When you search for “JetBlue” and “Chase” together, you might expect to find a JetBlue card issued by Chase. That is not the case. The connection between the two brands lies in their points: points earned with certain Chase cards can be converted into TrueBlue points, the airline’s loyalty program.
Chase has added TrueBlue to its Ultimate Rewards program. Eligible cardholders can convert their points at full value, with one Ultimate Rewards point equaling one TrueBlue point. Transfers are made at a 1:1 ratio, in minimum increments of 1,000 points, and are nearly instantaneous.
This rate is a major advantage. Chase and Citi offer the best transfer ratio to JetBlue; Amex Membership Rewards converts at a 5:4 ratio, and Capital One at 5:3. In other words, 10,000 Chase points become 10,000 TrueBlue points, whereas 10,000 Capital One points yield only about 6,000.
Important note: The JetBlue card is not a Chase card.
This is a common misconception. JetBlue cards (JetBlue Card, JetBlue Plus, JetBlue Premier) are issued by Barclays, not Chase. The entry-level JetBlue Card has no annual fee and earns 3 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases, 2 points at restaurants and supermarkets, and 1 point on all other purchases.
Which Chase cards allow transfers?
Not all Chase cards offer access to transfer partners. You need a premium card with an annual fee, such as the Sapphire Reserve, Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred. You can pool points earned on other, no-annual-fee Chase cards onto these premium cards. A common strategy, therefore, is to accumulate points across multiple cards and then consolidate them onto the premium card before making a transfer.
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Transferring your points: a step-by-step guide
– Log in to the official Chase website or app
– Go to Ultimate Rewards and select the card holding your points
– Select “Transfer to partners,” then choose JetBlue TrueBlue
– Enter your TrueBlue membership number (create an account beforehand, it’s free) and double-check that it is correct
– Enter the amount (in multiples of 1,000) and confirm
– Verify that the points appear in your TrueBlue account.
Is it a good deal?
That depends on what you are aiming for :
Transferring points makes sense when the flight is expensive in cash (euros or dollars) but reasonably priced in points, for instance, during a long weekend or a peak travel period. Since JetBlue fares are dynamic, the value of a point varies from flight to flight.
It is less advantageous if you can book the same flight through the Chase travel portal at a fixed point value. In that case, compare both options before committing.
You should avoid doing this if you don’t have specific travel plans. Chase points held in reserve remain flexible, whereas TrueBlue points are locked into a single program.
A quick calculation is all it takes: divide the cash price of the ticket by the number of points required, then compare that value to your other option. If there is a clear difference, the choice is obvious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer JetBlue points to Chase? No. Transfers only work in the direction of Chase to JetBlue.
How long does a transfer take? For JetBlue, the service is described as virtually instantaneous. However, the process may take longer during periods of high volume. If the points do not appear after 24 to 48 hours, do not hesitate to contact Chase customer service, followed by JetBlue customer service.
What is the minimum amount? 1,000 points, and then in multiples of 1,000.
Which card should I choose? A card that allows transfers: the Sapphire Preferred for a moderate annual fee, or the Sapphire Reserve for richer travel benefits. Compare fees and current offers before applying.
Is the JetBlue card a better deal? If JetBlue is virtually the only airline you fly, yes, thanks to the bonus points on purchases. If you want flexibility, the Chase card wins.