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* Suggested credit score ranges are supplied by QuinStreet, not from the issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta's most premium rewards card boasts a breadth of frequent flyer perks, such as complimentary Delta Sky Club access and an annual companion certificate that can make the hefty annual fee worthwhile.

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Your Best Credit Cards has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Your Best Credit Cards and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Some or all of the card offers that appear on Your Best Credit Cards are from advertisers and may impact how and where card products appear on the site. Your Best Credit Cards does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Commissions do not affect or prioritize placement within our Card Explorer results and not all cards displayed earn us a commission. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone.

* Suggested credit score ranges are supplied by QuinStreet, not from the issuers, and are guidelines, not a guarantee of approval.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta's most premium rewards card boasts a breadth of frequent flyer perks, such as complimentary Delta Sky Club access and an annual companion certificate that can make the hefty annual fee worthwhile.

BONUS OFFER

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

💵 Your Projected Rewards Value
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Key facts

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is virtually a no-brainer if you’re a Delta frequent flyer, as an annual Sky Club membership normally costs $695.

You can gain unlimited complimentary access into the Delta Sky Clubs for a fraction of the cost with the Reserve card, plus enjoy perks like a free checked bag, upgrade priority, 3x miles on Delta purchases, and an annual companion certificate for any class of service within North America, the Caribbean and Central America.

Note that starting in 2025, you will only get 15 visits per year and we will update the value of this perk accordingly.

Annual Fee:

$650 (Rates and fees)

AVG Point Value:

$0.012 (Learn More)

Min. Credit Score for Approval:

670-739 * Good

Ongoing APR:

20.99%-29.99% Variable

Foreign Transaction Fee:

0%

From 2025 on, the SkyClub® benefit will be as follows:

Enter the Delta Sky Club® at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit.

(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.)

Reward multipliers

You’ll earn 3x bonus miles on eligible Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.

Earns bonus points for spend in the following bonus categories:

Only applies to Delta flights purchased directly from Delta. All other airline purchases will earn 1X miles per dollar

3x
Airfare

Estimated Rewards Value: 3.6%

1x
Everything Else

Estimated Rewards Value: 1.2%

Key features

1

Unique Card Benefits

Earn MQDs from spend

Earn $1 MQD towards Delta Medallion® status for every $10 spend on eligible purchases on your Card.

MQD Headstart

Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.

Annual Companion Certificate

Each year upon paying your annual fee and renewing your card membership, you’ll receive an annual companion certificate valid on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations 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 roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.

Upgrade Priority

You’ll receive upgrade priority over other Delta Medallion elite members who don’t have the Delta Reserve card. For example, if you’re a Platinum Medallion member with the Delta Reserve card, you’ll land higher on the upgrade list than other Platinum Medallion members.

Access to Complimentary Upgrades

Not a Medallion Member? Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. Ticket must be purchased on or after February 1, 2024 to be eligible to receive a complimentary upgrade.

Save 15% on Award Flight Redemptions

Cardholders can save 15% on all award flights when redeeming SkyMiles for Delta operated flights on the Delta website or via the Delta app.

Sky Club Guest Passes

You’ll get four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest passes each year. After that, bring up to two-guests at a per-visit rate of $50/person, per location

20% Back on In-Flight Purchases

Get 20% back as a statement credit when buying ancillary purchases, such as snack boxes, alcoholic beverages or wifi.

Complimentary Shoprunner Membership

Enroll your card for a complimentary ShopRunner membership, which gives you access to free priority shipping and returns to hundreds of eligible stores online.

2

Airport Lounge Access

Enjoy Delta Sky Club® access at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. 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.

Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.

3

Annual Statement Credits

$240 Resy Credit

With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.

$120 Rideshare Credit

You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.

$200 Delta Stays Statement Credit

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members can earn up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.

4

Free Checked Bags

You and up to eight travelers on the same reservation can bring a checked bag free on Delta flight. The savings add up significantly, as this checked bag waiver can save you $30 per flight per person for that first checked bag.

5

Global Entry / TSA PreCheck Reimbursement

Receive up to a $100 statement credit for your trusted traveler program application for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every four years or 4.5 years, respectively.

6

Grants Car Rental Status

You’ll receive Hertz President’s Circle Status, compliments of your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

Enrollment in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program is required.

To receive the benefit, you must add your Hertz Gold Plus Rewards Account number to your SkyMiles Account associated with your Eligible Card, register at delta.com/mypromos/eligible, and “Enroll in Promotion” at delta.com/hertz.

7

Secondary Car Rental CDW Waiver

The secondary car rental insurance policy can provide up to $50,000 for theft or damage to the vehicle, but reimbursement will only kick in after any primary coverage you may have with the rental car.

Terms:

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.

·       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. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

8

Cell Phone Protection

If you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your Delta Reserve card, you can receive complimentary cell phone protection that can provide reimbursement for damaged or stolen phones. You can receive up to $800 per claim, for a maximum of two claims per 12-month period.

Terms:

Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 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.

9

No Foreign Transaction Fees

All foreign transaction fees are waived on the Delta Reserve card when paying in a non-U.S. currency.

No foreign transaction fees

10

Extended Warranty

Extend the shelf life of eligible items with a manufacturer’s warranty of five years or less. You can receive up to an additional year of coverage!

Terms:

When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.

·       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.

11

Purchase Protection

This benefit provides up to 90 days of coverage for items you purchase on the card against theft or damage, giving you up to $1,000 in reimbursement per approved claim.

Terms:

When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.

·       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.

12

Return Protection

Return Protection

Bought something on the card but decided you want to return it? If the original merchant won’t process the refund, this card’s return protection benefit will refund the full purchase price up to $300 per approved claim (up to $1,000 per calendar year) within 90 days of purchase.

woman, shopping, lifestyle

Terms:

With Return Protection, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories.

13

Trip Protections

Trip Delay and Baggage Insurance Benefits

You’ll have peace-of-mind when you travel knowing that you can receive trip delay insurance that can provide reimbursement for delays of 6+ hours, as well as baggage insurance plan that protects against lost, stolen or damaged luggage.

Terms:

Trip Delay: Up 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.

Baggage 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.

14

Travel and Emergency Assistance Services

If you need emergency medical, legal or other assistance while traveling more than 100 miles away from home, you can tap into the Premium Global Assist Hotline at any time of day. While any services rendered will be the full responsibility of the primary cardholder, the Premium Global Assist Hotline may provide emergency medical transportation assistance at no additional cost.

Terms:

You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home.

Plus, we may provide emergency medical transportation assistance and related services. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card.

Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

15

Concierge Services

Tap into the American Express Concierge for any assistance related to travel, dining, entertainment and everything in-between.

16

Metal Card

The Amex Delta Reserve card is a heavy metal card in Delta’s signature royal purple color.

17

Free Access to Credit Score

Available when you opt-in to their free “MyCredit Guide.” Find this on the Amex website under My Account >> Free Credit Tools and Support.

18

Amex Offers

As an American Express card, you’ll get access to 100 online discounts at a time for travel, entertainment, shopping and more.

Earn more rewards by combining credit cards

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
? Best Combo
See how much more you'll earn in rewards when you combine these two cards.
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Pros & cons

  • Enter the Delta Sky Club before or after your Delta flights
  • Earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card (eligible purchases)
  • Advantageous perks for Delta frequent flyers, such as a free checked bag and upgrade priority
  • $650 annual fee is steep, no matter how you slice or dice it
  • Earning rate is limited to 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases
  • Requires a significant amount of annual card spend to reach significant MQDs

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Learn How to Apply Rates and fees

Our review

There are many reasons why frequent Delta flyers look toward the carrier’s top product: the Delta Reserve card with a $650 annual fee. This rewards card provides outstanding benefits when you’re flying Delta, but be prepared to pay a pretty penny.

First and foremost, you can get complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club, The Centurion Lounge, or Escape Lounge locations when presenting a same-day boarding pass with Delta Air Lines, giving you ample space to rest up, grab a meal or a drink, and get work done in the airport. While guest access isn’t included, you can bring up to two guests for a $50 per-person rate, or you can cash in your two guest passes that you’ll be awarded every card membership year.

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.

family, hike, travel

The annual companion certificate can also save you hundreds of dollars on Delta flights, as it’s eligible for round trip domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights in any class of service including First Class.

You’ll just need to pay the government imposed taxes and fees of less than $80 for domestic and $250 for international round trips — a steal for a second ticket on Delta Air Lines.

Furthermore, Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholders receive unmatched status boost benefits for those who can meet the certain benchmarks.

For those that need a hand with reaching the next Delta Medallion® elite status level, this card earns $1 MQD (Medallion Qualifying Dollars) for every $10 spent on eligible purchases with your Card – plus a $2,500 MQD boost each calendar year just for holding the Card.

The Delta Reserve card is also popular for elites as it provides upgrade priority over other Medallion members at the same status tier. Two elite members may be on the same elite status level, but with the Delta Reserve credit card, you’ll get higher priority on the upgrade list — which can mean all the difference in a sea of elite members.

And you’ll also receive up to $560 in statement credits each year with up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card, up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Enrollment Required) and up to $200 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com. (Terms apply)

You may be thinking that the Delta Reserve card is only targeted for those chasing Delta’s frequent flyer status. However, you may be surprised to find that the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card is also a fantastic choice for those without status but who want elite-like benefits.

Case in point: you and up to eight companions on the same reservation can bring your first checked bag free. And you can still get access to complimentary seat upgrades, although you’ll be placed on the bottom of the list after Medallion members.

There’s a long list of benefits that also come with the Delta Reserve card, such as the statement credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck, 15% award discount when redeeming for SkyMiles flights and travel and purchase protection benefits.

Simply put: it’s a huge step-up for Delta loyalists.

Rates and Fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Frequently asked questions

1

Does Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card have an annual fee?

The Delta Reserve card is the most premium rewards card in the airline’s lineup and charges a $650 annual fee.

2

Does Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card get you into airport lounges?

Enjoy Delta Sky Club® access at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. 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.

3

Is it hard to get the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

You’ll likely need an excellent credit score of 700+ to get approved for Delta’s top credit card.

4

Is it worth getting the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

While the $650 annual fee can sting, the Delta Reserve Card offers plenty of ways to justify this cost for those who are loyal to the carrier, especially if you factor in the value of the annual companion certificate good in any cabin class except Delta One and valid on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights.

5

How do I earn miles with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Credit Card?

You’ll earn 3x bonus miles on eligible Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.

6

Is there a better credit card than the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

If you’re looking for entrance into airport lounges, The Platinum Card® from American Express charges a higher $695 annual fee but offers more robust lounge access whether or not you’re flying Delta. However, if you’re looking for elite status boost and Delta-specific perks, frequent flyers should look no further than the Delta Reserve.

7

Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card charge foreign transaction fees?

There are no foreign transaction fees on the Delta Reserve card.

8

Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card have car rental CDW/LDW coverage?

Yes, but this coverage is secondary to any primary rental car insurance that you may already have and does not cover liability.

9

Does the the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card come with any Elite Status?

For those that need a hand with reaching the next Delta Medallion® elite status level, the Delta Reserve and Delta Business Reserve cards earn 1 MQD (Medallion Qualifying Dollars) for every $10 spent on eligible purchases with your Card.

10

Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offer extended warranty?

Yes, you’ll get extended warranty coverage for up to an additional year on qualifying items. See the section above for complete details.

11

Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offer purchase protection?

Yes, the Delta Reserve Card’s purchase protection can provide up to 90 days of coverage against theft or damage.

12

Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Credit Card offer trip protections?

The Delta Reserve card comes with an important range of trip protections, including trip delay coverage, baggage delay insurance, and access to the Premium Global Assist Hotline.

13

What credit score do I need to get a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

You’ll want to hold a strong credit history with a score of at least 700. However, you can check your pre-approval odds for the card first before applying to avoid a hard inquiry.

14

What can I do with the miles earned for spending on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

All miles earned in the card will be pooled to your Delta SkyMiles balance, which you can then redeem on Delta’s website for flights. As an added bonus, you can save 15% off the sticker price for award flights as a cardholder when booking Delta-operated flights.

15

Does Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card have Cell Phone Protection?

Yes, you’ll want to pay your monthly cell phone bill with the Delta Reserve card as you can receive complimentary coverage for stolen or damaged phones.

16

Can you get upgrades with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. Ticket must be purchased on or after February 1, 2024 to be eligible to receive a complimentary upgrade.

17

Do you get 2,500 MQDs automatically with this card?

Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.

18

How does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card compare to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card?

19

How does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card compare to The Platinum Card® from American Express Card?

20

Do you get Hertz status with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?

Yes! You’ll get Hertz’s top tier President’s Circle status.

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