JetBlue Business Card review: Maximum rewards for JetBlue spending

The JetBlue Business Credit Card has plenty of features that could make it a great fit for small-business owners. Its sign-up bonus, rewards rate for JetBlue purchases and ability to pool points with friends and family are just a few of the features that help it to stand out from many of the best business airline cards. 

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider, such as its lack of perks when compared to other business travel cards and airline-specific rewards cards. And if you aren't a JetBlue frequent flyer, don't expect to get the most out of this card. If you prefer premium travel benefits or travel frequently with other airlines, this card may not be the best fit for you. It's important to weigh these factors against the card's benefits to determine if it aligns with your business’ spending habits and travel needs. 

The JetBlue Business card offers a solid sign-up bonus, a great rewards value and flexible redemption through their travel partners. 

Welcome offer: High-value offer for new cardholders

Currently, the JetBlue Business Card rewards you with 50,000 JetBlue bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 90 days. Plus, you’ll earn another 10,000 bonus points when a purchase is made on an employee card within the first 90 days. 

Compared to their previous welcome offer of 80,000 bonus points when you spend $2,000 in the first 90 days, it’s much less attractive and twice as expensive. However, it’s still quite valuable based on Bankrate’s points and miles valuation, which estimates that 50,000 JetBlue points are valued at $650. Other business airline cards carry similar welcome offers, but few exceed the starting value of the JetBlue Business card. As long as you’re able to meet the spending requirement, the JetBlue card’s sign-up bonus gives small-business owners a great short-term perk that helps make the card a more appealing option.

Rewards: Value surpasses other airline reward programs

The JetBlue Business Card earns TrueBlue points that never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. The card’s rewards program doesn’t earn a significant amount of points on non-travel purchases, but it does give you a chance to rack up an incredible amount of points on JetBlue purchases. 

The points are valued at a slightly higher rate compared to other business airline cards. TrueBlue points are worth an estimated 1.3 cents on average. That’s an impressive rate for a low-cost airline and even holds its own against many of the top airlines in North America. JetBlue TrueBlue’s rewards value can also make it easier for even occasional business travelers to come out ahead. 

* Based on weighted average of median point/mile values across economy and first/business class fares.

Like most airlines, JetBlue uses a dynamic pricing model, so the value of your points and miles can vary based on factors like peak travel periods, seat type and competitor airfare prices. To make sure you’re getting the most out of your JetBlue points, you’ll have to calculate the value of your rewards at the time of redemption.

Redemption: You can book with a decent range of travel partners

JetBlue has several travel partners that could help you make use of your points stash since they accept TrueBlue points. With some travel partners, you may even have a better redemption rate than booking with JetBlue. 

• Cape Air

• Etihad Airways

• Hawaiian Airlines

• Icelandair

• JSX

• Qatar Airways

• Silver Airways

• Singapore Airlines

• South African Airways

• TAP Air Portugal

This perk gives you more options with how you fly and could give travelers looking for flexibility and added peace of mind. You can also redeem your points for JetBlue vacation packages. These all-inclusive packages let you use your rewards to cover resort accommodations, food and drinks and more. Plus, when you purchase a vacation package worth at least $100, you’ll earn a $100 annual statement credit.  

Compared to other business airline cards, the JetBlue Business card lacks the travel and business cardholder perks that you might find with similar cards. And if you spend a lot outside of the bonus categories, you might be served better by a card that rewards those purchases at a higher rate.

Perks: You’ll find more cardholder benefits with other similar cards

Although the JetBlue Business card offers perks like Group A boarding, a free checked bag and discounted in-flight purchases, it’s missing many standard airline card benefits, such as lounge access or credit toward TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. It also lacks common travel protections and insurances that come standard on similar business cards. 

For example, the United℠ Business Card offers lost baggage reimbursement, auto rental coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance, to name a few. The JetBlue Business Card doesn’t offer either. And aside from the lack of travel and airline perks, there is a notable lack of standard business perks. Most business cards offer business tools such as expense tracking and reporting, a standard perk to help you keep track of employee expenses or integrate with your accounting.  

Rates and fees: Has an annual fee

Though the annual fee for this card isn’t too expensive compared to the top business travel cards, there are other non-airline-specific options that offer no annual fee, such as the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card. But the bonus points are impressive and higher than other top airline business cards with a $99 annual fee. 

Also, there used to be a $99 statement credit in the first year as part of JetBlue’s previous welcome offer for new cardholders, but that offer has since been eliminated. 

Rewards: You earn less outside of JetBlue purchases

Earning 6X points on JetBlue purchases is an excellent rewards rate. Considering most airline cards offer 2X or 3X points on specific airline purchases, this is an impressive rate that’s hard to beat. But once you stop swiping for JetBlue purchases, however, that rewards rate drops off. You’ll earn 2X points at office supply stores and restaurants and 1X points on all other purchases. It’s a decent rate for non-travel purchases, but some airlines give you more options. With the Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard®*, you’ll earn 2X points not only on American Airlines purchases, but also on gas, car rentals, cable and satellite providers and select telecommunications merchants. Having more rewards categories could be a better fit for business owners who only fly occasionally and spend heavily in other areas.

The JetBlue Business card is a solid choice for small business owners who are loyal to one airline. The attractive features and rewards on this card are enhanced by its valuable welcome offer and anniversary bonus points. However, if you’re the type of cardholder who prefers to makes use of benefits like rental coverage, travel insurance or lost baggage reimbursement, the JetBlue Business card leaves a bit to be desired compared to other business airline cards. It’s also a bit restrictive if you don’t plan on using JetBlue for every flight booking. If you’re looking for more travel perks and versatility for your travel plans, you may want to consider these alternative business travel cards.

In addition to the JetBlue card, consider a flat-rate cash back credit card that rewards you for the purchases outside the higher rewards categories on your JetBlue card, or a card combo that offers benefits that the JetBlue card lacks. 

The JetBlue Business card is for small business owners who often travel and prefer flying with JetBlue over other airlines. It works best for those who can maximize its rewards and benefits through concentrated spending in the bonus rewards categories. It is also best for business owners who are looking for a card with a low annual fee and minimal fees overall.

If you already fly JetBlue frequently for your business and live close to a JetBlue hub, then the JetBlue Business card might be worth it for you. The generous point structure is targeted at businesses that travel frequently and can take advantage of all the card’s travel perks. However, this card likely won’t be the one you swipe for everything. To get the most from the JetBlue Business, you may need to pair it with another card that has a more robust rewards structure and benefits. 

All information about the JetBlue Business Card has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

*Eligibility and benefit levels vary by Card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.