JetBlue and Barclays Launch Premier Credit Card Packed with Premium Travel Benefits

Rhea-AI Summary

JetBlue (JBLU) has launched its first-ever premium credit card, the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard®, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank. The card comes with a $499 annual fee and offers premium benefits including lounge access, priority boarding, and free checked bags.

New cardmembers can earn 70,000 TrueBlue points and 5 tiles toward Mosaic qualification after spending $5,000 in the first three months. The card offers 6x points on JetBlue and Paisly purchases, 2x points on restaurants and grocery stores, and 1x points on other purchases. Additional benefits include up to $300 in annual Paisly statement credits, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credits, and access to Priority Pass lounges.

The Premier Card joins JetBlue's existing credit card portfolio, which includes the JetBlue Card, JetBlue Plus Card, and JetBlue Business Card.

Positive

• Launch of new premium credit card product expanding revenue streams
• High reward earning potential with 6x points on JetBlue purchases
• Attractive sign-up bonus of 70,000 TrueBlue points
• Additional revenue from $499 annual fee per card

Negative

• High annual fee ($499) may limit adoption rate
• Lounge access benefit not available until late 2025
• Additional $150 fee for authorized users may deter multiple card accounts

Insights

Credit Card Industry Analyst

The launch of JetBlue's first premium credit card marks a calculated expansion into the lucrative high-end travel rewards segment, with potential to significantly boost ancillary revenue streams and customer loyalty. The card's structure reveals three key strategic elements:

1. Revenue Generation Potential: The $499 annual fee, plus $150 for authorized users, creates a new high-margin revenue stream. With the Paisly credit structure requiring multiple $250+ transactions to maximize the $300 benefit, JetBlue effectively encourages increased spending while maintaining profit margins.

2. Customer Acquisition Strategy: The 70,000-point welcome bonus and 5 Mosaic tiles sign-up offer indicates an aggressive push to capture premium travelers from competitors. The accelerated earning structure (6x on JetBlue purchases) incentivizes booking directly through JetBlue channels, reducing distribution costs and increasing direct revenue.

3. Loyalty Program Enhancement: By integrating the card with their Mosaic status program through tile earning (1 tile per $1,000 spent), JetBlue creates a powerful tool for status acceleration that could drive increased wallet share among frequent travelers. The 10% points redemption bonus adds a compelling retention mechanism.

This initiative could positively impact JetBlue's financials through multiple channels: credit card partnership revenue sharing, increased direct bookings and enhanced customer lifetime value through stronger loyalty program engagement. The timing aligns with JetBlue's upcoming lounge openings at JFK and Boston, creating a comprehensive premium experience that could help offset recent operational challenges.

JetBlue’s first-ever premium credit card offers lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags and more

Available for applications today, the Premier Card launches with a limited time offer to boost TrueBlue^® points and tiles toward Mosaic status

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) today announced the launch of the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard^®, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank, designed to unlock incredible value for frequent travelers and everyday spenders. With elite benefits, such as complimentary lounge access, the Premier Card makes the JetBlue experience more rewarding than ever before.

JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard®, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank. Photo courtesy of JetBlue.

Starting today, customers can apply for the JetBlue Premier Card and take advantage of a limited-time offer: 70,000 TrueBlue points and 5 tiles toward Mosaic qualification after spending $5,000 in the first three months. This promotion gives Premier Cardmembers a head start toward Mosaic status, unlocking perks like EvenMore^® upgrades and additional free checked bags.

“Adding products and perks our customers want is a key part of our JetForward plan, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce the JetBlue Premier Card,” said Chris Buckner, JetBlue’s vice president of loyalty and partnerships. “As our first-ever premium credit card, designed with input from our customers and most loyal Mosaic members, it builds on the perks of our TrueBlue and Mosaic programs to deliver more benefits both on the ground and in the air. With features crafted to compete with other top-tier travel cards, the Premier Card gives JetBlue fans more reasons to love our award-winning experience, while earning extra points and enjoying exclusive benefits before takeoff.”

“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the new JetBlue Premier Card, marking a significant milestone in our successful decade-long partnership with JetBlue,” said Tim Mills, head of JetBlue Partnership at Barclays US Consumer Bank. “With this new card, we are excited to meet the growing demand for premium benefits and experiences, continuing our commitment to deliver exceptional value and service to JetBlue’s loyal customers.”

Premier Benefits for Premium Travel

The JetBlue Premier Card has an annual fee of $499 (and $150 for each authorized user) and includes a range of travel benefits designed to enhance every trip:

• JetBlue Lounge Access: Premier Cardmembers and one guest will enjoy complimentary access to JetBlue's recently announced lounges arriving at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 in late 2025 and Boston Logan International Airport’s (BOS) Terminal C soon after.
• Priority Pass™ Lounge Access: Access more than 1,500 lounges, Minute Suites, Be Relax Spas and more in over 600 airports in more than 145 countries for the Cardmember and one guest.
• Paisly^® Statement Credits: Earn up to $300 in annual statement credits for Paisly travel purchases, with a $50 credit for each qualifying transaction of $250 or more (up to six transactions per calendar year).
• Global Entry & TSA PreCheck^®: Receive a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit up to $120 every four years.
• Group A Boarding: Enjoy priority boarding on JetBlue-operated flights for all cardmembers and up to four eligible travel companions.
• First Checked Bag Free: Premier Cardmembers and up to three companions on the same reservation will receive one free checked bag when JetBlue-operated flights are purchased with the JetBlue Premier Card.
• Anniversary Bonus: Receive 5,000 bonus points each year after your account anniversary and payment of the annual fee.
• Points Redemption Bonus: Get 10% of redeemed points back after traveling on a JetBlue-operated Award Flight.
• Points Payback: Redeem points for a statement credit on purchases of $25 or more.
• In-Flight Discounts: Save 50% on eligible food and drink purchases aboard JetBlue-operated flights.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees

Premier Points and More for Mosaic

In addition to exclusive travel benefits, Premier Cardmembers are also able to earn TrueBlue points and tiles quickly with travel spend and everyday purchases:

• 6x points per $1 spent on eligible JetBlue and Paisly purchases including JetBlue Vacations^®
• 2x points per $1 spent at restaurants and eligible grocery stores
• 1x points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Every dollar spent on eligible travel, dining, groceries and everyday purchases will get Cardmembers closer to award travel, valuable Perks You Pick^® and even Mosaic status. Premier Cardmembers are able to plus-up their perks before taking flight through shopping, dining and everyday purchases. Cardmembers earn 1 tile for every $1,000 in eligible spend and enjoy the added benefits that come with carrying the JetBlue Premier Card. Whether TrueBlue members arrive at Mosaic status through travel spend, Premier Card spend or a combination of both, tiles allow members to make the path to perks and Mosaic their own.

Premier Benefits Through World Elite Mastercard

JetBlue Premier Cardmembers will also enjoy all of the World Elite Mastercard services and benefits that protect and help cardmembers through travels and everyday life, including 24/7 concierge service, travel assistance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, lifestyle savings through exclusive partnerships and much more. To learn more and view the full World Elite Mastercard benefits, visit mastercard.com/content/mastercardcom/us/en/personal/find-a-card/world-elite-mastercard-credit.html.

JetBlue’s Growing Credit Card Portfolio

Since 2016, Barclays has been the exclusive issuer and Mastercard^® has been the exclusive network of JetBlue’s co-branded credit card program in the United States. The Premier Card joins JetBlue’s suite of co-brand credit cards, including the JetBlue Card, JetBlue Plus Card and JetBlue Business Card. To learn more and apply for the JetBlue Premier Card, please visit jetblue.com/premiercard.

Terms and conditions apply.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline^®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit jetblue.com.

About Barclays

Barclays US Consumer Bank is a leading co-branded credit card issuer and financial services partner in the United States that creates highly customized programs to drive customer loyalty and engagement for some of the country's most successful travel, entertainment, retail, and affinity institutions. The bank offers co-branded, small business and private label credit cards, installment loans, online savings accounts, and CDs. For more information, please visit www.BarclaysUS.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250129103918/en/

JetBlue Corporate Communications

Tel: +1.718.709.3089

corpcomm@jetblue.com

Source: JetBlue

FAQ

What are the main benefits of the new JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard (JBLU)?

The card offers lounge access, priority boarding, free checked bags, 6x points on JetBlue purchases, up to $300 in Paisly credits annually, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credits.

How much is the sign-up bonus for the new JetBlue Premier card (JBLU)?

New cardmembers can earn 70,000 TrueBlue points and 5 tiles toward Mosaic qualification after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

What is the annual fee for the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard?

The card has an annual fee of $499, with an additional $150 fee for each authorized user.

When will JetBlue Premier cardholders get access to JetBlue lounges?

Access to JetBlue lounges will be available at JFK Terminal 5 in late 2025 and at Boston Logan Terminal C shortly after.

What are the reward earning rates for the new JetBlue Premier card (JBLU)?

The card offers 6x points on JetBlue and Paisly purchases, 2x points on restaurants and grocery stores, and 1x points on all other purchases.