Barclays JetBlue Card Review: Solid value for JetBlue flyers
Frequent JetBlue flyers, take note! The JetBlue Card offers impressive rewards on flights, restaurants, and groceries, plus inflight discounts — all with no annual fee.
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 10,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-3x points |
| Intro APR | 0% introductory APR for the first twelve billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening. |
| Regular APR | Purchases – 19.49% to 29.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. After that, (and for balance transfers that do not post to your account within 45 days of account opening) your APR will be 19.49% to 29.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. The variable APR for cash advances is 29.74%. |
| Other Fees | Balance transfer fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Cash advance and fee: 5% (min. $10). Foreign transaction fee: 0%. The minimum monthly interest charge will be $1.00. |
Overview
For travelers who fly JetBlue even occasionally, the JetBlue Card is a compelling option that punches above its weight for a no-annual-fee card. You'll earn an impressive 3 points per dollar on eligible JetBlue purchases, plus 2 points per dollar at restaurants and grocery stores, making it easy to rack up rewards on both travel and everyday spending. New cardmembers can also earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. With no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, it's an affordable and practical choice for your wallet, whether you're at home or abroad.
Beyond the solid rewards structure, the card is packed with user-friendly perks that enhance the JetBlue experience. Cardholders enjoy a 50% savings on eligible inflight food and beverage purchases, and your points never expire. Plus, JetBlue allows you to pool points with family and friends, helping you reach that next award flight even faster. While the card does carry a high regular APR, it offers a simple way to earn rewards on a popular airline without the commitment of an annual fee.
The JetBlue Card is best suited for budget-conscious travelers and JetBlue loyalists who want to earn travel rewards without paying for the privilege. If you fly with the airline a few times a year and can take advantage of the inflight discounts and bonus earning categories, this card provides excellent value and a straightforward path to your next getaway.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR period for balance transfers
- Sign-up bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Elevated rewards on airline purchases, dining, and groceries
- Travel perks and potential for airline elite status
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- High balance transfer fee
- Rewards primarily focused on specific categories and a single airline
Benefits
Solid Everyday Rewards
The JetBlue Card offers a straightforward path to earning rewards, starting with an achievable welcome offer: earn 10,000 bonus points after spending just $1,000 on purchases in the first 90 days. Beyond the bonus, the card's earning structure is well-suited for both travel and daily life. You'll earn an accelerated 3 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, making it easy to rack up rewards when booking flights. More impressively for a no-annual-fee airline card, it also offers 2 points per dollar at restaurants and eligible grocery stores, ensuring you're earning above the base rate on common household expenses.
Flexible, Flyer-Friendly Perks
Where the JetBlue Card truly stands out is in its user-friendly travel benefits. While flying, cardholders receive a 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases like food and cocktails, a tangible perk that provides value on every trip. When it's time to redeem, the TrueBlue program shines with its flexibility. There are no blackout dates, and you can use your points for any seat on any JetBlue-operated flight. If you're a little short on points, the Cash + Points feature allows you to book flights with a combination of rewards and cash, making your points useful sooner. For families or groups, the ability to pool points with others is a standout feature that can help you reach award travel goals much faster. Finally, with no foreign transaction fees, this card is a solid companion for international adventures.
Drawbacks
While this card is a solid choice for JetBlue loyalists, its biggest limitation is the lack of flexibility. Rewards are earned as TrueBlue points, which are most valuable when redeemed for JetBlue flights. If you prefer to shop around for the best airfare across different carriers or want the simplicity of cash back, a general-purpose travel rewards card would likely be a better fit. The sign-up bonus is also fairly modest, providing a small boost but falling short of the more lucrative welcome offers found on other travel cards.
It's also crucial for cardholders to pay their balance in full each month. The JetBlue Card comes with a high variable APR range, and unlike some cards, it does not offer an introductory 0% APR on purchases. Carrying a balance could quickly erase the value of any points you earn. Finally, as a no-annual-fee airline card, it skips premium travel perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, or annual travel credits, which can offer significant value for frequent flyers on higher-tier cards.
Decision Guidance
This card is an excellent fit for budget-conscious travelers who fly JetBlue occasionally and want to earn flight rewards without an annual fee. Its strong earning rates on travel and everyday spending, combined with a 50% inflight discount, provide tangible value for loyal customers. However, frequent flyers who need premium perks like a free checked bag should consider an airline card with an annual fee instead.
Summary
The JetBlue Card is an excellent choice for the occasional JetBlue flyer, offering a surprisingly strong rewards rate on flights, dining, and groceries for a no-annual-fee card. While it skips premium perks like a free checked bag, the 50% savings on inflight purchases makes it a low-risk, high-value way for budget-conscious travelers to earn their next award flight.