Delta Amex credit cards offer a range of benefits and features that cater to different needs and preferences.
The Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express offers 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first three months, which can be redeemed for flights on Delta.
You can earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar spent on other purchases, making it a great option for frequent flyers.
Delta Amex credit cards also offer airport lounge access, allowing you to relax and unwind before your flight.
With the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, you can enjoy access to Delta Sky Clubs, where you can enjoy complimentary food and drinks.
Expand your knowledge: How Does Miles Work on Credit Cards
Benefits
The Delta Amex credit cards come with a range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience. These benefits include Global Assist Hotline, which provides assistance with customs information, emergency transportation, and more.
You can also enjoy Rental Car Loss/Damage Insurance, which covers damage, theft, and loss of use. Additionally, Baggage Insurance provides coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage.
Some Delta Amex cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, offer Purchase Protection, which covers eligible items for 90 days from the date of purchase. This can give you peace of mind when shopping with your credit card.
Intriguing read: Blue Cash American Express Benefits
How We Chose
We considered Delta-specific benefits when choosing the best credit cards for Delta travelers. Each card offers special perks, such as the 20% off inflight purchases on the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card.
Value relative to cost was also a key consideration. Some credit cards charge high annual fees, but come with premium benefits that offset the price.
We presented a range of options to cater to different traveler needs. Every traveler's needs are unique, and we took that into account when selecting the best cards.
We evaluated each card's merits and detractors, comparing annual fees against value and benefits. This process helped us identify the cards that offer the most benefits for Delta travelers.
Check this out: How Does Interest Rate Work on Credit Cards
Score Needed
A good credit score is a score of 670 or above, according to FICO. This is the minimum score you'll generally need to qualify for a Delta SkyMiles credit card.
American Express considers multiple factors when determining approval, including your income and history as an Amex customer. This means that even with a good credit score, you may still be denied a card.
Check this out: Are Amazon Credit Cards Good
You can get a better idea of your approval chances without harming your credit score by using Amex's pre-qualification service. This service is a great way to gauge your eligibility before applying.
If you're unsure whether you're eligible for a welcome offer, Amex will notify you with a handy pop-up during the application process. This way, you can avoid applying for a card you won't be eligible for.
Is It Worth It?
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a good pick for frequent flyers who are loyal to Delta.
If you're a frequent flyer, you'll appreciate the free checked bags and priority boarding this card offers.
This card also comes with a generous companion certificate, which can be a huge perk for couples or families.
But, if you're looking for high-end perks, this card might not be the best choice, as it doesn't offer some of the luxury perks available on more expensive cards.
The free checked bags and priority boarding alone can save you a lot of time and hassle on your travels.
A different take: Free Virtual Credit Card Number
What Are the Drawbacks of?
The Delta Amex credit cards have their downsides, and it's essential to consider these before making a decision.
One major drawback is the high annual fee, which can range from $95 to $550, depending on the card.
Having to meet a minimum spend requirement within a specific timeframe can be a challenge for some users.
The Delta Amex credit cards are not ideal for those who don't travel frequently, as the benefits are largely geared towards travelers.
Limited-time offers and promotions can be confusing, and it's not always clear what's included and what's not.
The cards' rewards structures can be complex, with multiple categories and earning rates that may not be immediately clear.
Land 15 Percent Off Award Tickets
If you're a Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card holder, you're in luck - you can snag 15% off award flights when you use your miles to book.
This perk is a game-changer for travelers, allowing you to stretch your SkyMiles further and get closer to your next dream destination.
To take advantage of this offer, simply use your miles to book your award flights and watch your savings add up.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card also comes with a welcome bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months after opening your account.
Here's a breakdown of the rewards categories for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card:
- 3 miles for every $1 spent on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels
- 2 miles for every $1 spent at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
Features and Perks
The Delta Amex credit cards offer a range of features and perks that make them a great choice for frequent flyers.
One of the most significant benefits is the 15% discount on mileage redemptions, which applies to all bookings made using Delta SkyMiles for flights on Delta, but not on partner airlines.
All Delta-branded credit cards offer elevated earnings of 2 to 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and every other purchase earns at least 1 mile per dollar.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150, and benefits such as your first checked bag for $0 and a $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card has a $350 annual fee and offers perks like a first checked bag for $0 on Delta flights, an annual companion certificate and either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card.
All of the credit cards we’ve discussed come with member benefits that may have varying limits depending on the card, including Global Assist Hotline, Rental Car Loss/Damage Insurance, Baggage Insurance, and Purchase Protection.
Here are some of the additional benefits you can expect from the Delta-branded credit cards:
- Global Assist Hotline
- Rental Car Loss/Damage Insurance
- Baggage Insurance
- Purchase Protection
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers the most premium perks, including complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club, and 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club, with the option to purchase additional Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
Compare the
The Delta Amex credit cards have their perks, but they're not for everyone. The companion certificate is a big one, covering the annual fee if you use it correctly.
Being able to upgrade with miles at a discount is also a nice touch. The extra free bag is a bonus, but not the main draw.
Delta's changes have diminished the card's value for some users. The MQM bump is no longer available after a certain spend threshold, and the MQD requirement is a letdown.
The American card's program is a better option for those who want to hit status quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
You'll need at least a good credit score to be considered for a Delta card, which means a FICO score of at least 670.
It's possible to upgrade and downgrade your Delta personal card to a different Delta personal card, and you can often achieve this simply through the Amex chat feature.
Related reading: Credit Union Personal Loan to Pay off Credit Cards
If you upgrade or downgrade your Delta card, you may forfeit a welcome bonus offer, but American Express occasionally will target cardholders for valuable bonuses.
Delta credit cards regularly offer intro bonuses between 40,000 and 50,000 miles after meeting minimum spending requirements, and American Express tends to boost these offers a handful of times each year.
Holding an Amex Delta Reserve card is the cheapest way for those without Delta elite status to gain unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs, but you'll need to spend $75,000 or more in total eligible purchases on the card to earn an unlimited number of visits each year.
Your Delta Amex account and Delta SkyMiles airline account are completely separate, so you'll need to head to your American Express account page to pay your credit card bill.
FAQs About
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card no longer gives you access to Delta Sky Clubs, a feature that was previously available with this card and was removed in January 2024.
You may be approved for a small credit limit of less than $3,000, but a nearly equal proportion of members have credit limits between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on your personal financial situation.
The credit limit you're approved for can vary significantly, even among Credit Karma members with similar cards.
Application and Eligibility
To be eligible for a Delta Amex credit card, you must have a good credit score, with a minimum credit score of 660 required for the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card requires a $95 annual fee, which can be waived for the first year.
You can apply for a Delta Amex credit card online or by phone, and you'll need to provide personal and financial information to complete the application.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card has a higher annual fee of $250, but it comes with additional benefits like a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
To be eligible for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you must have a good credit score and an annual income of at least $150,000.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card has a high annual fee of $550, but it comes with benefits like a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and a $100 credit for Uber.
You can also apply for a Delta Amex credit card in person at a bank branch or through a financial advisor.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Card offers a 30,000-mile sign-up bonus, while the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card offers a 40,000-mile sign-up bonus.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card offers a 60,000-mile sign-up bonus, but it requires a higher annual income and a good credit score.
Here's an interesting read: Is Credit One Platinum a Good Credit Card
Occasional and Frequent Flyers
If you're an occasional Delta flyer, the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great option. It 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.
The card also comes with Zone 5 priority boarding, allowing you to board the plane sooner and settle into your seat or find overhead space for carry-on luggage. You'll also get 15% off Delta award flights and a 20% discount on inflight purchases.
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card has an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $150. It's currently offering an intro bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
For frequent Delta flyers, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a better option, thanks to an annual companion certificate each year at your cardmember anniversary. This certificate is essentially a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, although there are restrictions on how and where you can use it.
For Occasional Flyers:
The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card is a great option for those who fly Delta a couple of times a year but don't travel regularly enough to use more expensive cards.
It comes with a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150, and an intro bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
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 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 your carry-on luggage.
Other perks include 15% off Delta award flights, a 20% discount on inflight purchases, such as food or drinks, and no foreign transaction fees.
The card's annual fee is $150 after the first year, which might seem steep, but the benefits can add up quickly, especially if you take advantage of the free checked bag and priority boarding.
If you're a small business owner, you can consider the business version of this card, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card, which offers similar benefits and an intro bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
Discover more: United Airlines Credit Cards Offers
Frequent Flyers
If you fly Delta frequently, you're in luck. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a great option, offering an intro bonus of 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership.
This card has most of the same perks as the Gold version, including priority boarding and free checked bags on Delta flights. The Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $120 is also a nice touch.
But the real game-changer is the annual companion certificate, which can easily cancel out the card's $350 annual fee. This certificate is essentially a buy-one-get-one-free coupon, although there are restrictions on how and where you can use it.
With Medallion status, you can enjoy free upgrades to first class or extra-legroom seats whenever you fly, subject to availability. I've seen friends with Medallion status get upgraded to first class on long-haul flights, and it's a total game-changer.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card is also a great option for frequent Delta flyers with small businesses. It has a $350 annual fee, but offers 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, up to $100,000 each year.
Lounge Access
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers access to Delta Sky Club airport lounges whenever you're flying with Delta. You'll get 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club.
Delta Reserve card members can also access Amex Centurion Lounges when flying Delta and paying for their ticket with a U.S.-issued American Express card. This is a great added value, especially if you're looking for high-end complimentary food and drinks.
Four Delta Sky Club one-time guest passes are included with the card, so you can bring friends along to the lounge. These passes can be a nice perk if you have travel companions who appreciate the lounge experience.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card also includes a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit of up to $120. This can be a huge time-saver when traveling, especially if you're a frequent flyer.
Check this out: Delta Lounge Amex Platinum Card
Annual Fee and Cost
The annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles credit cards can be steep. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card charges a $350 annual fee, which is a significant cost to consider.
You'll want to take advantage of the companion certificate each year to help recoup that value, as it can make a big difference in the overall cost of the card.
Annual Fee is Expensive
The annual fee for some credit cards can be a real sticker shock. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card charges a $350 annual fee.
While it's not the most expensive option, it's still a significant amount of money. This fee can be a major drawback, especially if you're not getting a lot of high-end perks in return.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card is a good example of this. It charges a $350 annual fee, which is a lot of money for a card that doesn't offer many high-end perks.
No Annual Fee
If you're looking for a travel credit card with no annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is a good option.
This card offers a bonus of 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new card in the first six months from account opening.
There is no foreign transaction fee with this card, which is a plus for international travelers.
You'll also get 20% off eligible inflight purchases on Delta when you pay with the card.
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, so you may not need a Delta co-branded card.
This card has relatively limited benefits, but it's a solid choice for those who want to earn Delta miles on their everyday spending without paying an annual fee.
A unique perspective: Amex Transfer Partners Airlines Points Cash Value
Frequently Asked Questions
What Amex cards get you into the Delta Lounge?
To access the Delta Lounge, you'll need the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card or the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card. These cards grant lounge access on Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flights.
What credit score do I need for Delta Amex?
To be approved for a Delta Amex card, you typically need a credit score of 690 or higher, but some may be approved with a score as low as 640 with strong credit appeal. Check your credit report and other factors to see if you qualify.
How many Delta Amex cards are there?
There are 7 Delta Amex co-branded credit cards available: 4 for consumers and 3 for business owners. Explore our collection to find the perfect card for your needs.
What are the advantages of having a Delta American Express card?
Earn miles on dining and supermarket purchases, plus enjoy perks like a $200 Delta flight credit, free checked bag, and more with the Delta American Express card. Unlock rewards and benefits that make travel and everyday spending more rewarding.
What is the $70,000 special offer on Delta credit card?
Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. This offer is a limited-time welcome bonus for new Delta credit card holders.
Sources
- https://www.afar.com/magazine/delta-amex-credit-cards-now-offering-new-high-bonuses
- https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/american-express-delta-credit-cards/
- https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/best-delta-credit-cards
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/insights/delta-platinum-amex
- https://www.cnbc.com/select/delta-skymiles-credit-card-credit-score/
Featured Images: pexels.com