JetBlue credit cards offer rewards on flights and everyday purchases, plus perks like checked bag fee 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 and come with benefits tied to JetBlue travel. The main difference is that the Plus Card costs an annual fee but includes a higher sign-up bonus, an annual free flight, and more generous earning rates. Which one makes sense depends on how often you fly JetBlue and whether the annual fee pays for itself through the included benefits.
Both cards waive the first checked bag fee on JetBlue flights, which saves $35 to $40 per round trip if you check luggage regularly. You also get priority boarding on every flight, meaning you board before most other passengers and can claim overhead bin space. These benefits alone can add up quickly for frequent JetBlue travelers.
Key Takeaways
- The JetBlue Card has no annual fee and earns 1 point per dollar on most purchases, plus 5 points per dollar on JetBlue flights and 3 points per dollar at restaurants and gas stations.
- The JetBlue Plus Card costs $95 per year but includes a free round-trip flight annually, a higher sign-up bonus, and earns 2 points per dollar on JetBlue flights.
- Both cards waive your first checked bag fee and include priority boarding on every JetBlue flight.
- Points can be redeemed for JetBlue flights, seat upgrades, or transferred to JetBlue's travel partners, though flight redemptions typically offer the best value.
Earning rates on the JetBlue Card
The JetBlue Card earns 5 points per dollar when you buy JetBlue flights directly from JetBlue.com or the JetBlue app. This is the highest earning category and where the card delivers the most value for JetBlue loyalists. You earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants and gas stations, which covers two common spending categories outside of flying.
All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. This includes groceries, utilities, online shopping, and everything else. There is no bonus category for hotels or rental cars, so if you book those separately from your flight, you will earn only 1 point per dollar.
The sign-up bonus is typically 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months. That bonus alone is worth roughly $500 to $750 in JetBlue flights, depending on which routes you fly.
Earning rates on the JetBlue Plus Card
The JetBlue Plus Card earns 2 points per dollar on JetBlue flights, compared to 5 points on the standard card. This is a significant difference if you fly JetBlue frequently. You also earn 2 points per dollar at restaurants and gas stations, one point higher than the standard card.
All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar, the same as the standard card. The sign-up bonus is typically 70,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first three months, which is 20,000 points more than the standard card.
The $95 annual fee is offset by an annual free round-trip flight that comes with the card. JetBlue values this flight at up to $250 in airfare, so if you use it every year, the annual fee is essentially covered. You also get a $50 statement credit toward JetBlue purchases every year, which further reduces the net cost of the card.
Checked bag fees and boarding priority
Both cards waive the first checked bag fee on JetBlue flights for you and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation. This benefit applies every time you fly, not just once per year. If you check a bag on a round-trip flight, that is $35 to $40 saved per trip.
Priority boarding comes with both cards and puts you in the first boarding group on every JetBlue flight. This means you board before most passengers and have a better chance of finding overhead bin space for your carry-on bag. On crowded flights, this can save you the hassle of gate-checking your bag.
The JetBlue Plus Card also includes complimentary inflight beverages and snacks on all JetBlue flights, a benefit the standard card does not offer. This is a small perk but adds up if you fly frequently.
How to redeem points
Points are redeemed through your JetBlue account on JetBlue.com or the JetBlue app. The most straightforward redemption is booking a JetBlue flight directly using points. You can search for flights and see the point cost before you book, which typically ranges from 5,000 to 25,000 points depending on the route and how far in advance you book.
You can also use points to upgrade a paid ticket to a higher cabin, though this is usually less valuable than booking an entire flight with points. Points can be transferred to JetBlue's travel partners, which include airlines like American Airlines and Lufthansa, but the transfer rate is typically 1 point to 1 mile, and airline miles are often worth less than JetBlue points.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, meaning you can accumulate them over time without losing them. However, if your account is inactive for 24 months, JetBlue may close it and forfeit your points.
Comparing the two cards side by side
| Feature | JetBlue Card | JetBlue Plus Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $95 |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 50,000 points | 70,000 points |
| Points on JetBlue Flights | 5 points per dollar | 2 points per dollar |
| Points at Restaurants & Gas | 3 points per dollar | 2 points per dollar |
| Other Purchases | 1 point per dollar | 1 point per dollar |
| First Checked Bag Free | Yes | Yes |
| Priority Boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Annual Free Flight | No | Yes |
| $50 Annual Statement Credit | No | Yes |
| Complimentary Beverages & Snacks | No | Yes |
Which card is right for you
Choose the JetBlue Card if you fly JetBlue occasionally or less than twice a year. The no annual fee means you pay nothing to keep the card active, and you still get the checked bag waiver and priority boarding. The 5 points per dollar on JetBlue flights is also higher than the Plus Card, so occasional flyers get better value per flight.
Choose the JetBlue Plus Card if you fly JetBlue at least twice a year or spend significant money on JetBlue flights. The annual free round-trip flight and $50 statement credit reduce the effective annual fee to nearly zero, and frequent flyers will earn enough points to make the card worthwhile. The 2 points per dollar on restaurants and gas stations also adds up if you use the card for everyday purchases.
If you are unsure, start with the standard JetBlue Card. You can always upgrade to the Plus Card later if you find yourself flying JetBlue more often. Upgrading typically does not require a new process, and you may receive a bonus for switching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I earn points on flights booked through third-party travel websites?
No. You earn 5 points per dollar (or 2 points on the Plus Card) only when you book directly on JetBlue.com or the JetBlue app. Flights booked through Expedia, Kayak, or other travel sites earn only 1 point per dollar. Always book directly with JetBlue to maximize your points.
Can I use my checked bag benefit if someone else is paying for my ticket?
Yes. The checked bag waiver is tied to your card, not to who paid for the ticket. As long as you present the card at check-in, the first bag is free. The benefit also applies to up to four companions on the same reservation, even if they did not pay for their tickets.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points remain in your JetBlue account and do not disappear when you close the card. However, if your entire JetBlue account becomes inactive for 24 months, the points may be forfeited. Keep your account active by logging in occasionally, even if you are not flying.
Can I earn points on JetBlue flights if I book with miles instead of cash?
No. When you redeem points or miles to book a flight, you do not earn additional points on that booking. You earn points only on paid flights purchased with a credit card.
Is there a limit to how many points I can earn?
JetBlue does not publish a points earning limit. You can earn as many points as you want, and they do not expire as long as your account remains active. Some credit card issuers cap earning in bonus categories, but JetBlue has not announced such a cap for either card.