The True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express is a good choice for people who routinely fly JetBlue and want a rewards card that earns them miles on this specific airline. The card does give cardholders some travel benefits such as no blackout dates and certain in-flight discounts. However, it falls short on delivering the luxury perks which many frequent travelers desire and expect. For example, compared to the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, card members who use the True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express get no priority seating, no exclusive lounge access, and no free checked bag. However, the $40 annual membership fee is decidedly less expensive than the $95 fee for the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express. (Both cards currently waive the first year’s membership fee.)
New cardholders have the opportunity to earn 20,000 TrueBlue points when they apply and are approved for the True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express. To receive these bonus points you must spend at least $1,000 on the card during the first three months of activation. Other benefits available to card members are:
- 50% off select JetBlue in-flight purchases made with the card (in the form of a statement credit)
- Each year when you purchase a JetBlue Getaways package with the card, you receive a $50 statement credit
- No blackout dates on any flight operated by JetBlue
- Earn up to eight TrueBlue points on purchases of flights and Getaways packages made on jetblue.com and paid for with the card
- One TrueBlue point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- One-way Awards Flights start at 5,000 points plus any applicable fees and taxes
Card members also receive travel and shopping perks from American Express:
- Global Assist Hotline
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
- Extended Warranty
The Facts
Below we have broken down the specifics of the True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express to help when deciding if it’s the right card for you.
The Good:
New member signup bonus:
People who apply and are approved for the True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express have the opportunity to earn 20,000 bonus points. The only requirement is you have to make at least $1,000 in purchases on the card with the first three months of activation. This time period begins upon approval of your application so the actual time allowed can be less depending on when you receive the card. Also, all purchases (including items bought online) must post to your account before the actual cutoff date.
Significant airline rewards:
When you use your card to book online at jetblue.com you receive eight points per dollar spent. This is somewhat misleading since all members of the TrueBlue program receive six points per dollar when booking online no matter what card is used for payment. The True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express does earn members an additional two points per dollar spent when used to pay for the flight. Additional perks are there are no blackout dates and the points never expire.
Discount on in-flight purchases:
Card members receive a 50% discount when using the card for certain in-flight purchases. These include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Food
- Movies
- Blankets
- Pillows
To qualify for the discount, you must make any eligible purchases at full price using the True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express. The 50% statement credit normally appears on your billing statement 6-8 weeks after the transactions post to your account.
Low annual fee:
The annual fee for this card is $40 which is waived for the first year. This is a relatively low fee for an airline rewards card. The US Airways Premier World MasterCard charges members $89 per year and the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express has an annual membership cost of $95.
Decent Annual Percentage Rate:
Unlike many other rewards credit cards which have variable APRs depending on the card member’s creditworthiness, the True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express charges all cardholders an APR of 15.24% on purchases. This can vary based on the Prime Rate but the same rate is still applied to everyone.
Benefits through American Express:
Card members enjoy additional benefits offered by American Express:
- Global Assist Hotline- Lost passports, legal questions, emergency medical situations… all of the scenarios you hope will never happen while traveling. The Global Assist Hotline is available 24/7 to card members to help with these and other unforeseen problems which sometimes arise.
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance- When you use your True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express to reserve and pay for your entire eligible car rental, you can be covered if the car is damaged or stolen. You must decline the collision damage waiver.
- Extended Warranty- Card members may receive up to one year additional warranty on eligible purchases made with the card. Important restrictions and exclusions apply.
The Bad:
No luxury travel perks:
For people who travel a lot, the absence of some of the more appreciated perks may be a definite drawback. The True Blue JetBlue Card from American Express does not offer card members priority boarding, free checked baggage, or access to any airline lounge facilities. If none of these are important to you then this shouldn’t be a problem.
Foreign Transaction Fees:
This card charges cardholders a 2.7% foreign transaction fee on the total amount of any purchases made outside of the U.S. For people who often travel internationally these additional fees can add up quickly.
Penalty Fees:
Late payment and returned payment fees can be charged up to $38 apiece. Additionally, card members can have the penalty APR of 27.24% applied to their account if they make one or more late payment or make a payment that is returned.
The Ugly:
Limited flights:
Jet Blue does not have the number of destinations available to travelers as do the major carriers. Most flights are concentrated on the coasts with only a few routes covering the central U.S. Jet Blue does partner with American Airlines and many international airlines. The bad news is you can only use your points with one partner fleet- Hawaiian Airlines. However, you are able to accumulate JetBlue points when using other partner airlines.
Restricted rewards:
This card is aimed at people who routinely fly with Jet Blue Airlines and want an easy and convenient way to earn airline rewards points. The downside is there are no ways to earn additional points through purchases such as dining, groceries, gas, other travel, or shopping.
If you travel often with Jet Blue, this card may be a good choice. But for frequent fliers of other airlines and people looking for a wide array of perks and benefits, other rewards cards might deliver better value.