What JetBlue credit cards offer
JetBlue offers two primary credit cards through Barclays: the JetBlue Card and the JetBlue Business Card. Both cards earn points on purchases and offer benefits tied to JetBlue travel, but they differ in annual fees, earning rates, and perks. The JetBlue Card is designed for personal use, while the JetBlue Business Card is structured for business spending.
The main appeal of either card is the sign-up bonus in points, ongoing earning on JetBlue purchases and other categories, and benefits like checked baggage allowances or seat upgrades. However, the specific rewards structure and benefits vary between the two cards, and both charge an annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- JetBlue offers two cards through Barclays: one for personal use and one for business, each with different annual fees and earning rates.
- Both cards offer a sign-up bonus in JetBlue points if you meet a minimum spending requirement within a set timeframe.
- The JetBlue Card includes a checked baggage allowance and seat selection benefits, while the Business Card offers different perks aimed at business travelers.
- Points earned on either card can be redeemed for JetBlue flights, seat upgrades, or other travel-related purchases through the JetBlue loyalty program.
- Annual fees range depending on the card, and both cards have foreign transaction fees, so review the current terms before opening an account.
JetBlue Card for personal use
The JetBlue Card charges an annual fee and offers a sign-up bonus in points when you spend a set amount within the first few months of opening the account. The exact bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically, so check the current offer before you explore.
This card earns points at different rates depending on the purchase category. You earn a higher rate on JetBlue purchases and a lower rate on other purchases. The card also includes a checked baggage allowance for the cardholder and an when ready family member traveling on the same reservation, plus the ability to select seats without paying the standard seat selection fee.
The card carries a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States, so it is not ideal for international travel outside of JetBlue flights. If you carry a balance, interest rates explore, and the card has no introductory 0% APR period.
JetBlue Business Card
The JetBlue Business Card is issued to business owners and employees and has its own annual fee structure. Like the personal card, it offers a sign-up bonus in points tied to a minimum spending threshold in the first few months.
The earning structure differs from the personal card. The Business Card earns points at a higher rate on JetBlue purchases and a different rate on other business purchases. It does not include the same baggage or seat selection benefits as the personal card, but it does offer other perks designed for business travel, such as priority boarding or lounge access depending on the current offer.
The Business Card also charges foreign transaction fees and carries interest on carried balances. Business cards typically report to business credit bureaus rather than personal credit bureaus, though this varies by issuer.
How sign-up bonuses work
Both cards offer a sign-up bonus in JetBlue points when you meet a minimum spending requirement within a specified timeframe, usually three to six months from account opening. The bonus is credited to your JetBlue account once the spending threshold is met and the account is in good standing.
The spending requirement counts only new purchases made on the card—it does not include balance transfers, cash advances, or fees. If you do not meet the requirement within the timeframe, you do not receive the bonus. The bonus points can be used when ready to book flights or other rewards through the JetBlue loyalty program.
Sign-up bonuses change regularly, so the current offer may differ from past offers. You can view the current bonus on the Barclays website or the JetBlue website before you open an account.
Earning and redeeming points
Points earned on either JetBlue card are deposited into your JetBlue loyalty account and can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, or other travel-related purchases. The redemption rate varies—some flights cost fewer points than others depending on demand and route.
You do not have to use points for flights. You can also use them to pay for checked baggage, seat selection fees, or even gift cards through the JetBlue rewards portal. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, though the JetBlue loyalty program has specific rules about account inactivity.
Points earned on the card are separate from any points you earn by flying JetBlue flights or staying at partner hotels. All points accumulate in the same JetBlue account, so you can combine them toward a single redemption.
Annual fees and other costs
Both the JetBlue Card and JetBlue Business Card charge an annual fee, which is charged to your account each year on the anniversary of your account opening. The fee amount varies by card and may change over time. You are responsible for paying this fee even if you do not use the card.
In addition to the annual fee, both cards charge a foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States, typically a percentage of the transaction amount. There is no introductory period waiving this fee. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest at the card's APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness.
Late payments incur a late fee, and if you miss a payment by 60 days or more, the card issuer may report the delinquency to credit bureaus. Review the full fee schedule on the Barclays website before you open an account.
Comparing JetBlue cards to other airline cards
JetBlue cards are one option among many airline credit cards. Other airlines offer their own cards through various issuers, each with different earning rates, annual fees, and perks. If you fly JetBlue frequently, a JetBlue card may make sense; if you fly multiple airlines, a general travel card or a card from a different airline might be more useful.
The decision depends on how often you fly JetBlue, how much you value the specific perks (like checked baggage), and whether the annual fee is offset by the benefits you will actually use. Some travelers find that the sign-up bonus alone justifies opening the account for a year, while others keep the card long-term because they fly JetBlue regularly.
Compare the current offer on the JetBlue cards with offers from other airlines and general travel cards to see which aligns with your travel patterns and spending habits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a JetBlue frequent flyer member to open a JetBlue credit card?
No. You can open a JetBlue credit card without being a JetBlue frequent flyer member. However, you will need to link your card to a JetBlue account to earn and redeem points. You can create a JetBlue account at the same time you open the card or afterward.
Can I transfer JetBlue points to other airlines?
JetBlue points cannot be transferred to other airline loyalty programs. Points can only be used within the JetBlue rewards program for flights, upgrades, baggage fees, and other JetBlue-related purchases. If you want to use points with other airlines, you would need a different credit card.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points remain in your JetBlue loyalty account even if you close the credit card. The card and the loyalty account are separate. However, if your JetBlue loyalty account becomes inactive (no activity for a set period), JetBlue may expire your points according to their policy.
Can I get the sign-up bonus more than once?
Most credit card issuers have restrictions on how often you can receive a sign-up bonus for the same card. Barclays typically limits sign-up bonuses to once per customer within a certain timeframe. Check the current terms on the Barclays website for the specific restriction.
Are there any benefits if I have elite status with JetBlue?
JetBlue elite frequent flyer members may receive additional benefits when they use a JetBlue credit card, such as bonus points on purchases or enhanced perks. The specific benefits depend on your elite tier and the current JetBlue promotions. Review your elite benefits in your JetBlue account or contact JetBlue directly for details.