We've identified the top Delta cards for 2024 to help you maximize SkyMiles and enjoy perks tailored to your travel style. From the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue to the status-earning Delta SkyMiles Reserve, these cards offer valuable rewards and money-saving benefits like companion certificates, elevating your travels in the long run.
Best Airline Credit Cards for Delta Flyers in 2024
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is our pick for the best card for folks who fly enough to earn status, while the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is our pick for the best entry-level Delta card.
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
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.
Brett Holzhauer, CPFC
Personal Finance Journalist
Brett Holzhauer is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) and a personal finance reporter at MoneyGeek. He has written for several leading publications, including Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, CNBC and ValuePenguin. Holzhauer has a journalism and mass communications degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.
Casie McCoskey
Content Editor
Casie McCoskey is a professional editor passionate about providing people with accessible information on personal finance. Before MoneyGeek, she worked in the legal field, drafting and editing briefs and motions.
Doug Milnes, CFA
Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek
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.
Brett Holzhauer, CPFC
Personal Finance Journalist
Brett Holzhauer is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) and a personal finance reporter at MoneyGeek. He has written for several leading publications, including Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, CNBC and ValuePenguin. Holzhauer has a journalism and mass communications degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.
Casie McCoskey
Content Editor
Casie McCoskey is a professional editor passionate about providing people with accessible information on personal finance. Before MoneyGeek, she worked in the legal field, drafting and editing briefs and motions.
Updated: September 23, 2024
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Why You Can Trust Our List
MoneyGeek experts gather 32 data points for over 240 of the most popular cards in the U.S. from sources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, card issuer websites and trusted partners to provide our readers with accurate, up-to-date information. Using a proprietary ranking methodology, we evaluate business credit cards based on factors like annual fees, welcome offers, rewards rates, APR, foreign transaction fees and more, with specific weight given to each criterion.
4 Best Delta Credit Cards
Credit Card | MoneyGeek Rating | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Rewards | Recommended Credit |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.2/ of 5 | 20.49% - 29.49% variable | $0See Rates and Fees | Earn 1X–2X miles | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) On Issuer's Site | |
4.6/ of 5 | 20.49% - 29.49% variable | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.See Rates and Fees | Earn 1X–2X miles | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) On Issuer's Site | |
4.9/ of 5 | 20.49% - 29.49% variable | $350See Rates and Fees | Earn 1X–3X miles | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) On Issuer's Site | |
4.8/ of 5 | 20.49% - 29.49% variable | $650See Rates and Fees | Earn 1X–3X miles | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) On Issuer's Site |
Best No-Annual-Fee Delta Card: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Delta SkyMiles Blue is the card to get if you just want to earn extra SkyMiles and aren’t looking for other perks. It earns 2X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, plus 1X on all other purchases. Get this card if you don’t fly Delta frequently enough to pony up the annual fee for other cards that provide perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
- PROS
- High rewards on U.S. dining
- Generous bonus miles offer
- High rewards on Delta flights
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
CONS- High annual fee after the first year
- Limited value if not flying Delta
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first six months.
- Earn 2X miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases,
- Earn 2X miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 1X miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay With Miles: Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages and audio headsets.
- No foreign transaction fees. See rates and fees.
- No annual fee. See rates and fees.
- Terms apply.
Best for Casual Travel: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
If you don’t fly enough to earn status, but you see the value in paying an annual fee for free checked bags, priority boarding and earning miles on everyday purchases, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card could be a good fit. A sign-up bonus of 80,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months offers excellent value for a reasonable annual fee of $150 after the first year.
- PROS
- High rewards on U.S. groceries and dining
- Generous bonus miles offer
- High rewards on Delta flights
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
CONS- High annual fee after the first year
- Limited value if not flying Delta
- Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 after that. See rates and fees.
- 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app.
- $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 per round-trip per person.
- Enjoy Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
- $100 back per year as a statement credit after booking prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed with Pay with Miles.
- 20% savings on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees. See rates and fees.
- Terms apply.
American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 rate. If your goal is free flights and amassing points and you don't value the status earning or airline perks, you can also use an Amex card that earns Membership Rewards points and transfer points to Delta as needed. Consider pairing your Delta SkyMiles card with a more flexible rewards card, like the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, which is great for maximizing everyday spending and allows you to transfer points to Delta's loyalty program.
Best for Status Earners: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Frequent travelers focused on earning status can make the most of their travel with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Amex Card. It offers 90,000 Bonus SkyMiles after you spend $4,000 in the first six months of membership, an annual companion certificate, priority boarding and a free checked bag. Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) help you earn Delta Medallion status by earning $1 for every $20 spent, and it balances rewards with practical benefits for both family trips and status seekers.
- PROS
- Companion certificate
- Priority boarding and free checked bag
- High rewards on Delta purchases
- Medallion® Qualification Dollar boost
- Generous welcome bonus
CONS- High annual fee
- No introductory APR offer
- You can earn 90,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Earn a $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for each $20 spent.
- Earn 3X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and hotel bookings.
- Earn 2X SkyMiles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X SkyMiles on all other eligible purchases.
- Eligible for the Complimentary Upgrade list with an eligible ticket.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Enjoy 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount is not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- $120 Resy Credit: When you use your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $10 back each month in statement credits.
- Receive up to $120 in statement credits annually for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Get a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck® application fees.
- No foreign transaction fees; see rates and fees.
- $350 annual fee; see rates and fees.
- Terms apply.
Best for Luxury Travel: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Delta loyalists and frequent travelers seeking luxury perks or fast-tracked elite status will appreciate the Delta Skymiles Reserve Amex Card and its 100,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $6,000 in the first six months, lounge access and companion certificate. With accelerated MQD earnings, it's a solid choice for business travelers who prioritize comfort. Though it carries the highest annual fee, its perks offer long-term value.
- PROS
- Companion certificate
- High rewards rate on Delta
- Annual status award points
- Free checked baggage
- Priority Boarding
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- High annual fee
- High spend needed to earn some benefits
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of your card membership.
- Enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Club with 15 visits per year starting February 1, 2025. 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
- Terms apply.
How Do the Delta SkyMiles® Amex Cards Compare?
All Delta SkyMiles Amex cards earn SkyMiles and offer perks like in-flight savings and no foreign transaction fees. The main differences? Annual fees range from $0 to $650, and perks vary by card, including but not limited to discounts on inflight purchases, Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) and Delta flight credits.
For instance, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card is great for casual travelers. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card caters to frequent flyers with luxury perks like lounge access and companion certificates, fitting a range of travel preferences and budgets.
Here’s how the Delta SkyMiles Amex cards stack up against one another:
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express | Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Summary | No annual fee, basic rewards and perks, best for budget-conscious travelers. | Moderate annual fee, enhanced rewards and perks, best for frequent Delta flyers. | Higher annual fee, premium rewards and perks, best for frequent Delta flyers seeking Medallion status. | Highest annual fee, most comprehensive rewards and perks, best for frequent Delta flyers seeking luxury and status. |
Credit Score Requirement | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) | 670–850 (Good to Excellent) | 670–850 (Good to Excellent) |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 | $350 | $650 |
Rewards | 2X Miles on Delta purchases and restaurants, 1X Miles on all other purchases. | 2X Miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, 1X Miles on all other purchases. | 3X Miles on Delta purchases and hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 1X Miles on all other purchases. | 3X Miles on Delta purchases, 1X Miles on all other purchases. |
Sign up Offer | Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first six months. | Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. | Earn 90,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $4,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. | 100,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $6,000 in the first six months. |
Perks | 20% back on in-flight purchases, no foreign transaction fees. | Free first checked bag, priority boarding, $200 Delta flight credit. | Companion certificate, MQDs, travel insurance, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit. | Unlimited lounge access with high spending, companion certificate for higher classes, priority upgrades, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit. |
Best Known For | High rating for annual fees, good for budget-conscious travelers. | Good balance of rewards and perks for a moderate annual fee. | High rewards rate and expected value for frequent travelers. | Most comprehensive perks and highest annual fee, best for luxury travelers. |
Best For | Budget-conscious travelers who occasionally fly Delta. | Frequent Delta flyers who want enhanced perks without a high annual fee. | Frequent Delta flyers seeking Medallion status and premium perks. | Frequent Delta flyers seeking luxury and status with comprehensive perks. |
How to Apply for a Delta SkyMiles® Amex Credit Card
The application process for a Delta SkyMiles® card is straightforward, and you can be approved on the same day you apply.
Before you apply, there's information to prepare. You'll want your contact information, including name, birthday, Social Security number or TIN and mailing address. You'll also need information about your income, Delta Airlines SkyMiles number and any other information for other authorized users (if applicable).
Application Process:
- Begin by completing the application form with your personal details.
- American Express will conduct a soft credit check to determine pre-approval, which won't impact your credit score.
- If you choose to accept the offer and are approved, a hard credit inquiry will be performed, which may slightly affect your credit score.
Having all your information ready can make the application process smoother. Remember, adding authorized users requires their details as well.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Your Delta SkyMiles
Using your Delta SkyMiles with some strategy can help you get the most value from your travel rewards.
1. Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases
To accumulate miles quickly, use your Delta credit card for everyday purchases. Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offer 2X miles on Delta purchases and restaurants. The more you use your card, the more miles you earn.
2. Take Advantage of Bonus Categories
Different Delta cards offer bonus miles in specific categories. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card gives you 2X miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and restaurants. Make sure to use your card for these purchases to maximize your earnings.
3. Utilize Companion Certificates
If you have the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Reserve American Express Card, don't forget to use your annual companion certificate. This benefit can save you hundreds of dollars on flights each year.
4. Redeem Miles Wisely
Redeem your miles for high-value rewards like flights and upgrades. Avoid using miles for low-value items like merchandise. The Pay With Miles feature allows you to take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed.
5. Monitor Your Account for Promotions
Delta frequently offers promotions that can help you earn extra miles. Keep an eye on your account and take advantage of these offers when they arise.
6. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Keep your Delta SkyMiles account active to prevent your rewards from expiring. Watch for limited award availability, which can restrict redemptions. We recommend paying your credit card bill in full each month to maximize your rewards earnings and avoid interest charges.
FAQ About the Best Credit Cards for Delta Flyers
Yes, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card can be worth it for occasional travelers. It offers 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, plus 1X miles on everything else. While it lacks perks like free checked bags or priority boarding, its no annual fee makes it a solid choice for earning SkyMiles on everyday spending.
Yes, if you frequently fly Delta and typically earn or want to work towards elite status, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a great choice. You can utilize perks like the companion certificate, free checked bags and priority boarding.
70,000 Delta SkyMiles are worth approximately $1,050 when redeemed for flights, based on an average value of 1.5 cents per mile.
American Express partners with Delta and offers several co-branded cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Blue, Gold, Platinum and Reserve American Express Cards.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, please click here.
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® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
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.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.