For frequent Delta travelers, the right credit card can make a significant difference in how you earn and redeem SkyMiles, access airport lounges, and enjoy travel perks. Whether you’re a casual flyer or a Delta loyalist, choosing one of the best Delta Airline credit cards can enhance your travel experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the top Delta credit cards, their benefits, and how to maximize your rewards.
Why Get a Delta Credit Card?
Delta offers a range of co-branded credit cards through American Express, catering to different travel needs. Here’s why you should consider one:
- Earn More SkyMiles: Delta cards offer generous welcome bonuses and ongoing mile-earning opportunities.
- Priority Boarding & Free Checked Bags: Many Delta cards provide priority boarding and a free checked bag for you and your companions.
- Access to Delta Sky Club Lounges: Premium Delta cards grant access to Delta Sky Clubs, making your airport experience more comfortable.
- Companion Certificates: Some Delta credit cards offer an annual companion certificate, allowing you to bring a companion for free (plus taxes and fees).
If you want to maximize the benefits of travel rewards, check out our guide to maximizing sign-up bonuses on WeDoPoints.
The Best Delta Airline Credit Cards
1. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Best for casual Delta travelers
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 40,000 SkyMiles after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year, then $99.
- Earning Rate: 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets; 1x on all other purchases.
- Perks: First checked bag free, priority boarding, 20% back on in-flight purchases.
This card is perfect for travelers who fly Delta occasionally but still want perks like free checked baggage. If you’re looking to optimize travel rewards, visit WeDoPoints for more expert insights.
2. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Best for frequent Delta flyers
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 50,000 SkyMiles + 5,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $250.
- Earning Rate: 3x miles on Delta purchases and hotels; 2x at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets; 1x on other purchases.
- Perks: Annual companion certificate, first checked bag free, priority boarding, TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.
For frequent Delta travelers, this card offers additional perks like the MQM boost, which helps you reach elite status faster.
3. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Best for luxury travelers and elite status seekers
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 60,000 SkyMiles + 10,000 MQMs after spending $5,000 in the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $550.
- Earning Rate: 3x miles on Delta purchases; 1x on other purchases.
- Perks: Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion Lounge access, annual companion certificate, free first checked bag, priority boarding.
This card is designed for frequent Delta travelers who want lounge access and a faster route to Medallion Status. The annual companion certificate alone can justify the cost for many travelers.
4. Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Best for budget travelers
- Welcome Bonus: Earn 10,000 SkyMiles after spending $1,000 in the first 6 months.
- Annual Fee: $0.
- Earning Rate: 2x miles on Delta purchases and restaurants; 1x on other purchases.
- Perks: 20% back on in-flight purchases.
This card is great for those who don’t want to pay an annual fee but still want to earn Delta miles. However, it lacks some premium travel perks.
How to Choose the Best Delta Airline Credit Card for You
When choosing among the best Delta Airline credit cards, consider these factors:
- How often do you fly Delta? If you fly Delta frequently, a premium card like the Platinum or Reserve is worth considering.
- Do you check bags often? The Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards all offer free checked bags, saving you $30 per flight.
- Do you want lounge access? If you frequently spend time in airports, the Reserve card is the best option.
- Are you trying to earn elite status? The Platinum and Reserve cards provide MQM boosts that help you earn Medallion Status faster.
- Do you want an annual companion certificate? The Platinum and Reserve cards both offer a companion ticket, which can offset the annual fee.
For a deeper dive into travel rewards, check out WeDoPoints for tips on maximizing your miles and benefits.
Maximizing Your Delta SkyMiles
Once you have your Delta credit card, follow these tips to get the most out of your rewards:
1. Take Advantage of Welcome Bonuses
Most Delta cards offer lucrative welcome bonuses—hit the minimum spending requirement to earn thousands of SkyMiles.
2. Use Your Card for Travel Purchases
Earn bonus miles by booking Delta flights, hotels, and rental cars using your Delta credit card.
3. Utilize the Companion Certificate
The Platinum and Reserve cards offer an annual companion ticket—a great way to save money on flights.
4. Leverage Lounge Access
If you have the Reserve card, make the most of Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion Lounge access for a premium airport experience.
5. Monitor Delta SkyMiles Deals
Delta frequently offers discounted award flights—use your miles strategically for the best redemptions.
Real User Reviews
Here are five real reviews from Delta credit card users:
- Michael R. – Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex“I love the companion certificate—it saved me $500 on a recent trip. Totally worth the annual fee!”
- Jessica S. – Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex“The free checked bag and priority boarding make travel much smoother. I’ve already earned two free flights with my SkyMiles!”
- David T. – Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex“Lounge access is a game-changer. Having a quiet place to relax before flights is worth every penny.”
- Lisa M. – Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex“No annual fee and solid rewards. It’s perfect for someone like me who flies Delta a few times a year.”
- Chris P. – Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex“The TSA PreCheck credit and bonus miles made this card a must-have. I highly recommend it!”
User Reviews of Delta Airlines Credit Cards: Insights & ExperiencesFinal Thoughts
The best Delta Airline credit cards offer valuable travel benefits, from free checked bags to priority boarding and lounge access. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, there’s a Delta card that fits your needs.
If you want to maximize your travel rewards, explore more strategies on WeDoPoints. Safe travels!
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