May 6, 2024

Best Delta Credit Cards of May 2022

Best Cards Summary

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card: Best for Bonus Miles With Flight Credit

You can earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 on this card in the first three months and a $100 Delta flight credit toward future travel after $10,000 in card spending in a calendar year. This card offers 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, including on U.S. takeout and delivery purchases, plus 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card charges no annual fee for the first year and then $99 and provides a first checked bag free. (See Rates & Fees). Read full review.

Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card: Best for Easy-to-Earn Bonus

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card offers 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $500 on the card in the first three months and charges no annual fee (See Rates & Fees). Cardholders earn 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on U.S. takeout and delivery purchases, 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. Get 20% back as a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight food, drink and headset purchases. Read full review.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card: Best for Annual Companion Certificate

This card offers 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels; 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including on U.S. takeout and delivery purchases, and at U.S. supermarkets; and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. You can earn 50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles toward Delta elite status after you spend $2,000 on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card in the first three months. Cardholders pay a $250 annual fee but get plenty of perks, including an annual domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate when you renew the card. (See Rates & Fees). Read full review.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card: Best for Bonus Miles Toward Elite Status

Pick up 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles toward Delta elite status after you spend $3,000 on your new card in the first three months. You will also have a chance to get up to 60,000 Medallion Qualification Miles with Status Boost annually after you spend $30,000 on your card in a calendar year. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card charges a hefty $550 annual fee but offers a round-trip companion certificate when you renew your card and other valuable perks. Cardholders earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. (See Rates & Fees). Read full review.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card: Best for Welcome Offer and Annual Flight Credit for Small-Business Owners

Cardholders get 2 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, on eligible U.S. advertising purchases in select media, and on eligible U.S. shipping and restaurant purchases, plus 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases. You can earn a welcome offer of 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 on the card in the first three months and a $100 flight credit toward future travel after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card charges no annual fee the first year and then $99 and offers priority boarding and a first checked bag free. (See Rates & Fees). Read full review.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card: Best for Bonus Rate on Single Eligible Purchases for Small-Business Owners

You can earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on eligible purchases made directly with hotels, plus 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases. Also, get 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of at least $5,000 for up to 50,000 miles annually. You can receive 60,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles toward Delta elite status after you spend $3,000 on the card in the first three months. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card has a $250 annual fee but many benefits, such as priority boarding, a free first checked bag and 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases as a statement credit. (See Rates & Fees). Read full review.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for Premium Perks for Small-Business Owners

This card earns 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases; if you spend at least $150,000 on the card during a calendar year, that jumps to 1.5 miles per dollar for the rest of the year. You can get 60,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles toward Delta elite status after you spend $4,000 on your card in the first three months. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card charges a $550 annual fee but comes with access to Delta Sky Club lounges, concierge service, a first checked bag free and a 20% discount on eligible in-flight purchases as a statement credit. (See Rates & Fees). Read full review.

How Do Delta Credit Cards Work?

Delta Air Lines partners with American Express to offer co-branded credit cards that can help you earn miles and rewards in Delta’s loyalty program, called SkyMiles. You will need to join the program to start earning miles, and then you may want to consider a Delta SkyMiles credit card, especially if you’re a frequent Delta flyer. One of these cards can accelerate your earnings and provide other perks that enhance your travel, such as a free checked bag, priority boarding and credit toward elite status.

A Delta SkyMiles credit card awards miles for card purchases and usually offers the most miles for Delta purchases. Whether you choose a consumer credit card or business credit card, you will earn at least 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases. Cardholders can also earn miles on everyday purchases, such as groceries and takeout meals, and SkyMiles bonuses may allow you to boost earnings in certain spending categories.

SkyMiles do not expire and can be redeemed toward flights, vacation packages, hotel stays, gift cards and even charity donations.
This line of co-branded airline cards includes a choice of four consumer credit cards and three business credit cards. Consumer options range from a basic card with no annual fee to a premium card with luxury perks, and each one has a welcome offer to earn bonus miles after you meet a spending requirement.

Who Should Get a Delta Air Lines Credit Card?

A Delta SkyMiles credit card could be right for you if:

  • You have a good to excellent credit score, which is a FICO score of 670 to 850.
  • You intend to fly on Delta at least a couple of times a year.
  • You live near a Delta Air Lines hub, which can make flying Delta convenient.
  • You want to earn elite status quickly.
  • You plan to use Delta travel benefits.

How to Choose the Best Delta Credit Card

Evaluate which card features are most important to you and how much value you can get from each card to choose the best Delta SkyMiles credit card. You might be willing to pay for free checked bags because of the savings or early boarding because of the convenience, for instance.

Here is a look at how the Delta credit card offers compare to help you choose the right card.

Delta SkyMiles Consumer Credit Card Comparison

Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Annual Fee $0 $0 for the first year and then $99 $250 $550
Rewards for Delta Purchases 2 miles per dollar 2 miles per dollar  3 miles per dollar  3 miles per dollar
Rewards in Other Spending Categories 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide and on U.S. takeout and delivery purchases; 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including U.S. takeout and delivery purchases; 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases 3 miles per dollar on purchases made directly with hotels; 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including U.S. takeout and delivery purchases; 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Free First Checked Bag No Yes Yes Yes
Priority Boarding No Yes Yes Yes
Airport Lounge Access No No Discounted Sky Club access Free Sky Club access and two guest passes annually 
Annual Companion Certificate No No Domestic main cabin round trip Domestic first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin round trip 
$100 Delta Flight Credit After Meeting Spending Requirement No Yes No No

Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card Comparison

Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
Annual Fee $0 for the first year and then $99 $250 $550
Rewards for Delta Purchases 2 miles per dollar 3 miles per dollar 3 miles per dollar
Rewards in Other Spending Categories 2 miles per dollar on eligible U.S. advertising purchases in select media, on eligible U.S. shipping purchases and at restaurants; 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with hotels; 1.5 miles per dollar on single purchases of at least $5,000 for up to 50,000 miles annually; 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases  1.5 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases, excluding Delta purchases, once you spend at least $150,000 in a calendar year; 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
Free First Checked Bag Yes Yes Yes
Priority Boarding Yes Yes Yes
Airport Lounge Access No Discounted Sky Club access Free Sky Club access when flying Delta
Annual Companion Certificate No Domestic main cabin round trip Domestic first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin round trip 
$100 Delta Flight Credit After Meeting Spending Requirement Yes No No

Alternative Credit Cards for Delta Flyers

Take a look at alternatives to a Delta credit card if you think you might prefer the flexibility to earn miles and redeem rewards with more than one carrier. A general travel credit card earns rewards for everyday and travel purchases, and many cards include solid travel benefits. Consider whether one of these could be a better fit:

This card earned U.S. News’ Best Credit Cards Award of 2022 in the cash back credit card category, and for good reason. Chase Freedom Unlimited offers 5% cash back on travel booked through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal; 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases; and 1.5% back on all other purchases. Cardholders also earn a 1.5% bonus the first year on up to $20,000 in purchases, worth $300 cash back. The card comes with a 15-month 0% introductory annual percentage rate on purchases and balance transfers and charges no annual fee.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card received U.S. News’ Best Credit Cards Award of 2022 for travel credit cards. Open a card and spend $500 on it in the first three months to earn 20,000 bonus miles, worth $200 in travel. This card earns unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on every purchase, plus 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal. Cardholders get a 15-month 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers and pay no annual fee.

This premium travel credit card carries a hefty $695 annual fee but could pay for itself if you are a frequent traveler and will use the benefits. You can earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on the card in the first six months. Cardholders get five points per dollar for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel on up to $500,000 per calendar year and five points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. The Platinum Card from American Express comes with a long list of credits, such as a $200 annual airline fee credit, a $200 yearly credit on certain hotels, and up to $200 in savings on Uber rides and Uber Eats food delivery.

Best Delta Air Lines Credit Card Methodology

U.S. News has helped consumers make money decisions for decades. When we rate airline cards, we factor in overall issuer satisfaction, APR, cardholder benefits, and each card’s annual fee, foreign transaction fee and balance transfer fee. We also consider several factors related to rewards: ease and flexibility of redemption, airline rewards earning rate, rewards redemption value and sign-up bonus value. Satisfaction data is based on an annual nationwide survey.

Disclosures

Delta Reserve® Credit Card, Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card:

Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles®:

Up to $300 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Delta Reserve® Credit Card, Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card:

The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card, Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card:

You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Delta Reserve® Credit Card

You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Delta Reserve® Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card

Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
  • Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Delta Reserve® Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Blue Cash Preferred® Card, Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card:

When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.

  • 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.

Delta Reserve® Credit Card, Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card, Plum Card®:

With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.

  • Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.
  • Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Delta Reserve® Credit Card, Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card:

Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply.

  • 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.

Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles®:

When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.

  • 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.

Delta Reserve® Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card:

Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.

  • 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.

Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card:

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

  • 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. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Delta Reserve® Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card, Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card, Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card:

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

  • 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. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Source link