The JetBlue Plus Card gives you a sign-up bonus, annual free checked bag, priority boarding, and a statement credit toward JetBlue purchases

The JetBlue Plus Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Barclays in partnership with JetBlue Airways. When you open the card, you receive a welcome bonus (the amount changes periodically), an annual free checked bag on JetBlue flights, priority boarding, and a statement credit you can use toward JetBlue purchases or fees. The card also earns points on every purchase you make, which you can redeem for JetBlue flights and other rewards.

This card is designed for people who fly JetBlue regularly or plan to use the card for everyday spending. The annual fee applies each year, so you need to decide whether the benefits you use will offset that cost. Unlike some premium cards, the JetBlue Plus does not include travel insurance, lounge access, or concierge services — it focuses on JetBlue-specific perks.

Key Takeaways

  • You receive a sign-up bonus when you open the card, though the exact amount varies by offer and timing.
  • The annual free checked bag applies to your first checked bag on every JetBlue flight, which saves money if you check luggage regularly.
  • Priority boarding moves you up the queue on JetBlue flights, so you board earlier and have better overhead bin access.
  • A statement credit toward JetBlue purchases or fees appears on your account each year and must be used for JetBlue transactions only.
  • You earn points on all card purchases at a base rate, with bonus points on JetBlue purchases and select categories.

Sign-Up Bonus and How It Works

When you open a JetBlue Plus Card, you are offered a sign-up bonus if you meet a minimum spending requirement within a set timeframe (usually three months). The bonus amount and spending threshold change based on current promotions, so the offer you see may differ from what someone else receives. You should check the current offer before you explore, because the bonus is one of the main reasons to open the card.

The bonus is typically paid as JetBlue points that land in your account once you meet the spending requirement. You can use these points to book flights, pay for seat selections, baggage fees, or other JetBlue purchases. The points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, though JetBlue's points policy can change.

Annual Free Checked Bag on Every JetBlue Flight

One of the most concrete benefits is the free first checked bag. This applies to your first checked bag on every JetBlue flight you take, for as long as your card is open. If you check two bags, you pay for the second one. If you do not check bags, this benefit does not explore to that flight.

The value of this benefit depends on how often you fly and whether you normally check luggage. A single checked bag on JetBlue costs money per flight, so if you take even two or three round-trip flights per year, the savings can add up. Compare this to the annual card fee to see whether the benefit alone justifies keeping the card open.

Priority Boarding and Seat Selection

The JetBlue Plus Card includes priority boarding, which means you board before most other passengers. On JetBlue, this is called "Blue Basic" or a higher tier depending on your status. You board after elite frequent flyer members but before standard passengers, which gives you a better chance of finding overhead bin space for your carry-on bag.

Priority boarding does not may provide a specific seat or extra legroom — it only affects the order in which you board. You still select your seat when you book or check in, and seat selection rules explore the same way they do for other passengers. The main advantage is that you have more overhead bin options when you board earlier.

Annual Statement Credit Toward JetBlue Purchases

The card includes an annual statement credit that appears on your account each year. This credit can be used only for JetBlue purchases — flights, seat selections, baggage fees, seat upgrades, or other JetBlue services. You cannot use it for anything outside JetBlue, and it does not carry over to the next year if you do not use it.

The credit amount is fixed and does not change based on how much you spend or how often you fly. You should plan to use it before your card anniversary date, because unused credits are forfeited. Some cardholders set a reminder to book a flight or pay for fees before the credit expires.

Points Earning and Redemption

Every purchase you make on the JetBlue Plus Card earns points at a base rate. You earn bonus points when you use the card for JetBlue purchases (flights, fees, and services) and in certain other categories like dining or gas. The exact earning rates depend on the current card terms, so you should review your cardholder agreement or the JetBlue website for the most current rates.

Points are redeemed through your JetBlue account. You can use them to book flights, pay for baggage, upgrade your seat, or purchase JetBlue gift cards. Points do not have a fixed dollar value — the value depends on which flight you book and how far in advance you book it. Booking during off-peak travel times usually gives you better point-to-value conversion than peak times.

Annual Fee and Whether It Makes Sense for You

The JetBlue Plus Card charges an annual fee that renews each year. To decide whether to keep the card, add up the value of the benefits you actually use: the annual statement credit, the free checked bags, and any points you earn on everyday spending. If the total value exceeds the annual fee, the card pays for itself.

For example, if the annual credit is worth $100 and you take two round-trip flights per year (saving $50 on checked bags), you have $150 in value before counting points. If your annual fee is less than $150, the card is worth keeping. If you do not fly JetBlue regularly or do not check bags, the math may not work in your favor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the annual statement credit for someone else's ticket?

The credit must be applied to your JetBlue account and can be used for any JetBlue purchase tied to that account. You can book a flight for another person using your account and your credit, but the credit itself stays in your account. You cannot transfer the credit to someone else's account.

Do I get the free checked bag if I book through a third-party website?

The free checked bag benefit applies when you fly JetBlue, regardless of where you book the flight. However, you must have your JetBlue Plus Card with you at check-in or have it linked to your reservation so JetBlue can verify your card membership. If you book through a third party and do not link your card, you may have to pay for the bag and request a refund later.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your JetBlue points are tied to your JetBlue account, not to the card itself. If you close the card, your points remain in your JetBlue account and you can still use them to book flights. However, you will lose the card benefits like the free checked bag and priority boarding once the card is closed.

Does the card come with travel insurance or rental car coverage?

The JetBlue Plus Card does not include travel insurance, trip cancellation coverage, rental car damage protection, or other travel protections that some premium cards offer. It focuses on JetBlue-specific benefits rather than broader travel insurance. If you need those protections, you would have to purchase them separately or use a different card.

Can I earn points on my annual fee?

No, the annual fee itself does not earn points. However, any purchases you make on the card after paying the fee will earn points at the standard rate. The annual fee is a separate charge and does not count toward your minimum spending requirement for the sign-up bonus.