Discover the perfect Delta SkyMiles Credit Card to elevate your travel experience. Earn miles, enjoy perks, and embark on unforgettable journeys with American Express.
In the world of travel rewards, American Express offers a treasure trove of options to suit various lifestyles and preferences. Among these gems are the Delta SkyMiles® American Express Credit Cards, each shining with its unique set of benefits and perks. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the details of these credit cards to help you discover the perfect match for your travel aspirations.
At-A-Glance: A World of Travel Possibilities
American Express presents four distinct Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards, each adorned with its own set of enticing features and advantages. These perks may encompass double or triple miles in specific spending categories, complimentary companion tickets, airport lounge access, and the coveted Medallion® Status miles. No matter your travel habits or preferences, rest assured that there's a Delta Card designed to complement your lifestyle.
Which Delta Credit Card Is Your Perfect Match?
The question of which Delta SkyMiles American Express Credit Card is best suited for you is a personal one, influenced by your lifestyle, financial situation, and travel dreams. Let's take a closer look at the four distinct cards available:
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue Card, now crafted from 70% reclaimed plastic, boasts a delightful feature - no annual fee. Card Members enjoy the privilege of earning two miles per dollar spent on restaurant purchases, including takeout and delivery, as well as 1X miles on all other eligible transactions. Moreover, this card extends its benefits to Delta-related expenses:
- Earn 2X miles on airline tickets purchased directly with Delta Airlines.
- Enjoy a generous 20% cashback, provided as a statement credit, for eligible Delta in-flight purchases, including food, drinks, and headphones.
- Utilize the Pay with Miles feature to reduce flight costs by up to $50 for every 5,000 miles redeemed when booking on Delta’s website.
Details:
- Annual Fee: None
- Earn Rate: 2X Miles on Delta purchases, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Pros:
- No annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice.
- Earn miles on Delta purchases and dining expenses.
- No foreign transaction fees, ideal for international travel.
- Access to the Delta Sky Club can be added at a fee.
Cons:
- Limited travel benefits compared to higher-tier cards.
- Limited airport perks.
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue Card is the ideal choice for infrequent travelers who aim to accumulate miles over time for that special, once-in-a-lifetime journey. With no annual fee, it's the perfect companion to help you realize those long-awaited travel dreams.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Travel enthusiasts who find themselves taking to the skies more frequently may find solace in the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Credit Card. This card offers an accelerated path to earning miles while also featuring a unique perk - no annual fee for the first year, followed by a $99 annual fee.
Details:
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, $99 thereafter
- Earn Rate: 2X Miles on Delta purchases, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, 2X Miles at U.S. supermarkets, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Pros:
- Generous rewards on Delta purchases, dining, and groceries.
- First checked bag free on Delta flights for you and up to 8 companions.
- Priority boarding.
- Discounts on Delta Sky Club access.
- Travel and purchase protections.
Cons:
- Annual fee kicks in after the first year.
- Fewer premium perks compared to higher-tier cards.
American Express Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card Members can revel in the following privileges:
- Complimentary first checked bag on Delta flights, provided it meets the airline's weight and size criteria.
- A 15% discount on Award Travel bookings with miles for Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
- Earning 2X miles on airline ticket purchases with Delta.
- The ability to use Pay with Miles.
- A 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases when using their card.
Furthermore, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card enhances your daily life with 2X miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, while all other eligible purchases earn 1X miles. If you spend $10,000 or more in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card in a calendar year, you can earn a $100 Delta Flight Credit, paving the way for future adventures.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
For the frequent traveler yearning for even more benefits, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card steps in with a $250 annual fee. This card caters to those who crave substantial opportunities for SkyMiles accumulation and a host of annual perks, including complimentary companion certificates.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members enjoy the following advantages:
- Earning 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta.
- Accumulating 3X miles on hotel reservations made directly with hotels.
- Savoring 2X miles at restaurants.
- Reaping 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earning 1X miles on other eligible transactions.
Details:
- Annual Fee: $250
- Earn Rate: 3X Miles on Delta purchases, 3X Miles at hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Pros:
- Enhanced earning potential.
- Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club when flying Delta.
- Annual companion certificate.
- First checked bag free and priority boarding.
- Travel and purchase protections.
Cons:
- Significant annual fee.
- Companion certificate has restrictions.
- Not as premium as the Reserve Card.
Furthermore, Card Members who spend $25,000 in purchases on their Card during a calendar year earn 10,000 MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) up to twice per year. These MQMs unlock the door to Delta's Medallion rewards system, providing access to an array of exclusive luxuries, from free upgrades and fee waivers to priority security line access and travel vouchers.
American Express Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members also enjoy a host of additional perks:
- A 15% discount when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights via delta.com and the Fly Delta app (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
- Access to Delta Sky Club® for $50 per person, accommodating up to two guests when flying Delta (please note that this benefit will no longer be available starting January 1, 2024).
- A complimentary round-trip companion certificate annually for domestic main cabin travel (government-imposed taxes and fees, up to $80, apply for roundtrip domestic flights with up to four flight segments).
- A statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ membership every four years, as long as you use your Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card to pay for the application fee. Note that Global Entry approval also includes TSA Pre✓ at no extra charge. Card Members can apply for TSA Pre✓ through any Authorized Enrollment Provider.
When applying for a Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card, you have the choice of two card materials: the classic metal design or the eco-conscious 70% reclaimed plastic option.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
For the discerning traveler who craves the ultimate in travel comfort, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card stands as the pinnacle of luxury. While it shares features with other Delta Cards, such as Pay with Miles and a 20% statement credit for in-flight purchases, its $550 annual fee emphasizes opulent travel experiences.
Key benefits of the American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card include:
- A Status Boost® benefit that awards Card Members 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $30,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, up to four times.
- The Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) Waiver, which allows you to waive the MQDs requirement toward Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion Status after spending at least $25,000 in eligible purchases on your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card in a calendar year.
Please note that, starting January 1, 2024, changes to these benefits will take effect, so be sure to stay updated.
Details:
- Annual Fee: $550
- Earn Rate: 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Pros:
- Highest level of Delta Sky Club access.
- Complimentary access to the Centurion Lounge when flying Delta.
- Annual companion certificate.
- First checked bag free and priority boarding.
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit.
- Premium travel and purchase protections.
Cons:
- Steep annual fee.
- Limited to dedicated Delta flyers.
- Companion certificate has restrictions.
Additionally, the American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card comes with a wealth of other benefits and perks, including:
- A 15% discount when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights via delta.com and the Fly Delta app (excluding partner-operated flights and taxes/fees).
- Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta (starting February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 visits per year, with unlimited visits available starting February 1, 2025, if you spend at least $75,000 in eligible purchases on the Card between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter).
- Free access to The Centurion® Lounge when booking a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- A complimentary round-trip domestic first class, Delta Comfort+®, or main cabin companion certificate annually (government-imposed taxes and fees, up to $80, apply for roundtrip domestic flights with up to four flight segments).
- Priority upgrade consideration over other Medallion members within the same Medallion level and fare class grouping.
- A first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- A statement credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓ membership every four years, as long as you use your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card to pay for the application fee. Note that Global Entry approval also includes TSA Pre✓ at no extra charge. Card Members can apply for TSA Pre✓ through any Authorized Enrollment Provider.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, selecting the right Delta SkyMiles American Express Card depends on your unique blend of travel desires, financial circumstances, and spending habits. These four cards, with their distinct features and benefits, offer a range of options to cater to the casual traveler or the frequent flier.
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Which Card Is Right for You?
- Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Ideal for occasional Delta flyers who want to earn miles without an annual fee.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Great for frequent Delta flyers who want enhanced rewards and some travel perks.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Suited for travelers who value premium benefits and travel frequently with Delta.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: For dedicated Delta enthusiasts who want the highest level of luxury and access.
FAQs
Do AmEx Delta SkyMiles cards have foreign transaction fees?
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card has no foreign transaction fees. The other cards may have these fees.
Can I earn miles on non-Delta purchases?
Yes, all these cards offer miles on non-Delta purchases, with varying rates.
Are there any restrictions on the companion certificates?
Yes, companion certificates have restrictions such as fare class limitations and blackout dates. Be sure to review the terms.
Do these cards come with travel insurance?
Yes, they offer various travel and purchase protections, but the coverage may differ.
Can you use American Express points for Delta flights?
Yes, American Express points can be used for Delta flights through the Delta SkyMiles program. When you link your American Express account to your Delta SkyMiles account, you can redeem your Amex points to book Delta flights. This provides you with the flexibility to use your reward points for your Delta travel needs, making it a valuable feature for those who prefer to fly with Delta.
Is it free to transfer Amex points to Delta?
The transfer of American Express points to Delta SkyMiles may not be entirely free. While American Express often allows point transfers to their airline partners, they may charge a fee for each transfer. The specific fee amount can vary, so it's essential to review the terms and conditions of your American Express card to understand the cost associated with transferring points to Delta. Being informed about any fees ensures you can make decisions aligned with your budget and travel goals.
Does Amex let you access Delta Lounge?
Yes, American Express offers complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges for certain cardholders. This benefit is available with several Delta co-branded American Express cards. Access to Delta Sky Club lounges provides you with a relaxing and comfortable environment before your flight, including amenities like snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi. However, eligibility for Delta Sky Club access depends on the specific American Express Delta card you hold, so it's essential to check your card's terms and benefits to confirm if you can enjoy this perk.
How to transfer American Express points to Delta?
Transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta SkyMiles is a straightforward process:
Log In: Access your American Express account online.
Link Accounts: Ensure that your American Express account is linked to your Delta SkyMiles account.
Transfer Points: Navigate to the Membership Rewards section, where you'll find an option to transfer points to various partners, including Delta SkyMiles.
Provide Details: Enter the number of points you want to transfer and provide your Delta SkyMiles account details.
Confirm Transfer: Review the transfer details and confirm the transaction. Typically, the points transfer to your Delta SkyMiles account within a few days.
How do I convert Amex points to Delta miles?
Converting American Express Membership Rewards points to Delta miles is a seamless process. Start by logging into your American Express account. Then, navigate to the Membership Rewards section. Within this section, you'll find an option to transfer points to Delta SkyMiles. Follow the prompts, enter the necessary information, and confirm the transfer. Once completed, your Amex points will be converted into Delta miles, ready to be used for booking Delta flights.
Is it worth transferring Amex points to Delta?
The decision to transfer American Express points to Delta SkyMiles depends on your travel preferences and goals. To determine if it's worth transferring, consider factors such as the current conversion rate, Delta's route network, and your travel plans. Evaluate Delta's flight availability and destinations to see if they align with your needs. Additionally, compare redemption options and promotions to assess the value of transferring points to Delta. If Delta offers competitive options and convenient routes, transferring your Amex points can be a worthwhile choice, enhancing your travel experience and making the most of your rewards. However, it's essential to research and compare to ensure it's the best fit for your specific circumstances.
Does Delta SkyMiles Gold Card have rental car insurance?
The car rental loss and damage insurance is a benefit of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card. When you book and pay for the entire rental with an eligible card, decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) at the rental company counter, and then utilize this insurance to cover damage or theft to a rental automobile, you are covered.
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