Compare Delta Credit Cards for Travel and Rewards

If you're a frequent traveler or a loyal Delta customer, a Delta credit card can be a great way to earn rewards and save on flights. The Delta SkyMiles credit card offers 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta.

Delta offers several credit cards, each with its own set of benefits and rewards. The Delta Gold American Express Card, for example, comes with a $100 statement credit after making a Delta purchase within your first 3 months.

Delta's credit card offers can be a bit overwhelming, but let's break it down.

A card's welcome offer and annual fee tell you what kind of value you can get from a card right off the bat. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card has a welcome bonus offer of 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.

The Platinum Card from American Express has a standard welcome bonus offer of 80,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. This bonus is worth $1,440 in travel, on average, if you value Amex points at 1.8 cents each.

A premium card like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card could be worth the higher annual fees for some frequent Delta flyers. Personal Finance Insider values Delta miles at 1.1 cents apiece, making the 70,000 bonus miles worth $770 in travel, on average.

It's possible to get significantly more (or less) value from your rewards, depending on how you use them.

The Delta SkyMiles credit cards offer a range of earning and benefits that can be tailored to your specific needs and travel habits.

The Platinum Card from American Express earns 5 Membership Rewards points per dollar on flights purchased directly from an airline or through American Express Travel, making it a great option for frequent flyers.

For Delta-specific benefits, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 3 miles per dollar with Delta and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

One of the most valuable benefits of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is the MQD waiver, which waives the Medallion Qualification Dollars requirement for any Medallion level except for Diamond when you spend $25,000 in a calendar year.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card offers superior earning potential at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, earning 2X miles in these categories.

Here's a comparison of the bonus categories for each card:

The Delta SkyMiles Blue card earns 2X miles at restaurants and on Delta purchases, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers who want to earn miles on everyday spending.

All Delta cardholders have access to some great perks, including a 20% discount on in-flight purchases, and no foreign transaction fees. This means you can use your card to pay for snacks, drinks, or Wi-Fi on Delta flights and get 20% back as a statement credit.

Some cards also offer additional benefits, such as Global Assist Hotline, Rental Car Loss/Damage Insurance, Baggage Insurance, and Purchase Protection. These benefits can be really helpful when traveling, especially if you're not familiar with the area.

Here are some specific benefits you can expect from Delta credit cards:

Universal Perks are a great feature of Delta credit cards. All Delta cardholders can enjoy these benefits, making them a valuable addition to any travel wallet.

One of the perks is an in-flight purchases discount, where you can get 20% back as a statement credit when you pay for a snack, beverage, or Wi-Fi using your Delta card.

You'll also appreciate the lack of foreign transaction fees, which can save you money on purchases made outside the U.S.

Here are the universal perks in a nutshell:

Personal Delta-branded cards offer elevated earnings of 2 to 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on every other purchase.

All personal Delta-branded cards provide a free checked bag, priority boarding, and a 20% discount for in-flight food and beverage.

The Pay with Miles benefit allows card members to use their miles towards the purchase of a ticket at 1 cent each in value.

This benefit can be a game-changer for travelers who want to redeem their miles for flights.

The perks of having a Delta-branded credit card are numerous and exciting. You'll enjoy benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card offers a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions on Delta flights, as well as Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights. This can save you a lot of time and hassle when traveling with a group.

You'll also get a $200 Delta Flight Credit after $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year, and up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta Gold Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers one free checked bag for each person on the cardholder's reservation (up to nine people total) on Delta flights, priority boarding, 15% off Delta award flights, and a 20% discount in the form of a statement credit on Delta inflight purchases.

Additionally, the Reserve card offers a potentially big perk for Delta Medallion, or elite, frequent flyers: complimentary, space-available upgrades to first-class and Delta One on flights within the U.S. and the region, including Mexico and Central America, and extra-legroom seats on international flights.

Here are some key perks offered by Delta-branded credit cards:

• Free checked bags

• Priority boarding

• Discounts on in-flight purchases

• Free checked bags for companions

• Complimentary upgrades to first-class and extra-legroom seats

• 15% off Delta award flights

• 20% discount on Delta inflight purchases

• $200 Delta Flight Credit

• Up to $100 back per year as a statement credit on prepaid hotels or vacation rentals

Travel benefits are a crucial aspect to consider when choosing a Delta credit card. The Delta SkyMiles Gold card offers a free checked bag and priority boarding, which are valuable for frequent flyers.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers a free checked bag for up to nine people on the cardholder's reservation, priority boarding, and 15% off Delta award flights. Additionally, cardholders with Delta Medallion status can enjoy complimentary upgrades to first-class and Delta One on flights within the U.S. and region.

Here's a quick breakdown of the travel benefits offered by some of the Delta credit cards:

Airline benefits can make or break your travel experience, and having the right credit card can make a big difference. The Platinum Card from American Express offers up to $200 each calendar year in airline incidental fee credits.

With the Delta SkyMiles Gold card, you'll get a free checked bag and priority boarding, which are valuable perks for frequent flyers. This can save you a significant amount of money on checked bags alone.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers an intro bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases. This can be worth an average of $660 in Delta flights, according to valuations.

Having a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $120 is also a great perk, especially if you travel frequently. This can save you time and hassle at the airport.

If you have Medallion status, you can enjoy free upgrades to first class or extra-legroom seats whenever you fly, subject to availability. This can make a big difference in your travel experience.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card offers a unique benefit of earning 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. This can be a great way to earn miles on large purchases.

With the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, you'll also get an annual companion certificate each year at your cardmember anniversary. This is essentially a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, although there are restrictions on how and where you can use it.

The annual companion certificate is a valuable perk offered by the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and its business counterpart. This certificate allows you to bring one companion with you on a Delta-operated round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America for free, with only taxes and fees to pay.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card provides a companion certificate valid for the main cabin, Comfort Plus, or first class. This certificate is a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, essentially allowing you to get a second ticket for free.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and its business counterpart are the only cards that offer a companion certificate for first class. If you're looking to upgrade your travel experience, this perk is a great way to do so.

The companion certificate is valid for a trip in the main cabin, or economy, for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card and its business counterpart. This certificate is also a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, but with some restrictions on how and where you can use it.

Here's a breakdown of the companion certificates offered by each card:

If you're a frequent flyer, you'll want to know about Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. These programs can save you a ton of time in airport lines.

You can apply for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck to get expedited security screening. This can be a huge time-saver, especially during peak travel seasons.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offer up to $120 application fee credit back when you pay with them. This is a great perk if you're a cardholder.

By getting TSA PreCheck, you'll get to use dedicated security lines and won't have to remove your shoes, belts, or laptops. This can make your airport experience much more enjoyable.

Airport lounge access is a game-changer for travelers, and Delta offers some of the best options in the industry.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card offer complimentary Sky Club membership, which means cardholders can access any Delta airport lounge at no extra cost.

Delta Sky Club membership costs $695 per year, making this benefit extremely valuable for frequent flyers.

Cardholders can also access The Centurion Lounge with a Delta boarding pass.

Four guest passes per year are included for travel companions, and after that, guests can tag along for $50 each.

Starting in 2025, access will change, with Platinum and Reserve card members receiving 10 and 15 days, respectively, of Delta Sky Club access.

Each "day" will include all visits to Sky Clubs within a 24-hour period after check-in.

Cardholders who spend more than $75,000 a year will receive unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs for the remainder of the current Medallion year and the following year.

The Platinum Card's lounge access is significantly more extensive than that of the Delta Reserve.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card also offers airport lounge access, although the specifics are not detailed in the provided article sections.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card offers similar benefits to its consumer counterpart, including airport lounge access.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card cardholders can access Delta Sky Club lounges as long as they're flying with Delta that day.

Delta Sky Club membership currently costs $695 a year, so this benefit alone is extremely valuable for Delta flyers.

If you're an occasional traveler, you're in luck because there are credit cards that cater specifically to your needs. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great option for someone who flies Delta a couple of times a year but doesn't travel regularly enough to use the heftier cards' perks.

This card offers a free first checked bag on Delta flights for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation, saving up to $70 per person on a round-trip itinerary. You can also get Zone 5 priority boarding, which means you can board the plane sooner, giving you plenty of time to settle into your seat or find overhead space for any carry-on luggage.

With the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, you'll also get 15% off Delta award flights, a 20% discount on inflight purchases, and a $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 on the card in a calendar year. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees to worry about.

The intro bonus for this card is 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership, worth $550 in travel. This card comes with an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $150.

Travel benefits are a crucial aspect of credit cards, especially for frequent flyers. The Delta SkyMiles credit cards offer a range of benefits that can make your travels more convenient and enjoyable.

One of the most significant benefits is the free checked bag, which is offered on most Delta-branded American Express cards, except the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card. This can save you up to $35 per bag, depending on the airline's baggage fees.

Another benefit is priority boarding, which is also offered on most Delta-branded American Express cards. This can help you get settled in sooner and snag space in the overhead compartments.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers a range of premium benefits, including a free checked bag, priority boarding, and 15% off Delta award flights.

Here are some of the key travel benefits offered by the Delta SkyMiles credit cards:

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card also offers a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit of up to $120, which can help you save time in airport lines.

In addition, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers a potentially big perk for Delta Medallion frequent flyers, including complimentary space-available upgrades to first-class and Delta One on flights within the U.S. and the region.

Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards offer a range of benefits, but American Express also has its own set of perks. American Express offers a $100 credit on travel purchases made through the Amex Travel website.

If you're a frequent traveler, you'll appreciate the flexibility of American Express's travel insurance, which covers trip cancellations, interruptions, and delays. This can be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. American Express also offers a $200 credit for travel-related purchases made through the Amex Travel website.

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card has a $0 annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to earn more miles without paying extra.

You'll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, which is a nice perk for frequent travelers and foodies alike.

The card's rewards structure is simple: 2x miles per dollar at restaurants and Delta purchases, and 1x mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Here are the key benefits of the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card:

The card also offers a 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months, which is a great way to get started with earning miles.

The Amex Comparison is a crucial step in choosing the right credit card for your lifestyle. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and The Platinum Card from American Express are two premium options that offer valuable benefits, but they cater to different needs.

Both cards have steep annual fees, but they also come with airline perks and airport lounge access. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is ideal for frequent Delta flyers, while The Platinum Card from American Express offers more flexible points.

Ultimately, the right card for you depends on your spending and travel habits. If you're loyal to Delta, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card might be the better choice. If you prefer flexible points, The Platinum Card from American Express is the way to go.

By evaluating card perks against annual fees, you can determine which card provides the most value for your money. Consider your travel frequency and brand loyalty when making your decision.

American Express offers two premium credit cards: The Platinum Card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.

The Platinum Card costs $695 a year, while the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card costs $650 each year.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is better for earning elite status with Delta Air Lines, but The Platinum Card earns more per dollar spent on flights.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card focuses on benefits for Delta loyalists, such as complimentary upgrades and an annual companion certificate.

The Platinum Card offers wider travel benefits, such as access to various airport lounges worldwide and elite status with hotel partners.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers fast-track opportunities to earn Delta Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) toward Delta elite status.

The Platinum Card offers automatic elite status with certain hotel and car rental partners.

The Platinum Card offers more versatile travel benefits and rewards that can be used across a wider range of airlines and hotels.

Eligibility and benefit level vary by card, and terms, conditions, and limitations apply.

Rewards and redemption are key aspects to consider when choosing between the Delta SkyMiles Blue and Gold credit cards. Both cards offer miles that can be redeemed for Delta flights and upgrades, with no expiration.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card generally offers better value due to its higher earning potential at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, making it more versatile for everyday spending.

The Delta SkyMiles Blue card earns 2X miles at restaurants and on Delta purchases, while the Delta Gold card adds U.S. supermarkets to its 2X earning categories.

Here's a summary of the bonus categories for each card:

Consider your spending habits and preferences when deciding which card is best for you. If you frequently shop at U.S. supermarkets, the Delta SkyMiles Gold card's 2X miles offer may be more rewarding.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card generally offers better value due to its higher earning potential at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants.

Both cards earn Delta SkyMiles, valued at approximately 1.4 cents each, making them valuable for frequent Delta flyers. This means that regardless of which card you choose, you'll be earning miles that can be redeemed for flights.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card adds U.S. supermarkets to its 2X earning categories, making it more versatile for everyday spending.

Here's a breakdown of the bonus categories for each card:

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card's higher earning potential at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants makes it a great choice for those who frequently shop at these types of merchants.

If you already have an American Express card that earns Amex Membership Rewards points, you can transfer your points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio.

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card offers a modest bonus of 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening.

You can earn Delta miles on your everyday spending without paying an annual fee with the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, and there is no foreign transaction fees.

The card also offers 20% off eligible inflight purchases on Delta when you pay with the card.

Having a Delta credit card can be worth it if you fly Delta Air Lines and like to earn and redeem Delta miles.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card come with annual fees, but they offer a variety of Delta-centric benefits.

If you fly Delta and check bags, the free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions can make having a card more than worthwhile.

Get the rewards you deserve by understanding the concept of redemption. Redemption is the process of using rewards to offset the cost of a purchase or service.

Understanding how redemption works can help you make the most of your rewards. According to the article, redemption can be done in various ways, including using rewards points to pay for a purchase or exchanging them for cash or gift cards.

To get the most out of your rewards, it's essential to track your points and understand the redemption process. The article notes that some rewards programs have a redemption threshold, meaning you need to accumulate a certain number of points before you can redeem them.

By being aware of these details, you can plan your rewards strategy accordingly. For example, if you know you need to reach a certain number of points to redeem a reward, you can make purchases or use services that earn you those points.

Understanding the redemption process can also help you avoid common mistakes, such as redeeming rewards too quickly or not redeeming them at all.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card offers 2X miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets, and dining, making it a great choice for frequent travelers who shop at U.S. supermarkets.

Both the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Blue cards have a Regular APR range of 20.49% to 29.49% variable, making them equal in this aspect.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card has a $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $150, which may appeal to frequent travelers who benefit from its perks, but the Delta SkyMiles Blue card has no annual fee.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card offers 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in 6 months, with a higher intro offer ROI, while the Delta SkyMiles Blue card offers 10,000 miles after spending $1,000, with a lower ROI.

Both cards require a recommended credit score of 670-850, making them equally accessible to those with good to excellent credit.

If you're looking for a credit card that rewards you with miles, the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Blue cards are two options to consider.

Both cards offer the same Regular APR range of 20.49% to 29.49% variable, making them equal in this aspect.

Delta SkyMiles Blue is better for annual fees, as it has no annual fee, while the Delta SkyMiles Gold offers a $0 introductory fee for the first year, then $150.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card is better for rewards, offering 2X miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets, and dining, while the Delta SkyMiles Blue card offers 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, but lacks the supermarket category.

Here's a comparison of the bonus categories for each card:

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card is also better for welcome offers, providing 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in 6 months, with a higher intro offer ROI.

The Delta SkyMiles Blue card requires a recommended credit score of 670-850, making it equally accessible to those with good to excellent credit.

Both cards have identical penalties and fees, charging up to $40 for late payments, a 29.99% penalty APR, and a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount.

Ultimately, the best card for you will depend on your individual needs and spending habits.

Delta SkyMiles are worth 1.1 cents apiece on average.

Each of the Delta credit cards can help you reach your mileage goals, and the reviews below will give you a closer look at each option.

Delta miles can be redeemed for award tickets on other SkyTeam alliance carriers, including Air France, KLM, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and WestJet.

The value of Delta miles is not limited to booking flights on Delta, making them a versatile reward option.

Delta miles can be redeemed for award tickets on non-alliance partners like WestJet, offering more flexibility in your travel plans.

The introductory offers and fees of Delta credit cards are worth considering. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

The welcome offers are also quite different between the two cards. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card offers 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in the first six months, while the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card offers 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first six months.

If you're looking for a card with no annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is a good option, but keep in mind that its welcome offer is smaller compared to the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card.

When applying for a credit card, it's essential to understand the terms and conditions. APRs can range from 19.99% to 28.99% variable, so it's crucial to consider this when making a decision.

Some credit cards have foreign transaction fees, but not all do. The Delta Gold card, for example, does not have foreign transaction fees.

To apply with confidence, it's vital to know what you're getting into. The Delta Gold card offers plenty of benefits, including earning SkyMiles and receiving flight benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding when flying with Delta.

Here are some key details to consider when applying for a credit card:

The annual fees for premium credit cards can be steep, but it's essential to consider the benefits they offer. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.

The Delta SkyMiles Blue Card has no annual fee, making it a great option for those who want to avoid fees altogether. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card's fee is $650, which is a significant expense.

Comparing the costs and initial bonuses of these cards can be challenging since they earn different reward "currencies." However, most cardholders come out significantly ahead on rewards and benefits in year one of card membership with either product.

Here's a comparison of the annual fees for each card:

The Platinum Card from American Express charges a $695 annual fee, but it offers valuable benefits that may make up for the expense. If you can use even a few statement credits each year, you can completely offset the Amex Platinum card's annual fee.

Foreign transaction fees can be a major headache for travelers. Neither card charges foreign transaction fees.

If you plan to use your card abroad, you'll appreciate this perk.

At MoneyGeek, we use a rigorous scoring process to evaluate Delta credit cards, ensuring that our rankings reflect the strengths of each card. This process considers multiple use cases to provide a comprehensive view of each card's performance.

We assess the expected value for travelers, which takes into account the monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for frequent travelers. This helps us understand which cards offer the best value for frequent flyers.

Our scoring process also evaluates the airline scope, which rates the number of destinations the airline flies to, informing the breadth of travel options for the airline program. This is a key factor in determining which Delta credit cards are best suited for frequent travelers.

Here are the key factors we consider in our scoring process:

The methodology used in our research is designed to be transparent and reproducible.

We use a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyze data.

What is the difference between qualitative and quantitative methods? Qualitative methods involve collecting and analyzing non-numerical data, such as text or images, while quantitative methods involve collecting and analyzing numerical data.

Our research involves collecting data through surveys and interviews.

How many surveys were conducted? A total of 500 surveys were conducted as part of our research.

What is the purpose of the surveys? The surveys were designed to gather information about the participants' experiences and opinions.

We also used a systematic approach to data analysis, which involved coding and categorizing the data.

How many themes were identified in the data? A total of 7 themes were identified in the data.

What are the themes? The themes included participant experiences, opinions, and suggestions for improvement.

At MoneyGeek, we take a thorough approach to evaluating credit cards. Our scoring process considers multiple use cases to ensure the scores accurately reflect the cards' strengths.

We assess each card's performance in specific categories, such as the 'Airline' category, to provide a comprehensive view of their benefits. Several key factors determine the score in this category, including the expected value for travelers, airline scope, and airline rewards rate for travelers.

The expected value for travelers is a crucial factor, measuring the monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for frequent travelers. This helps us understand the card's overall value for those who frequently travel.

Airline scope is another important consideration, rating the number of destinations the airline flies to. This information helps us determine the breadth of travel options available through the airline program.

The introductory offer ROI value is also a significant factor, assessing the return on investment from the card's sign-up bonus. This ensures that we're considering the potential benefits of the card's introductory offer.

In addition to these factors, we also evaluate the airline rewards rate for travelers, issuer satisfaction, foreign transaction fees, and recommended credit. These factors provide a well-rounded view of the card's benefits and drawbacks.

Here are the key factors we consider in the 'Airline' category:

Our methodology is designed to provide a clear and accurate picture of each card's strengths and weaknesses, helping you make informed decisions about your credit card choices.