Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp vs The JetBlue Card
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American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp vs The JetBlue Card

Both cards offer basic airline benefits, decent cashback and no annual fee. But, the JetBlue card is our winner - here's why:
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: September 10, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp and The JetBlue Card are both airline-specific credit cards with no annual fee that provide points and other airline benefits. Let's compare them side by side: 

General Comparison

The American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp card, issued by Citi, is tailored for budget-conscious travelers or those who may not fly as frequently. 

On the other hand, the JetBlue Card, issued by Barclays, is a no annual fee card designed for travelers who prefer JetBlue Airways. It also offers 0% intro APR and no foreign transaction fees – rewards that you don't get with the MileUp card. 

Here's a side by side comparison of the cards main features:

jetblue card

The JetBlue Card
AAdvantage MileUp
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Rewards
3 points per $1 spent on JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
2 AAdvantage miles per dollar on grocery stores and eligible American Airlines purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases
Welcome bonus
10,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days after opening your account
10,000 miles and $50 statement credit if you spend $500 in first 3 months
0% Intro APR
12 billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening
None
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
3%
Purchase APR
21.24% – 29.99%
21.24% – 29.99% (Variable)
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
70,000 points 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
70,000 points 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Miles Rewards Analysis: Which Card Is Better?

When we analyze the number of points cardholders can get for each card for the same spend,  the JetBlue card offers better points rewards ratio and higher annual rewards worth.

Of course, the results can change based on spending habits.

jetblue card

Spend Per Category
The JetBlue Card
AAdvantage MileUp
$10,000 – U.S Supermarkets
20,000 points
20,000 miles
$4,000 – Restaurants
8,000 points
4,000 miles
$5,000 – Airline
15,000 points
10,000 miles
$5,000 – Hotels
5,000 points
5,000 miles
$4,000 – Gas
4,000 points
4,000 miles
Total Points/Miles
52,000 points
43,000 miles
Redemption Value (Estimated)
1 point = ~1.4 cents
1 mile = ~1.5 cents
Estimated Annual Value
$728
$645

The AAdvantage MileUp Card offers simple and flexible redemption options for miles earned. You can use your miles for travel-related expenses like flights and hotels or even get cash back.

Book a flight with AAdvantage Mileup card miles
Book a flight with AAdvantage Mileup card miles (screenshot taken by our team from American Airlines app)

The JetBlue Card lets you earn points for every purchase, and you can redeem them for flights on JetBlue. It's like collecting miles to get free flights. You also have the flexibility to use points for hotel stays or car rentals if you prefer. Plus, there are no blackout dates, so you can book your travel whenever suits you.

Airline Benefits And Protections: Comparison

Since both cards don't charge an annual fee, the additional benefits of each card are pretty limited – here's a comparison of the extra perks for each card:

The JetBlue Card

jetblue card

  • Accelerate Mosaic Status: Earn progress towards JetBlue's Mosaic elite status with every purchase.
  • In-flight savings: Enjoy a 50% discount on eligible purchases made in-flight on JetBlue-operated flights.
  • Fraud protection: Benefit from $0 Fraud Liability, ensuring you are not held accountable for unauthorized charges on your JetBlue Card.
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp

  • 25% Savings on Inflight Food and Beverage: When using the card on American Airlines flights, users receive a 25% discount on purchases of inflight food and beverages, providing additional savings during air travel.
redeem rewards with American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp
(Photo by Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock)
  • $0 Liability On Unauthorized Charges: ensuring you are not held responsible for charges you did not authorize.
JetBlue Terminal at JFK
(Photo by JetBlue Terminal at JFK /Shutterstock)

When You Might Want The AAdvantage MileUp Card?

You might prefer the American Airlines in the following situations:

  • Frequent American Airlines Flyers: If you are a loyal customer of American Airlines, consistently choosing their flights, the AAdvantage MileUp card offers tailored benefits and rewards for American Airlines travelers, making it a better fit for those seeking airline-specific perks and mileage accumulation with this particular carrier

  • Extensive Global Network: If your travel often involves international destinations or locations well-covered by the extensive global network of American Airlines and its partners, the AAdvantage MileUp card might be preferable. It provides the opportunity to accumulate AAdvantage miles that can be used for a broader range of destinations worldwide.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
70,000 points 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, receive 20% back in statement credits on eligible purchases made at restaurants worldwide within the first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $100 back. Limited time offer. Offer ends 11/6/24.

hilton honors card

Rewards Plan:
3X – 7X 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio, 5x points at U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery) U.S.supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and 3x points for each dollar on other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
70,000 points 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership

Marriot bonvoy bevy card art

Rewards Plan:
2x – 6x 6X points on purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy, 4X points at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $15,000 in combined purchases per year, then 2X points), 2X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
85,000 points 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

amex platinum

Rewards Plan:
1X – 5X 5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
80,000 points 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership

amex brilliant

Rewards Plan:
2X – 6X 6 Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy™ program, 3 points at Worldwide restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
95,000 points 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership

Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum card

Rewards Plan:
1X – 3X 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Bonus:
50,000 miles 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in your first six months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Want The JetBlue Card?

You might prefer the JetBlue card in the following situations:

  • You Want 0% Intro APR: unlike the MileUp card, the JetBlue Card offers 0% intro APR. So if you're interested in balance transfer and 0% intro APR, this card is superior.

  • Better points Rewards Ratio: As our analysis shows, the JetBlue card offers a better points rewards ratio in airline and dining categories.
  • You Want No Foreign Transaction Fee: If you use the card when traveling abroad, you can save a lot of money by that feature that. The MileUp card charges 3% as a foreign transaction fee.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for an airline credit card with travel rewards – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:

united explorer

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Review

United℠ Explorer Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Citi®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®
Annual Fee
$95 ($0 first year)
$150, $0 intro first year. (See Rates and Fees.)
$99 (waived for the first 12 months)
Rewards
1X – 2X 2x per $1 spent on United purchases, hotel accommodations, restaurants & eligible delivery services and 1x per $1 spent on all other purchases
1X – 2X 2X miles on delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide (including take-out and delivery in the U.S) and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
1X – 2X Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases. Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases.
Welcome bonus
50,000 miles 50,000 miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
40,000 Miles 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months
50,000 Miles 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0. See Rates and Fees.
$0
Purchase APR
21.99% – 28.99% variable
20.99%-29.99% Variable
21.24% – 29.99% (Variable)

Compare The JetBlue Card

If you tend to fly at least twice a year with JetBlue – the plus card is our winner, with a higher cashback rate and enticing airline perks.

The JetBlue Card vs The JetBlue Plus Card: How They Compare?

Both JetBlue and Delta SkyMiles Blue offer basic airline benefits and no annual fee. We think the JetBlue card is a clear winner, here's why.

The JetBlue Card vs Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex: Which Airline Card Wins

Compare American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp

If you're looking for an airline card, both American Airlines and JetBlue cards can be a perfect choice, depends on your needs. Here are our thoughts.

AAdvantage MileUp vs JetBlue Plus: Which Airline Card Wins?

We think that for most consumers, the no-annual-fee AAdvantage MileUp card may be a better option. When you may consider the Platinum Select?

American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp vs. Platinum Select

The AAdvantage MileUp is our winner, especially if you plan to use the card for more categories besides travel. Here's why.

United Gateway Card vs American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp : Comparison

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.