What JetBlue credit cards offer and who they suit

JetBlue offers two main credit cards through Barclays: the JetBlue Card and the JetBlue Plus Card. Both earn points on every purchase, both waive the first year's annual fee, and both give you a sign-up bonus in points rather than a statement credit. The main difference is that the Plus Card costs more per year and comes with perks like a checked bag waiver and priority boarding, while the standard JetBlue Card is simpler and cheaper if you fly infrequently.

These cards make sense if you fly JetBlue multiple times a year and want to stack rewards toward free flights. They are less useful if you rarely fly JetBlue, prefer other airlines, or want cash back instead of points. The points themselves are worth roughly 1 cent each when you redeem them for flights, though that value can shift depending on the route and how far in advance you book.

Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus and require a credit score in the good to excellent range — typically 670 or higher, though Barclays does not publish exact minimums. If you have recent missed payments or high debt relative to your income, you may be denied.

Key Takeaways

  • JetBlue's two cards earn points on all purchases, with the Plus Card offering extra perks like free checked bags and priority boarding in exchange for a higher annual fee.
  • Both cards waive the annual fee in year one, but the standard card costs $35 per year after that and the Plus Card costs $95 per year.
  • Sign-up bonuses are paid in points, not cash, and typically require you to spend a set amount within the first few months to unlock them.
  • Points are most valuable when redeemed for JetBlue flights, and their cash value is roughly 1 cent per point, though this varies by route and booking timing.
  • You need a credit score of roughly 670 or higher to be considered, and approval depends on your income, existing debt, and payment history.

How the rewards structure works on both cards

Both the JetBlue Card and JetBlue Plus Card earn points on every dollar spent. The standard card earns 1 point per dollar on most purchases and 3 points per dollar at restaurants and gas stations. The Plus Card earns the same base rate but adds 2 extra points per dollar on JetBlue purchases (flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees), bringing that category to 5 points per dollar.

Points do not expire as long as your account stays open and active. "Active" means you use the card or the JetBlue account at least once every 12 months. If your account goes dormant, JetBlue can close it and forfeit your points, so set a calendar reminder to use the card or book a flight once a year if you are not a frequent traveler.

You redeem points directly through the JetBlue website or app to book flights. You can also use points to pay for seat upgrades, baggage fees, or JetBlue Vacations packages. There is no separate "points transfer" option to other airlines or programs — your points are locked into the JetBlue ecosystem.

Annual fees and what you get for them

The JetBlue Card has no annual fee in the first year, then $35 per year after that. For that $35, you get no additional perks beyond the base rewards rate. The fee is straightforward: if you keep the card open, you pay it every year on your anniversary date.

The JetBlue Plus Card has no annual fee in the first year, then $95 per year after that. For the extra $60 per year compared to the standard card, you receive a free checked bag on every JetBlue flight (a $35 value per round trip if you fly twice a year), priority boarding, and a $50 JetBlue credit every year on your card anniversary. That $50 credit can be used toward flights, seat upgrades, or baggage fees.

Whether the Plus Card pays for itself depends on how often you fly and whether you check bags. If you take four or more round trips per year and check a bag each time, the $50 annual credit plus the free checked bags likely cover the $95 fee. If you fly less often or travel with carry-on only, the standard card is probably cheaper.

Sign-up bonuses and how to unlock them

Both cards offer a sign-up bonus in points, not cash. The exact bonus amount changes periodically, but recent offers have ranged from 40,000 to 60,000 points for the standard card and 50,000 to 70,000 points for the Plus Card. Barclays advertises these bonuses on the JetBlue website and through third-party card comparison sites.

To unlock the bonus, you must spend a minimum amount — typically $1,000 to $2,000 — within the first three to six months of opening the account. The spending requirement is cumulative across all purchases, so groceries, gas, utilities, and other everyday expenses all count. Once you hit the threshold, the points post to your account automatically, usually within one or two billing cycles.

The bonus is paid only once per person per card product. If you close the card and reopen it later, you will not receive the bonus again. Barclays also has rules about how frequently you can open new cards with them; opening too many in a short time can result in denial of future applications.

How to compare these cards to other airline options

JetBlue cards make the most sense if JetBlue is your primary airline or if you live in a city where JetBlue has strong service. If you fly multiple airlines equally, a general rewards card that earns cash back or flexible points (like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards) will give you more options at redemption time.

If you are loyal to another airline, that airline's card may offer better perks. For example, Southwest cards waive checked bags for all passengers on your reservation, not just you, and some airline cards offer annual travel credits that are easier to use than JetBlue's $50 anniversary credit. Compare the annual fee, the perks you actually use, and the sign-up bonus value before deciding.

One advantage of JetBlue cards is that they have no foreign transaction fees, which matters if you travel internationally. Many airline cards charge 2 to 3 percent on purchases made outside the United States, so this is worth checking if international travel is part of your plan.

What happens to your points if you close the card

Your JetBlue points live in your JetBlue account, not on the credit card itself. If you close the card, your points do not disappear — they stay in your account as long as you keep your JetBlue frequent flyer account active. You can still redeem them for flights using the JetBlue website or app, just as you did before.

The risk is account dormancy. If you close the card and do not use your JetBlue account (no flights booked, no card activity) for 12 months, JetBlue may close your frequent flyer account and forfeit your points. To keep your account alive, book a flight, use a JetBlue card if you still have one, or log into your account at least once per year.

If you are thinking about closing the card to avoid the annual fee, consider downgrading instead. Barclays allows you to downgrade the Plus Card to the standard JetBlue Card, which keeps your account open and your points intact while reducing your annual fee from $95 to $35.

Credit impact and what to know before you explore

explore for a JetBlue card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. The inquiry stays on your report for about two years but stops affecting your score after the first few months. If you have multiple hard inquiries in a short time, the impact compounds, so space out credit card applications by at least a few months if possible.

Once approved, the card itself helps your credit score over time by adding to your available credit and giving you a new account to manage responsibly. Keeping the card open and paying the balance in full each month demonstrates good credit behavior and can improve your score gradually.

If you are denied, Barclays will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a credit score below their threshold, recent missed payments, or too much existing debt relative to your income. You can call Barclays reconsideration line to ask if there is any flexibility, though they rarely overturn a denial on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use JetBlue points for flights on other airlines?

No. JetBlue points can only be redeemed for JetBlue flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and JetBlue Vacations packages. You cannot transfer them to other airlines or use them for non-JetBlue travel. If you want flexibility to book multiple airlines, a general rewards card is a better choice.

What is the difference between the sign-up bonus and the annual credit on the Plus Card?

The sign-up bonus is a one-time payment of points you earn when you first open the card and meet the spending requirement. The $50 annual credit on the Plus Card is a separate benefit that posts to your account every year on your card anniversary and can be used toward JetBlue purchases. Both are separate from the points you earn on regular spending.

Do I have to use the card to keep my points?

You do not have to use the card, but you do have to keep your JetBlue frequent flyer account active. As long as you book a flight, use any JetBlue card, or log into your account at least once every 12 months, your points will not expire. If your account goes dormant for a full year, JetBlue can close it and forfeit your points.

What happens if I miss a payment on the card?

Missing a payment can result in late fees, interest charges on your balance, and damage to your credit score. A single late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, it will appear on your credit report and stay there for seven years. Pay at least the minimum by the due date to avoid these consequences.

Can I get the sign-up bonus if I already have a JetBlue card?

No. Barclays typically allows the sign-up bonus only once per person per card product. If you already have the standard JetBlue Card, you cannot earn the bonus again by opening another standard card. You may be able to earn a bonus by upgrading to the Plus Card, but policies change, so contact Barclays to confirm before explore.