New York’s hometown carrier JetBlue has long been one of Condé Nast Traveler readers’ favorite US airlines. Now, the JetBlue credit card universe is getting an upgrade with the launch of its first-ever premier card. The co-branded Mastercard unlocks perks like Priority Pass lounge access, early boarding, and free checked bags for an annual fee of $499.
The fee also comes with a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit (up to $120 every four years); up to $300 in annual statement credits for purchases on Paisly by JetBlue, the airline’s travel shopping portal; and an anniversary bonus of 5,000 points each year upon renewal. The annual fee is a substantial jump compared to the airline’s existing co-brand credit cards (the JetBlue Card, JetBlue Plus Card, and JetBlue Business Card), which cost between $0 and $99 per year.
But with the higher cost comes a smorgasbord of travel perks. Premier card holders—plus up to three companions booked on the same flight reservation—can all check their first bag for free (as long as you’re on a JetBlue-operated flight that you purchased with the credit card). The airline is currently advertising a limited time offer of 70,000 TrueBlue points and 5 “tiles” toward Mosaic qualification (JetBlue’s loyalty status) after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
The new JetBlue credit card also makes it easier to accumulate Mosaic status: Using the card, you earn TrueBlue points and tiles through everyday purchases, with 6x points per $1 spent on eligible JetBlue and Paisly purchases; 2x points per $1 spent at restaurants and eligible grocery stores; and 1x points per $1 spent on all other purchases. There are four tiers of Mosaic status, each of which give frequent fliers a range of benefits, including seat upgrades to premium economy and business class.
Travelers can apply online for the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard beginning on January 29, 2025.
Consider this your checklist to avoid travel hiccups in the new year.
The new JetBlue credit card is the latest phase of the carrier’s plan to attract more premium leisure travelers, a segment that JetBlue president Marty St. George called “healthy and growing” on a January earnings call. Following the airline’s failed merger with now-bankrupted Spirit Airlines, JetBlue has been “enhancing [its] suite of products to better serve those customers,” he said.
One of those newly enhanced products is the airline’s new premium seating option EvenMore, which debuted on January 28. Located at the front of the economy cabin, the seats offer extra legroom as well as early boarding, dedicated overhead bin space, free alcoholic drinks, and priority security screening at select airports.
JetBlue also has plans to launch a new domestic first class on its non-Mint planes in 2026. In late 2025, the carrier will open its first-ever airport lounge at John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 5 in late 2025 and then a second in Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal C soon after.
JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty told investors the shift toward premium travel represents an “immense change” for the future of JetBlue. While JetBlue still offers the affordable fares it’s best known for, it’s no longer strictly considered a low-cost carrier thanks to its growing list of amenities. The popular international business class seat Mint Studios, for example, is one of the most comfortable ways to fly across the Atlantic.
