Credit Card News
JetBlue Adds New Benefits to JetBlue Premier Credit Card
JetBlue is updating its premium travel card with some new benefits.
About the Updates to the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard:
Just over a year after JetBlue introduced its Premier World Elite Mastercard, the airline is adding some new benefits. Moreover, the card’s $499 annual fee is staying put.
First, JetBlue Premier cardholders can now unlock a companion pass credit. Those who spend at least $15,000 in a calendar year can earn a companion pass valued at up to $500. Then, cardholders can unlock an additional companion pass (up to a $1,500 value) once they spend at least $75,000 on the card in a calendar year. To use these passes, customers can book and pay for their travel companion’s trip on the same reservation and add the pass. A statement credit will then be applied to the cardmember’s account.
Speaking of statement credits, an adjusted TrueBlue Travel benefit is also coming to the card. Now, cardholders can earn up to $300 in annual statement credits when they use their card to book via TrueBlue, hotels, car rentals, cruises, and more. Previously, the card had a Paisly credit of up to $300 per year, but that was divided into six $50 credits triggered by purchases of $250 or more. There is no longer a minimum spending requirement for the updated credit.
Another new benefit is an award travel rebate. When cardholders redeem their points toward flights, they’ll earn a 15% rebate back in the form of TrueBlue points. This includes both JetBlue flights as well as partner airlines.
Finally, a perk that will put cardmembers closer to earning status has been added. At the start of each calendar year, cardholders will earn a 25-Tile bonus. That’s halfway toward Mosasic 1 status.
These benefits join existing perks of the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard, including access to BlueHouse lounges, Group A priority boarding, a complimentary first checked bag for you and up to three travel companions on the same reservation, and more. Plus, the card earns 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x at restaurants, 2x at eligible grocery stores, and 1x on all other purchases.
What They’re Saying:
Explaining the addition of these new benefits, JetBlue’s VP of loyalty and personalization Ed Pouthier said, “As we continue to engage with our cardmembers, JetBlue is focused on evolving our co-branded credit card benefits in ways that are both meaningful and relevant to how they travel and spend their time. These Premier Card enhancements, from companion passes to new lifestyle partnerships to more generous travel rewards, build on our commitment to listen to customers and give them even more value with their card during travel and in everyday life.”
My Thoughts:
First, it’s worth noting that reports suggest JetBlue is looking to sell itself to a larger airline. Obviously, it could take some time before that happens, but it’s important to keep an eye on the current climate. Also, it was JetBlue that set off the cascade of recent checked luggage price hikes, which (as of this writing) has since spread to United, Delta, and Southwest.
With that out of the way, it’s always nice when a card makes positive changes and adds perks without increasing the annual fee. That’s the case here — although that may also reflect on how the initial card was received. Personally, I didn’t have many good things to say about it, so I suspect others felt similarly. In particular, I’m really glad to see they fixed the travel credit. In my opintion that was one of the most laughable parts of the previous version. At least with these updates, those who fly JetBlue may be more inclined to give this premium card a shot… for as long as the airline exists as an independent entity.