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Erika’s Picks for Best Delta Credit Cards
- Best overall:
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express - Best for no annual fee:
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card - Best for luxury perks & lounge access:
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card - Best for travel perks:
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card - Best for business travelers:
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

There are Delta-branded credit cards available for every type of traveler — from the “I travel once a year” family vacationer to “I live on airplanes” frequent fliers and business travelers.
If you prefer Delta over other airlines, you can score unique perks, discounts, and travel bonuses to help you get more out of your Delta miles. And the best Delta credit cards offer rewards that far outweigh the annual fee.
Best Overall
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express
Rewards Rate
- 2x miles on Delta purchases
- 2x miles at U.S. grocery stores
- 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and on U.S. takeout and delivery
- 1x miles on all other purchases
Welcome Offer
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee
$0 for the first year, then $150 (rates and fees)
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express is a mid-tier Delta card that offers quite a few perks for a reasonable annual fee (which is waived the first year!).
You’ll earn bonus points on restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Plus, there are bonus rewards for spending money at supermarkets and on Delta purchases.
Here are some of the card benefits that can more than make up for the annual fee:
- $200 Delta flight credit towards future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year
- 15% off Delta flights when booking award travel with miles
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- $100 statement credit after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals with the card through Delta Stays
- 20% back (as statement credit) for Delta in-flight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- No blackout dates on Delta flights
- Priority boarding
The care also comes with the following protections:*
- Baggage insurance plan (up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage per traveler)
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Purchase protection (90 days from date of purchase; up to $1,000 per item)
- Extended warranty (one additional year on items up to $10,000)
The Delta Gold Card doesn’t offer lounge access or seat upgrades like some top-tier cards, but the annual fee is much lower. If you travel a few times a year on Delta, you can easily get your money’s worth with the perks and credits — especially since the annual fee is waived in the first year of card ownership.
* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express offers a great balance of perks, spending bonuses, and Delta flight discounts to offer great value for a mid-tier card. While you don’t get lounge access or free seat upgrades, you do get a free checked bag and priority boarding.
One of the biggest benefits for frequent Delta SkyMiles users is the 15% discount on award purchases. This can save you tens of thousands of miles when booking more expensive flights, such as international travel or booking for the whole family. Combine that with 20% back on in-flight purchases, and this card is a no-brainer for loyal Delta travelers.
Best for No Annual Fee
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express
Rewards Rate
- 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Offer
Earn 10,000 Bonus Miles after spending $1,000 in the first six months (terms apply)
Annual Fee
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a no-annual-fee option that still gives you a decent welcome offer and some discounts when flying Delta — making it perfect for casual Delta flyers or those new to travel rewards.
You’ll earn bonus miles at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.) and on Delta purchases, plus earn standard miles on all other purchases.
While this card doesn’t come with many of the higher-end travel perks, it still gives you:
- No foreign transaction fees
- 20% back on in-flight Delta purchases (as a statement credit)
- Access to the Pay with Miles program to get lower-priced tickets on Delta
The card also comes with the following protections:*
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Purchase protection (90 days from date of purchase; up to $1,000 per item)
- Extended warranty (one additional year on items up to $10,000)
You won’t get a free checked bag or priority boarding like with the higher-tier cards, but for a $0 annual fee, this is a great way to start earning SkyMiles and saving on future Delta travel.
* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
If you’re new to Delta or don’t travel very often, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a great entry-level card to give you access to some travel perks and the ability to earn Delta SkyMiles without having to fork out money for an annual fee.
With 20% back on in-flight purchases and a few purchase protections, this can be a great everyday card if you’re hoping to earn free award flights on Delta.
Plus, the Pay with Miles program lets you knock off the cost of a cash airline ticket — with every 5,000 SkyMiles used giving you $50 off your ticket.
Best for Luxury Perks & Lounge Access
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express
Rewards Rate
- 3x miles on Delta purchases
- 1x on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Offer
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee
$650 (rates and fees)
Delta’s flagship credit card with the most perks is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. While this card carries a hefty annual fee, the top-tier perks like lounge access, seat upgrades, first-class companion tickets, and a fast lane to elite status are more than worth it.
You’ll earn even more bonus miles on Delta purchases than with other cards, and the card comes with a huge welcome offer.
Here’s a pile of perks that make this the best luxury Delta card:
- Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and Centurion® Lounge
- 15% off Delta award travel when booking with miles
- Annual Companion Certificate (includes first class, Delta Comfort+, or main cabin)
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- Priority boarding
- Upgrade priority for Medallion members
- MQD Headstart ($2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars boost annually)
- $240 Resy dining credit ($20/month in statement credits; enrollment required)
- $120 rideshare credit ($10/month in statement credits; enrollment required)
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee statement credit*
- Up to $200 Delta Stays statement credit when you book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals
- 20% back on Delta in-flight purchases (as statement credit)
- No foreign transaction fees
In addition, here are a few protections** of the card:
- Trip delay insurance for delays of more than six hours (up to $500 per trip)
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per trip)
- Baggage insurance plan (up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage per traveler)
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Purchase protection (90 days from date of purchase; up to $1,000 per item)
- Extended warranty (one additional year on items up to $10,000)
This card comes with a high annual fee, but if you fly Delta frequently and value lounge access, upgrades, and elite benefits, it can easily be worth the price.
* Receive either a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or a credit of up to $85 for TSA PreCheck after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. Only one credit will be given in a 4 year period for Global Entry or in a 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck, depending on whichever application fee is charged to your eligible American Express® Card first.
** Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card not only offers massive discounts on travel (free checked bag, 15% off award flights, 20% off in-flight purchases, etc.), but also gives you a host of credits to help offset the high annual fee.
In addition, cardholders can access the Delta SkyClub®, Centurion® Lounge, or any Escape Lounge globally when booking a Delta flight.
And the card gives you $2,500 in MQDs each year, plus 1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card — boosting you toward Diamond status. And you cut the line with Zone 5 priority boarding, plus the ability to get free seat upgrades.
Pair all these perks with the free annual companion ticket (which works in first class too) — and the value of the card far outweighs the fee.
Best for Travel Perks
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Rewards Rate
- 3x miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels
- 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, and on U.S. takeout, delivery, and supermarkets
- 1x on all other purchases
Welcome Offer
Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
Annual Fee
$350 (rates and fees)
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is a step up from the Delta Gold card, with elite-style perks and a host of travel credits and discounts — all with a manageable annual fee.
You’ll earn bonus miles on Delta purchases, as well as spending at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. This card also offers an annual companion certificate to bring along a friend or family member on your next vacation!
Perks include:
- 15% off Delta award travel when booking with miles
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- Priority boarding
- MQD Headstart ($2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars boost annually)
- Annual Companion Certificate (Domestic, Caribbean, or Central American main cabin round-trip fare after renewal)
- Up to $150 statement credit for Delta Stays prepaid hotel or vacation rental bookings
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee statement credit*
- $120 Resy dining credit ($10/month as statement credit; enrollment required)
- $120 rideshare credit ($10/month as statement credit; enrollment required)
- 20% back (as statement credit) on in-flight Delta purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
The card’s protection benefits** include:
- Trip delay insurance for delays of more than 12 hours (up to $300 per trip)
- Baggage insurance plan (up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage per traveler)
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Purchase protection (90 days from date of purchase; up to $1,000 per item)
- Extended warranty (one additional year on items up to $10,000)
This card is ideal for someone looking to fly more, earn more, and elevate their Delta experience.
* Receive either a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or a credit of up to $85 for TSA PreCheck after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. Only one credit will be given in a 4 year period for Global Entry or in a 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck, depending on whichever application fee is charged to your eligible American Express® Card first.
** Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
If you’re looking for more travel perks than the Delta Gold card but don’t want the huge annual fee of the Reserve card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card fits the bill. You still get 15% off Delta award flights and 20% off Delta in-flight purchases — but also get the coveted companion certificate.
The annual companion certificate is good for round-trip flights domestically, to the Caribbean, or to Central America when traveling in Delta’s main cabin. This perk alone can easily pay for the annual fee.
Add in over $350 in annual credits, a free checked bag on Delta flights, and insurance protections,* and this card has a luxury feel for a lower price tag.
* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Best for Business Travelers
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Rewards Rate
- 3x miles per $1 on Delta purchases
- 1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases, plus all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 in purchases on your card in a year (if your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply)
- 1x miles per $1 spent on all else
Welcome Offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/16/25.
Annual Fee
$650 (rates & fees)
Business owners can get all the same perks as the personal Delta Reserve card with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. This gives business owners lounge access, priority boarding, numerous travel credits, and an annual Companion Certificate.
You’ll earn bonus miles on transit, including rideshares, taxicabs, and more, at U.S. shipping providers, and at U.S. office supply stores.
Here are some of the standout benefits:
- Complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® (when flying Delta)
- 15% off Delta award travel when booking with miles
- Annual Companion Certificate (includes first class, Delta Comfort+, or main cabin)
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- Priority boarding
- Upgrade priority for Medallion members
- MQD Headstart ($2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollar boost annually)
- $240 Resy dining credit ($20/month as statement credit; enrollment required)
- $120 rideshare credit ($10/month as statement credit; enrollment required)
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® fee statement credit*
- $250 Delta Stays statement credit when booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals
- 20% back (as statement credit) on in-flight Delta purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
In addition, the card offers the following protections:**
- Trip delay insurance for delays of more than six hours (up to $500 per trip)
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance (up to $10,000 per trip)
- Baggage insurance plan (up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage per traveler)
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- Purchase protection (90 days from date of purchase; up to $1,000 per item)
- Extended warranty (one additional year on items up to $10,000)
This is the premium Delta business card and makes travel more enjoyable.
* Receive either a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or a credit of up to $85 for TSA PreCheck after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. Only one credit will be given in a 4 year period for Global Entry or in a 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck, depending on whichever application fee is charged to your eligible American Express® Card first.
** Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
If you’re a business owner, the last thing you want to deal with is travel. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card makes it much easier, with lounge access, TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry credits,* more rewards for transit and shipping costs, and a fast-track toward Delta elite status.
While this card has a large annual fee, it’s deductible (as a business owner) and you can far out-earn the fee with rewards and benefits.
* Receive either a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or a credit of up to $85 for TSA PreCheck after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. Only one credit will be given in a 4 year period for Global Entry or in a 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck, depending on whichever application fee is charged to your eligible American Express® Card first.
How To Choose a Delta Credit Card
If you’re looking for the perfect Delta credit card, you’ll want to consider a few factors before signing up:
- How much you fly: If you’re just taking the occasional family vacation, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express might fit the bill. But if you’re traveling for work or at least once a month, you might want to spring for a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
- Welcome offer: In general, higher-tier cards offer a larger welcome offer — but you’ll need to spend more to earn it.
- Rewards earning ability: Find a card that aligns with how you spend money.
- Perks and benefits: Some cards offer more perks than others. Think about the perks and benefits you might use and compare each card before choosing.
- Annual fee: Decide if the rewards are worth the cost of the annual fee, and pick a card you don’t mind paying for.
Other Ways to Earn Delta SkyMiles
In addition to picking up a Delta credit card, there are many other ways to boost your Delta SkyMiles balance. Here are a few ways to earn more Delta SkyMiles:
Transfer from Amex Membership Rewards®
American Express is a Delta partner, and if you have a standard Amex card that earns Membership Rewards®, you can transfer those points to Delta SkyMiles.
Transfers offer a 1:1 point value, but you’ll have to pay taxes on the transfer (using points or cash).
SkyMiles Dining
If you sign up for SkyMiles Dining (it’s free to link your SkyMiles account), you can earn bonus miles for dining at certain restaurants.
You can search SkyMiles Dining for restaurants in your area and earn bonus miles when paying with any linked card (does not have to be a Delta card).
SkyMiles Shopping
SkyMiles Shopping is Delta’s shopping portal that allows you to earn SkyMiles while shopping at your favorite online stores.
Similar to rewards apps like Capital One Shopping and Rakuten, the Delta SkyMiles shopping portal lets you search for online stores and click through to earn miles on your linked account.
You can also install the Google Chrome extension to automatically detect rewards when shopping online.
Booking Airbnb through Delta
You can link your SkyMiles account to your Airbnb account and earn miles when you click through the link at deltaairbnb.com before booking your stay.
Late bag form
Have you ever waited more than 20 minutes for your bag at the baggage claim? If you’re flying Delta, you can earn bonus miles if your bag is more than 20 minutes late.
You’ll need to fill out and submit a late bag form. If the bag was recorded as late, Delta will credit you with a one-time 2,500 SkyMiles bonus.
Starbucks (yes, actually!)
Delta and Starbucks partnered back in 2022, and you can earn extra miles every time you order your favorite drink. You can go to deltastarbucks.com to link your SkyMiles account to your Starbucks account. When you make purchases, you earn additional SkyMiles each time.
Bottom Line: Should You Get a Delta Credit Card?
If you fly Delta often, getting the right Delta credit card can greatly improve your travel experience (and rewards earning). With perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, travel discounts, and even lounge access (with the Reserve cards), you can fly in style and save money at the same time.
But some Delta cards come with hefty annual fees, and if you don’t use all the card perks, it might not be worth it. It’s important to look at your upcoming travel plans and calculate how much you normally spend to ensure getting a Delta card is worth it for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Delta credit cards offer free checked bags?
Yes, most Delta cards offer a free checked bag on Delta flights. The only card that does not offer a free checked bag is the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.
Is there a foreign transaction fee on Delta credit cards?
All Delta American Express cards are free from foreign transaction fees.
Can I transfer points from my Delta credit card to other loyalty programs?
No, you cannot transfer Delta SkyMiles from your Delta credit card to other loyalty programs.
When you earn Delta SkyMiles, they are not attached to your credit card, but are earned in your Delta SkyMiles account. Once there, you cannot transfer those points to other airlines, hotels, or loyalty programs.
You can use Delta SkyMiles to book flights on partner airlines through the SkyTeam alliance.
Do Delta credit cards offer airport lounge access?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card cards both offer lounge access. With these cards, you can visit the Delta Sky Club®, American Express Centurion® Lounge, or Escape Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your card.
You are limited to 15 visits to the Sky Club® per year unless you spend at least $75,000 on the card annually.
Do Delta SkyMiles expire?
No, Delta SkyMiles do not expire as long as your SkyMiles account remains open and in good standing. You don’t have to be active in your account to keep your miles, but if Delta closes your account or deactivates it due to rule violations, you will lose your miles.
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Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.