JetBlue Premier Card review: Shiny on the outside, dull on the inside

JetBlue Premier Card overview

Based on TPG's valuations, you'll earn 8.1% back on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2.7% back on restaurant and grocery store purchases and approximately 1.4% back on all other purchases.

Redeeming points on the JetBlue Premier

JetBlue TrueBlue points can be redeemed for:

• JetBlue and partner airline flights
• JetBlue Vacations packages
• Charitable donations
• A statement credit

We recommend redeeming your points for flights, as that will net you the most value. Aside from redeeming your points for JetBlue flights, you can use your points to book flights with:

• Cape Air
• China Airlines
• Condor
• Etihad Airways
• Icelandair
• Qatar Airways
• United Airlines

A great way to use TrueBlue points is to book domestic economy flights on JetBlue. For example, you can book a one-way economy flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to JFK from 15,900 points or from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to JFK from as low as 8,100 points.

If you want to use your points for a statement credit, you can only do so for purchases totaling $25 or more per purchase made within the last 90 days. However, using your points for redemptions other than flights will net you less than 1 cent per point in value.

For example, you'll need 3,333 points to cover a $25 purchase, netting a 0.75 per point valuation. We aim to redeem airline points or miles for at least 1 cent per point in value, so this isn't a high-value redemption option.

Which cards compete with the JetBlue Premier?

Several competing cards provide better value than the JetBlue Premier:

• If you want more travel perks: The annual fee on the American Express Platinum Card® is almost $400 higher (see rates and fees) than the JetBlue Premier's. However, it has more benefits like elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required), valuable statement credits and more extensive lounge access. Plus, the points you earn on this card can be transferred to JetBlue or any of American Express' 19 other airline and hotel partners. To learn more,
• If you want a cheaper JetBlue card: The JetBlue Plus offers many of the same perks as the JetBlue Premier Card. Since the JetBlue Plus Card has an affordable $99 annual fee, it's a great option for both semifrequent and frequent JetBlue flyers. To learn more,
• If you don't want to pay an annual fee: The no-annual-fee JetBlue Card is the best choice for JetBlue fans who only fly the airline once or twice a year. The card still offers some solid perks for JetBlue flyers, including an inflight discount and bonus points on JetBlue purchases. To learn more,

For additional options,

The information for the JetBlue Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: How to choose an airline credit card

Is the JetBlue Premier worth it?

I recommend that most people apply for the JetBlue Plus instead of the JetBlue Premier. This card isn't worth it in its current state unless you're a JetBlue loyalist or you're close to achieving TrueBlue elite status. Its companion pass requires thousands in spending to receive, only one of JetBlue's planned lounges is open and many of this card's perks can be found on the cheaper JetBlue Plus Card.

Bottom line

I wish I could recommend this card to a wider demographic. However, too many prospective cardholders will struggle to justify the $499 annual fee.

The bright side is that there are many other premium cards out there that can meet your financial and travel goals. Even if you rarely fly with any carrier but JetBlue, some top-tier travel cards can still provide great value.

Cards like the Amex Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees) offer perks that can fit many travelers' needs — JetBlue fans included.

Related: Are premium credit cards worth the annual fee?

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum,