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 a great choice for budget-conscious travelers or those who don’t fly as often.
On the other hand, the JetBlue Card, issued by Barclays, is a no-annual-fee option for travelers who prefer JetBlue Airways. It also offers 0% intro APR and no foreign transaction fees—benefits that the MileUp card doesn’t offer.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main features:
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 | 15,000 miles 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 | 20.74% – 29.99% | 20.74% – 29.74% (Variable)
|
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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.
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.
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
- 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.
- $0 Liability On Unauthorized Charges: ensuring you are not held responsible for charges you did not authorize.
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.
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When You Might Want The JetBlue Card?
You might prefer the JetBlue Card in these situations:
You Want 0% Intro APR:Unlike the MileUp Card, the JetBlue Card offers 0% intro APR. If you’re looking to do a balance transfer or take advantage of 0% interest, this card is the better choice.
- Better Points Rewards Ratio: As our analysis shows, the JetBlue Card offers a better points rewards ratio in the airline and dining categories.
- You Want No Foreign Transaction Fee: If you plan to use your card while traveling abroad, the JetBlue Card can help you save, as it has no foreign transaction fees. The MileUp Card, on the other hand, charges a 3% fee for foreign transactions.
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 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.
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50,000 Miles
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership.
|
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 | 21.49% – 28.49% variable APR | 20.24% – 29.24% Variable | 20.74% – 29.74% (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
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?
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