New Barclaycard JetBlue Credit Cards Review

Who are Barclaycard JetBlue Cards Good For?

JetBlue is one of the most respected domestic low-cost carriers, whose business model doesn’t include stripping bare the benefits and vital features people expect on the airplane.

While JetBlue doesn’t offer free checked bags any longer, its generous legroom gives the legacy airlines a run for their money, and their extensive network in the U.S. and the Caribbean appeals to business and leisure travelers alike.

JetBlue credit cards used to be issued by American Express, but last year the portfolio changed hands and the new, completely redesigned cards were re-issued by Barclaycard on the MasterCard network. There are three cards you can choose from.

• The no-annual-fee JetBlue card
• The JetBlue Plus card ($99 fee)
• The JetBlue Business card ($99 fee)

Here are the features you will find on both JetBlue Plus and Business cards. The features are nearly identical, with the exception of some business consolidating reports and small business accounting benefits added to the JetBlue business card.

Sign-Up Bonus:

30,000 miles after spending $1,000 in three months.

Points Earned:

• 6 points for every $1 spent on JetBlue purchases
• 2 points for every $1 spent at restaurants and grocery stores (office supply stores for the business card)
• 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases

What Do Your Points Get You?

The JetBlue TrueBlue program is revenue-based for both earning and redeeming points, so the cheaper the flight – the better rate you will get for your award ticket. In terms of flight coverage, JetBlue flies to nearly 100 destinations, most of which are in the continental U.S., Central America and the Caribbean. It also flies to Lima and Quito in Latin America.

Usage Perks:

• Miles don’t expire
• Excellent earning scheme
• Awards are calculated based on one-way travel
• Family pooling of points is allowed
• Free checked bag for the primary member and up to three companions on the same ticket
• 50% off in-flight purchases
• 10% refund on redeemed points
• 5,000 points annually upon anniversary
• No foreign transaction fee

Usage Quirks:

• High Annual fee.

How Far Do Your Miles Go?

The number of points you need to redeem for a ticket is directly tied to the cost of the ticket. So, the rule of thumb here is to try and find the lowest-priced ticket for the best value. The connection between the cash fare and award rate is not always linear, but on average, you can get around 1.4-1.6 cents per point, and even up to 1.7 if you plan your trip carefully.

For example, a roundtrip award flight between Ft. Lauderdale and St. Thomas costs 17,400 points and $11.20, while the revenue fare for the same flight is $300. After deducting taxes, the redemption yields 1.6 cents per point. Cheaper revenue flights usually represent better point redemption value than more expensive ones, but it’s not always the case.

Additional Cardholder Benefits:

• $100 statement credit after buying a JetBlue Getaways vacation package of $100 or more
• Elite Mosaic benefits after spending $50,000 on the card annually
• 24/7 travel assistance
• Concierge service
• Travel accident insurance
• Primary car rental protection
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Baggage delay insurance
• Purchase security
• Return protection
• Global assistance services
• Identity theft helpline