Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
Our Rating
0% Intro
Annual Fee
APR
- Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Free First Checked Bag
- Annual Fee
- Delta Rewards Are a Bit Dissapointed
Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
Our Rating
PROS
- Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
- Free First Checked Bag
CONS
- Annual Fee
- Delta Rewards Are a Bit Dissapointed
APR
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$650
0% Intro
N/A
Credit Requirements
Good - Excellent
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers exclusive benefits for frequent Delta flyers, particularly those who value airport lounge access.
The card provides 3X miles per dollar on eligible Delta flights and Delta Vacations® with 1X miles on all other purchases, along with complimentary access to both Delta Sky Club lounges and Amex Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. Also, new cardholders earn a welcome bonus of Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new card in your first six months.
Additional benefits include priority boarding, a free checked bag for you and your companions, and a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. The card also grants an annual companion certificate, covering round-trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+, or First Class flights upon card renewal, though this perk begins in the second year.
However, the card charges a high annual fee ($650, see rates & fees) and limited earning rates when it comes to miles rewards. The benefits focused on Delta customers, so if you're not a frequent flyer, you may want to take a look at other general travel credit cards.
Can I Get Preapproved?
American Express does allow you to see if you can pre qualify for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve in just 30 seconds on the official website.
What is the Initial Credit Limit?
There is no stated initial credit limit for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, but there are reports that it can be quite high.
How Much is 10,000 Miles worth?
American Express has a typical average redemption for their miles of about 2 cents per mile. However, this depends on your redemption method, as it can be as low as 1 cent per mile.
When you should Move to the Delta Reserve card?
If you’re a frequent traveler with Delta, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve respectively are a good option. You can get decent rewards, but after the initial introductory period, you may find there are more attractive Delta reward cards available.
Does the Card Insurance Cover Flight Cancellation?
Yes, the card offers trip cancellation/interruption insurance, which provides reimbursement if your trip is delayed or canceled due to a covered incident.
What's the top reason to skip the Delta Reserve?
Although these it's a travel travel cards, if you are looking for cards that offer both travel and other purchase rewards, there are better options on the market. These cards are really only the best option for frequent flyers with the respective airlines.
In this Review
Pros & Cons
Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of the Delta Reserve Card:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Annual Companion Certificate | High Annual Fee |
Complimentary Delta Sky Club Access | Delta Rewards Are a Bit Disappointed |
No Foreign Transaction Fees | Delayed Companion Certificate Benefit |
Car Rental Damage and Loss Insurance | Lounge Access Limitations |
Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck | |
Free Check Bags & Priority Boarding | |
$200 Delta Stays Credit |
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- Annual Companion Certificate
When you renew your card, you'll receive a Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin roundtrip flights in the U.S., Caribbean, or Central America.
However, payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Terms apply.
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club Access
- $200 Delta Stays Credit
Every year, enjoy a $200 credit for eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
- Free First Checked Bag
When you use your card to book Delta flights, you can save up to $60 per round trip per person on free first checked bags.
When you use your card to book Delta flights, you can save up to $60 per round trip per person on free first checked bags.
- Car Rental Damage and Loss Insurance
If you use your card to reserve and pay for your entire rental and decline the rental company's collision damage waiver, you'll be protected against theft or damage to a rental vehicle in a covered territory. This is secondary coverage that excludes liability.
- Free Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
When you pay with your card, you can receive up to a $100 statement credit to reimburse you for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fees.
- Upgrades Priority
Even if you don't have Medallion Status, you can get upgrade priority.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees
When you use your card outside the U.S, you’ll not incur any foreign transaction fees. See Rates & Fees.
- Annual Fee
Similar to other luxury cards, the annual fee is quite high – $650.
- Delta Rewards Are a Bit Disappointed
Given that this is one of the most expensive Delta American Express cards, it is a little disappointing that sibling cards offer more generous rewards in some categories.
- Delayed Companion Certificate Benefit
he annual companion certificate for domestic flights only kicks in from the second year of card membership, requiring payment of the annual fee for a second time.
- Lounge Access Limitations
Cardholders cannot bring guests into Sky Clubs or Centurion Lounges without paying additional fees ($39 per person for Sky Clubs, $50 for Centurion Lounges).
Also, effective Feb. 1, 2025, cardmembers will be limited to 10 visits per year to Delta Sky Club lounges unless an annual spending threshold of $75,000 or more is met.
Additional Perks
- Hertz President’s Circle Status: Join the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program and enjoy the benefits of Hertz Five Star Status.
- $240 Resy Credit: Get a $240 credit for Resy, earning up to $20 in monthly credits on eligible Resy purchases.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Get a $120 credit for rideshare services, with up to $10 back each month on U.S. rideshare purchases when using your Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment is required.
- Upgrade Priority: Get priority for upgrades over other Medallion Members at the same level and fare class.
- MQD Boost: Earn $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each year, getting you closer to elite status with MQD Headstart.
- MQD on Purchases: Earn $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 you spend on your Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year, helping you reach a higher Medallion Status for the next year.
- Statement Credit for In-Flight Purchases: When you use your card to pay for in-flight purchases such as food, drinks, and audio headsets during your Delta flight, you will receive a 20% statement credit.
- Trip Delay Insurance: If your trip is delayed for more than six hours, you can file a claim for additional expenses. This has a $500 cap per trip and a maximum of two claims per card in a 12-month period .
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: If you pay for your entire trip with your card and it is interrupted or canceled for a covered reason, you can claim up to $10,000 per person for reimbursement of non-refundable travel expenses purchased with your card. During any 12-month period, there is a $20,000 limit per card*.
- Premium Global Assist Hotline: If you are traveling more than 100 miles from home, the Premium Global Assist Hotline can provide medical, financial, legal, and other emergency assistance services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Purchase Protections: Similar to the United Club Infinity, you can enjoy a variety of purchase protections, such as return protection of up to $300 per item and $1000 per calendar year if you are unable to return an eligible item to the merchant within 90 days. In addition, you can get 90 days of purchase protection against loss, theft, or accidental damage up to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per calendar year.
- Warranty extensions are also available for eligible items, providing an additional year on warranties of less than five years when the covered item is purchased with your card.
- American Express and Delta Experiences: The Amex program gives members exclusive access to tickets and events for shows, concerts, and other events. With Delta, cardholders can bid on various experiences.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Redemption Options
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers various redemption options for the accumulated Delta SkyMiles:
Award Travel on Delta Flights: Cardholders can use their Delta SkyMiles to book award travel on Delta flights. The redemption value may vary based on factors such as destination, seasonality, and demand.
SkyTeam Alliance Partners: Delta is part of the SkyTeam alliance, allowing cardholders to redeem SkyMiles for award travel on flights operated by other SkyTeam member airlines, expanding the range of destinations available.
Pay With Miles: Cardholders can use SkyMiles to partially or fully cover the cost of Delta flights through the Pay With Miles program, with a redemption value of at least one cent per mile. This offers flexibility in using miles for ticket purchases.
Additional Services: SkyMiles can be used for various additional services, including upgrades to premium cabins, Delta Sky Club memberships, premium drinks at lounges, and payment for fees such as same-day change fees and ticket change fees.
How It Compared To Other Premium Travel Cards?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holds its own among other premium travel cards but distinguishes itself with a focus on Delta flyers. When compared to other premium travel cards, each card caters to a specific set of traveler
One of the main competitors is the American Airlines Executive Card, targets frequent American Airlines flyers. It provides Admirals Club access, priority boarding, and the opportunity to earn elite status qualifying miles. This card is ideal for individuals loyal to American Airlines and its alliance partners.
Similarly, the United Infinite Card caters to United Airlines enthusiasts, offering benefits such as United Club access, free checked bags, and premier upgrades. It's designed for United loyalists who prioritize perks within the United ecosystem.
However, you may want to look for a general travel card which offers more flexibility. The Platinum Card From American Express, for example, offers a broader range of travel benefits, including access to various airline lounges, hotel elite status, and extensive travel credits. The card's high annual fee is justified by its diverse set of benefits.
Chase Sapphire Reserve appeals to those seeking flexibility in travel redemption, with its versatile Ultimate Rewards program. It's suitable for travelers valuing premium travel benefits, like Priority Pass lounge access and a $300 travel credit, without being tied to a specific airline.
How It Compared To Other Delta Cards?
Among the Delta-branded credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card stands out as the premium option, offering exclusive perks tailored for frequent Delta flyers.
In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card is designed for more casual travelers who want Delta perks at a lower cost. It offers benefits like the first checked bag free, priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for occasional Delta flyers.
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card falls in between, offering a balance of benefits at a mid-tier price point. It includes features like an annual companion certificate, priority boarding, and bonus miles on Delta purchases, appealing to those seeking a mix of value and perks.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is the entry-level option with no annual fee, making it a suitable choice for those who fly Delta occasionally and want basic benefits without the commitment of an annual fee.
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When You Should Consider It?
- You Want Premium Travel Perks: You are more likely to travel with a companion because some travel perks, such as lounge access and annual companion certificates, are extended to your travel companions.
- You have a busy three months planned: In addition to the welcome bonus, you can earn statement credit for eligible restaurant purchases during the first three months. So, if you have a busy quarter planned, you could maximize your rewards.
- If you are away from home, you want the reassurance of a hotline: When you travel more than 100 miles from home, the Premium Global Assist Hotline provides a variety of assistance resources.
- You're a flying Delta frequently: in order to get the most of this card, you should fly Delta. If you're already a loyal customer – it may be a good fit for you.
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for an airline credit card with premium travel benefits – the Upgrade is definitely a good option, but there are some good alternatives:
|
|
| |
|---|---|---|---|
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Chase Sapphire Reserve® | Capital One Venture X Rewards | |
Annual Fee | $695. See Rates & Fees | $550 | $395 |
Rewards |
1X – 5X
5X points on up to $500,000 spent on directly-booked airfare and flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (per calendar year), 2X points on prepaid car rentals through American Express Travel and 1X points on all other purchases
|
1X – 10X
5X total points on air travel and 10X total points on hotels, car rentals and dining when you purchase through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, immediately after earning your $300 annual travel credit. Also, earn 3x points on dining at restaurants and travel (after meeting the $300 travel credit), then 1x points per dollar spent on all other purchases. | 1X – 10X
10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars when booking via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights and 2 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
80,000 points
80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership
|
60,000 points
60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
| 75,000 miles
75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0. See Rates & Fees | $0 | $0
|
Purchase APR | 21.24% – 29.24% APR Variable | 22.49%–29.49% variable | 19.99% – 29.99% (Variable) |
FAQ
Yes – the Delta Reserve card offers rental car collision waiver insurance when you pay for your entire car rental with your card and decline the additional coverage at the rental counter. Please review the specific details before, to make sure you're covered as needed.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve is available for those with good to excellent credit, but there are no specified income requirements. However, Amex will use your income to determine your credit limit, so you may need to provide proof.
Your Delta SkyMiles card miles will not expire, allowing you to accumulate them until you have enough for your preferred rewards.
It is possible to redeem your miles with airline partners for either card. However, you should be aware that you will not get the best redemption rates and fees may apply. The Delta SkyMIles airline partners include Virgin, and KLM.
Compare Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card
While the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card has a high annual fee, it offers better airline and travel benefits than the Platinum card.
These two are considered as one of the best exclusive airline cards out there. What are the differences between them and is it worth it?
United Club℠ Infinite vs Delta SkyMiles® Reserve: Which Gives You More?
While the Amex Platinum Card offers extensive travel perks and redemption options, the Delta Reserve Card has better airline-specific perks.
Amex Platinum Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Which Luxury Travel Card Is Best?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers more versatile travel rewards and redemption options. But if you need airline perks, the Delta Reserve wins.
Chase Sapphire Reserve vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Which Luxury Travel Card Is Best?
The Amex Gold Card focused on everyday spending and general travel rewards, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card offer premium airline benefits.
Amex Gold Card vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Side By Side Comparison
The AAdvantage Executive is a clear winner when it comes to cashback value. But the Delta SkyMiles Reserve wins at premium airline perks
Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite vs. Delta SkyMiles Reserve: Which Luxury Airline Card Is Best?
Review Airline Credit Cards
United Explorer
American Airlines AAdvantage MileUp
Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express
United Club Infinite
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express
JetBlue Plus
United Explorer
AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard
Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Mastercard
Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express
United Quest
- 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.
