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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Review: Premium Benefits for Business Travelers
February 6, 2025
For business owners who frequently fly Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card offers premium travel perks that can significantly enhance your travel experience. This comprehensive review will help you determine if this business card aligns with your travel needs and business spending patterns.
What Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is a premium travel credit card designed specifically for business owners who frequently fly with Delta Air Lines. Positioned as Delta's top-tier business credit card option, it provides cardholders with exclusive Delta-related benefits, comprehensive travel protections, and opportunities to earn Medallion status faster.
This card carries a substantial annual fee, but in return offers valuable perks like complimentary Delta Sky Club access, annual Companion Certificate, and accelerated earnings toward Medallion status. For businesses with significant travel expenses, particularly on Delta flights, these benefits can quickly outweigh the cost of membership.
With the ability to earn bonus miles on Delta purchases and other business expenses, the card serves as both a loyalty tool for frequent Delta flyers and a business expense management solution. Understanding its comprehensive benefits package is essential for determining whether this premium card deserves a place in your business's financial strategy.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Pros & Cons
Before diving deeper into the card's features, let's examine the key advantages and disadvantages of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card:
Pros:
- Premium Airport Lounge Access: Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge locations when flying Delta, plus access to Escape Lounge facilities
- Annual Companion Certificate: Receive a Companion Certificate upon card renewal that's valid for domestic first class, Delta Comfort+®, or main cabin round-trip travel
- Accelerated Path to Medallion Status: Earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) through spending, plus receive a Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) waiver when you meet spending thresholds
- First Checked Bag Free: Free first checked bag for you and up to eight companions on your reservation on Delta flights
- Priority Boarding: Enjoy Main Cabin 1 priority boarding for you and up to eight companions on your Delta flight reservation
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Use your card internationally without incurring additional foreign transaction fees
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Includes trip delay insurance and other travel protections
- In-Flight Savings: 20% statement credit on eligible in-flight purchases
Cons:
- High Annual Fee: Significant annual fee may be difficult to justify for infrequent Delta travelers
- Limited Value for Non-Delta Flyers: Most premium benefits are tied to Delta Air Lines
- Concentrated Rewards Structure: Highest rewards rates are limited to Delta purchases
- Companion Certificate Restrictions: The annual Companion Certificate includes government-imposed taxes and fees, and excludes partner-operated flights
- Status Benefits Require Significant Spending: Getting meaningful status boosts requires substantial card spending
- Overlap with Personal Delta Reserve Card: If you already have the personal version, the additional benefits might be redundant
Who Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card For?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is ideally suited for specific types of business owners and professionals:
Frequent Delta Business Travelers
If your business regularly requires travel on Delta flights, particularly domestic flights or routes to Caribbean destinations and Central American destinations, this card delivers maximum value. The complimentary Delta Sky Club access alone can justify the annual fee for those who frequently find themselves at airports.
Business Owners Pursuing Delta Medallion Status
For entrepreneurs who value Delta's Medallion status benefits, this card provides an accelerated path to elite status. By earning $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) for every $10 in purchases (up to $2,500 MQDs), you can reach elevated status faster and maintain it in the next Medallion year.
Companies with Significant Travel Expenses
Businesses that allocate substantial budgets to travel will benefit from the card's bonus miles on Delta purchases and the opportunity to earn Medallion Qualification Miles through spending. The card provides 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and 1.5X miles on purchases of $5,000 or more.
Business Owners Who Value Premium Travel Experiences
If your business travel philosophy emphasizes comfort and convenience, perks like complimentary upgrade list priority, annual Companion Certificate valid for first class travel, and exclusive lounge access align perfectly with your preferences.
Multi-Employee Businesses
Companies with multiple employees who travel can maximize value through the free checked bag benefit, which extends to up to eight companions on the same reservation, potentially saving thousands in baggage fees annually.
Comparing the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card with Other Credit Cards
When considering the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business 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 Business American Express Card excels in providing cardholders with exclusive Delta-related benefits, comprehensive travel protections
- 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 Business American Express Card offers excellent benefits for Delta-loyal businesses, maximizing your credit card rewards strategy might require a more comprehensive approach. This is where Kudos comes in.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you optimize your credit card usage whenever you shop online. For business owners juggling multiple credit cards, Kudos automatically suggests which card to use for each purchase to maximize rewards based on your unique spending patterns.
With integration across over 15,000 stores, Kudos ensures you're always earning the most points, miles, or cash back possible - including on your Delta purchases. During exclusive "Flash Boost" events, you can multiply your rewards up to 5X, further enhancing your earning potential beyond what any single card can offer.
For business owners specifically, Kudos can help identify which purchases should go on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card versus other business cards in your wallet, ensuring you're strategically allocating spending to meet status thresholds while maximizing overall rewards.
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 Business American Express Card delivers exceptional value for businesses with significant Delta loyalty. The combination of premium travel benefits, paths to elite status, and business-focused rewards structure makes it a powerful tool for the right user.
However, the high annual fee demands careful consideration. Businesses should calculate whether their Delta flight frequency, airport lounge usage, and likelihood of using the Companion Certificate will deliver value exceeding the card's cost. For many frequent Delta business travelers, particularly those valuing premium travel experiences or actively pursuing Medallion status, the math often works out favorably.
For maximum value, pair this card with a complementary business card that excels in categories where the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card falls short. Additionally, tools like Kudos can help ensure you're always using the optimal card for each purchase, creating a comprehensive rewards strategy that goes beyond what any single card can provide.
Ultimately, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card isn't for every business, but for Delta-loyal companies with the right spending profile, it represents one of the most compelling premium airline business cards available today.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card FAQ
What are the current welcome bonus offer terms?
Welcome bonus offers for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card vary throughout the year. To see the current offer, check the American Express website directly, as bonus miles opportunities and spending requirements change periodically.
How does the annual Companion Certificate work?
Upon card renewal each year, you'll receive a Companion Certificate valid for one round-trip itinerary within the continental United States (with some exceptions for Hawaii, Alaska, Caribbean destinations, and Central American destinations). The certificate can be used for domestic first class, Delta Comfort+®, or main cabin fares. While the companion flies for free, you must pay applicable government-imposed taxes and fees, which typically range from $75 to $150 depending on the destination.
Can I access Delta Sky Club if I'm not flying Delta?
No. Access to Delta Sky Club lounges requires same-day Delta flight segments on your boarding pass. This requirement applies to both the primary cardholder and any guests (who may be subject to a per-visit fee).
How does this card help earn Medallion status?
The card helps earn status in two ways: First, you can earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year, up to four times per year. Second, you earn $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) for every $10 in purchases (up to $2,500 MQDs) for the Medallion Qualification Year. Additionally, you can earn an MQD Waiver by spending $25,000 on the card in a calendar year.
Does the card offer Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® credits?
Yes, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card offers a statement credit for either the Global Entry application fee ($100) or the TSA PreCheck® application fee ($85) once every 4 years for Global Entry or once every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck®.
Are there any benefits for ride-sharing services?
Yes, the card occasionally offers limited-time promotions for rideshare purchases, including statement credits for services like Uber or Lyft. These promotions may change, so it's best to check your eligible card member benefits regularly through your online account or the Fly Delta App.
How does the card's trip delay insurance work?
If your trip is delayed by more than 12 hours, you may be reimbursed for reasonable additional expenses like meals, lodging, and personal items up to $500 per covered trip. To be eligible, you must have paid for the entire fare with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card.
Can I add employee cards to the account?
Yes, you can add employee cards to your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business account. Employee cards earn rewards that accrue to the primary account. You can set spending limits on employee cards and receive detailed spending reports to help manage business expenses.
How do I link my card to my Delta SkyMiles account?
Your card is automatically linked to your SkyMiles account during the application process. If you need to verify or update the linked SkyMiles account, you can do so through your American Express online account or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Is there an introductory annual fee offer?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card occasionally offers an introductory annual fee, but this varies with promotional periods. Check the current rates & fees on the American Express website for the most up-to-date information.
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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.
