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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Review: First-Class Benefits for Frequent Flyers
February 6, 2025
What Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is American Express's top-tier Delta co-branded credit card, designed for loyal Delta travelers who want to maximize their SkyMiles earnings and enjoy premium travel benefits. With a significant annual fee, this card delivers exclusive perks including Delta Sky Club access, Centurion Lounge access, annual companion certificate, enhanced boarding privileges, and accelerated paths to Medallion status.
The card serves as a status-boosting tool for frequent Delta flyers, offering both Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQD) boosts through spending, helping cardholders achieve or maintain valuable Delta Medallion status more easily. For Delta loyalists, these benefits can significantly enhance the travel experience and provide substantial value beyond the SkyMiles earned on purchases.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Premium Lounge Access: Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta, Centurion Lounge access when flying Delta with a ticket purchased on the card, two one-time guest passes annually, and Escape Lounge access.
- Annual Companion Certificate: Valid for domestic round-trip flights in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin, potentially offsetting the annual fee with just one use.
- Fast-Track to Medallion Status: MQD waiver for status up to Platinum after $25,000 in annual spending and ability to earn up to 60,000 MQMs annually through spending tiers.
- Valuable Statement Credits: $120 annual rideshare credit, $240 in Delta Stays statement credits for eligible hotel purchases, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
- Enhanced Travel Experience: First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions, priority boarding, complimentary upgrade list priority, 20% savings on in-flight purchases, and 15% off award travel with TakeOff 15.
- Comprehensive Travel Protections: Trip delay insurance, baggage insurance, car rental coverage, and Hertz President's Circle status.
Cons:
- High Annual Fee: Significant investment that requires frequent Delta travel to justify the cost.
- Limited Bonus Categories: Earns 3X miles on Delta purchases but only 1X miles on most other purchases, lagging behind other premium cards with diverse bonus categories.
- SkyMiles Program Limitations: No published award chart makes redemption values unpredictable, and SkyMiles generally offer less flexibility than transferable points currencies.
- Delta-Centric Benefits: Most valuable perks are tied to Delta travel, making the card less useful for those who fly multiple airlines.
Who Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card For?
Frequent Delta Flyers
This card delivers maximum value for travelers who fly Delta regularly, especially those who complete several domestic or international trips annually on Delta or its partner airlines. The lounge access, companion certificate, and baggage benefits provide significant value that can quickly offset the annual fee for frequent flyers.
Delta Medallion Status Aspirants
For travelers aiming to achieve or maintain Delta Medallion status, the MQM boosts and MQD waiver make this card exceptionally valuable, potentially saving thousands in required flight spending to qualify for elite status.
Airport Lounge Enthusiasts
If you value comfortable airport experiences and frequently use airport lounges, the combination of Delta Sky Club access, Centurion Lounge access, and Escape Lounge access represents an excellent value proposition, especially compared to purchasing lounge memberships separately.
Travelers Who Maximize the Companion Certificate
Cardholders who can consistently use the annual companion certificate for premium cabin travel (First Class or Delta Comfort+®) can recoup the annual fee with this benefit alone, making it particularly valuable for couples or friends who travel together at least once yearly.
Delta Business Travelers
While there is a business version (Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card) available, even personal travelers who frequently fly Delta for business will find this card's benefits enhance their travel experience significantly through upgraded boarding, complimentary upgrade priority, and comfortable lounge accommodations.
Comparing the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the premium travel card category:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $695
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Standout feature: Extensive airport lounge access and hotel elite status
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. 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.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $395
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars, 5X on vacation rentals and flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
- Annual fee: $550
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3X points on travel and dining
- Standout feature: $300 annual travel credit and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase TravelSM
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card excels in delivering exclusive perk
- The Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium travel perks
- Capital One Venture X provides high rewards on travel bookings
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® features flexible travel credits and point redemptions
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Consider Using Kudos
While the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers exceptional value for Delta loyalists, savvy cardholders know that maximizing credit card rewards requires strategic planning across all your spending. This is where Kudos comes in as a perfect complement to your Delta Reserve card strategy.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you optimize your credit card rewards whenever you shop online. Instead of trying to remember which card offers the best rewards for each purchase category or merchant, Kudos automatically suggests the optimal card to use, ensuring you always earn the maximum possible rewards, points, or cash back.
For Delta Reserve cardholders, Kudos can help you identify when to use your Delta card for bonus categories and when another card in your wallet might offer better returns. With integration across over 15,000 stores, Kudos ensures you never miss an opportunity to maximize rewards on everyday purchases.
During exclusive "Flash Boost" events, Kudos can help you multiply your rewards up to 5X, creating even more value from your credit card portfolio. The extension also provides personalized credit card recommendations based on your spending patterns, potentially identifying new cards that would complement your Delta Reserve card and overall rewards strategy.
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card delivers exceptional value for frequent Delta flyers who can take advantage of its premium benefits. The combination of exclusive lounge access, annual companion certificate, status acceleration opportunities, and premium travel benefits creates a compelling package that can easily justify the annual fee for the right traveler.
For Delta loyalists who fly at least several times per year, value lounge access, and can utilize the companion certificate, the card's benefits can provide value that significantly exceeds its cost. The ability to fast-track Medallion status further enhances its appeal for those who aspire to elite status benefits.
However, occasional Delta flyers or those who prioritize flexible rewards over airline-specific benefits might find better value in either a lower-tier Delta card or a premium travel card with more flexible redemption options. As with any premium travel card, the value equation depends largely on your travel patterns and how well you can maximize the card's specific benefits.
When paired with tools like Kudos to optimize your broader credit card strategy, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can be a cornerstone of a sophisticated travel rewards approach that maximizes value across all your spending.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card FAQ
What credit score do I need for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?
Applicants typically need excellent credit (generally 740+) to qualify. American Express also considers income and your relationship history with Amex when evaluating applications.
What is the annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?
The card carries a premium annual fee. Check the current rates and fees on the American Express website for the most up-to-date information.
Are there foreign transaction fees?
No, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel.
How does the annual companion certificate work?
Upon card renewal each year, you receive a companion certificate valid for one round-trip itinerary within the contiguous United States (or from Alaska/Hawaii) in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin. You pay only taxes and fees for your companion's ticket on an eligible fare.
How do I access Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges with this card?
For Delta Sky Club access, present your Delta Reserve Card, same-day Delta boarding pass, and ID. For Centurion Lounges, you must be flying Delta with a ticket purchased on your Reserve card. The card also includes two one-time guest passes annually.
How does the card help with earning Medallion status?
The card provides an MQD waiver for status levels up to Platinum after spending $25,000 in a calendar year. You can also earn 15,000 MQMs after spending $30,000, up to four times yearly (60,000 MQMs total).
What statement credits come with the card?
The card offers a $120 annual rideshare credit, $240 in Delta Stays statement credits for eligible hotel purchases, and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100) every 4.5 years.
How do I redeem SkyMiles earned with this card?
Redeem for award travel on Delta and partner airlines through delta.com or the Fly Delta app. You can also use Pay with Miles to reduce the cost of cash tickets (each mile worth 1 cent) and access TakeOff 15, offering 15% off award flights.
Does the card offer travel insurance benefits?
Yes, benefits include trip delay insurance (for delays over 6 hours), baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and purchase protections. Terms and coverage limits apply to all insurance benefits.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
