JetBlue Business Credit Card from Barclays Bank Delaware Review

When it comes to selecting a credit card for your business, the myriad of options can feel overwhelming. From cash back rewards to travel benefits, each card offers a unique set of features tailored to different business needs. One card that stands out for businesses with frequent travel needs, particularly on JetBlue flights, is the JetBlue Business Credit Card from Barclays Bank Delaware. This card is designed to provide significant rewards and benefits for those who find themselves frequently in the skies, but it also comes with its own set of considerations. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the details of this credit card, providing insights based on both my professional experience and unique perspectives.

JetBlue Business Credit Card Review

The JetBlue Business Credit Card is tailored to business owners who frequently travel on JetBlue-operated flights. Its rewards structure is specifically aligned with JetBlue purchases, offering an impressive 6x points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and office supply stores, and 1x points on all other purchases. Additionally, the card comes with a substantial sign-up bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, plus an additional 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card. This review will explore these features in detail, assessing their value and applicability to the average business owner.

JetBlue Business Credit Card Key Takeaways

– Reward Structure: Earn 6x points on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2x points at restaurants and office supply stores, and 1x points on all other purchases.
– Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, plus an additional 10,000 bonus points after a purchase is made on an employee card.
– Annual Fee: $99 annually.
– APR: 21.24% – 29.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers.
– Additional Benefits: Free first checked bag for you and up to 3 companions on the same reservation, 50% savings on eligible inflight purchases, and a $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package with your card.

JetBlue Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. High Rewards Rate: The 6x points on JetBlue purchases make it an excellent choice for businesses that frequently fly with JetBlue.
2. Significant Sign-Up Bonus: The potential to earn up to 70,000 bonus points shortly after account opening can provide immense value.
3. Annual Bonus Points: 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary add ongoing value.
4. Free Checked Bags: This benefit can save substantial amounts for frequent JetBlue travelers.
5. Inflight Savings: A 50% discount on eligible inflight purchases contributes to overall savings.
6. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel, this feature ensures you don’t incur additional charges when making purchases abroad.

Cons:

1. Annual Fee: The $99 annual fee might be a drawback for businesses looking to minimize expenses.
2. High APR: A variable APR ranging from 21.24% to 29.99% is relatively high, which can be a concern for businesses that may carry a balance.
3. No Introductory APR: The absence of an introductory APR for purchases or balance transfers limits its appeal for businesses looking to finance large purchases.

JetBlue Business Credit Card Benefits

Rewards Program

The standout feature of the JetBlue Business Credit Card is its rewards program. Here’s a closer look at how you can maximize the rewards:
1. 6x Points on JetBlue Purchases: Every dollar spent on JetBlue flights, vacation packages, seat upgrades, and other eligible purchases earns 6 points. This is one of the highest rewards rates available for airline purchases, making it highly valuable for frequent JetBlue flyers.
2. 2x Points at Restaurants and Office Supply Stores: For businesses that spend significantly in these categories, the 2x points offer a solid return. Whether it’s client dinners or stocking up on office supplies, these points can accumulate quickly.
3. 1x Points on All Other Purchases: While not as high as the category-specific rewards, earning 1 point per dollar on all other purchases ensures that every business expense contributes to your rewards balance.
4. Sign-Up Bonus: The potential to earn up to 70,000 bonus points shortly after account opening is a significant incentive. With 60,000 points earned after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days, and an additional 10,000 points after an employee card purchase, this bonus can provide a substantial boost to your rewards balance.
5. Anniversary Bonus: The card offers 5,000 bonus points every year after your account anniversary, adding ongoing value and incentivizing cardholders to keep the card long-term.

Travel Benefits

For businesses that prioritize travel, the JetBlue Business Credit Card offers several perks that enhance the travel experience:
1. Free Checked Bag: Cardholders and up to three companions on the same reservation get their first checked bag free when flying JetBlue. This benefit can save significant amounts, especially for frequent travelers.
2. Inflight Savings: The card provides a 50% discount on eligible inflight purchases of cocktails and food on JetBlue-operated flights. This can make long flights more comfortable and enjoyable without breaking the bank.
3. JetBlue Vacations Statement Credit: Cardholders receive a $100 statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package with the card. This benefit can help offset the cost of business trips or team retreats.

Other Benefits

Beyond the rewards and travel perks, the JetBlue Business Credit Card includes several additional benefits that enhance its overall value:
1. No Foreign Transaction Fees: This feature is particularly beneficial for businesses that operate internationally or have employees who frequently travel abroad. It eliminates the extra cost of foreign transaction fees, making international purchases more affordable.
2. Purchase Protection: The card offers purchase protection, which can cover new purchases against damage or theft for a certain period after the purchase date.
3. Fraud Protection: Barclays provides robust fraud protection, monitoring your account for suspicious activity and providing zero liability for unauthorized charges.

Rate and Fee Information

Understanding the rate and fee structure of the JetBlue Business Credit Card is crucial for assessing its overall value:
1. Annual Fee: The card comes with a $99 annual fee, which is relatively modest considering the range of benefits and rewards it offers.
2. APR: The variable APR for purchases and balance transfers ranges from 21.24% to 29.99%. This is on the higher end, making it less ideal for businesses that may carry a balance. The APR for cash advances is 29.99%.
3. Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Fees: The card charges either $5 or 3% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater. For cash advances, the fee is either $10 or 3% of the amount, whichever is greater.
4. Late Payment and Returned Payment Fees: Late payment fees are $19 for account balances less than $250, and $39 for account balances equal to or greater than $250. The returned payment fee is $39.
5. Grace Period: The card offers a grace period of at least 20 days from the statement closing date for purchases, provided you pay your previous balance in full by the due date. This grace period does not apply to cash advances, balance transfers, or convenience checks.

Conclusion

The JetBlue Business Credit Card from Barclays Bank Delaware is a compelling option for businesses that frequently travel on JetBlue flights. Its rewards structure is highly advantageous for JetBlue purchases, offering one of the highest points-per-dollar rates in the industry. The substantial sign-up bonus and ongoing anniversary bonus add significant value, making it an attractive choice for businesses looking to maximize their rewards.
The card’s travel benefits, including free checked bags and inflight savings, further enhance its appeal for frequent travelers. Additionally, the lack of foreign transaction fees makes it a cost-effective option for international business travel. However, the $99 annual fee and high variable APR are considerations that businesses must weigh. For those who can pay off their balance in full each month and primarily use the card for JetBlue purchases, the benefits and rewards can far outweigh the costs.
In summary, the JetBlue Business Credit Card is a specialized tool that offers immense value for a specific type of business user. If your business frequently flies JetBlue and you can take advantage of the card’s rewards and benefits, it can be a powerful addition to your financial toolkit. However, for businesses with different spending patterns or those looking for lower APR options, it may be worth exploring alternative cards that better align with your needs.