Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Mileage Rewards at a Minimum Cost

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The Blue Amex Card is best suited for people looking for a card that allows them to earn straightforward rewards on Delta purchases and dining expenses. If you occasionally fly Delta and want to try out Delta's SkyMiles® program, this card is for you. It lets you earn 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and restaurants and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

While it may skip the free checked bags and some of the travel perks, avoiding an annual fee is a big plus. However, if racking up miles across various categories is a must, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is worth a look. It offers 2 miles per dollar on Delta flights, dining and U.S. supermarkets and rewards your loyalty with a $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a year — a hidden gem that adds real value for frequent travelers.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Credit Card logo for Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
MoneyGeek Rating
4.2/ of 5
On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary
Earn 1X–2X miles
APR
20.49%–29.49% variable
Intro Offer
Earn 10,000 miles
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670–850 (Good to Excellent)

Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card Detailed Review

The Delta SkyMiles Blue card is ideal for casual Delta travelers who want to earn miles without an annual fee. If you’re a budget traveler who typically flies out at most twice a year, an entry-level Delta travel card with 10,000 bonus miles could get you far. While you would need to spend $1000 in the first six months as a new cardholder, this no-annual-fee travel card might be able to sway you.

However, the Delta SkyMiles Blue card falls short in providing free checked bags and priority boarding, which are common perks in more premium travel cards. If these features are important to you, consider higher-tier Delta cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card that offer more comprehensive travel benefits despite the extra $150 annual fee. see Rates and Fees

Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card Features

Feature
Details

Card Uses

Airline, General Travel

Annual Fee

0%

Introductory Offer

Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1000 in purchases within the first six months

Introductory APRs

No introductory APR for purchases or balance transfers; standard variable APR applies

Rewards

2X miles on Delta purchases and restaurants; 1X miles on all other eligible purchases

Delta SkyMiles® Points Earning and Redemption

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers a straightforward rewards program that is ideal for casual Delta travelers. When using your Delta SkyMiles to purchase airline tickets, you can typically receive a value of 1.3 to 1.5 cents per mile on every flight, though this can vary. Cardholders can earn miles on everyday purchases without worrying about an annual fee.

You can earn miles in the following categories:

Category
Miles Earned per $1 Spent

Delta Purchases

2X miles

Restaurants Worldwide; Takeout and Delivery in the U.S.

2X miles

All Other Purchases

1X miles

Redemption Options

Special rewards opportunities include a 20% savings on in-flight purchases and the Pay with Miles feature. With Pay with Miles, you can take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem when booking on Delta's website.

Miles earned with this card does not expire, providing flexibility in redemption. Flights and seat upgrades are some of the best ways to redeem points, which offer the most value for your miles. This makes the card a great choice for those who occasionally fly with Delta and want to earn rewards without the commitment of an annual fee.

Delta SkyMiles Blue Miles Estimator

Use this calculator to estimate the value of the miles you could earn with the Delta SkyMiles Blue card. Enter your estimated spending in each category to see how many miles you can earn.

Important Disclaimers:

  • This calculator is for planning and evaluation purposes and is not sponsored or endorsed by American Express.
  • Some of your purchases may not be eligible for earning points.
  • The value of points at redemption will vary.
1

How much do you spend on Delta purchases per YEAR? (2X miles)

$
2

How much do you spend on dining, including restaurants, takeout, and delivery, per MONTH? (2X miles)

$
3

How much do you spend on other eligible purchases per MONTH? (1X mile)

$
Miles Earned From the Card:0
Estimated Miles Value:0 cents
Value of Miles:$0

Benefits and Perks

Some of the most notable features of this entry-level travel card are earning double miles on Delta purchases and dining and no foreign transaction fees.

Travel and Dining Rewards
  • 2X Miles on Delta Purchases: This benefit allows you to earn double miles on all Delta-related expenses, making it easier to accumulate miles for future travel.
  • 2X Miles on Restaurants Worldwide: Whether dining out or ordering takeout, you earn double miles on these purchases, adding value to your everyday spending.
Cost Savings
  • No Annual Fee: This card has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for those who want to earn miles without additional costs.
  • 20% Savings on In-Flight Purchases: Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases, such as food and beverages.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card abroad without worrying about extra fees, making it ideal for international travelers.
Additional Perks
  • Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Provides secondary coverage for damage or theft of rental cars, offering peace of mind during your travels.
  • Pay With Miles Feature: Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem when booking on Delta's website.
  • Events With Amex: Enjoy exclusive access to ticket presales and Card Member-only events, including Broadway shows and concert tours.
  • Free Enrollment for ShopRunner Membership: Get free 2-day shipping and free return shipping on eligible items at over 100 online stores.

Drawbacks and Considerations

The Blue Amex Card has its perks, but there are a few key drawbacks to consider. Paying for checked bags and no priority boarding can make it challenging to earn miles.

No Free Checked Baggage

One of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card's key drawbacks is the lack of free checked baggage, a perk that many travelers find valuable, especially on longer trips or when flying with family.

While higher-tier Delta cards offer this benefit, the Delta SkyMiles Blue card leaves you to cover baggage fees out-of-pocket, which can quickly add up, particularly for frequent flyers or those who often check luggage.

No Priority Boarding and Lounge Access

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card also falls short in terms of priority boarding and lounge access — perks that can significantly enhance the travel experience. Without these benefits, Blue Amex cardholders are left to compete for overhead bin space and miss out on the comfort and convenience of Delta Sky Club lounges. For frequent flyers who value a more streamlined and relaxing airport experience, the absence of these features may make the Delta SkyMiles Blue card feel basic compared to other Delta Amex cards.

How the Blue Amex Card Compares

The Blue Amex Card is a no-fee gem for those who want to earn Delta miles without committing to an annual fee. It offers 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.

In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card, with its $99 annual fee (waived the first year), offers broader rewards and a larger intro bonus. While the Gold card provides more perks, the Delta SkyMiles Blue card appeals to those who prefer simplicity and value without the extra cost. Choose the Blue if you prioritize low-cost rewards over premium perks.

Here are the main perks of the Blue Amex Card compared to those of the other Delta cards:

Features
Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Amex Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Amex Card

Anniversary Bonus

N/A

$200 Delta Flight Credit after $10,000 spend

Companion Certificate each year

Annual Fee

No annual fee

$0 first year, then $150 see Rates and Fees

$350

Delta SkyMiles® Travel Credit

N/A

$200 after $10,000 spending

$150 Delta Stays Credit

Sign-Up Bonus

10,000 Bonus Miles after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases on your new card in the first six months

50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 on your card in the first six months

60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 on your card in the first six months

Points on Delta Purchases

2X miles

2X miles

3X miles

Cards to Pair With the Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue card works best when paired with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, giving you a well-rounded mix of everyday rewards and travel perks. The Blue card earns 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, perfect for racking up rewards on casual meals and flights.

However, the Platinum card matters in terms of its added benefits — like the annual companion certificate and free checked bags, which make flying more affordable and convenient. Together, this duo gives you solid earnings on daily spending and perks that enhance your Delta travel experience, no matter how often you fly.

Is the Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card Worth It?

If you’re a Delta enthusiast looking to avoid an annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles Blue Card is a solid choice. It offers 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, along with no foreign transaction fees — an excellent perk for international travelers. Plus, meeting the $1,000 spending requirement within the first six months of card membership is manageable with everyday purchases.

However, with limited bonus categories, it's ideal for occasional Delta flyers who appreciate simplicity. For broader rewards and more flexibility, consider the Sapphire Preferred Card, which sets you up with 2X points on travel and dining along with versatile redemption options for an affordable annual fee of $95.

How We Evaluated the Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card

We evaluated the Blue Amex Card by reviewing 95 cards in total. Our scoring system considers several key features with the following weights:

  • Airline Scope (20%): Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to.
  • Effective Reward Rate (15%): Measures how well the card rewards the consumer.
  • Expected Value for Traveler (15%): Expected monetary value of rewards and perks less the annual fees.
  • Dining Rewards Rate (10%): Measures rewards earned on dining expenses.
  • Issuer Satisfaction (10%): Measures customer fulfillment based on J.D. Power's issuer satisfaction study.
  • Annual Fee (10%): Rates the annual fees from 1 to 5, where 5 is no annual fee.
  • Offer ROI (10%): Considers the rate of return on the introductory bonus offers.
  • Hotel Rewards Rate for Traveler (5%): Measures rewards earned on hotel expenditures for someone who vacations two to three times per year.
  • Gas Rewards Rate (5%): Measures rewards earned on gas expenditures.

FAQ

What credit score do you need for a Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card?
What is the penalty APR for the Blue Amex Card?
How does the Blue Amex Card compare to other Amex cards?

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card please click here.

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.

About Doug Milnes, CFA


Doug Milnes, CFA headshot

Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.

Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.


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