Here's a comprehensive article about the best credit cards for earning JetBlue miles, designed to be informative and helpful for potential users:
Choosing the right credit card to maximize your JetBlue miles earnings can significantly enhance your travel experiences. With various options available, understanding the features, benefits, and earning potential of each card is crucial for making an informed decision. This guide breaks down the best credit cards for earning JetBlue miles in 2024, helping you fly more often and enjoy more perks.
Top Credit Cards for JetBlue Miles: A Comparison
| Credit Card | Earning Rate | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| JetBlue Plus Card (Barclays) | 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and grocery stores, 1x points on all other purchases. | Free checked bag for you and up to three companions on the same itinerary, 5,000 bonus points each year after account anniversary, 10% miles back on JetBlue award flights, no foreign transaction fees, $99 annual fee. |
| JetBlue Card (Barclays) | 3x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and grocery stores, 1x points on all other purchases. | 50% discount on eligible in-flight purchases, no foreign transaction fees, $0 annual fee. |
| JetBlue Business Card (Barclays) | 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and office supply stores, 1x points on all other purchases. | Free checked bag for you and up to three companions on the same itinerary, 5,000 bonus points each year after account anniversary, 10% miles back on JetBlue award flights, $99 annual fee. |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases, 2x points on all other travel purchases, 1x points on all other purchases. These points can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue at a 1:1 ratio. | Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, no foreign transaction fees, $95 annual fee. |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve Card | 10x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards (after earning $300 travel credit), 3x points on dining and all other travel worldwide, 1x points on all other purchases. These points can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue at a 1:1 ratio. | $300 annual travel credit, Priority Pass Select membership, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, no foreign transaction fees, $550 annual fee. |
| American Express Gold Card | 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1x), 4x points at restaurants worldwide, 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1x points on all other purchases. These points can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue at a ratio that varies (often 250:100). | $120 dining credit (divided into monthly credits at select restaurants), $120 Uber Cash (divided into monthly credits), no foreign transaction fees, $250 annual fee. |
| American Express Platinum Card | 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com (on up to $500,000 per calendar year), 5x points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, 1x points on all other purchases. These points can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue at a ratio that varies (often 250:100). | Extensive travel benefits, including lounge access, hotel elite status, $200 hotel credit, $200 airline fee credit, no foreign transaction fees, $695 annual fee. |
| Bilt Rewards Card | 1x point on rent payments (without transaction fees, up to 100,000 points each year), 2x points on travel booked through the Bilt Rewards portal, 3x points on dining, 1x points on all other purchases. These points can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue at a 1:1 ratio. | No annual fee, several bonus categories for earning points, and the ability to earn points on rent. |
Detailed Explanations
JetBlue Plus Card (Barclays)
The JetBlue Plus Card is a strong option for frequent JetBlue flyers. It offers a high earning rate on JetBlue purchases and comes with valuable benefits like a free checked bag, which can save you significant money. The annual bonus points and miles back on award flights further enhance its value.
JetBlue Card (Barclays)
The JetBlue Card is a solid entry-level card for those who fly JetBlue occasionally. It offers a decent earning rate on JetBlue purchases and comes with a 50% discount on in-flight purchases. The best part is that it has no annual fee, making it a low-risk option to start accumulating JetBlue miles.
JetBlue Business Card (Barclays)
Designed for business owners who frequently travel with JetBlue, the JetBlue Business Card provides similar benefits to the JetBlue Plus Card. It offers a high earning rate on JetBlue purchases, as well as on select business expenses. The free checked bag benefit extends to companions, making it beneficial for business travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a versatile travel credit card that allows you to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. These points can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue at a 1:1 ratio, providing flexibility in how you redeem your rewards. Its bonus categories and travel insurance benefits make it a great all-around travel card.
Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Card is a premium travel credit card with a higher annual fee but more extensive benefits. Similar to the Sapphire Preferred, points can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue at a 1:1 ratio. The annual travel credit and Priority Pass Select membership provide significant value for frequent travelers.
American Express Gold Card
The American Express Gold Card focuses on dining and grocery spending, offering high earning rates in these categories. While the transfer ratio to JetBlue TrueBlue isn't as favorable as Chase Ultimate Rewards, the high earning rates in everyday spending categories can still make it a worthwhile option for accumulating JetBlue miles.
American Express Platinum Card
The American Express Platinum Card is a premium travel card with a high annual fee, but it provides a wealth of travel benefits, including lounge access and hotel elite status. While the transfer ratio to JetBlue TrueBlue isn't ideal, the card's overall value proposition and high earning rates on flights booked directly with airlines can make it attractive for frequent luxury travelers.
Bilt Rewards Card
The Bilt Rewards Card offers a unique way to earn points on rent payments without transaction fees. This card provides a solid earning rate on rent, dining, and travel, and its points transfer to JetBlue TrueBlue at a 1:1 ratio. The fact that it has no annual fee makes it a great option for renters looking to earn travel rewards.
Understanding Earning Rates and Redemption Values
Earning Rates: The earning rate determines how many miles you accumulate per dollar spent. A higher earning rate means you'll reach your redemption goals faster. Pay close attention to bonus categories where you can earn even more miles.
Redemption Values: The value of a JetBlue mile can vary depending on how you redeem it. Generally, you can expect to get around 1.3 to 1.5 cents per mile when redeeming for JetBlue flights. Keep an eye out for TrueBlue sales and promotions that can increase the value of your miles.
Transfer Partners: Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards are valuable because they offer a 1:1 transfer ratio to JetBlue TrueBlue. This provides flexibility in how you earn and redeem your points. American Express Membership Rewards also transfer to JetBlue, but the transfer ratio is often less favorable.
Maximizing Your JetBlue Miles
Here are some tips for maximizing your JetBlue miles:
- Take advantage of bonus categories: Use your card for purchases in bonus categories to earn miles faster.
- Pay your rent with the Bilt Rewards Card: If you rent, the Bilt Rewards Card allows you to earn points on your rent payments without transaction fees.
- Take advantage of welcome bonuses: Many credit cards offer significant welcome bonuses after meeting minimum spending requirements. This can be a quick way to accumulate a large number of JetBlue miles.
- Monitor JetBlue promotions: Keep an eye out for JetBlue promotions and sales, which can offer discounted flights or bonus miles on certain routes.
- Utilize the JetBlue shopping portal: JetBlue offers a shopping portal where you can earn bonus miles on purchases made through participating retailers.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Card
When choosing a credit card for JetBlue miles, consider the following factors:
- Annual Fee: Determine whether the benefits of the card outweigh the annual fee.
- Earning Rates: Compare the earning rates on different cards to see which one aligns best with your spending habits.
- Transfer Partners: Consider the value of transfer partners and whether you prefer the flexibility of transferring points to other programs.
- Benefits and Perks: Evaluate the benefits and perks offered by each card, such as free checked bags, lounge access, and travel insurance.
- Spending Habits: Analyze your spending habits to determine which card will provide the most value based on your typical purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which credit card is best for earning JetBlue miles? The best card depends on your spending habits and travel preferences. If you frequently fly JetBlue and value perks like free checked bags, the JetBlue Plus Card is a great option.
- Can I transfer points from other programs to JetBlue TrueBlue? Yes, you can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Bilt Rewards to JetBlue TrueBlue.
- What is the value of a JetBlue mile? A JetBlue mile is typically worth around 1.3 to 1.5 cents when redeemed for JetBlue flights.
- Do JetBlue credit cards have foreign transaction fees? No, all JetBlue credit cards issued by Barclays do not have foreign transaction fees.
- Is the JetBlue Plus Card worth the annual fee? If you frequently fly JetBlue and take advantage of the free checked bag benefit, the JetBlue Plus Card can easily be worth the annual fee.
- How do I redeem JetBlue miles? You can redeem JetBlue miles online at jetblue.com, through the JetBlue mobile app, or by calling JetBlue customer service.
- Can I use JetBlue miles for hotels and car rentals? Yes, JetBlue miles can be used for hotels and car rentals, but redeeming for flights typically offers the best value.
- Does JetBlue have a shopping portal? Yes, JetBlue offers a shopping portal where you can earn bonus miles on purchases made through participating retailers.
- What is the minimum credit score needed for a JetBlue credit card? Generally, you'll need a good to excellent credit score (670 or higher) to be approved for a JetBlue credit card.
- Are there any alternatives to JetBlue credit cards for earning miles? Yes, cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Bilt Rewards Card offer flexible points that can be transferred to JetBlue TrueBlue.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for JetBlue miles involves carefully considering your spending habits, travel preferences, and the benefits offered by each card. By understanding the earning rates, redemption values, and perks of different cards, you can make an informed decision that helps you maximize your JetBlue miles and enjoy more rewarding travel experiences.