Best Delta credit card offers (And how to pick the right one for you)
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If you’re looking to enhance your flying experience with Delta, you’ll be happy to know that great perks like annual companion certificates, priority boarding and free checked bags are all within reach. You can choose from several Delta credit cards, each of which offers different types of benefits that can enhance your flying experience and also save you time and money. And even better, due to the uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, Delta has made a number of customer-friendly moves with regards to these credit card perks.
Best Delta credit cards
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best for occasional Delta flyers
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Best for occasional Delta flyers
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Best for annual companion certificate
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Best for annual companion certificate
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for frequent Delta flyers
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for frequent Delta flyers
How we choose the best Delta credit card
It’s important to get value out of a card in the long run, and it’s helpful when you can earn a welcome bonus to quickly see value out of a card. Here are a few of the things we look at when choosing the best Delta credit cards:
Welcome bonus: A strong welcome bonus can quickly give you a large enough stash to take a luxury vacation on short notice. We like cards with valuable welcome bonuses because you can quickly come out ahead with tremendous value, especially on a card that carries an annual fee.
Rewards for everyday purchases: We prefer cards that offer the ability to steadily rack up rewards on everyday purchases. If you choose one that earns rewards to match your daily spending patterns, it’s an especially great way to steadily accumulate points for your next trip.
Perks and benefits: This can be one area packed with value that is sometimes overlooked. We like perks that can not only save you money like free checked bags but can also enhance your flying experience, like airport lounge access and priority boarding.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold card has an intro offer of 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants within the first three months of card membership. Beyond just the welcome bonus, you can continue earning rewards with your daily purchases:
- 2x miles per $1 spent on eligible Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 mile per $1 spent on other eligible purchases
- Terms apply
Why this card is best for occasional Delta flyers
This is a good option for those who occasionally fly Delta because of the card’s very maneagle annual fee and number of valuable perks.
You don’t want to forget about the Amex Delta Gold card’s benefits and perks because they can save you quite a bit of money as well. For instance, you and up to eight additional traveling companions can receive free checked bags if you’re all on the same Delta flight reservation. With checked bag fees typically starting around $30 per bag, this could amount to a significant amount of savings for everyone.
You can also receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets.
And if you don’t like waiting to board the plane, you’ll be happy to hear that Amex Delta Gold cardmembers receive priority boarding, so you’ll have more time to find storage for your bags and get settled in without feeling rushed.
Why we like it
The card offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year; then $99 (see rates and fees), you can easily make the fee worthwhile, especially when you consider the value of the welcome bonus alone. And when you consider the ability to earn daily rewards for your purchases and the other perks on the card that can save you time and money, this card is a no-brainer.
Who is this card for
If you’re not sure you travel enough to make enough use of these perks, this is a great card to start with. The card carries a very reasonable annual fee.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Manageable annual fee
- Useful perks (like free checked bags)
- Low minimum pending requirement
Cons:
- The smallest welcome offer
- Fewest benefits of the Delta cards
- Lowest earnings rates of the Delta cards
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
With the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business credit card, you can earn 50,000 bonus miles, and a $50 statement credit after spending $2,000 in purchases the first three months of card membership. Just like the personal version of the card, you’ll earn rewards on your daily purchases too:
- 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible Delta purchases
- 1 mile per $1 spent on other eligible purchases
- Terms apply
Why this card is best for occasional Delta flyers
Much like the personal version of this card, the Delta Gold business card is the best option for occasional Delta flyers because of its low annual fee and useful benefits.
Why we like it
The Delta SkyMiles Gold business card’s benefits and perks are similar to the personal version of the card, as you and up to eight additional traveling companions can receive free checked bags if you’re all on the same Delta flight reservation. You’ll also receive priority boarding and 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your card on select in-flight purchases on Delta flights.
Given the value of the welcome bonus and perks, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business card is definitely worth it. The card offers a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year; then $99 (see rates and fees), so you have plenty of time to use the card to make sure it’s right for you, even if you’re not entirely sure.
Who is this card for
If you’re a business owner, this is a great way to separate your business expenses, making it a lot easier to find deductions when you file your taxes. Plus, you’ll receive virtually the same benefits as the personal version of the card, like free checked bags and inflight savings.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Manageable annual fee
- Useful perks (like free checked bags)
- Low minimum spending requirement
Cons:
- The smallest welcome offer
- Fewest benefits of the Delta cards
- Need an eligible business to apply
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex card has a welcome bonus of 50,000 Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
In addition to earning the welcome bonus, you can continue to get great value from the card by using it for your daily purchases. You’ll earn:
- 3x Delta miles per dollar spent on Delta, including flights booked on Delta.com, Sky Club membership or passes, Delta Vacations packages, upgrades and inflight purchases
- 3x Delta miles per dollar on purchases made directly with hotels
- 2x Delta miles at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets
- 1 Delta mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
- Terms apply
Why this card is best for annual companion certificate
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum benefits go beyond just the bonus miles. Each year when you renew the card, you will receive a companion certificate that allows you to add another passenger to a domestic round-trip flight reservation for only the cost of taxes and fees.
Why we like it
You can save more money on checked bag fees because as a cardmember, you and up to eight additional traveling companions can also receive free checked bags if you’re all on the same Delta flight reservation. Checked bags generally cost $30 each way ($60 round-trip per person), so if you’re traveling with a large group, you could end up saving as much as $540 for a round-trip flight.
If you’re looking for a relaxing airport experience, you’ll also receive priority boarding and discounted Delta Sky Club airport lounge access. You can also receive inflight savings of 20% off eligible inflight purchases when you pay with the card.
The Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum annual fee of $250 (see rates and fees) can be worth it if you fly just a few times with Delta each year. The welcome bonus alone is more than enough to make the annual fee worthwhile, and perks like the companion certificate, free checked bag perk, inflight savings and discounted Delta Sky Club access give you plenty of opportunities to get tons of value out of the card.
Who is this card for
If you fly even a small handful of times with Delta, you can get incredible value from this card. The value of the welcome bonus alone makes the annual fee worthwhile, not to mention other perks like the annual companion certificate and free checked bags.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Valuable welcome offer
- Perks that help offset the cost of the annual fee
- Annual companion certificate
Cons:
- Higher annual fee
- Low earnings rate on non-bonus spend
- No free lounge access
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
When you open the Amex Delta SkyMiles Platinum business card, you can earn 60,000 bonus miles, 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs), and a $100 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first three months of card membership.
You’ll also earn the following for your everyday spending:
- 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases
- 3x miles on purchases made directly with hotels
- 1.5x miles on all eligible single purchases of $5,000 or more (up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year)
- 1 mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
Why this card is best for an annual companion certificate
Just like the personal version of the card, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum business card benefits include an annual companion certificate each year upon renewing the card which is valid for round-trip main cabin domestic travel. You’ll also get your first checked bag free for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same Delta flight reservation (a savings of $30 per bag per person), 20% inflight savings, and discounted Delta Sky Club airport lounge access.
Why we like it
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum business card’s annual fee of $250 (see rates and fees) can be worth it for some people. The welcome bonus alone, for instance, is worth several hundred dollars, and perks like free checked bags could also save you hundreds of dollars if you travel with a large group of people.
Who is this card for
If you’re a business owner who flies frequently with Delta, this card is certainly worth considering. You can easily get more value out of the card than the annual fee thanks to the welcome bonus and perks like free checked bags and an annual companion certificate.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Annual companion certificate
- Money-saving benefits like free checked bags
- Solid earnings on Delta purchases
Cons:
- Low earnings rate on non-bonus spend
- No lounge access
- Higher annual fee
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card has an intro bonus of 50,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in the first three months of card membership. Plus, earn up to $100 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants in the first three months of card membership.
Plus, you’ll earn the following for your everyday purchases:
- 3x Delta miles per dollar spent on Delta, including flights booked on Delta.com, Sky Club membership or passes, Delta Vacations packages, upgrades and inflight purchases
- 1 Delta mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases
- Terms apply
Why this card is best for frequent Delta flyers
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card benefits are top-notch for Delta flyers. For starters, you receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges worldwide, so you’ll be able to enjoy free food and drinks and a quiet place to relax before your flight. Depending on the location, you might even be able to enjoy a shower or spa.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardmembers will also receive priority boarding, so you have more time to get settled in and find space to store your bags.
Why we like it
You’ll also be treated to a number of other money-saving perks, like free checked bags on Delta flights, an annual companion certificate and 20% savings on select inflight purchases.
Although the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card annual fee of $550 (see rates and fees), this is still well worth it for frequent Delta flyers given the value of the welcome bonus and perks like the annual companion certificate, priority boarding, free checked bags, Delta Sky Club lounge access and more.
Who is this card for
If you frequently fly on Delta, this is one of the best cards you can pick up if you’re looking for a premium Delta flying experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Delta Sky Club lounge access
- Perks that help offset the cost of the annual fee
- Annual companion certificate
Cons:
- Highest annual fee of any of the Delta cards
- Poor earnings rate on non-Delta purchases
- Mediocre welcome bonus
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
When you open the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card, you can earn 60,000 bonus miles, 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs), and a $100 statement credit after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first three months of card membership.
You’ll also earn:
- 3 Delta miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases
- 1 Delta mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Terms Apply
Why this card is best for frequent Delta flyers
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card benefits are similar to what the personal version has. You’ll receive an annual companion certificate, along with free checked bags on Delta flights, complimentary Delta Sky Club access, priority boarding and inflight savings.
Why we like it
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card’s annual fee of $550 (see rates and fees) can be worth it if you frequently fly Delta, you can definitely make this fee worth it thanks to the value of the welcome bonus and perks like the annual companion certificate, complimentary Delta Sky Club access, free checked bags, priority boarding, inflight savings on Delta flights and more.
Who is this card for
If you’re eligible as a business owner and frequently fly on Delta pretty consistently, this is one of the best cards out there if you’re looking for a premium flying experience.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Delta Sky Club lounge access
- Annual companion certificate
- Valuable perks like free checked bags
Cons:
- Hefty annual fee
- Lackluster welcome offer
- No bonus miles for non-Delta spend
Extension of benefits due to COVID-19
Due to the ongoing pandemic, Delta is extending its customers’ status through Jan. 31, 2022, and your 2020 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) will roll over to 2021 (helping you qualify for 2022 status).
Plus, Delta is offering a second set of Choice Benefits for this lengthened year of status.
Delta has also made exceptions for members taking advantage of elite status challenges. If you’ve registered for one of these promos but are unable to earn (or retain) Delta status due to the novel coronavirus travel shut down, you can simply begin another challenge after things are back to normal. And if you were gifted temporary status during the elite status challenge, Delta will even let you keep that status until the promo period has passed.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please click here.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Welcome offer
Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
Why we like it
The card’s main feature is its ability to grant you and up to eight passengers on your reservation free checked bags. Bags cost $30+ each way, so if you and a travel buddy check a bag with Delta on just a single round-trip flight each year, the card is worth keeping.
Who is it best for?
The Amex Delta Gold carries a very reasonable annual fee. If you aren’t a frequent Delta traveler, this is a good card to begin with.
Credit Score Recommended
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Good to Excellent
660
850
Details
- Earn 40,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Plus, earn up to $50 back in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. restaurants with your card within the first 3 months of membership.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Pros
- Manageable annual fee
- Preferred boarding
- Free checked bags
- Low minimum spending requirement
- Amex Offers
Cons
- Mediocre return rate for everyday spending
- No wow-factor benefits like you’ll find on most other Delta cards
Reward Rate
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
APR
15.74%-24.74% Variable
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
Foreign Transaction Fee
None
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Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)
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