Barclays JetBlue Plus Card Review: Valuable Perks for Frequent JetBlue Flyers
Unlock serious value for your JetBlue travels with the JetBlue Plus Card. This review dives into its impressive points earnings, crucial travel perks like a free checked bag, and why its benefits easily outweigh the $99 annual fee for loyal flyers.
| Annual Fee | $99.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 70,000 bonus points |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-6x points on purchases |
| 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 | APR for purchases: 19.74% to 29.74%, 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 19.74% to 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. APR for cash advances: 29.99% This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| Other Fees | Balance transfer fee – Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Minimum monthly interest charge will be $1.00. Cash advance and fee: 5% (min. $10). Foreign transaction fee: 0%. |
Overview
For loyal JetBlue flyers, the JetBlue Plus Card is a standout choice that packs a ton of value into its $99 annual fee. It often comes with a generous sign-up bonus of 70,000 points for a relatively low spending requirement, giving you a massive head start on your next award flight. The rewards structure is compelling, offering a top-tier 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases and a respectable 2 points per dollar at restaurants and grocery stores, making it easy to rack up points on both travel and everyday spending.
Where the card truly shines is in its collection of practical travel perks. The free first checked bag for you and up to three companions on the same reservation can save a family hundreds of dollars on a single round-trip flight. The value continues with a 5,000-point bonus every account anniversary, which helps offset the annual fee, and a unique 10% points rebate every time you redeem for a JetBlue award flight. Add in no foreign transaction fees, and it becomes clear this card is built for the frequent JetBlue traveler. If you fly with the airline even a couple of times a year, the benefits can easily outweigh the cost, making it one of the best airline co-branded cards available.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- Introductory APR period
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate for airline-specific spending
- No foreign transaction fees
- Valuable travel benefits
- Cashback redemption option
Things to consider
- Annual fee
- High regular APR
- High balance transfer fee
- Limited rewards categories
Benefits
Generous Sign-up Bonus and Anniversary Perks
The JetBlue Plus Card gets you off to a flying start with a generous welcome offer: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending just $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee within the first 90 days. This is a highly valuable bonus with an exceptionally low spending threshold, making it very attainable for most new cardholders. The value doesn't stop there. Each year on your account anniversary, you'll receive 5,000 bonus points, which helps offset a significant portion of the card's $99 annual fee right from the start.
High-Flying Rewards on Travel and Everyday Spending
This card is a powerhouse for JetBlue loyalists, offering an excellent 6 points per dollar on eligible JetBlue purchases. This high earning rate makes it easy to rack up points quickly on flights and vacation packages. The card also holds its own on the ground, providing 2 points per dollar at both restaurants and eligible grocery stores, making it a solid choice for everyday spending. All other purchases earn a standard 1 point per dollar. This combination of a top-tier airline earning rate with bonus categories for common expenses is a standout feature compared to many other co-branded airline cards.
Valuable Travel Benefits and Redemption Flexibility
The JetBlue Plus Card is packed with perks that provide tangible value on every trip. The most significant is the free first checked bag for you and up to three companions on the same reservation, a benefit that can easily save a family hundreds of dollars per year. Cardholders also get a $100 statement credit annually after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package of $100 or more. A unique and highly valuable feature is the 10% rebate on redemptions—when you redeem points for a JetBlue-operated award flight, you get 10% of those points back. This effectively boosts the value of every point you earn and spend. With no blackout dates, the ability to redeem for any seat, and no foreign transaction fees, this card delivers a suite of benefits designed to make traveling on JetBlue significantly more rewarding.
Drawbacks
The primary drawback of the JetBlue Plus Card is its singular focus. The card's excellent value is almost entirely dependent on your loyalty to JetBlue. If you spread your travel across multiple airlines or prefer the flexibility of transferring points to different travel partners, this card will feel restrictive. While the 6X points on JetBlue purchases are outstanding, the rewards on everyday spending are less competitive, and your redemption options are locked into the TrueBlue program.
Furthermore, cardholders who carry a balance should be cautious. The regular APR is high, ranging from 19.74% to 29.74%, and the introductory 0% APR offer applies only to balance transfers, not to new purchases. Those transfers also come with a steep 5% fee. Finally, while the $99 annual fee is easily offset by the card’s benefits for a frequent JetBlue flyer, it's a cost that casual travelers may struggle to justify if they don't take advantage of perks like the free checked bag at least a couple of times per year.
Decision Guidance
This card is a clear winner for anyone who flies JetBlue at least twice a year, especially with family or friends. The free first checked bag for you and up to three companions can save you more than the $99 annual fee on a single round-trip flight. However, travelers who aren't loyal to JetBlue will get more value from a flexible rewards card that isn't tied to a single airline.
Summary
The JetBlue Plus Card is an exceptional value for the airline's regulars, with a free checked bag benefit that can single-handedly offset the $99 annual fee on your first round trip. Beyond that immediate saving, the card accelerates your award travel with high earning rates on JetBlue purchases and a unique 10% points rebate when you redeem, making it a must-have for anyone who flies the airline consistently.