My Strategy for Getting Airfare for 2 "FREE" (LAX>MCO) with the JetBlue Plus MasterCard?

[KJeff90]

I recently applied for the JetBlue Plus MasterCard, and was lucky enough to get approved(credit line is kind of irrelevant, at least I think so for now). There was an introductory offer of 30,000 TrueBlue Points that is awarded after $1,000 spend within 3 months. That ship has sailed, and awarded as of the past few days.

The card also has a nice point-based system that awards 6x points for every dollar spent on JetBlue.com purchases, 2x points for every dollar spent on restaurant/grocery purchases, and 1x for every dollar spent on any other purchase. I also get the added perk of getting 50% off purchases made in flight, and checked bags for me and up to 3 people on the flight confirmation number(up to ~$100 savings each way).

I've divided up my upcoming WDW trip for 8 (Link to the pre-trip report is featured in my signature) into three things that need to be purchased: admission, resort reservation package(includes dining), and finally airfare. I was thinking that by strategically purchasing each of the three categories, it could result me in airfare for 2(maybe 3), round trip, for free with points.

For the package and admission, I would normally get 1 point/dollar; but I'm buying Disney Gift cards at Target/Food4Less/Other Grocery Stores to get double points. Then I'll use those gift cards for paying off the balance of our package/purchasing admission for 4 individuals.

Also, I've broken up the airfare bookings into 3 groups:
-First myself and the three others who would be benefiting from a free checked bag. We'd get x6/dollar, plus an additional x6/dollar for my individual ticket as the standard TrueBlue account allows.
-Then, based on how many points accumulate with the previous purchases(and the cost, in points, for airfare) I can get either the 2 or 3 into one group for free airfare, and then pay for the 1 or 2 people I need to pay for out of pocket(before the free airfare ones are booked, of course).

That's my plan of attack, but I was wondering what others think. Is there a better way to optimize and get maximum pointage/free airfare? I value thoughts, and would love to hear if anyone else has experience with the JetBlue Plus MasterCard, JetBlue, or credit cards of this nature.

 

[jujubiee4]

Try posting this in the "I love credit cards so much " thread. Some very skilled people
in there can advise you on how to maximize and plan! I get my advice there lol

 

[aliceindisneyland]

Double check that Target counts as grocery store for that card before buying gcs there to get 2x grocery store pts. I don't think ccs usually count Target or Walmart as grocery.

 

[Angrose]

Do you have a spouse who could also apply for the JetBlue card? Right now the bonus is at 60,000 points for the same $1,000 spending requirement: https://www.barclaycardus.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=2245&cellNumber=28

Also, you get 3x JetBlue points if you click through their portal when shopping at Amazon.

American Express Membership Rewards also transfer to JetBlue. Perhaps look into the AMEX Premier Rewards Gold card is a good introductory card and the annual fee is waived for the first year. Right now the bonus is only at 25,000 points though so if you can wait for a higher bonus then I would do that.

 

[KJeff90]

Try posting this in the "I love credit cards so much " thread. Some very skilled people
in there can advise you on how to maximize and plan! I get my advice there lol

Thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely bring this up in that post.

Double check that Target counts as grocery store for that card before buying gcs there to get 2x grocery store pts. I don't think ccs usually count Target or Walmart as grocery.

I did a test transaction at the local Target for a $50 Gift Card. Then I checked my account on the Barclay site, and it credited 100 TrueBlue Points.

Do you have a spouse who could also apply for the JetBlue card? Right now the bonus is at 60,000 points for the same $1,000 spending requirement: https://www.barclaycardus.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=2245&cellNumber=28

Also, you get 3x JetBlue points if you click through their portal when shopping at Amazon.

American Express Membership Rewards also transfer to JetBlue. Perhaps look into the AMEX Premier Rewards Gold card is a good introductory card and the annual fee is waived for the first year. Right now the bonus is only at 25,000 points though so if you can wait for a higher bonus then I would do that.

Unfortunately I don't have a spouse to take advantage of that new offer. I applied for the card just before the 60,000 points offer released(and while the apparent 40,000 points offer was being offered). I asked Barclay if they could match either offer, but came up short. I realized later that Barclay usually, if they do, match offers within 30 days of opening the account. I found out a bit too late.

I'm well aware of the 3x TrueBlue points when shopping with Amazon... and it's amazing! When you think about it, I get the 3x points through the portal, then an additional 1x points by using the JetBlue Plus card.... which equals 4x True Blue points when shopping with Amazon.

While applying for another card would be nice, I feel like it could be a bit more than I can handle right now.

 

[Angrose]

Thanks for the heads up, I'll definitely bring this up in that post.


I did a test transaction at the local Target for a $50 Gift Card. Then I checked my account on the Barclay site, and it credited 100 TrueBlue Points.


Unfortunately I don't have a spouse to take advantage of that new offer. I applied for the card just before the 60,000 points offer released(and while the apparent 40,000 points offer was being offered). I asked Barclay if they could match either offer, but came up short. I realized later that Barclay usually, if they do, match offers within 30 days of opening the account. I found out a bit too late.

I'm well aware of the 3x TrueBlue points when shopping with Amazon... and it's amazing! When you think about it, I get the 3x points through the portal, then an additional 1x points by using the JetBlue Plus card.... which equals 4x True Blue points when shopping with Amazon.

While applying for another card would be nice, I feel like it could be a bit more than I can handle right now.

Oh that's good that you are already doing the 3x points through Amazon! I can totally understand not wanting to get another credit card right now. That game is not for everyone. @Lain mentioned some great strategies for maximizing points when shopping. Good luck with all your trip planning!