Best Delta Air Lines Credit Cards of December 2024
Updated: Nov 12, 2024Take a look at our top picks, then let us walk you through making the decision.
+ 2 more+ 2 more
Delta Air Lines has a credit card for nearly every category of Delta flyer — from a $0-annual-fee option for occasional travelers to a $650-a-year card with airport lounge access, generous checked-bag benefits and an annual companion certificate that's good even in first class. In general, the higher the annual fee, the more benefits and perks you'll get from your Delta Air Lines credit card. Below, you'll find our picks for different types of travelers, followed by a guide to choosing the right Delta credit card for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Delta Air Lines has a credit card for nearly every category of Delta flyer — from a $0-annual-fee option for occasional travelers to a $650-a-year card with airport lounge access, generous checked-bag benefits and an annual companion certificate that's good even in first class. In general, the higher the annual fee, the more benefits and perks you'll get from your Delta Air Lines credit card. Below, you'll find our picks for different types of travelers, followed by a guide to choosing the right Delta credit card for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards.
Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today,
The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America"
and many other national, regional and local media outlets.
Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Show More
Delta Air Lines has a credit card for nearly every category of Delta flyer — from a $0-annual-fee option for occasional travelers to a $650-a-year card with airport lounge access, generous checked-bag benefits and an annual companion certificate that's good even in first class. In general, the higher the annual fee, the more benefits and perks you'll get from your Delta Air Lines credit card. Below, you'll find our picks for different types of travelers, followed by a guide to choosing the right Delta credit card for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Delta Air Lines has a credit card for nearly every category of Delta flyer — from a $0-annual-fee option for occasional travelers to a $650-a-year card with airport lounge access, generous checked-bag benefits and an annual companion certificate that's good even in first class. In general, the higher the annual fee, the more benefits and perks you'll get from your Delta Air Lines credit card. Below, you'll find our picks for different types of travelers, followed by a guide to choosing the right Delta credit card for you.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
Why trust NerdWallet
400+ credit cards reviewed by our team of experts (See our top picks)
80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance
27,000+ hours spent researching and reviewing financial products in the last 12 months
Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics (Methodology)
NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
NerdWallet's Best Delta Air Lines Credit Cards of December 2024
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Best for Most Delta flyers
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Best for Elevated benefits
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Best for No annual fee
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Best for Lounge access
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Best for Business travelers
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for Flexibility + luxury
Show SummaryHide Summary
Best Delta Air Lines Credit Cards From Our Partners
| Credit card | NerdWallet rating | Annual fee | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Most Delta flyers | $0 intro for the first year, then $150 | 1x-2x | 50,000 miles | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for No annual fee | $0 | 1x-2x | 10,000 miles | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Elevated benefits | $350 | 1x-3x | 60,000 miles | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Lounge access | $650 | 1x-3x | 70,000 miles | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express CardApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Business travelers | $650 | 1x-3x | 80,000 miles | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
 The Platinum Card® from American ExpressApply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website | Best for Flexibility + luxury | $695 | 1x-5x | 80,000 points | Apply Now on American Express' website on American Express' website |
Find the right credit card for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.
Most Delta flyers
Even if you travel only a few times a year, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card can more than pay for itself with a strong welcome offer, a generous checked-bag benefit and bonus rewards on everyday spending.
Our Take
You earn 2 miles per dollar spent not just on Delta purchases, but also at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets; other spending earns 1 mile per dollar. The first checked bag is free for you and up to eight others on your reservation, you get priority boarding and you get a $200 Delta credit — good for future travel — when you put $10,000 on the card in a calendar year. The new cardholder offer starts you off right, too. Terms apply.
When the annual fee kicks in, it's somewhat higher than what you'd pay on other big airlines' comparable cards. And unlike Delta's higher-priced offerings, this card doesn't offer a companion certificate or provide a potential boost toward elite status.
Even if you travel only a few times a year, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card can more than pay for itself with a strong welcome offer, a generous checked-bag benefit and bonus rewards on everyday spending.
No annual fee
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card could be a good fit for someone who doesn't travel that often and just wants to earn miles at a steady clip between occasional trips.
Product Details
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile 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 and beverages.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The primary selling point on this card is the $0 annual fee. You'll earn 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, as well as at restaurants, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. There's a modest bonus offer, as well. Terms apply.
You won't get a free checked bag or priority boarding — signature perks of other airline cards that can more than make up for an annual fee. If you don't fly very often anyway, it might not be worth it to commit to a single airline; a general-purpose travel card with flexible rewards points might be a better fit.
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card could be a good fit for someone who doesn't travel that often and just wants to earn miles at a steady clip between occasional trips.
Elevated benefits
You'll pay more for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card than for the airline's basic card, but you'll also get more — much more, including an annual companion certificate upon renewal that can more than make up for the fee.
Product Details
- Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America 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.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- $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.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that's a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum 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.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $350 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
You earn 3 miles per dollar spent with Delta and on eligible hotel purchases; 2 miles per dollar at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets; and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. There's a strong welcome offer, a free checked bag for you and up to eight others on your reservation, priority boarding, a fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and an opportunity to earn points toward elite status. Its most valuable perk, though, is the companion certificate each year you renew. Terms apply.
The companion certificate is good only for the main cabin (for domestic travel or to select Mexican, Caribbean or Central American destinations; terms apply). For a companion certificate good in any class, you'll have to get Delta's top-of-the-line card.
You'll pay more for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card than for the airline's basic card, but you'll also get more — much more, including an annual companion certificate upon renewal that can more than make up for the fee.
Lounge access
If you spend a lot of time on Delta flights — or in airports waiting to board Delta flights — the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could be well worth its sizable annual fee, thanks to its airport lounge access and an annual companion certificate upon renewal that's good even in first class.
Product Details
- Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when you fly Delta. 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. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
- Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
- Enjoy 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 and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
- Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America 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.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
This card gets you into Delta Sky Clubs as well as American Express Centurion Lounges. Each year you renew, you get a companion certificate good for any class of travel, including first class. There's a great welcome offer, a checked bag benefit, priority boarding, a fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, a way to earn credit toward elite status and more. As for rewards, you earn 3 miles per dollar spent with Delta and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases. Terms apply.
Although the perks can easily cover the cost for frequent flyers, the $650 annual fee can be tough to swallow. Spending rewards are relatively weak compared with some lower-cost Delta cards.
If you spend a lot of time on Delta flights — or in airports waiting to board Delta flights — the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could be well worth its sizable annual fee, thanks to its airport lounge access and an annual companion certificate upon renewal that's good even in first class.
Business travelers
If your business has you on the road a lot, you'll appreciate the airport lounge access on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. The annual companion certificate — which is good even in first class — and the checked-bag benefit add considerable value, too.
Product Details
- Welcome Offer: Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Enter Delta Sky Club® at no cost. 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.
- Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
- Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of 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.
- With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
- Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
- Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- As a benefit of Card Membership, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner.
- Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
- Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $250 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Enjoy travel without foreign transaction fees from American Express with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
- Terms and limitations apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
The card gets you into Delta's Sky Clubs (an annual membership costs $695), and you can also use it to access the American Express Centurion Lounge or Escape Lounge — The Centurion Studio Partner — when flying Delta. Every year, you get a companion certificate, which lets you bring someone with you on a domestic flight or a flight to select Caribbean or Central American destinations — regardless of what fare class your ticket is. Rewards: 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases (rising to 1.5 miles per dollar after you spend $150,000 in a calendar year). There's a super bonus offer, too. Terms apply.
All the perks come at a cost, and a high one: The annual fee is $650. However, that fee can be a deductible business expense, and if you use this card as intended, you'll get your money's worth.
If your business has you on the road a lot, you'll appreciate the airport lounge access on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. The annual companion certificate — which is good even in first class — and the checked-bag benefit add considerable value, too.
Flexibility + luxury
If you prefer Delta but like to keep your options open, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express as an alternative to Delta's Reserve card. The points you earn can be transferred to Delta, or you can use them to book other travel. The card gets you into more airport lounges, too. It's not cheap, though.
Product Details
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
- $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
- Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
- Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
- $695 annual fee.¤
- Terms Apply.
- View Rates & Fees
Our Take
Start with a rich welcome offer, then earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines, as well as on flights and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. (Other purchases earn 1 point per dollar.) You can transfer points to Delta or more than a dozen other partners, or use them to book other travel. The card gets you into more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including AmEx's own lounges and Delta's Sky Clubs when flying Delta. You're eligible for hundreds of dollars a year worth of travel and shopping credits (including $200 a year for incidental fees on an airline you choose). There's cell phone protection, concierge service and more. Terms apply.
The $695 annual fee is one of the highest around, even if you get a lot for it. Since it's not a branded Delta card, you won't get free checked bags (although you could use your airline fee credit for bag fees).
If you prefer Delta but like to keep your options open, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express as an alternative to Delta's Reserve card. The points you earn can be transferred to Delta, or you can use them to book other travel. The card gets you into more airport lounges, too. It's not cheap, though.
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS: BEST CREDIT CARDS FOR DELTA AIR LINES
Before applying, confirm details on issuer's website
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Our pick for: Most Delta flyers
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card pays bonus rewards not only on Delta flights but also at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, making it the rare airline card that's great for everyday spending. A best-in-class checked-bag benefit (first bag free for you and up to eight others on your reservation), priority boarding and the opportunity to earn a flight credit each year make this card a bargain for Delta stalwarts. Read our review.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Rewards
2 miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases.
2 miles per dollar on restaurant purchases worldwide (and takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets.
1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Notable perks
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 other passengers on the same reservation.
Priority boarding.
$200 Delta flight credit, good for future travel, after you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases in a calendar year.
$100 Delta Stays credit.
15% off when you redeem miles to book an award flight at delta.com or on the Delta app (does not apply to partner flights or taxes and fees).
20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases.
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Bonus offer
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
. . .
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Our pick for: Elevated benefits
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card comes at a higher cost than the baseline Delta card, but it earns miles on flights at a higher rate and, most important, provides a companion certificate each year upon renewal, which can more than make up the cost. Checked bag benefits and other perks add even more value. Read our review.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Rewards
3 miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
3 miles per dollar spent directly with hotels.
2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide (and takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets.
1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Notable perks
Annual companion certificate upon renewal. (Certificate is good for the main cabin for someone traveling with you on one round-trip domestic flight or flight to select Mexican, Caribbean or Central American destinations, less some taxes and fees.)
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 other passengers on the same reservation.
Priority boarding.
Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Up to $120 a year ($10 per month) in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled card.
Up to $120 a year ($10 per month) in statement credits on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers using your enrolled card.
$150 Delta Stays credit.
15% off when you redeem miles to book an award flight at delta.com or on the Delta app (does not apply to partner flights or taxes and fees).
20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases.
This card earns Medallion Qualifying Dollars (toward elite frequent flyer status).
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Bonus offer
Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
. . .
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Our pick for: No annual fee
To unlock the most valuable perks of airline credit cards, you'll have to pay an annual fee. But if you're a leisure traveler just hoping to earn airline miles in the background, it's hard to do better than the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Read our review.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Rewards
2 miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases.
2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide (and takeout and delivery in the U.S.).
1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Notable perks
20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases. Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Bonus offer
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Terms Apply.
. . .
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Our pick for: Lounge access
Every airline has a premium card that gets you into its airport lounges, but the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card also gets you into American Express's Centurion Lounges when flying Delta, and it comes with an annual companion certificate that's good even in first class. Read our review.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Rewards
3 miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases.
1 mile per dollar on other purchases.
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Notable perks
Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta.
Four one-time-use guest passes to Delta Sky Clubs each year.
Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.
Annual companion certificate upon renewal. (Certificate is good for first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin for someone traveling with you on one round-trip domestic flight or flight to select Mexican, Caribbean or Central American destinations, less some taxes and fees.)
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 other passengers traveling on the same reservation.
Priority boarding.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Up to $240 a year ($20 per month) in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled card.
Up to $120 a year ($10 per month) in statement credits on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers using your enrolled card.
$200 Delta Stays credit.
15% off when you redeem miles to book an award flight at delta.com or on the Delta app (does not apply to partner flights or taxes and fees).
20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases.
This card earns Medallion Qualifying Dollars (toward elite frequent flyer status).
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Bonus offer
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
. . .
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Our pick for: Business travelers
If your business has you on the road a lot, you'll appreciate the airport lounge access on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, which includes both Delta's own Sky Clubs and American Express's Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. The annual companion certificate — which is good even in first class — and the checked-bag benefit add considerable value, too. Terms apply. Learn more and apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Rewards
3 miles per dollar spent on purchases directly with Delta.
1.5 miles per dollar spent on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases.
1 mile per dollar on other purchases. (This rises to 1.5 miles per dollar for the rest of the year after spending $150,000 in a calendar year.)
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Notable perks
Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta.
Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta.
Annual companion certificate upon renewal. (Certificate is good for first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin for someone traveling with you on one round-trip domestic flight or flight to select Caribbean or Central American destinations, less some taxes and fees.)
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 other passengers traveling on the same reservation.
Priority boarding.
Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Up to $240 a year ($20 per month) in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled card.
Up to $120 a year ($10 per month) in statement credits on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers using your enrolled card.
Access to complimentary seat upgrades even without elite frequent flyer status.
15% off when you redeem miles to book an award flight at delta.com or on the Delta app (does not apply to partner flights or taxes and fees).
20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases.
This card earns Medallion Qualifying Dollars (toward elite frequent flyer status).
Terms apply.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Bonus offer
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
. . .
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our pick for: Flexibility + luxury
The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Rewards
5 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 spent per year).
5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
1 point per dollar on other purchases.
Terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Notable perks
Access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, including:
The issuer's own Centurion and International American Express Lounges.
Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta.
Priority Pass Select lounges (enrollment required).
Lounges in the Plaza Premium, Escape and Airspace networks.
Automatic elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs.
$200 annual credit for incidental fees on an airline you choose, for such things as checked bag fees or in-flight purchases (but not airfare or upgrades).
Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, plus a $199 credit per year for Clear.
Up to $240 a year (allocated at up to $20 a month) toward eligible subscriptions for Peacock, the Wall Street Journal, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
Cellphone protection.
Concierge service.
Access to invitation-only events and preferred seating at certain venues.
Hundreds of dollars are year in credits for other shopping, travel and lifestyle expenses.
Terms apply.
The Platinum Card® from American Express: Bonus offer
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.
• • •
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT DELTA AIR LINES CREDIT CARD FOR YOU
Delta Air Lines flyers have four consumer credit cards to choose from, which can accommodate newbies, leisure flyers and seasoned road warriors alike.
Delta cards aren’t your only choice for earning rewards toward flights, of course. General-purpose travel credit cards also have an allure.
But if you’re considering Delta-branded cards, which have some specific benefits, choosing the right one comes down to the perks you want and the annual fee you’re willing to pay.
The basics at a glance
Examining basic card features side by side helps when choosing.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card | Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card |
|---|---|---|---|
ANNUAL FEE | |||
$0. | $0 intro for the first year, then $150 | $350. | $650. |
WELCOME OFFER | |||
Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Terms Apply. | Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. | Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. | Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. |
SPENDING REWARDS | |||
• 2x on Delta purchases. • 2x at restaurants. • 1x on other purchases. | • 2x on Delta purchases. • 2x at restaurants. • 2x at U.S. supermarkets. • 1x on other purchases. | • 3x on Delta purchases. • 3x on eligible hotel purchases. • 2x at restaurants. • 2x at U.S. supermarkets. • 1x on other purchases. | • 3x on Delta purchases. • 1x on other purchases. |
CHECKED BAG BENEFIT / PRIORITY BOARDING | |||
None | • First checked bag free for you and up to 8 other people on your reservation. • Priority boarding. | ||
AIRPORT LOUNGE ACCESS | |||
None. | None. | None. | Yes. |
COMPANION CERTIFICATE | |||
None. | None. | Good for main cabin only, on roundtrip domestic flights or flights to select Caribbean or Central American destinations. | Good for first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin, on roundtrip domestic flights or flights to select Caribbean or Central American destinations. |
Terms apply (see rates and fees). | Terms apply (see rates and fees). | Terms apply (see rates and fees). | Terms apply (see rates and fees). |
Delta and American Express also offer business-specific versions of the Gold, Platinum and Reserve cards, with fees and benefits similar to the consumer cards. Learn more about those cards here:
What’s different?
Annual fee
Like most mega-airline credit card lineups, Delta’s offerings go from low annual fee — in this case $0 — to a luxury card, in this case with airport lounge access, for $650. Terms apply.
The more you pay, the more rewards and perks you get. The key is evaluating whether you’ll use those extras and whether they’re worth paying the higher annual fee.
Checked bags and early boarding
Checked-bag-fee waivers can be a huge money saver when a single checked bag can cost $70 round trip. And Delta cards that offer it are generous, with the cardholder and up to eight others on the travel itinerary qualifying for a free first checked bag. Early boarding is also a perk many travelers enjoy. Terms apply.
The biggest difference here is that the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers no free checked bags or early boarding. The other cards do.
Companion certificate
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card come with annual companion certificates — rare and valuable perks that cover the cost of a round-trip ticket for someone flying with you once each year. That alone could make up for the annual fee. The certificate with the Reserve card even applies in first class. Terms apply.
Rewards
While all of these cards offer bonus rewards for Delta purchases, the three least expensive cards all offer additional bonus categories as well. Terms apply.
Delta Sky Clubs access
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with full access to the Delta-branded airport lounges and American Express Centurion lounges. You’ll also get two one-time guest passes to Delta Sky Clubs annually. The lower-tier cards come with no lounge benefit. Terms apply.
What’s the same?
Rewards currency
All cards issue rewards and bonuses in Delta SkyMiles.
20% in-flight savings
All cards offer the same 20% statement credit for such in-flight purchases such as food and alcoholic beverages on Delta-operated flights. In-flight wireless internet access is excluded. Terms apply.
American Express
All cards come from the same issuer. American Express is widely accepted in the U.S., but you may run into vendors abroad that won’t accept it.
No foreign transaction fees
As you would expect for cards aimed at travelers, none of these cards put a surcharge on purchases outside the U.S.
Other choices
An airline card is not your only choice. General travel credit cards offer rewards that can be used on a variety of travel spending, not just a single airline. Redeeming rewards for credit against a Delta Air Lines purchase or other travel spending essentially “erases” it from your balance. That makes these cards a good choice for people who spread their business around.
Also note that some credit card rewards can be converted into Delta SkyMiles. Examples are Membership Rewards from American Express and points from loyalty programs of such hotels as Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton, IHG and Radisson.
How to decide
All but the most casual flyers might rule out the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. It’s so short on perks, including no free checked bags, it might not be worth bothering with unless you really want SkyMiles and insist on an annual fee of $0. A simpler cash-back card might yield more value.
Maybe the closest call for most Delta flyers is between the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. If you’ll use the companion pass, step up to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.
Airport lounge membership and a first-class companion pass are differentiators for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.
Ultimately, choosing the right card means picking your perks and deciding whether the annual fee — or lack of one — is right for you.
• • •
NerdWallet's Gregory Karp and Sara Rathner contributed to this article.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page. To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page.
To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page.
Insurance Benefit: Cell Phone Protection
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.
Last updated on November 12, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet's credit cards team selects the best credit cards in each category based on overall consumer value. Factors in our evaluation include fees, promotional and ongoing APRs, and sign-up bonuses; for rewards cards, we consider earning and redemption rates, redemption options and redemption difficulty. A single card is eligible to be chosen as among the "best" in multiple categories. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
About the author
