JetBlue has announced the launch of the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank. Designed for frequent travelers and everyday spenders, the new credit card offers a range of premium benefits, including complimentary lounge access, bonus points on purchases, and perks aimed at enhancing the travel experience.
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Limited-Time Welcome Offer
New cardholders can take advantage of an introductory offer of 70,000 TrueBlue points and 5 tiles toward Mosaic qualification after spending $5,000 in the first three months. These tiles contribute toward earning Mosaic status, which includes benefits such as Even More upgrades and additional free checked bags.
Chris Buckner, JetBlue’s vice president of loyalty and partnerships, emphasized that the Premier Card was developed based on feedback from customers and Mosaic members. He noted that the card enhances JetBlue’s loyalty program while providing benefits that align with other top-tier travel credit cards.
Tim Mills, head of the JetBlue Partnership at Barclays US Consumer Bank, highlighted the partnership’s goal of meeting the increasing demand for premium travel experiences, stating that the card aims to deliver “exceptional value and service” to JetBlue customers.
Key Benefits of the JetBlue Premier Card
The JetBlue Premier Card comes with an annual fee of $499 ($150 for each authorized user) and offers various travel perks, including:
- Lounge Access
- Complimentary access for the cardholder and one guest to JetBlue’s upcoming lounges at JFK Terminal 5 (expected in late 2025) and Boston Logan Terminal C.
- Priority Pass membership, providing access to over 1,500 lounges worldwide.
- Travel Perks
- Up to $300 in annual statement credits for Paisly travel purchases.
- A Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit (up to $120 every four years).
- Priority boarding (Group A) on JetBlue-operated flights.
- First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to three companions when using the card for JetBlue flights.
- Anniversary bonus of 5,000 TrueBlue points upon account renewal.
- Point Rewards and Redemptions
- Earn 6x points per $1 on JetBlue, JetBlue Vacations, and Paisly purchases.
- Earn 2x points per $1 at restaurants and eligible grocery stores.
- Earn 1x points per $1 on all other purchases.
- 10% redemption bonus on JetBlue award flights.
- Points Payback feature, allowing redemption of points for statement credits.
- Additional Benefits
- 50% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees when using the card abroad.
Accelerating TrueBlue and Mosaic Status
The JetBlue Premier Card integrates with the TrueBlue (points redemption) and Mosaic (elite status) programs, making it easier for cardholders to reach elite status. With 1 tile earned for every $1,000 spent, the card provides a path to earning perks through both travel and everyday purchases.
For travelers who frequently fly with JetBlue or those looking to maximize their rewards, the Premier Card offers a combination of enhanced travel experiences and accelerated points earning.
Analysis
JetBlue joins Alaska Airlines in launching a premium credit card, with Alaska’s version set to debut later this year.
I have mixed feelings about the JetBlue Premier Card, so I’ll start with what I like. Few premium credit cards offer bonus multipliers for grocery purchases, making this a standout feature. The annual fee is also lower than other co-branded airline credit cards from American, Delta, and United, though Alaska has yet to announce its pricing.
However, there are some drawbacks. While JetBlue’s new lounges are expected to open later this year, the card does not include immediate access to a dedicated JetBlue lounge. Instead, cardholders rely on Priority Pass, which can be hit or miss due to overcrowding. Another limitation is JetBlue’s network—while strong on the East Coast, its reach elsewhere in the U.S. is limited.
Ultimately, this card seems best suited for loyal and frequent JetBlue travelers. Occasional flyers or those outside JetBlue’s network may find less value. It will be interesting to see how JetBlue’s credit card offerings evolve.
