Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card review 2024: Enjoy premium benefits, including Sky Club access
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 1:38 p.m. UTC Nov. 14, 2023
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Delta enthusiasts who want Delta Sky Club® lounge access get it automatically when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees). This premium airline card also comes with a robust selection of perks, and it helps big spenders work their way toward Delta Medallion® status. Recent changes to the card make it much more valuable if you’re able to take full advantage of its benefits. Read more in our Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card review.
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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card basics
- Annual fee: $650.
- Welcome bonus: 95,000 miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
- Rewards: 3 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and 1 mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Other perks and benefits: Delta Sky Club and The Centurion® Lounge access, upgrade priority and access to the Complimentary Upgrade list, Medallion® Qualification Dollar (MQD) Headstart and Boost, up to $240 annual Resy restaurants statement credit for eligible purchases in the U.S. (disbursed in monthly increments), up to an annual $120 rideshare statement credit for U.S. purchases with select providers (received as up to $10 monthly increments), annual Companion Certificate, up to an annual $200 Delta Stays statement credit, first checked bag free on Delta flights booked with the card, 15% off Award Travel on Delta flights booked with miles using delta.com and the Fly Delta app, application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Hertz President’s Circle status, baggage insurance plan¹, trip delay benefits² and more. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
- Does the issuer offer a preapproval tool? Yes.
- Recommended credit score: Good to excellent credit.
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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
About the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
If you’re a frequent Delta flyer and want access to the Delta Sky Clubs when flying with the airline, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card offers a pathway to make that happen.
Ownership of the $650-a-year travel credit card gives you access to Amex Centurion Lounges (when you fly with Delta and pay for your flight with your card) as well as Delta Sky Club access at no cost, plus four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. 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.
If you fly Delta often, there’s a plethora of other reasons to apply for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card. In early 2024 Delta and American Express made major changes to their lineup of co-branded credit cards. While these changes include an increase in annual fees, they also offer some improved benefits with a lot of potential value for Delta loyalists.
To start, you’ll receive receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart and $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.
Plus, cardholders get perks like a first checked bag free on Delta flights booked with the card, an annual Companion Certificate good for a roundtrip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+ or the Main Cabin on flights within the U.S., as well as Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flights each year upon card renewal. Payment of government-imposed taxes and fees is required (no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and $250 for roundtrip international flights). On top of that, receive upgrade priority, 15% off when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights using delta.com and the Fly Delta app (discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees) and a statement credit worth up to $100 towards a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee.
You’ll also get access to several travel insurance benefits, including a baggage insurance plan¹, trip delay insurance², trip cancellation and interruption insurance³ and secondary auto coverage⁴. Plus, Hertz President’s Circle Status (enrollment required), which is a great benefit for folks who rent cars while on vacation.
The card also offers several statement credits that can significantly offset the annual fee including credits of up to $20 per month for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants, up to $10 per month on select U.S. rideshare services (enrollment required) and up to $200 per year after using the card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays.
Maximizing these credits alone can bring your effective annual fee down to just $90. When you factor in the suite of other benefits, you can get a lot of value out of this card, making the higher annual fee well worth it for those who can fully take advantage of the perks.
In addition, the Delta Reserve Amex rewards purchases made with Delta more than most other Delta cards, earning 3 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and 1 mile on all other eligible purchases.
Pros
- Includes airport lounge membership: This card comes with complimentary access to Amex Centurion Lounges as well as Delta Sky Club. You also receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. 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.
- Fast track to earning elite status: The MQD Headstart and Boost will allow you to get closer to Medallion status by simply being a cardholder.
- Generous perks and travel insurance benefits: A range of frequent flyer perks apply, as well as general travel insurance benefits you get just for using your card to pay for flights.
- Various statement credits: Covering eligible purchases at Resy restaurants in the U.S., select U.S. rideshare services and prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays, this card’s statement credits can significantly offset the annual fee.
- Annual Companion Certificate: One of the biggest benefits of the card is the annual Companion Certificate, which allows you to buy-one-get-one on select flights while just paying the taxes and fees. This includes travel to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the Caribbean and Central America. You can fly in First Class, Delta Comfort+ or the Main Cabin. Taxes and fees will not exceed $80 for roundtrip domestic flights or $250 for rountrip international flights.
Cons
- Lounge access applies only when you fly with Delta: Lounge access with this card only applies when you fly on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. If you’re flying on a SkyTeam partner flight, you’ll have to pay $50 for a day pass to visit Sky Clubs. Also, if you’re a frequent flyer and anticipate visiting the Delta Sky Club more than 15 times per year, this limit (effective 2/1/25) will be frustrating. 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.
- High annual fee: The card’s annual fee may not be worth it for those who fly infrequently or choose a flight based on price, not airline.
- Low earn rate on regular spending: Earning a low base rate outside of Delta purchases is lackluster for a card at this price point.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card rewards
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers rewards of:
- 3 miles per $1 on Delta purchases.
- 1 mile on all other eligible purchases.
That said, the bonus category for Delta purchases is broader than you might think. This earning rate also applies to in-flight purchases of food and beverages on Delta-operated flights as well as Delta vacation packages.
Based on recent government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card might have $25,087 in expenses they can charge to a credit card each year. The chart below shows how that spending might break down in this card’s bonus categories, leading to the number of miles they might earn within a year.
| SPENDING CATEGORY | SPENDING AMOUNT | MILES PER DOLLAR | MILES EARNED |
|---|---|---|---|
Delta flights
| $5,000
| 3 miles
| 15,000 miles
|
Delta vacation package
| $2,500
| 3 miles
| 7,500 miles
|
Other purchases
| $17,587
| 1 mile
| 17,587 miles
|
TOTAL
| $25,087
| 40,087 miles
|
The cardholder in this example earns a total of 40,087 miles annually with this card, which can be worth different amounts depending on how they’re redeemed. For example, getting one cent per mile for a Delta redemption would make this point haul worth a little over $400, whereas a premium redemption that gets you 1.5 cents per mile would make it worth about $600.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card perks
This card offers a range of benefits that can more than make up for the $650 annual fee. Here’s a rundown of all the features:
- Delta Sky Club access (when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight).
- Access to Amex Centurion Lounges when flying with Delta.
- MQD Headstart and Boost.
- First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight other people on their itinerary (valued at $35 per-person, one-way).
- 15% off Award Travel.
- Four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year.
- Annual Companion Certificate good for a domestic, Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or the Main Cabin (upon card renewal, taxes and fees apply).
- Upgrade priority and access to the Complimentary Upgrade list.
- 20% back via statement on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.
- Statement credit worth up to $100 towards a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee.
- Statement credits for purchases at eligible Resy restaurants and select rideshare services within the U.S. and Delta Stays.
- Hertz President’s Circle status.
Cardholders also get some travel insurance benefits including:
- Baggage insurance plan worth up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage¹.
- Trip delay insurance worth up to $500 per trip².
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance worth up to $10,000 per covered trip and up to $20,000 per eligible card each 12-month period³.
- Secondary auto rental coverage⁴.
How the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card compares to other travel credit cards
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees) is a toned-down version of the Reserve card that comes with a lower annual fee of $350 and no airport lounge access. But it’s still a solid option as many of the same travel perks apply, including a first checked bag free on Delta flights, an application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100), 20% back via statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases and more.
The card also comes with a generous welcome bonus and earns 3 miles per $1 on Delta and purchases made directly with hotels, 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
Aside from the lack of lounge access, the most notable difference from the SkyMiles Reserve is with its annual Companion Certificate. Although it’s valid for domestic, Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flights each year upon card renewal, it’s only eligible for travel in the Main Cabin (taxes and fees apply). And, its MQD Boost allows cardholders to earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on the card in a calendar year, rather than earning $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card in a calendar year. The statement credits for U.S. Resy restaurants and Delta Stays are also smaller on the Delta Platinum compared to the Reserve, although the U.S. rideshare statement credit is the same.
The Delta Platinum card might be a better option for those who aren’t willing to pay a higher annual fee but still want some of the best benefits when flying with Delta.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
If you want to earn Delta miles but at a much lower annual fee, consider the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees). This card comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150, yet you still get a generous welcome bonus and a rewards rate of 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.
The big thing you’ll give up with this card is any kind of boost towards elite status since the Delta SkyMiles Gold card doesn’t offer an MQD Headstart or Boost. The Delta SkyMiles Gold card also doesn’t allow entry into Delta Sky Club at all — not even with a paid day pass.
The main perks you do get include a first checked bag free on Delta flights, a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after spending $10,000 in eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year, an up to $100 annual statement credit after using the card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays, 15% off when booking Delta flight Award Travel with miles using delta.com and the Fly Delta app and 20% back via statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card vs. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Arguably the biggest competition is between the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees). While the Amex Platinum Card does not earn Delta miles specifically, it does earn flexible Membership Rewards® points that transfer to Delta and other airline and hotel partners.
Although it lacks the Companion Certificate perk, the Amex Platinum Card also offers more lounge flexibility since you can use it to enter Delta Sky Clubs when you fly with Delta, Amex Centurion Lounges when you pay with your card and over 1,300 airports worldwide with a Priority Pass Select membership. Better yet, you can enter Priority Pass lounges even when you fly with other airlines. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
The Platinum Card® from American Express has a $695 annual fee, but it comes with widespread premium airport lounge access plus over $1,500 in potential statement credits. For all but the most devoted Delta flyers, the Amex Platinum is a more versatile choice.
Should you get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is best for frequent Delta flyers who really value Delta Sky Club access and typically fly business or first class. The annual fee on this card is lower than paying for lounge access outright, and you also get to earn miles with Delta and access a range of frequent flyer benefits along the way. The introduction of several statement credits and the expansion of where you can use your annual Companion Certificate make it a lot more valuable, although at a higher cost.
That said, the $650 annual fee may seem steep if you don’t fly with Delta often. In that case, you may want to check out other Delta credit cards as well as American Express credit cards that let you transfer points to Delta and other partners.
Methodology
Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of travel credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We factored the following into our analysis:
- Annual fees.
- Travel reward rates.
- Value of rewards.
- Redemption options.
- Additional benefits that a card may offer for travelers, such as travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card has a lower annual fee of $350 compared to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card’s $650 annual fee but it doesn’t provide airport lounge access. Rewards rates are also different on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, so make sure to compare the two cards side-by-side before you make a decision.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card comes with a credit limit that varies based on factors like your income and your creditworthiness. You will find out your assigned credit limit after you’re approved for the card.
You typically need good credit or better to qualify for this card, which FICO typically defines as a score of 670 or above. Having very good credit, or a score of 740 or higher, gives you an even better shot at approval.
Yes, enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. You will receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. 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.
However, you can only access the club within three hours of your scheduled departure on a Delta flight. It is also possible that at times of peak travel, a lounge may be at capacity and there will be a wait to enter.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card please visit this page.
For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card please visit this page.
For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page.
¹Baggage 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.
²Up 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.
³The 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.
⁴Eligibility 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.
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