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Chase Freedom Flex vs JetBlue Plus: Which Is Better In 2025?
July 1, 2025

Editor's Picks
- The Chase Freedom Flex® is a great no-annual-fee card for maximizing cash back on rotating quarterly categories, dining, and drugstore purchases.
- The JetBlue Plus Card® is ideal for frequent JetBlue flyers who want to earn points on flights and enjoy perks like a free checked bag for a reasonable annual fee.
Chase Freedom Flex® Breakdown
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Why We Like It
Here’s a closer look at what makes the Chase Freedom Flex® a standout choice for cash back enthusiasts.
- With no annual fee, every dollar you earn in cash back is pure profit.
- The card features rotating 5% cash back categories on up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter upon activation, plus strong rewards on dining and travel through Chase.
- Maximizing the rotating 5% bonus categories can net you $300 in cash back each year from those purchases alone (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Rewards come in the form of flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which can be pooled with other Chase cards to unlock more valuable redemption options, like travel partner transfers.
- It offers excellent consumer protections for a no-annual-fee card, including cell phone protection against damage or theft and purchase protection.
Cons
- The rewards program requires active management, as you must track and activate rotating bonus categories each quarter to earn the highest rates.
- It’s not ideal for international travel because it charges foreign transaction fees.
- Strict application rules and credit requirements can make the card difficult to obtain.
JetBlue Plus Breakdown
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Why We Like It
This card packs a lot of value for its annual fee, and here’s a closer look at why we think it’s a great choice for JetBlue flyers.
- You'll earn a generous 6 points per dollar on JetBlue purchases and 2 points per dollar at restaurants and eligible grocery stores.
- Cardholders receive a free first checked bag for themselves and up to three companions on the same reservation, plus 5,000 bonus points every year.
- Checking a bag on just two round-trip flights could save you around $140, more than covering the card's $99 annual fee (publisher-formulated estimate).
Pros
- Enjoy a free checked bag for you and your travel companions, plus savings on in-flight purchases.
- Earn points faster on JetBlue purchases and get a portion of your points back every time you redeem for a flight.
- Receive an annual bonus of TrueBlue points and get a boost toward earning Mosaic elite status through your spending.
Cons
- It lacks key premium travel perks like airport lounge access, priority boarding, and credits for expedited security screening.
- The annual statement credit is restricted to vacation packages, which may not be useful for all travelers.
- Cardholders do not receive automatic elite status, and the card's value is best for those who frequently fly JetBlue and check bags.
JetBlue Plus vs Chase Freedom Flex®
Categories
Deciding which is better, Chase Freedom Flex or JetBlue Plus, depends entirely on your spending habits and travel preferences.
- Chase Freedom Flex® is designed for savvy spenders who enjoy maximizing rewards across a wide range of purchases. It excels with high earning rates in rotating quarterly categories, plus consistent rewards on dining, drugstores, and travel booked through Chase.
- JetBlue Plus Card is the clear choice for frequent JetBlue travelers looking to accumulate points for flights. Its rewards structure is optimized for spending with the airline, with additional benefits for purchases at restaurants and grocery stores.
Redemption
Chase Freedom Flex®: Rewards are earned as points that can be redeemed for cash back, travel booked through Chase, gift cards, and more, offering a high degree of flexibility.
JetBlue Plus Card: Points are redeemed directly with the airline for flights, making it a straightforward way to earn award travel on JetBlue.
Travel Perks
- Chase Freedom Flex®:
- Travel Portal: Cardholders can book travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: This card includes a foreign transaction fee on international purchases.
- Lounge Access: Airport lounge access is not a feature of this card.
- JetBlue Plus Card:
- Travel Portal: Points are redeemed for flights directly through JetBlue's booking platform.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: This card does not charge foreign transaction fees.
- Airline-Specific Perks: Offers a free first checked bag for the cardmember and up to three companions on the same reservation, savings on eligible in-flight purchases, an annual statement credit after purchasing a JetBlue Vacations package, and a way to earn Mosaic elite status through spending.
- Lounge Access: Airport lounge access is not included.
Compare Top Rated Credit Cards with Kudos
To make a confident, data-driven decision, a tool like Kudos can help you compare top-rated cards based on your actual spending habits.
- Test drive credit cards: Simulate your potential earnings with any card using your real spending data before you apply.
- Personalized recommendations: Get matched with cards that align with your individual spending patterns.
- Approval odds: See a detailed analysis of your chances of getting approved for different cards based on your credit report.
- Track sign-up bonuses: Monitor your progress toward earning welcome offers for free.
- Welcome offer guarantee: If you find a better offer within three months of approval, Kudos will match it.
Who Should Choose the Chase Freedom Flex®?
The Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent choice for savvy spenders who enjoy maximizing rewards by taking advantage of rotating quarterly bonus categories. It's also a great fit for those who frequently dine out or shop at drugstores and want to earn elevated cash back without paying an annual fee. Furthermore, this card is a key component for users looking to build a "Chase trifecta" strategy, allowing them to pool valuable Ultimate Rewards® points with premium Chase cards.
Who Should Choose the JetBlue Plus?
The JetBlue Plus Card™ is tailored for casual or moderately frequent JetBlue flyers who want valuable perks without a hefty price tag. With a reasonable $99 annual fee, cardholders who fly JetBlue just a couple of times a year can easily offset the cost through benefits like a free first checked bag and 5,000 anniversary bonus points. It's the ideal choice for travelers loyal to the airline but not in need of the premium perks found in more expensive cards, as this JetBlue card comparison explains.
Alternatives to Consider
If, after considering the Chase Freedom Flex vs JetBlue Plus comparison, you've decided neither the Chase Freedom Flex® nor the JetBlue Plus Card is for you, there are other great options to explore.
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Tips for Application Success
Before You Apply
- Check your credit score: Most rewards cards require a good to excellent credit history for approval.
- Review issuer-specific rules: Be aware of application restrictions, such as Chase’s 5/24 rule, or rules on earning a welcome offer.
- Understand benefit requirements: Some perks, like rotating bonus categories or statement credits, may require enrollment or activation.
Application Strategy
- Time your application around large planned purchases to help meet welcome offer spending requirements.
- Keep track of your recently opened cards, as some issuers like Chase have limits on new accounts.
- Research an issuer's product family rules, as having one card may make you ineligible for another's welcome offer.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer points from the Chase Freedom Flex to JetBlue?
While you can't transfer points directly from the Chase Freedom Flex℠ to JetBlue's TrueBlue program, it is possible if you also have a premium Chase card. Holding a card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card allows you to pool your points and then transfer them to airline partners, including JetBlue.
What are the annual fees for these cards?
The Chase Freedom Flex℠ has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for earning rewards. The JetBlue Plus Card, however, does have an annual fee, which is common for co-branded airline cards that offer significant travel perks.
Is the JetBlue Plus Card worth it if I don't fly JetBlue often?
The JetBlue Plus Card is most valuable for frequent JetBlue flyers who can maximize benefits like free checked bags and anniversary bonus points. If you fly with a variety of airlines, a general travel rewards card might be a better fit.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos 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.














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