The Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is the better choice if you’re indifferent between JetBlue and Delta since frequent Delta flyers get higher airline rewards and generous bonus miles offers. It provides 2x miles on Delta purchases and dining, making it ideal for Delta loyalists. However, the JetBlue Card should still be considered for its 3x points on JetBlue purchases and no annual fee, appealing to JetBlue travelers.
JetBlue Card
vs. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Updated: October 21, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.
JetBlue Card
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
On Issuer's Site
On Issuer's Site
Who JetBlue Card Is Best For
The JetBlue Card is likely to be better for those who frequently fly with JetBlue and want to earn rewards without an annual fee. It offers 3X points on JetBlue purchases and bonus points on dining and groceries, making it a good fit for everyday spenders who also travel. However, it may not be ideal for those who prefer airlines with a broader network or who want travel perks like free checked bags.
Who Delta SkyMiles Blue Is Best For
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is likely to be better for frequent Delta flyers who want to earn miles on their airline purchases and dining. It offers 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, plus a 20% savings on in-flight purchases. However, if you don't often fly with Delta, the card's benefits may not be as valuable. This card is best for those who prioritize Delta's network and services.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Card Details and Features
Point-by-point comparisons highlight key differences like APRs, fees and rewards, offering clarity beyond overall scores. For instance, if dining rewards matter, JetBlue Card offers 2X points at restaurants, while Delta SkyMiles Blue provides 2X miles. JetBlue's dining rewards are more advantageous for frequent diners.
Regular APR: Delta SkyMiles Blue
Delta SkyMiles Blue offers a better regular APR, with a starting APR of 20.49% compared to JetBlue Card's 21.24% variable. This makes Delta SkyMiles Blue more appealing to those who prioritize lower interest rates.
Annual Fee: Tie
Both JetBlue Card and Delta SkyMiles Blue offer a $0 annual fee, making them equally appealing for those seeking no-cost options.
Introductory 0% APRs: JetBlue Card
The JetBlue Card is better for introductory 0% APRs, offering a 0% APR for the first twelve billing cycles on balance transfers. The Delta SkyMiles Blue does not provide any introductory APR offers.
Rewards: JetBlue Card
The JetBlue Card is better for rewards, offering 3X points on JetBlue purchases and 2X at restaurants and grocery stores. In contrast, Delta SkyMiles Blue provides 2X miles on Delta purchases and restaurants. JetBlue's broader redemption options enhance its appeal.
Welcome Offers: JetBlue Card
The JetBlue Card is better for welcome offers. It provides 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in 90 days, compared to Delta SkyMiles Blue's 10,000 miles in six months. The JetBlue Card's higher intro offer return on investment (ROI) makes it more appealing.
Recommended Credit Score: Tie
Both the JetBlue Card and Delta SkyMiles Blue require a recommended credit score of 670 to 850, making them equally accessible for those with good to excellent credit.
Penalties and Fees: JetBlue Card
The JetBlue Card is better for penalties and fees, as it has no penalty APR and no foreign transaction fees. Both cards charge up to $40 for late payments and have similar cash advance fees.
Issuer Satisfaction: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is better for issuer satisfaction, with a higher rating from American Express compared to the JetBlue Card's issuer, Barclays.
Card Benefits: Delta SkyMiles Blue
The Delta SkyMiles Blue is better for card benefits, offering a 20% discount on in-flight purchases and Pay with Miles flexibility, with an expected perks value of $155. The JetBlue Card focuses on JetBlue-specific benefits, which may be less versatile.
Rewards Comparison
Both the JetBlue Card and Delta SkyMiles Blue offer rewards, but the JetBlue Card generally provides better value for those who frequently fly with JetBlue or spend on dining and groceries. The TrueBlue points are valued at approximately 1.45 cents, while Delta SkyMiles are valued at around 1.4 cents each. This makes the JetBlue Card slightly more rewarding in terms of point value.
For those indifferent to airline loyalty, the JetBlue Card's higher earning rates on dining and grocery purchases may be more appealing. However, if you often fly with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles Blue card's 2X miles on Delta purchases could be advantageous.
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of each card's rewards categories, allowing you to compare them at a glance.
Category | JetBlue Card | Delta SkyMiles Blue |
|---|---|---|
JetBlue Purchases | 3X points | 1X mile |
Delta Purchases | 1X points | 2X miles |
Dining | 2X points | 2X miles |
Groceries | 2X points | 1X mile |
All Other | 1X points | 1X mile |
Redeeming Rewards
JetBlue points can be redeemed for any seat on JetBlue-operated flights, and they never expire, offering flexibility for frequent JetBlue travelers. Delta miles, which also do not expire, provide broader redemption options through the SkyMiles program, making them versatile for those who frequently fly with Delta.
FAQ: Delta SkyMiles Blue vs. JetBlue Card
What are the main differences in rewards between the JetBlue Card and Delta SkyMiles Blue Card?
JetBlue Card offers 3x points on JetBlue purchases and 2x on dining and groceries. Delta SkyMiles Blue Card offers 2x miles on Delta purchases and dining.
Do both cards have foreign transaction fees?
No, both the JetBlue Card and Delta SkyMiles Blue Card have no foreign transaction fees.
Which card offers better dining rewards?
The JetBlue Card offers 2x points on dining, while the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card offers 2x miles on dining.
What are the introductory offers for each card?
JetBlue Card offers 10,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days. Delta SkyMiles Blue Card offers 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first six months.
What credit score is required for these cards?
Both cards require a credit score of 670 to 850, which is considered good to excellent.
Methodology
MoneyGeek's scoring process evaluates each card based on multiple use cases, ensuring the scores reflect the cards' strengths. In this comparison, the scores shown represent the best performance of each card in the 'Airline' category. Several factors determine this score:
- Expected value for travelers: Measures the monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for frequent travelers.
- Airline scope: Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to, which helps inform the breadth of travel options for the airline program.
- Introductory offer ROI value: Assesses the return on investment (ROI) from the card's sign-up bonus.
- Airline rewards rate for travelers: Evaluates the rewards earned on airline expenditures for frequent travelers.
- Issuer satisfaction: Based on customer satisfaction ratings from studies like J.D. Power.
- Foreign transaction fees: Rates the card's fees for international transactions.
- Recommended credit: Indicates the credit score range required for approval.
For more details on our scoring process, review our ranking methodology.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.