The best Delta credit cards in September 2024

Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card

Best Delta credit card

Key takeaways

3X

Earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta flights and Delta Vacations?

1X

Earn 1 mile per dollar for all other eligible purchases

Partner Offer

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

4.7/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best Delta credit card

Apply Now

On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus 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.

Earn 100,000 bonus miles

Annual fee

$650

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>

Why we picked it

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve (terms apply, see rates and fees) card is Delta’s most premium personal airline credit card. For a hefty $650 annual fee, it does virtually everything better than its siblings, including offering a superior annual companion certificate, and up to $560 in annual credits toward rideshare, Resy and Delta Stays purchases.

You’ll save up to $695 with included Delta Sky Club airport lounge access when flying on Delta, as well as four single-use guest passes each year (plus Amex Centurion access). If you routinely fly through airports that have these lounges, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve can provide a huge upgrade to your quality of travel. But this perk has a big caveat: The Delta Sky Club lounge benefit will change in Feb. 2025, when you’ll receive just 15 visits per year. You’ll have to spend $75,000 on the card each calendar year to earn unlimited visits.

+ Pros

• Cardholders receive complimentary Delta Sky Club access when they fly Delta
• Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
• Annual companion certificate

– Cons

• $650 annual fee
• Must be flying Delta to access Delta Sky Clubs
• Non-Delta purchases only earn 1 mile per dollar

Highlights

• 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.
• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club? One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion? Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion? Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Earn $1 Medallion? Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+?, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Delta SkyMiles? Gold American Express Card

Best for occasional Delta flyers

Key takeaways

2X

Earn 2x miles at restaurants worldwide

2X

Earn 2x miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta

2X

Earn 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets and takeout and delivery in the U.S.

1x

Earn 1x miles on all other eligible purchases

Partner Offer

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

4.2/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for occasional Delta flyers

Apply Now

On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 80,000 miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership.

Earn 80,000 miles

Annual fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>

Why we picked it

If you don’t fly Delta regularly, you need a Delta credit card that offers perks that outweigh its annual fee after just one or two uses. The Delta SkyMiles Gold card (terms apply, see rates and fees) charges a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150, but you’ll receive the first checked bag free for you and up to eight travelers on your reservation when flying Delta. This alone can justify the card’s annual fee, as Delta charges up to $35 for the first checked bag each way. You and a travel companion could save $140 on a single trip.

This card also offers a 15% discount for award travel on Delta flights (Delta calls this perk TakeOff 15), priority boarding, an annual $200 Delta flight credit toward future travel after spending $10,000 in purchases per calendar year and up to?$100 back per year as a statement credit toward Delta Stays bookings.

+ Pros

• Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights
• 15% off when you book Delta award flights with miles
• Earn a $100 flight credit after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year

– Cons

• Lower welcome bonus offer than most other Delta credit cards
• No opportunities to earn elite status from card spending
• Base rewards rate is 1 mile per dollar

Highlights

• 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.
• Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
• Delta SkyMiles? Gold American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
• Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles? Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• With Send & Split?, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
• Terms Apply.

Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card

Best for flying with a companion

Key takeaways

3X

Earn 3X Miles on purchases made directly with hotels

3X

Earn 3X Miles on Delta flights and Delta Vacations

2X

Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets

1x

Earn 1x miles on all other eligible purchases

Partner Offer

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

4.2/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for flying with a companion

Apply Now

On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus 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.

Earn 90,000 bonus miles

Annual fee

$350

Regular APR

20.49%-29.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>

Why we picked it

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum card (terms apply, see rates and fees) comes with similar benefits to the Delta SkyMiles Gold card (15% discount for Delta award flights booked through Delta, first checked bag free and priority boarding on Delta flights). But for a significantly higher $350 annual fee, you’ll receive some powerful extras.

The card can get you closer to Delta SkyMiles elite status with $2,500 Medallion? Qualification Dollars (MQD) each Medallion Year (which are different from calendar years: the 2024 year ends Jan. 31, 2025, for instance). You’ll also earn 1 MQD for every $20 in purchases on the card in a calendar year. Plus, the card offers up to $390 in annual credits toward rideshare, Resy and Delta Stays purchases, and up to $100 to reimburse the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. Best of all, each year after you renew the card, you’ll receive a single-use companion certificate valid for main cabin round-trip domestic, Caribbean and Central American flights. For a maximum of $80 (domestic) or $250 (international) in taxes and fees, you can bring a travel buddy with you. That’s potentially hundreds of dollars in savings each year.

+ Pros

• Comes with a companion certificate each year
• Free first checked bag for you and up to eight other passengers on your reservation
• Statement credits can cover certain travel expenses

– Cons

• $350 annual fee
• Low base rewards rate
• Doesn’t come with airport lounge access

Highlights

• 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.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion? Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn $1 Medallion? Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 back each month in statement credits.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Receive either a $100 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? (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $350 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card

*

The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best small business card for Delta loyalists

Key takeaways

3X

Earn 3X Miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta

1X

Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases; After spending $150,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year

1.5X

Earn 1.5X Miles on eligible purchases the rest of the year

5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best small business card for Delta loyalists

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

110,000 Bonus Miles

Annual fee

$650

Regular APR

20.49% – 29.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Good/Excellent</div>

Why we picked it

The Delta Reserve Business card (terms apply, see rates and fees) is our top-rated Delta SkyMiles credit card. Its welcome bonus is the biggest of any Delta credit card, and it offers nearly identical benefits to the Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card, including Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion airport lounge access. However, it’s only available to business owners, reducing its mass appeal. The good news is that even activities such as delivering with DoorDash, tutoring or selling items on eBay can count as a small business. If you’re a frequent traveler with even a modest side gig, don’t write off the Delta Reserve Business just because it’s a business credit card.

+ Pros

• Access to Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion lounges when flying Delta
• Annual companion certificate for domestic, Central American or Caribbean travel
• Up to $610 in annual statement credits toward eligible purchases

– Cons

• $650 annual fee
• Statement credits can be hard to use
• Starting Feb. 1, 2025, card holders will only receive 15 complimentary visits to Delta Sky Clubs unless they meet a spending threshold

Highlights

• 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 10/23/24.
• Enter Delta Sky Club? at no cost. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
• Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion? Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+?, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
• Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
• When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion? Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion? Studio Partner.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel overseas.
• Terms and limitations apply.

All information about Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card

*

The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best small business card for flying with a companion

Key takeaways

3X

Earn 3X Miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and with hotels

1.5X

Earn 1.5X Miles on single eligible purchases over $5,000 (up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year)

1X

Earn Miles on all other eligible purchases

4.4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best small business card for flying with a companion

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles

Annual fee

$350

Regular APR

20.49% – 29.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Good, Excellent </div>

Why we picked it

The small business doppelganger of the Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card card (terms apply, see rates and fees), the Delta Platinum Business card comes with similar perks, such as a free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights, reimbursement for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee, and an MQD head start. But the star of the show remains the card’s annual single-use companion certificate, valid for a round-trip main cabin domestic, Caribbean or Central American flight. Again, for a maximum of $80 (domestic) or $250 (international) in taxes and fees, you can bring along a travel partner. To be eligible for this small business credit card, you’ll need to at least earn money on the side from things like driving for Uber, dog-sitting with Rover or freelance writing.

+ Pros

• Annual companion certificate valid for main cabin bookings
• Up to $440 in annual statement credits toward eligible purchases
• First checked bag free on Delta flights

– Cons

• $350 annual fee
• Statement credits can be hard to use
• Delta First Class or Comfort+ not eligible for companion certificate

Highlights

• Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24.
• Enjoy a Companion Certificate each year after renewal of your Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply.
• Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion? Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 of purchases with your Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card.
• Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card Members save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• With the $120 Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
• Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $200 after using your Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Terms and limitations apply.

All information about Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

Delta SkyMiles? Gold Business American Express Card

*

The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Gold Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best small business card for occasional Delta flyers

Key takeaways

2X

Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases at U.S. shipping providers and eligible U.S. advertising purchases in select media. Effective 1/1/2024, this benefit will have a cap of $50,000 in eligible purchases per category, per year

2X

Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants

1X

Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases

4.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best small business card for occasional Delta flyers

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24.

90,000 Bonus Miles

Annual fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150

Regular APR

20.49% – 29.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Good/Excellent</div>

Why we picked it

The Delta Gold Business card (terms apply, see rates and fees) has the same virtues as the Delta SkyMiles Gold card, from the first checked bag free and priority boarding on Delta flights to an annual $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150, meaning you can give it a test drive for 12 months before deciding if it’s a keeper. This card could serve those who travel sporadically for work, as it’s intended for business owners. You must at least have a side gig to qualify for this card.

+ Pros

• First checked bag free on Delta flights
• Priority boarding and 20% off eligible in-flight purchases
• Up to $150 annual Delta Stays credit

– Cons

• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• $200 Delta flight credit requires a lot of spending
• Modest rewards rates

Highlights

• Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• Card Members save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights when using delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Additionally, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
• Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of purchases per category, per year.
• Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants.
• Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
• Check and stow your bag with ease: First Checked Bag Free on Delta Flights + Zone 5 Priority Boarding.
• Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $150 after using your Delta Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
• Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel overseas.
• Terms and limitations apply.

All information about Delta SkyMiles? Gold Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

The Platinum Card? from American Express

Best for travel flexibility and luxury benefits

Key takeaways

5X

Earn 5 Membership Rewards? Points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel and on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex travel. The airline benefit is limited to the first $500,000 in purchases per calendar year.

1X

Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases

Partner Offer

Rates & Fees / Terms Apply

3.4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for travel flexibility and luxury benefits

Apply Now

On American Express’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Earn 80,000 points

Annual fee

$695

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>

Why we picked it

The Amex Platinum (terms apply, see rates and fees) is not a Delta co-branded credit card, but it still makes our list of the best Delta credit cards due to a couple of key perks. First, the card confers Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta. However, beginning in Feb. 2025, you’ll only receive 10 visits per year — unless you spend $75,000 per calendar year, in which case you’ll get unlimited visits. Plus, the Amex Platinum gives you access to over 1,400 other airport lounges worldwide, giving you many more options than just Delta Sky Clubs.

The Amex Platinum earns American Express Membership Rewards points that you can transfer to over a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs, including Delta SkyMiles. That’s a big deal, as you aren’t held hostage to Delta and its partners with this card’s rewards if you feel like flying elsewhere. The card does have a lofty $695 annual fee, but it offers over $1,000 to cover eligible spending and memberships each year. If your spending matches these categories, the fee could be covered.

+ Pros

• Generous welcome bonus offer
• Premium benefits including statement credits, hotel elite status and airport lounge access
• Top-notch travel and purchase protections

– Cons

• High annual fee
• Base rewards rate is just 1 point per dollar on most purchases
• Statement credits and perks can be hard to maximize

Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards? Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards? Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards? Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts? or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card?. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card? on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection? can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card? to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card?.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $199 CLEAR? Plus Credit: CLEAR? Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $100 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? (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card?. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card?. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card? to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.¤
• Terms Apply.

Our picks at a glance

	Annual fee	Welcome bonus	Best for	Unique Delta benefit
Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card	$650	100,000 miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership	Delta overall	Access to Delta Sky Clubs
Delta SkyMiles? Gold American Express Card	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150	80,000 miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first six months of card membership	Occasional Delta flyers	Free first checked bag
Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card	$350	90,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership	Flying with a companion	Annual companion certificate
Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card * The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$650	110,000 miles after spending $12,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership	Small business owners who are Delta loyalists	Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club (maximum of 15 visits per year beginning Feb. 2025)
Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card * The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$350	100,000 miles after spending $8,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership	Small business owners who fly with a companion	Annual companion certificate
Delta SkyMiles? Gold Business American Express Card * The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Gold Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150	90,000 miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership	Small business owners who fly Delta occasionally	Free first checked bag
The Platinum Card? from American Express	$695	80,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $8,000 on purchases within the first six months of account opening	Travel flexibility and luxury benefits	Access to Delta Sky Clubs (maximum of 10 visits per year beginning Feb. 2025)

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All information about Delta SkyMiles? Gold Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

How do Delta credit cards work?

American Express issues seven co-branded Delta credit cards, each offering benefits specifically for Delta flyers. Delta credit cards are linked to the card holder’s Delta SkyMiles loyalty number. When you earn Delta miles through everyday spending, your rewards won’t accumulate on your credit card, as is the case for cash back and many other rewards credit cards. Instead, your miles will be deposited into your Delta SkyMiles account.

Other popular travel credit cards earn flexible points that transfer to many different airline and hotel programs. They’re a good option for those who don’t want to commit to flying Delta and its partners. For example, the Amex Platinum earns points that transfer to Delta at a 1:1 ratio. The tradeoff is that it doesn’t come with Delta-specific perks such as priority boarding and in-flight discounts.

Delta credit card benefits

The specific benefits you receive vary depending on the Delta credit card you have. That said, most Delta credit cards come with perks such as:

• The first checked bag free for you and up to eight companions on the same Delta reservation
• 20% back on in-flight purchases of food and beverages
• Priority boarding (Main Cabin 1)
• TakeOff 15, a 15% discount on award seats on Delta-operated flights booked through Delta
• Pay with Miles, which allows you to “buy” Delta flights at a rate of 1 cent per mile

The more premium Delta credit cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles Platinum, offer benefits such as a single-use companion certificate each year you renew the card and a boost toward Delta elite status. In fact, these cards give you the opportunity to earn Delta elite status just from spending, albeit a significant amount.

Delta’s top-tier Reserve credit cards even come with complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion airport lounges when flying Delta.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the no annual fee Delta SkyMiles? Blue American Express Card comes with few Delta perks worth mentioning. Its biggest benefit is its ability to earn Delta miles.

How to choose the right Delta credit card for you

If you’re trying to pick the best Delta credit card for your situation, you’ll want to consider several factors:

• Travel style: The best Delta credit card for you can hinge on how often you travel and whether you visit airports with a considerable Delta presence.
• Annual fee: Weigh each card’s unique benefits against its annual fee. If you’re not getting more value than you’re paying each year, the card isn’t for you.
• Earning rate: Delta SkyMiles credit cards offer varying bonus spending categories. Choose the card that best complements your spending habits.
• Welcome bonus: All other things being equal, choosing the Delta Airlines credit card that offers the largest welcome bonus can be an easy way to springboard toward a (nearly) free vacation.

How to maximize Delta credit card rewards

Just because you earn Delta miles doesn’t mean you’re relegated to exclusively flying Delta. You can use Delta SkyMiles to book award flights on any airline that partners with Delta, including Air France, KLM, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet.

The number of miles you’ll pay for any given flight is difficult to predict. Delta generally doesn’t have fixed award prices based on your origin and destination. But if you’re flexible with your dates, you can sometimes find short domestic hops for under 5,000 miles, and transcontinental flights for under 10,000 miles. You can get 15% off award flights booked through Delta with an eligible Delta card thanks to the TakeOff 15 feature.

Additionally, the annual single-use companion certificate you’ll receive from Delta’s premium credit cards can save you many hundreds of dollars (even over $1,000, depending on your flight route). With this perk, when you pay for your own seat, you can bring along a companion for just the cost of taxes and fees.

Methodology

Welcome bonus value (25%)

The best travel credit cards offer bonus rewards after you spend a certain amount in your first months with the card. We calculated how much those bonuses are worth using valuations from The Points Guy, and gave cards that offer more value a higher score.

Rewards value (25%)

We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and The Points Guy’s valuation of Delta SkyMiles to determine which cards dole out the best rewards value.

Travel benefits (20%)

Cards with a range of day-of-travel benefits such as a free first checked bag, priority boarding, airport lounge access and in-flight discounts scored well in this category. We also looked at other travel perks, including trip cancellation insurance, rental car insurance and trip delay insurance.

Select fees (20%)

We considered each card’s annual fee in relation to the benefits it offers, giving cards with an overall better value a boost.

Other benefits and annual credits and bonuses (10%)

Many Delta credit cards offer additional perks, including credits for eligible purchases. We considered these and other non-travel perks, such as cell phone protection, purchase protection and extended warranty.

What didn’t make the cut

A few other credit cards Delta flyers may consider while researching the best option didn’t make our list of top Delta credit cards:

• Delta SkyMiles Blue: This is a no annual fee credit card that falls short in terms of benefits and welcome bonus. The other Delta cards will do more to improve your travel experience.
• The Business Platinum Card? from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : You’ll get many of the same benefits as you would with the Amex Platinum card, but you’ll have to be a small business owner to open it. Also, the card’s ongoing benefits are business-centric, making them useful for fewer people (rates and fees).
• American Express? Gold Card: This card earns lots of Amex points for everyday spending, including at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets. But it charges a $325 annual fee and doesn’t offer any Delta-specific benefits, such as free checked bags or priority boarding.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred? Card: With this card, you’ll earn Chase Ultimate Rewards? points, which transfer to many Chase partner airlines. And though Delta isn’t one of them, you can use your points to book Delta flights through Chase Travel? at a rate of 1.25 cents each.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This earns Capital One miles, which transfer to many airlines (though, again, not Delta). You can also redeem your miles to offset travel purchases or book airfare through Capital One Travel (including Delta flights) at a rate of 1 cent per mile.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Reserve American Express Card, please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Gold American Express Card, please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Platinum American Express Card, please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card * The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Reserve Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card * The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Platinum Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles? Gold Business American Express Card * The information for the Delta SkyMiles? Gold Business American Express Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card? from American Express, please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card? from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for American Express? Gold Card, please visit this page.