One of America’s most popular budget airlines, JetBlue, has teamed up with Barclays to offer two attractive MasterCards that come with a host of nice benefits. The JetBlue Card carries no annual fee, while the JetBlue Plus Card costs $99 per year.
Either card can be used outside the United States without incurring any foreign currency transaction fees, a nice feature that many other cards today don’t offer. Both cards also provide a 50% discount on all eligible inflight purchases, and cardmembers are automatically enrolled in TrueBlue, the airline’s frequent flyer program.
The JetBlue Card, the entry-level card, earns 3 TrueBlue points on all JetBlue purchases, 2 points at grocery stores and restaurants, and 1 point on all other purchases. The Plus Card earns twice as many points on JetBlue purchases, but the same level on all other transactions.
The frequent flyer program guarantees no blackout dates, a nice feature that some other airlines don’t offer. TrueBlue points never expire, and even better, they can be redeemed for any seat. The airline allows family members to share points. JetBlue Card members who book a flight on JetBlue.com automatically earn 6 points per dollar spent, instead of the usual 3 points. The airline also has a program where frequent fliers can earn additional points by completing surveys.
For $99 per year, you might think the Plus Card would come with more benefits than just extra frequent flyer miles, and sure enough, JetBlue does not disappoint. The airline offers Plus cardmembers a free checked bag on all routes the airline flies. Up to 3 companions also receive a free checked bag when flying with the cardmember. Furthermore, Plus members receive a 10% bonus on point balances when they are redeemed. JetBlue also gives Plus cardholders 5,000 bonus points every year as an anniversary gift.
Another major perk that Plus members are eligible for is Mosaic status after spending $50,000 in a year. While that may sound like a lot, Mosaic is the airline’s premier program that provides many generous benefits. For example, there are no change or cancellation fees for Mosaic members and their itinerary companions. A second checked bag is always free with a Mosaic membership, not only for cardmembers, but also accompanying persons.
Mosaic status earns early boarding, which provides first access to overhead bin space. JetBlue gives Mosaic members free alcoholic beverages on all flights, a very generous policy. The airline operates a customer service unit dedicated to Mosaic clients, and this division is open 24/7. JetBlue also provides an expedited security line at the airport for Mosaic customers, and this reduces the time necessary to get to a departure gate.
TrueBlue points also increase for Mosaic flyers. An additional 3 points per dollar are added for each flight Mosaic members book, and the airline promises at least 9 points per dollar if the itinerary is reserved on the airline’s website.
JetBlue sells vacation packages, and Plus cardholders are eligible for a $100 statement credit per year after purchasing one of these deals. Some of the available vacations on the JetBlue website include trips to Walt Disney World, Barbados, Aruba, and Universal Orlando Resort. In addition to the airfare, the website offers a selection of hotels plus a car rental. While regular cardmembers can certainly book one of these vacations, they aren’t eligible for the $100 discount.
On top of the two personal cards, Barclays and JetBlue also offer a business card. It comes with a $99 annual fee and provides employee cards at no additional cost. Each card can have its own credit line, cash access limit, and purchase limit assigned. The business version has many of the same benefits as the Plus Card, such as a free checked bag and Mosaic eligibility.
