Delta Credit Cards: Everything You Need to Know

Author

Reads 762

Delta Airlines Airplane on Airport
Credit: pexels.com, Delta Airlines Airplane on Airport

Delta credit cards offer a range of benefits and rewards that can help you save money and earn points on flights with Delta Air Lines.

Delta SkyMiles credit cards can be applied for online or in person at a Delta ticket counter.

You can earn miles on all your purchases with a Delta credit card, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel perks.

Delta offers several types of credit cards, including the Delta SkyMiles Blue Credit Card, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Credit Card, and the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Credit Card.

Each card has its own unique benefits and rewards, so it's worth doing some research to find the one that best fits your needs.

Delta Credit Card Offers

Delta credit card offers can provide significant value to frequent flyers. A card's annual fee and welcome offer are just the beginning.

The ongoing benefits, especially on premium cards, are what make a card truly valuable. A premium card's higher annual fee may be worth it for some frequent Delta flyers.

Credit: youtube.com, Why The Delta Credit Cards Just Got Better | 2024 Refresh

You can check the Delta/American Express website to see if you're targeted for an increased welcome offer. This dedicated website is exclusive to SkyMiles members.

Checking for pre-qualified offers online is also an option. American Express allows you to do this on their website, and it may give you access to increased welcome offers, including those from Delta-branded cards.

Free checked bags are a great benefit of co-branded Delta cards, except for the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card. This perk extends to the primary cardholder and up to eight other passengers traveling on the same reservation.

Rewards and Benefits

Delta credit cards offer a range of rewards and benefits that can enhance your travel experience. One of the key benefits is earning miles on Delta purchases, with some cards offering 2 miles per dollar and others offering 3 miles per dollar.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card all earn 2x miles per $1 spent on Delta purchases, then 1x per $1 on all other purchases. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.

Additionally, some Delta credit cards offer statement credits that can provide hundreds of dollars in value. These credits can be used on future Delta flight purchases, prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays, U.S. rideshare purchases, and eligible Resy purchases.

Higher Earnings Rates

Credit: youtube.com, Who Benefits From Higher Interest Rates? - AssetsandOpportunity.org

If you're looking to maximize your rewards earnings with a Delta credit card, you're in luck. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve business cards have been upgraded to offer higher earnings rates in select categories.

One of the key benefits of these cards is the increased earnings rate on Delta purchases. Whether you're booking a flight or using your card for other Delta purchases, you'll earn 3 miles per dollar spent.

In addition to the higher earnings rate on Delta purchases, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve business cards also offer increased earnings on other purchases. Here's a breakdown of the new bonus categories:

With these new bonus categories, you can earn even more rewards on your everyday purchases. Just remember to use your card for the eligible purchases to maximize your earnings.

Medallion Qualifying Dollars (MQDs) through Spend

If you're a frequent Delta flyer, you can earn Medallion status through card spend with certain credit cards.

Credit: youtube.com, The Ultimate Guide to Delta Airlines Medallion Status 2024

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card earn 1 MQD per $10 spent.

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card earn 1 MQD per $20 spent.

You can also earn an annual boost of $2,500 MQDs with the Delta Platinum card, Delta Platinum Business card, Delta Reserve card, and Delta Reserve Business card.

This boost can get you halfway to Silver status, which requires $5,000 MQDs.

Return the revised heading

Delta SkyMiles credit cards offer a range of benefits to cardholders, including Global Assist Hotline, Rental Car Loss/Damage Insurance, and Baggage Insurance.

Cardholders can receive assistance with customs information, emergency transportation, and lost luggage, among other things. These benefits are included with all Delta-branded American Express cards, but the terms and conditions vary.

To view the actual list and descriptions of benefits/protections for each card, including the terms and conditions, you can access the benefit policy guides for all Delta-branded American Express cards.

Credit: youtube.com, Loyalty 2021 – Where are Loyalty and Rewards in Financial Services Heading?

Some Delta SkyMiles cards offer statement credits, which can provide hundreds of dollars in value if they align with your spending patterns. These credits can be used on future Delta flight purchases, prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays, U.S. rideshare purchases, and eligible Resy purchases.

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card holders earn bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, enjoy a free checked bag, and get priority boarding.

Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card holders now earn double miles when using their card at restaurants worldwide and receive 15,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in their first three months of membership.

Delta Reserve Credit Card from American Express cardholders receive access to the American Express Centurion Lounges worldwide, two Delta Sky Club Lounge one-time guest passes each year, and complimentary upgrades whenever available.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect from Delta SkyMiles credit cards:

  • Global Assist Hotline
  • Rental Car Loss/Damage Insurance
  • Baggage Insurance
  • Purchase Protection
  • Delta flight credit
  • Delta Stays credit
  • Rideshare credit
  • Resy credit
  • Free checked bag
  • Priority boarding
  • Complimentary upgrades

Note that the specific benefits and terms vary by card, so be sure to check the benefit policy guides for your specific card.

Travel Perks

Credit: youtube.com, A Complete Guide to the Amex Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards 2024

All Delta cardholders enjoy the same benefits, including a 20% discount on in-flight purchases, and no foreign transaction fees, which can save you money on international trips.

You can use any Delta card to pay for an in-flight snack, beverage, or Wi-Fi and receive 20% back as a statement credit.

Delta cardholders also get free checked bags, which can be a huge time-saver. With some cards, you can even get free checked bags for up to eight other passengers traveling on the same reservation.

Here are some Delta cards that offer free checked bags:

  • Delta SkyMiles cards (except the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card)

Cardholders of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve credit cards also receive a Companion Certificate each year, which can be used on flights to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.

Free Checked Bags

Free Checked Bags can be a huge money-saver on your next trip.

All co-branded Delta cards, with the exception of the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card, offer this benefit.

Credit: youtube.com, Travel discounts and perks for military veterans that can save you hundreds or more!

As long as the card is linked to your SkyMiles number, you're eligible for free checked bags.

You don't have to pay for your ticket with the SkyMiles card to get this benefit.

The free checked bags perk extends to up to eight other passengers traveling on the same reservation.

Companion Certificate

The Companion Certificate is a valuable perk offered by the Delta SkyMiles credit cards, allowing you to bring a companion on a round-trip flight for free.

You can earn a Companion Certificate every year after renewing your Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve American Express Card, or its business counterpart. This certificate can be used for a trip in the main cabin, or economy, depending on the card type.

Renewing your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card or its business version gets you a Companion Certificate valid for a trip in the main cabin, or economy. Renewing your Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card or its business version gets you a Companion Certificate valid for the main cabin, Comfort Plus, or first class.

Credit: youtube.com, Delta Companion Certificate - Everything You Need To Know

Cardholders of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve credit cards can now use their Companion Certificates on flights to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, in addition to domestic flights within the continental U.S.

Here are the details of the Companion Certificate benefits:

  • Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: Companion Certificate valid for a trip in the main cabin, or economy.
  • Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Companion Certificate valid for the main cabin, Comfort Plus, or first class.

Airport Lounge Access

Airport lounge access is a game-changer for frequent flyers, and some credit cards offer it as a benefit.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card members get complimentary Sky Club membership, which includes access to Delta airport lounges.

Individual Sky Club membership costs $695, which is more expensive than the credit card's annual fee.

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.

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

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

Additional Perks

Credit: youtube.com, Don’t Waste Your Money - Delta SkyMiles Reserve vs Platinum

Delta credit cards offer a range of additional perks that can enhance your travel experience. You can receive assistance planning for your trip or while you're traveling with the Global Assist Hotline.

Some Delta credit cards also come with rental car loss/damage insurance, which covers damage, theft, and loss of use. You can also purchase Amex Premium Protection for a low fee, which covers the entire rental period.

If you're looking for extra protection for your luggage, Delta credit cards offer baggage insurance that covers lost, stolen, or damaged checked or carry-on luggage. This can give you peace of mind when traveling.

Here are some of the additional benefits you can expect from Delta credit cards:

  • Global Assist Hotline
  • Rental Car Loss/Damage Insurance
  • Baggage Insurance
  • Purchase Protection

Universal Perks

You'll be happy to know that all Delta cardholders have access to some fantastic universal perks that make traveling with Delta a breeze.

One of the perks is an in-flight purchases discount, which gives you 20% back as a statement credit when you use any Delta card to pay for a snack, beverage, or Wi-Fi on a flight.

A Delta Air Lines aircraft flying high above clouds, showcasing modern aviation technology.
Credit: pexels.com, A Delta Air Lines aircraft flying high above clouds, showcasing modern aviation technology.

No foreign transaction fees are another perk that's available to all Delta cardholders, so you can shop abroad without worrying about extra fees.

Here's a quick rundown of the universal perks you can expect with a Delta card:

  • In-flight purchases discount: 20% back as a statement credit
  • No foreign transaction fees

Shipping

Shipping is a breeze with the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, which offers a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.

You'll get to enjoy the convenience of this perk without breaking the bank, at least not right away.

Elite Status

Achieving elite status with Delta can be a game-changer for frequent flyers. You can earn elite status faster with certain Delta-branded credit cards, which offer a $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) boost.

This boost can get you halfway to the lowest tier of Medallion Status, Silver, which requires earning $5,000 MQDs. The four cards that offer this boost are the Delta Platinum card, Delta Platinum Business card, Delta Reserve card, and Delta Reserve Business card.

Credit: youtube.com, Amex Delta Reserve: Better Than the Amex Platinum?! Delta Reserve B747 Card Unboxing

Cardholders of the SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve consumer or business card can also earn elite status faster. These cards grant a boost of $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each year on February 1, the first day of the Medallion Qualification Year.

Here are the Delta credit cards that offer a faster path to elite status:

By taking advantage of these credit cards, you can earn elite status faster and enjoy perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Fees and Changes

Delta credit cards have undergone some changes that you should be aware of. The annual fees for the six updated cards have increased.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card now have a $150 annual fee after the first year, up from $99. This change may be a deciding factor if you're considering canceling or downgrading your card.

Here's a breakdown of the updated annual fees for the six cards:

These increases have been paired with new or increased statement credits on each card, which could help offset the higher fees for some cardholders.

Increased Annual Fees

Credit: youtube.com, Are Annual Fee Credit Cards REALLY Worth It?

Delta SkyMiles credit cards have seen notable increases in their annual fees. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card now has a $150 annual fee after the first year, up from $99.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card also has a $150 annual fee after the first year, which is an increase from $99. This applies to both the personal and business versions of the card.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum cards have seen a more significant increase, with the personal version now costing $350 per year, up from $250. The business version of the Platinum card also has a $350 annual fee, which is a $100 increase.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards have seen the largest increase, with the personal version now costing $650 per year, up from $550. The business version of the Reserve card also has a $650 annual fee, which is a $100 increase.

Here's a summary of the annual fee increases:

These increases may be offset by new or increased statement credits on each card. It's worth considering whether the benefits of your Delta SkyMiles credit card still outweigh the cost.

Other Changes

Credit: youtube.com, No change/cancel fees = More Fly

The changes to the Delta SkyMiles credit cards go beyond just the welcome offers and annual fees. One notable change is the refreshed statement credits.

The statement credits have been revamped, but the exact details of these changes are not specified in the article. However, it's likely that these changes will impact how cardholders can use their credits.

Rewards earnings have also been updated, but the article doesn't provide specifics on what these changes entail. It's worth keeping an eye on your card's rewards program to see how your earnings will be affected.

Companion Certificates have also undergone some changes, but the article doesn't provide details on what these changes are. As a cardholder, you'll want to review your certificate terms to see how they've been updated.

Elite status perks have also been altered, but the article doesn't provide specifics on what these changes are. If you're an elite status holder, be sure to review your benefits to see how they've changed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is 60,000 Delta miles worth?

60,000 Delta miles are worth approximately $690 on average, redeemable for flights, upgrades, and more to over 300 destinations worldwide. Redeem your miles strategically to unlock maximum value.

Is the Delta SkyMiles card hard to get?

Approval for the Delta SkyMiles card is relatively accessible, but a good credit score of 690 or higher is generally required. However, approval with a lower score (as low as 640) is possible if other credit factors are strong.

How to get Delta annual fee waived?

Get your Delta annual fee waived by applying for a Delta credit card with a waived first-year fee or no annual fee, or by calling the issuer's retention line, though success is not guaranteed

Does Delta Airlines accept Discover card?

Yes, Delta Airlines accepts Discover card as one of the credit and debit cards accepted on their website. Discover card is part of the accepted Discover Network.

What is the best credit card to get for SkyMiles?

The best SkyMiles credit card for most flyers is the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, offering a balance of benefits and value. If you're looking for elevated perks, consider the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card.

Micheal Pagac

Senior Writer

Michael Pagac is a seasoned writer with a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail. With a background in research and journalism, he brings a unique perspective to his writing, tackling a wide range of topics with ease. Pagac's writing has been featured in various publications, covering topics such as travel and entertainment.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.