In the world of travel rewards, JetBlue has established itself as a top contender for frequent flyers, particularly those who are loyal to the airline. The JetBlue Plus card promises to deliver enhanced benefits for its users, including higher rewards, travel perks, and savings that can make flying more rewarding. But is this card worth the hype? Is it the right fit for your travel habits?

In this review, we will dive into the key features of the JetBlue Plus card, explore its benefits and costs, and help you decide whether it's the ideal option for your travel needs. Whether you're a frequent JetBlue passenger or just considering a new credit card for travel perks, this review will provide you with all the details you need to make an informed decision.

The Basics of the JetBlue Plus Card

The JetBlue Plus card is a travel rewards credit card offered by Barclays in partnership with JetBlue Airways. As a card aimed at the frequent traveler, it's designed to offer valuable benefits such as increased earnings on JetBlue purchases, generous sign-up bonuses, and other travel-related perks.

At its core, the JetBlue Plus card allows cardholders to earn points on every dollar spent. For JetBlue purchases, you earn 6 points per dollar, which far surpasses the typical 1-2 points from most other credit cards. So, if you are a frequent flier with JetBlue, you are going to love this because the points you get will add up in no time toward free flights, seat upgrades, and more.

Rewards and Benefits: What Makes JetBlue Plus Stand Out?

The major appeal for most people about JetBlue Plus is the rewards scheme of this card. As discussed previously, you get 6 points for each dollar spent on JetBlue and thereby get rewarded within the shortest time possible. Other than purchasing items on JetBlue, one will get 2 points for every dollar in restaurant purchases and grocery store purchases while earning 1 point on any other type of purchasing activity.

This makes the JetBlue Plus card an ideal companion for anyone who is a regular JetBlue flyer. Since JetBlue flights can often be booked at reasonable prices, having the ability to earn so many points per purchase adds up significantly over time. The points are redeemable for flights, seat upgrades, and vacation packages, providing great value for anyone who travels regularly.

There are also these great rewards offered: a big bonus upon reaching spending, which the JetBlue Plus card gives. New cardholders will earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening an account. The bonus can be worth up to $1,000 in airfare, depending on your flight's cost.

Free checked bags on JetBlue flights: The cardholder and up to three companions get a free first checked bag on JetBlue, and it can save you around $30 per person on each flight, which can justify the annual fee for frequent travelers.

JetBlue Plus Card: Costs and Fees

While the JetBlue Plus card offers a solid set of benefits, it does come with some costs that you should be aware of. The card carries an annual fee of $99, which is on par with other travel rewards cards. For many people, the value of the rewards and benefits can easily outweigh the cost of this fee, particularly if you frequently fly with JetBlue.

It’s also important to note that the JetBlue Plus card has a foreign transaction fee of 3%, which can be a drawback if you plan to use the card for international travel. However, given that JetBlue is primarily a domestic airline, this may not be an issue for the majority of cardholders.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the card has a variable APR that ranges from 22.99% to 29.99%, depending on your creditworthiness. While this isn’t unusual for a travel rewards card, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re not able to pay off your balance in full each month.

JetBlue Plus Card vs. Other Travel Rewards Cards

The JetBlue Plus card offers several attractive benefits, but how does it compare to other travel rewards cards on the market?

Compared to other popular travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture Rewards card, the JetBlue Plus card is somewhat limited in its benefits. While it offers excellent rewards for JetBlue purchases and some solid travel perks, it lacks the flexibility of cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, which allows you to transfer points to a wide variety of airline and hotel partners.

If you often fly with JetBlue, the JetBlue Plus card is a better option because it offers a higher reward rate on JetBlue purchases and is tailored to the airline’s services. The Chase Sapphire Preferred or Capital One Venture may be better options for people who fly with multiple airlines or want more versatility in how they use their points.

It’s also worth mentioning that the JetBlue Plus card offers a more straightforward rewards structure, which can be beneficial for those who prefer simplicity. With other cards, the rewards can be more complex and harder to track, whereas the JetBlue Plus card offers consistent rewards for purchases in specific categories.

Conclusion

The JetBlue Plus card is a great option for frequent JetBlue travelers, offering solid rewards, a generous sign-up bonus, and valuable perks like free priority boarding. Its straightforward earning structure and travel benefits make it a smart choice for those loyal to the airline. However, the card has an annual fee, and the foreign transaction fee may be a concern for international travelers. If you fly JetBlue regularly, this card offers great value, but if you prefer more flexible rewards or travel abroad often, other cards might suit your needs better. Overall, it’s ideal for JetBlue frequent flyers.