MoneyGeek’s Take

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Review

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Updated: July 21, 2024

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

On Partner's Website


Rewards Rate
Earn 1X - 3X miles
APR
20.99% - 29.99% variable
Annual Fee
$650
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
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We follow a six-step process to review credit cards, and our methodology involves collecting credit card information, standardizing data points, potential cardholder profiles, considering annual and introductory bonuses, establishing the card values and reviewing data monthly to reprocess rankings.

With this card, you earn three miles on every dollar spent making purchases through Delta. This includes seat upgrades, lounge passes, food, drinks and more. For every other purchase, you earn one mile per dollar. You also get complimentary access to Delta Sky Miles Club lounge and the Centurion lounge, where you can relax before boarding a Delta flight and enjoy amenities like WiFi, showers, food and drinks, power stations and much more.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Overview

Looking over the bonuses and rewards structure of this card will help you decide if it offers more value than other cards of the same category.

Quick Take

  • Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of your card membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Club with 15 visits per year starting 2/1/25. Spend $75,000 or more annually for unlimited visits.
  • Receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year to share with family and friends.
  • Get complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year to help you get closer to Status.
  • Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 spent on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
  • Receive a Companion Certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after card renewal. Taxes and fees apply.
  • Get a $240 Resy Credit for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants, up to $20 each month. Enrollment required.
  • Earn a $120 Rideshare Credit for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers, up to $10 back each month. Enrollment required.
  • Enjoy 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app.
  • Receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
  • Be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list for eligible ticket holders.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. See rates and fees.
  • $650 Annual Fee. See rates and fees.
  • Terms Apply.

Important Card Details

Knowing the fees and charges of American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card can help you use this card more effectively as well as allow you to determine if the fees make sense for your financial needs.

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    Regular APR

    This card charges a variable APR of 20.99% – 29.99%, higher than the average APR. You have to pay your balance in full every month to avoid accruing interest charges on your balance. See rates and fees

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    Annual Fee

    With a high annual fee of $650, this card may be an expensive option compared to other cards of the same category. However, paying this annual fee may be worth it if you utilize the rewards program fully. See Rates and Fees

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    Cash Advance Fee

    When taking out a cash advance with this card, you either pay $10 or 5% of the total amount, whichever is greater, as a cash advance fee. See Rates and Fees

Additional Benefits

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers some additional features that may be beneficial for you.

  • Travel insurance: This card provides you with travel insurance that covers trip delays, cancellations, baggage damage or theft and car rental or loss so you can enjoy your trip in peace.
  • Priority boarding: When flying Delta flights, you can get the main cabin one priority boarding for you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation.
  • Concierge service: You can call the number on the back of your card for the complimentary concierge service, which can help you choose restaurants for dining or select the perfect gift for a loved one and much more.
  • Free first checked bag: You can check a bag for free for you and up to eight of your companions, saving up to $30 per bag.

Eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. For more details, please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

How the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Compares To Other Cards

While the American Express Delta SkyMiles Reserve is a great travel rewards card and it offers a good rewards program for frequent Delta flyers, it has a high annual fee compared to other cards of the same category. Analyzing this card as well as one of its competitors can help you determine if it’s the right card for you.

How the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Compares

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

  • Purchase APR: 20.99% – 29.99% variable See rates and fees
  • Annual fee: $650 See rates and fees
  • International transactions fee: $0 See rates and fees
  • Miles reward rate: Three miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, one mile per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Terms Apply
  • Best For: Frequent Delta flyers looking for a card with a great rewards program.

United Explorer Card

  • Purchase APR: 21.99% – 28.99% variable
  • Annual fee: $95, $0 Intro for First Year
  • International transactions fee: $0
  • Miles reward rate: Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining, hotel stays, and United® purchases and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Best For: Frequent users of United airlines looking for a card with low annual fee and a good rewards program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average credit score needed to get approved for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?
Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card report to all three credit bureaus?
Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card application process lengthy? Can you prequalify?
What information is needed to apply for an Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?
Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card have good customer service or satisfaction?
Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card have a mobile app or the option to pay or manage your account online?
Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card raise credit limits automatically or charge for limit increases?
Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offer the option to freeze your credit/account or have other security features?
Does American Express offer other credit cards besides the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

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

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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