready.
Credit requirements and who should consider this card
Both JetBlue cards typically require good to excellent credit — a credit score of 700 or higher gives you a reasonable chance of approval, though Barclays' exact requirements are not published. If your credit score is lower, you may still be approved, but you might receive a higher interest rate or a lower credit limit.
The standard JetBlue Card works best for people who fly JetBlue a few times per year and want to earn points without paying an annual fee. The JetBlue Plus Card is better suited to frequent JetBlue travelers — those who fly the airline four or more times annually or regularly check bags. If you rarely fly JetBlue or split your travel across multiple airlines, a general rewards card that earns points with many airlines might be a better fit.
Interest rates and balance transfers
Like most credit cards, the JetBlue Card charges interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) depends on your creditworthiness and current market rates — Barclays will tell you the specific rate when you explore. Typical APRs for these cards range from 16% to 24%, though some cardholders with excellent credit may receive lower rates.
The card does not offer a 0% introductory period on purchases or balance transfers, so interest accrues when ready on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. To maximize the value of the card's rewards, pay your full statement balance each month so you earn points without paying interest charges.
Comparing the JetBlue Card to other airline cards
Other airlines offer similar co-branded cards through different banks. American Airlines, Delta, and Southwest all have no-annual-fee options and premium versions with annual fees. The main differences come down to earning rates, sign-up bonuses, and perks like free checked bags or priority boarding. If you fly multiple airlines equally, a general travel rewards card (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold) might earn more value because points can be transferred to many airlines and hotels.
The JetBlue Card makes the most sense if you are loyal to JetBlue specifically — if most of your flights are with that airline and you want to accumulate points quickly toward free flights or upgrades. If your travel is split across airlines, the flexibility of a general travel card usually outweighs the higher earning rate on a single airline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my points if I close the card?
No. Your points belong to your JetBlue account, not the card itself. You can close the card and keep your points indefinitely as long as your JetBlue account remains active. However, if your JetBlue account becomes inactive (typically after 12 months with no activity), the points may expire.
Can I use the card to book flights for other people?
Yes. You can use your card to purchase flights for anyone, and the points still go into your JetBlue account. When redeeming points for flights, you can book for yourself or other passengers — you do not have to be the one traveling.
What if I have a balance on the card — do I still earn points?
Yes, you earn points on every purchase regardless of whether you carry a balance. However, carrying a balance means you pay interest charges, which usually cost more than the points are worth. It is better to pay your full balance each month.
Are there restrictions on which JetBlue flights I can book with points?
You can redeem points on most JetBlue flights, but some flights may have limited award availability, especially during peak travel times. Basic economy fares booked with points may have the same restrictions as basic economy paid fares — for example, no seat selection or carry-on bag.
What happens to my sign-up bonus if I do not meet the spending requirement?
The bonus is not awarded if you do not spend the required amount within the specified timeframe (usually three to six months). There is no partial bonus — you either meet the requirement or you do not receive the points.