Chase Sapphire Reserve vs JetBlue Plus: Which Is Better In 2025?

JetBlue Plus Breakdown

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Why We Like It

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This card packs a lot of value for its moderate annual fee, and here's a closer look at why we think it's a strong choice for JetBlue flyers.

• The JetBlue Plus Card offers a generous 6X points on JetBlue purchases and 2X points at restaurants and eligible grocery stores, making it easy to rack up TrueBlue points.
• Cardholders receive valuable perks like a free first checked bag for themselves and up to three companions, plus 5,000 bonus points every anniversary.
• The free checked bag benefit alone can easily offset the $99 annual fee, as checking a bag on just two round-trip flights could save you around $140 (publisher-formulated estimate).

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Pros

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• Cardholders get their first checked bag free on JetBlue flights—a benefit that extends to several companions on the same reservation—plus savings on in-flight purchases.
• The card offers strong rewards-earning potential on JetBlue purchases, dining, and at grocery stores. You also get a portion of your points back when you redeem for flights, making your rewards go further.
• Each year, you receive a deposit of bonus points on your card anniversary and a statement credit toward a JetBlue Vacations package. Spending on the card also helps you qualify for JetBlue's Mosaic elite status.

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Cons

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• The card lacks many premium travel perks found on competing travel cards, such as airport lounge access, priority boarding, and credits for expedited security programs like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
• Its rewards and benefits are highly specific to the airline. TrueBlue points have limited value outside of JetBlue, and the annual travel credit is restricted to vacation packages, making it less flexible for many travelers.
• Unlike some premium airline cards, this one does not grant automatic elite status. While spending on the card can help you earn status, the threshold is quite high.

JetBlue Plus vs Chase Sapphire Reserve®

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Categories

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Deciding which is better, Chase Sapphire Reserve or JetBlue Plus, depends entirely on your travel habits and loyalty to a specific airline.

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card: This card is designed for frequent travelers who value premium benefits like airport lounge access and comprehensive travel protections. It's also ideal for diners and those who want the flexibility to transfer points to a wide range of airline and hotel partners.
• JetBlue Plus Card: This card is best suited for casual to moderately frequent JetBlue flyers. It offers valuable airline-specific perks, such as a free checked bag and in-flight savings, for those loyal to the airline.

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Redemption

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Points earned with this card offer significant flexibility, as they can be redeemed for travel through the Chase portal or transferred to numerous airline and hotel partners.
• JetBlue Plus Card: Redemption is straightforward with this card, as points are used directly for booking JetBlue flights, which is ideal for travelers loyal to the airline.

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Travel Perks

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• Chase Sapphire Reserve®:
  • Cardholders can book travel through the comprehensive Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
  • This card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international trips.
  • It includes a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, granting access to a worldwide network of airport lounges.
• JetBlue Plus Card:
  • The travel ecosystem is centered entirely on the airline, with points redeemed directly on JetBlue's website.
  • This card also has no foreign transaction fees.
  • General airport lounge access is not included as a perk.

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Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos

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To make the right choice, a tool like Kudos can be invaluable, offering a data-driven card explorer to compare thousands of credit cards and find the best fit for your spending habits.

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• Test drive a credit card: Before you apply, you can use your real spending data to simulate potential earnings with a new card. This feature provides personalized calculations without requiring an application or a hard credit pull.
• Welcome offer guarantee: If you apply for a card through Kudos and find a better public welcome offer within three months, Kudos will match it.
• Approval odds analysis: Get a detailed analysis of your approval odds for different cards based on your credit report.
• Kudos Boost rewards: Earn extra rewards on top of what your credit card offers when you shop at participating stores.
• Financial monitoring: Track your transactions, monitor your spending, and keep an eye on your credit score all in one place.

Who Should Choose the Chase Sapphire Reserve®?

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The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is built for frequent travelers who spend significantly on travel and dining. The ideal user will maximize the card's premium perks, including the $300 annual travel credit; points on travel are earned only after this credit is fully used each year. This card also appeals to points enthusiasts who value comprehensive travel protections and the flexibility of transferring points to various airline and hotel partners, a key feature of the Chase Sapphire Reserve®.

Who Should Choose the JetBlue Plus?

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The JetBlue Plus Card is a great fit for casual to moderately frequent JetBlue flyers who want valuable perks for a reasonable annual fee. It's ideal for individuals or families who fly with the airline a few times a year, as the free checked bag benefit can easily offset the $99 cost. While it lacks the luxury benefits of the JetBlue Premier Card, like lounge access, it provides a strong set of core travel perks. For travelers focused on earning points and saving on extras without a premium price tag, the Plus card is the clear choice.

Alternatives to Consider

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If our Chase Sapphire Reserve® vs JetBlue Plus comparison has you feeling like neither card is the perfect travel companion, don't worry. There are plenty of other excellent travel rewards cards on the market worth considering.

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Tips for Application Success

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A little preparation can go a long way toward a successful application. Following these tips can help ensure you’re approved and ready to maximize your new card’s value from day one.

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Before You Apply:

• Check your credit score. Most premium travel cards, including the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Credit Card, require good to excellent credit for approval.
• Plan your spending. Welcome offers require meeting a minimum spend within a set time. Ensure you can reach this threshold organically with planned expenses rather than overspending.
• Research transfer partners. The best value often comes from transferring points to airline and hotel partners. Knowing your redemption goals beforehand helps you choose the right card.
• Review issuer-specific rules. Some issuers have restrictions on earning welcome offers. For example, you typically cannot earn a bonus for the JetBlue Premier Card if you currently have or recently had the JetBlue Plus Card, as they are in the same product family.

Application Strategy:

• Apply through Kudos. Our platform often provides streamlined access to the best available public offers.
• Be patient. Welcome offers can vary. If you don't see the best offer right away, it can be worth checking back or looking through different channels.
• Time your application. Applying just before a large, planned purchase—like a vacation or home project—can help you meet the spending requirement more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which card is better for earning travel rewards?

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® earns flexible Ultimate Rewards® points transferable to many travel partners, while the JetBlue Plus Card earns TrueBlue points specifically for JetBlue flights. The better card depends on whether you prefer flexibility or are loyal to one airline.

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Can I transfer Chase points to JetBlue?

Yes, JetBlue TrueBlue is a Chase Ultimate Rewards® travel partner. You can transfer points from your Chase Sapphire Reserve® card to your JetBlue account, which is a great way to top off your balance for an award flight.

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Does the JetBlue Plus Card offer airport lounge access?

The JetBlue Plus Card does not offer airport lounge access. However, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card includes a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, granting access to over 1,300 lounges worldwide.