What the JetBlue Credit Card is and who should consider it
The JetBlue Card is a co-branded credit card issued by American Express in partnership with JetBlue Airways. It's designed for people who fly JetBlue regularly or want to earn rewards on everyday purchases that convert to JetBlue flights and perks. The card comes with an annual fee, so the math only works if you use the rewards often enough to offset that cost.
The card appeals most to frequent JetBlue passengers — people who take multiple trips a year on that airline, or who live in a city where JetBlue operates heavily. If you fly JetBlue once every few years, the annual fee will likely cost more than the rewards you earn. If you never fly JetBlue, this card has no value to you.
The card also works for people who want a general rewards card but don't mind paying an annual fee in exchange for airline-specific perks like checked bag waivers and priority boarding. Those perks have real dollar value if you use them, but only if you actually fly JetBlue.
Key Takeaways
- The JetBlue Card charges an annual fee and earns points on purchases that you redeem for JetBlue flights, seat upgrades, and other airline benefits.
- You earn bonus points when you first open the card, and the card waives your first checked bag fee on JetBlue flights.
- Points earned on the card do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
- The card is only worth the annual fee if you fly JetBlue multiple times per year or value the perks enough to justify the cost.
- You can transfer points to JetBlue's loyalty program (TrueBlue) or use them directly through the card's rewards portal.
How points work and what you can redeem them for
When you use the JetBlue Card for purchases, you earn points at a rate that varies by category. You typically earn more points per dollar on JetBlue purchases and dining, and fewer points on other everyday spending. The exact earning rates change, so check the card's current terms when you explore.
Points can be redeemed for JetBlue flights, seat upgrades (including extra legroom seats), baggage fees, and other travel-related purchases through JetBlue's website or the American Express app. You can also transfer points to JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program if you want to combine them with points earned from flying.
Unlike some airline cards, JetBlue points do not expire as long as your account stays open and you make at least one purchase or payment every 12 months. This means you can let points accumulate over time without losing them, which is useful if you're saving toward a specific flight.
Annual fee and introductory offers
The JetBlue Card charges an annual fee that is charged to your account each year on your account anniversary. The amount varies depending on which version of the card you hold — there are typically multiple tiers available. You pay this fee whether or not you use the card that year.
When you first open the card, you usually receive a sign-up bonus of points that can significantly offset the first year's annual fee. This bonus is typically only available if you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of opening the account. The bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically, so check the current offer before you explore.
Some versions of the JetBlue Card waive the annual fee for the first year, while others charge it when ready. Read the offer details carefully to understand what you'll pay upfront.
Perks that come with the card beyond points
The JetBlue Card includes a checked bag fee waiver on JetBlue flights for you and one companion traveling on the same reservation. This alone can save you $35 to $70 per round trip if you check bags regularly. The waiver applies only to the first checked bag and only on JetBlue flights, not on partner airlines.
The card also typically includes priority boarding on JetBlue flights, which means you board before most other passengers and can find overhead bin space more easily. It may also include a seat selection benefit that waives fees for extra legroom or preferred seats, though this varies by card tier.
Some versions include travel insurance benefits like trip delay reimbursement or lost luggage coverage, though these are secondary to any coverage your homeowner's or travel insurance already provides. Read your card's benefits guide to see exactly what's included.
How to decide if the annual fee is worth it
Calculate whether this card makes financial sense by adding up what you'd spend on checked bags, seat upgrades, and other JetBlue fees in a typical year, then subtract that from the annual fee. If the number is negative, the card pays for itself through perks alone. If it's positive, you need to earn enough points on purchases to make up the difference.
For example, if you take four round trips per year on JetBlue and check a bag each time, the checked bag waiver saves you roughly $140 to $280 annually. If the annual fee is $95, you're already ahead before you earn a single point on purchases. If you take one trip per year, the math is much tighter.
If you don't fly JetBlue at all, or fly it so rarely that the perks don't explore, the annual fee is pure cost with no offsetting benefit. In that case, a general rewards card without an airline tie-in will serve you better.
How to open the card and what you'll need
You can open the JetBlue Card through American Express's website, through JetBlue's website, or by calling American Express directly. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information.
American Express will perform a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. You'll receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If you're approved, the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Once the card arrives, set up it through the American Express app or website before you use it. You can then start earning points on purchases right away. If you have a JetBlue TrueBlue account, link the card to it so points transfer automatically.
Comparing the JetBlue Card to other airline cards
Other airlines offer co-branded credit cards with similar structures: an annual fee, sign-up bonus, checked bag waiver, and priority boarding. The main differences are the annual fee amount, the earning rates on different purchase categories, and which perks come standard.
If you fly multiple airlines equally, a general rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or American Express Gold may give you more flexibility, though those cards have higher annual fees and don't include airline-specific perks like checked bag waivers. If you fly one airline 80% of the time, an airline card usually makes more sense.
The best choice depends on your actual travel patterns. If you're loyal to JetBlue and fly them multiple times per year, the JetBlue Card's perks and earning rates likely justify the fee. If you're still deciding which airline to fly, a general rewards card keeps your options open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay the annual fee even if I don't use the card?
Yes. The annual fee is charged automatically each year on your account anniversary, regardless of whether you've made any purchases or used any of the card's perks. You can cancel the card to stop paying the fee, but you'll lose access to the card's benefits and any remaining points balance.
What happens to my points if I cancel the card?
Points are typically forfeited if you close the card, so transfer any remaining points to your JetBlue TrueBlue account before you cancel. Once transferred, those points stay in your TrueBlue account even after the card is closed.
Can I use points for flights on airlines other than JetBlue?
Points earned on the JetBlue Card can only be redeemed for JetBlue flights and JetBlue-related purchases. You cannot transfer them to other airline loyalty programs. If you want flexibility to fly multiple airlines, a general rewards card is a better fit.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?
The number of points needed for a flight varies based on the route, time of year, and how far in advance you book. Shorter flights may require 5,000 to 10,000 points, while longer flights can require 25,000 points or more. The sign-up bonus alone often covers a short domestic flight if you meet the spending requirement.
Does the checked bag waiver explore to my travel companion?
Yes, the waiver typically covers one checked bag for you and one for a companion traveling on the same reservation. Both of you must be on the same booking for the waiver to explore to both bags.