JetBlue credit cards offer rewards on flights and everyday purchases, plus perks like checked bag waivers and priority boarding

JetBlue offers two main credit cards through Barclays: the JetBlue Card and the JetBlue Plus Card. Both earn points on purchases, waive your first checked bag on JetBlue flights, and give you priority boarding. The main difference is that the Plus Card costs an annual fee but earns more points per dollar spent and includes additional perks like a statement credit toward JetBlue purchases. Which card makes sense depends on how often you fly JetBlue and how much you spend on the card each year.

The cards work within JetBlue's TrueBlue rewards program. Points don't expire as long as your account stays active, and you can use them to book flights, pay for seat upgrades, or cover baggage fees. You can also transfer points to JetBlue's partner airlines, though that's typically less valuable than booking JetBlue flights directly.

Key Takeaways

  • Both JetBlue cards waive your first checked bag and include priority boarding on every JetBlue flight, saving you money on baggage fees and getting you on the plane sooner.
  • The JetBlue Card earns 1 point per dollar on most purchases and 2 points per dollar on JetBlue flights and JetBlue purchases, with no annual fee.
  • The JetBlue Plus Card earns 3 points per dollar on JetBlue flights and 1.5 points per dollar on other purchases, but charges an annual fee that may be worth it if you fly frequently.
  • Points earned through the card never expire as long as your TrueBlue account remains active, and you can use them to book flights, pay for seat upgrades, or cover baggage fees.
  • You'll need to set up the card and enroll in the TrueBlue program to start earning rewards, which typically happens automatically when your card arrives.

How the JetBlue Card earns points

The JetBlue Card is the no-annual-fee option. It earns 2 points per dollar when you book JetBlue flights directly or make purchases through JetBlue.com, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. You also get a one-time bonus of points after you meet a spending threshold in your first few months — the exact bonus amount changes, so check the current offer when you're ready to open the card.

This card works best if you fly JetBlue occasionally but don't spend enough on the airline to justify an annual fee. The checked bag waiver and priority boarding alone save you money on most trips, and the points accumulate steadily on everyday spending even when you're not flying.

How the JetBlue Plus Card earns points

The JetBlue Plus Card charges an annual fee but rewards frequent fliers with higher earning rates. It earns 3 points per dollar on JetBlue flights and JetBlue purchases, and 1.5 points per dollar on everything else. Like the standard card, it includes a one-time bonus after you meet a spending threshold in your first few months.

The Plus Card also includes a statement credit you can use toward JetBlue purchases each year — this credit is meant to offset part of the annual fee if you use it. The card makes financial sense if you fly JetBlue at least a few times per year or spend regularly on JetBlue purchases like seat selections or baggage fees.

Checked bag waiver and priority boarding

Both cards waive your first checked bag on JetBlue flights. This benefit applies to you and anyone traveling on the same reservation under your name, which can add up to real savings if you travel with family or a partner. The waiver covers the first checked bag only — additional bags still cost the standard fee.

Priority boarding means you board in an earlier group than standard passengers, which gives you better overhead bin space and lets you settle in before the cabin fills. This benefit applies every time you fly JetBlue on a ticket purchased with your card, as long as you're the passenger traveling.

How to set up your card and start earning

When your JetBlue credit card arrives, you'll need to set up it before you can use it. Call the number on the back of the card or log into your online account through Barclays' website to set up. You should also enroll in the TrueBlue rewards program if you haven't already — this usually happens automatically, but you can verify by logging into your account on JetBlue's website.

Once activated, your card is ready to use when ready. Purchases and flights will start earning points right away. The checked bag waiver and priority boarding take effect as soon as you use the card to book a JetBlue flight or check in for a flight you've already booked with that card.

Using your points to book flights and upgrades

Points are redeemed through your TrueBlue account on JetBlue's website or app. You can use them to book any JetBlue flight at any time — there are no blackout dates. The number of points needed varies by route and how far in advance you book, but you can see the exact point cost before you confirm your booking.

You can also use points to pay for seat upgrades (like extra legroom or preferred seating), baggage fees, or JetBlue gift cards. Some people find that using points for flights offers better value than using them for smaller purchases, but the choice depends on your travel plans and how many points you've accumulated.

Annual fees and whether they're worth it

The JetBlue Card has no annual fee. The JetBlue Plus Card charges an annual fee that varies — check the current amount when you're considering the card. The Plus Card also includes an annual statement credit toward JetBlue purchases, which reduces the net cost of the fee.

To decide whether the Plus Card's fee is worth it, add up what you typically spend on JetBlue flights and purchases in a year, then multiply that by the higher earning rate (3 points per dollar instead of 2). If the extra points you'd earn are worth more than the annual fee to you, the Plus Card makes sense. If you fly JetBlue fewer than two or three times per year, the standard card is usually the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the card to get the checked bag waiver?

Yes. The checked bag waiver applies only when you book your JetBlue flight with the card or check in using a ticket purchased with the card. If you book with a different payment method, you won't get the waiver, even if you have the card in your wallet.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points stay in your TrueBlue account as long as the account itself remains active. Closing the card doesn't close your rewards account. However, if your TrueBlue account goes inactive (usually after 12 months with no activity), your points may expire, so keep your account active by earning or redeeming points periodically.

Can I transfer my points to another airline?

Yes. JetBlue allows you to transfer TrueBlue points to partner airlines including American, Delta, United, and others. However, the transfer rate is usually not favorable — you typically lose value compared to booking JetBlue flights directly with your points. Transfer only if you have a specific need for another airline's miles.

Is there a sign-up bonus, and how do I claim it?

Both cards offer a one-time bonus of points after you spend a certain amount in your first few months. The bonus amount and spending requirement change periodically. The bonus posts automatically once you meet the spending threshold — you don't need to claim it separately. Check the current offer before you open the card.

Can I use my card to book flights for other people?

Yes, you can book flights for anyone using your card. However, the checked bag waiver and priority boarding explore only to you as the cardholder, not to other passengers on the reservation, even if you paid for their tickets.