Which JetBlue Card Should You Carry?
If you fly JetBlue, the right co-branded card can pay for itself in free bags and points. But the JetBlue Plus card vs JetBlue Premier card choice trips up a lot of travelers, because the cards share a rewards structure and differ mainly on fee and premium perks.
Both are issued by Barclays Bank Delaware, run on the Mastercard network (usable anywhere Mastercard is accepted), and earn TrueBlue points. This guide compares them with current 2026 numbers so you can match the card to how often you fly.
Key Facts at a Glance
| JetBlue Plus | JetBlue Premier | |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Barclays Bank Delaware | Barclays Bank Delaware |
| Network | Mastercard | World Elite Mastercard |
| Annual fee | $99 | $499 (+$150/authorized user) |
| Purchase APR | 19.49%-29.49% variable | Variable by creditworthiness |
| Top rewards | 6x JetBlue, 2x dining/grocery, 1x else | 6x JetBlue + TrueBlue Travel, 2x dining/grocery, 1x else |
| Welcome bonus | 70,000 pts after $1,000 spend in 90 days | 100,000 pts after $5,000 spend in 90 days |
| Foreign transaction fee | $0 | $0 |
| Credit score | Typically 700+ (reported) | Typically 720+ (reported) |
| Reports to | Experian, TransUnion, Equifax | Experian, TransUnion, Equifax |
TrueBlue points are worth roughly 1.3 cents each toward JetBlue flights. Points do not expire as long as the account stays active. APRs vary by creditworthiness.
What the Two Cards Share
Both the JetBlue Plus and JetBlue Premier earn 2x points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1x on everything else. Both also include a free first checked bag for you and up to three eligible companions on the same JetBlue-operated reservation, 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases, a 5,000-point anniversary bonus each year, and no foreign transaction fees.
The JetBlue bonus differs slightly. The Plus card earns 6x points on eligible JetBlue purchases. The Premier card earns 6x on eligible JetBlue and TrueBlue Travel purchases, so its top rate covers more of the JetBlue travel ecosystem. If your main goal is free bags and solid points on JetBlue flights, either card delivers.
Annual Fees and Welcome Offers
The clearest difference is the price of admission. The JetBlue Plus card has a $99 annual fee. The JetBlue Premier card, a World Elite Mastercard, has a $499 annual fee, plus $150 for each authorized user.
As of June 2026, the Plus card's welcome offer is 70,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases and pay the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days. Its purchase APR is 19.49% to 29.49% variable, with no foreign transaction fee. The Premier card carries a 100,000-point welcome offer after about $5,000 in spend in the first 90 days. You are not eligible for the Premier bonus if you currently hold or previously held the Plus card. Both cards report to all three major bureaus.
If you are still building credit and not ready for an airline card with an annual fee, an accessible option can help you get there. The Aspire Cash Back Rewards Mastercard is an unsecured card aimed at people working on their credit, and it earns cash back while reporting to all three bureaus.
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High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
What the JetBlue Premier Card Adds
The Premier card is built for JetBlue's most loyal flyers. In April 2026, JetBlue and Barclays enhanced it with no increase to the $499 fee.
Premier-only perks now include:
- Priority Pass Select lounge membership at 1,800-plus lounges, plus access to JetBlue's BlueHouse lounges (JFK Terminal 5 open now, Boston Logan opening summer 2026)
- Up to $300 a year in TrueBlue Travel statement credits on hotels, car rentals, and cruises
- A companion pass worth up to $500 after $15,000 in calendar-year spend, plus a second worth up to $1,500 after $75,000 in spend
- A 25-Tile bonus each year toward Mosaic status
- A 15% points rebate on award flight redemptions, including JetBlue partner airlines
- A Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit and Group A boarding
By comparison, the Plus card gives a 10% points rebate on JetBlue award flights and a $100 JetBlue Vacations credit, but no lounge access or travel credits. The Premier perks add real value only if you actually use lounges, travel credits, and elite status.
Not Ready for an Airline Card Yet?
Airline cards with $99 to $499 fees expect an established credit profile, typically a score in the 700s. If approval is a concern or you are still building history, the Self Visa Credit Card pairs a credit-builder account with a secured credit card and is designed for high approval rates. You build savings and credit at the same time, which can get you to the score range these JetBlue cards expect. Like any starter card, it only helps if you pay on time.
Which Card Fits Your Travel Style?
Choose the JetBlue Plus card if you fly JetBlue occasionally, want free checked bags, and prefer the lower $99 fee. It covers the essentials for most casual JetBlue flyers.
Choose the JetBlue Premier card if you fly JetBlue frequently, value Priority Pass and BlueHouse lounge access, and will use the up to $300 travel credits, companion passes, and 25-Tile head start on Mosaic. The math works when your travel volume is high.
If you fly a different carrier, a co-branded option like the Southwest Airlines credit card may fit better, and a flexible everyday card like Robinhood's credit card earns on all spending without being tied to one airline.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee difference between JetBlue Plus and Premier?
The JetBlue Plus card has a $99 annual fee. The JetBlue Premier card has a $499 annual fee plus $150 per authorized user. The Premier card adds Priority Pass and BlueHouse lounge access, up to $300 in TrueBlue Travel credits, and companion passes to justify the higher cost for frequent flyers.
What are the current welcome offers?
As of June 2026, the Plus card offers 70,000 bonus points after $1,000 in purchases and paying the annual fee within 90 days. The Premier card offers 100,000 bonus points after about $5,000 in spend in the first 90 days. You cannot earn the Premier bonus if you hold or held the Plus card. Offers change, so confirm current terms before applying.
Who issues the JetBlue credit cards and what credit score do they need?
Both cards are issued by Barclays Bank Delaware on the Mastercard network and carry no foreign transaction fee. Reported approvals typically need good-to-excellent credit, roughly 700+ for the Plus and 720+ for the Premier. Both report to all three major bureaus. The Plus card's purchase APR is 19.49% to 29.49% variable.
Is the JetBlue Premier card worth $499?
The Premier card can be worth it for frequent JetBlue flyers who use the Priority Pass lounge access, up to $300 in TrueBlue Travel credits, companion passes, and the 25-Tile Mosaic head start. Occasional flyers usually get more value from the lower-fee Plus card.
