JetBlue Card vs. United Explorer Card
Even split across the criteria below. Pick the one whose strengths match how you'll actually use it.
JetBlue Card
Barclays
United Explorer Card
Chase
JetBlue Card and United Explorer Card split the criteria evenly. Neither is the obvious all-rounder; the right pick depends on which dimensions matter to you.
JetBlue Card wins on annual fee and earning ceiling; United Explorer Card wins on first-year math and travel insurance.
Pick the United Explorer Card if year-one math is your priority; take the JetBlue Card if you want a cheaper card to keep long-term.
Who wins what
2 vs 2- First-year math United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card wins on bonus value minus annual fee.
- Annual fee JetBlue Card
JetBlue Card is $150 cheaper to keep.
- Earning ceiling JetBlue Card
JetBlue Card earns more on its best category (3× vs 2×).
- Travel insurance United Explorer Card
United Explorer Card carries built-in travel insurance.
By the numbers
- Annual fee
- Free
- $150
- Welcome offer (typical value)
- —
- $910
- First-year net
- +$0
- +$760
- Peak earning rate
- 3×
- 2×
- Top categories
- Jetblue Purchases, Dining, Grocery Stores
- Airfare, Hotels Resorts, Dining
- Lounge access
- No
- No
- Travel insurance
- No
- Yes
- Elite status
- No
- No
- Foreign transaction fee
- None
- None
- Reward currency
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- United MileagePlus
Welcome-offer dollar values use each program's typical-tier valuation from our signup bonus calculator. See the methodology page for sourcing details.