Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card review

How to apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

To apply for Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, you must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen or a permanent resident of the US. Here’s how to apply.

1. Click Apply now.
2. Complete the form with the requested information, such as your name and address, email and phone number, Social Security number, date of birth, annual income and income sources.
3. Review your application and submit it.

You can also apply by phone at 1-800-243-3888.

How long will it take to get my Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?

American Express can instantly approve your application, and you’ll receive your card in 7 to 10 business days.

What credit score do I need?

You can apply with a credit score in the low 600s. But to get a high credit limit and a lower APR on purchases, apply with a good to excellent credit score of 670 or higher.

American Express usually pulls your credit report from Experian.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card benefits

• Welcome offer. Spend $500 on purchases in the first 3 months of your account opening and earn 10,000 bonus miles. This is relatively easy to achieve compared to the welcome bonus offered by other cards.
• Earn miles. Purchases at restaurants worldwide and purchases directly made with Delta earn you 2x miles. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1 miles per dollar. Redeem your miles for flights, gift cards, excursions, shopping and more.
• No annual fee. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card has an annual fee of $0 (Terms apply, see rates & fees).
• In-flight savings. Get 20% back in statement credit for all in-flight purchases when flying Delta. Food, beverages and audio headsets all qualify for the statement credit.
• Car rental insurance. Use your Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card to pay for your rental car and decline the collision damage waiver, and you’ll be covered if your car is damaged or stolen.
• Global assist hotline. Get 24/7 access to legal, medical, financial or any other assistance, which can help with missing luggage or replacing your passport.
• Purchase protection. After enrollment get free expedited shipping from ShopRunner and get protection against accidental damage or theft of your phone or other eligible items.
• Fraud protection. Call American Express about any unauthorized transactions and you won’t be held responsible.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card drawbacks

• No intro APR for balance transfers and purchases. None of the Delta cards offer an intro APR for balance transfers and purchases.
• High APR for purchases. All Delta cards have a relatively high APR for purchases when compared to other credit cards. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card has an APR of 15.74% to 24.74% variable.
• Avoid late payments. Make the minimum payment within 60 days after its due date to avoid a penalty APR of 29.99% variable.

Compare Delta SkyMiles Blue to similar credit cards

Here’s a quick look at the Delta SkyMiles Blue vs. two similar cards to give you an idea of how this entry-level travel card stacks up against its mid-level competitors.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 3.6 / 5

Terms apply, see rates & fees

Go to site
Minimum credit score 670
Annual fee $0
Purchase APR 15.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer APR N/A
Rewards 2x miles at restaurants and on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on other eligible purchases
Welcome offer 10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 4 / 5

Terms apply, see rates & fees

Go to site
Minimum credit score 670
Annual fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)
Purchase APR 15.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer APR N/A
Rewards 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants and at US supermarkets and 1x miles on other eligible purchases
Welcome offer Limited Time Offer: 70,000 miles after spending $2,000 in your first 3 months. Offer expires 11/10/2021

United℠ Explorer Card

★★★★★

Finder Rating: 4.4 / 5

Terms apply, see rates & fees

Go to site
Minimum credit score 670
Annual fee $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter)
Purchase APR 16.49% to 23.49% variable
Balance transfer APR 16.49% to 23.49% variable
Rewards 2x miles at restaurants, hotels and United and 1.5x miles on all other purchases
Welcome offer Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card reviews and complaints

Customers generally like the card because it lets them earn miles for a $0 annual fee. Before the Delta line shakeup, they also loved the option to earn 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants, something that other Delta cards don’t offer. With this no longer being the case, we’ll see how customers react to what this card offers.

American Express has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 1948, and as of August 2021 earns an A+ rating. However, many customers complained of poor customer service of the credit company in general, as well as problems with the products and services. To avoid surprises, make sure to read and understand the card’s terms.

I got the card. Now what?

• Set up autopay. Download the Amex® mobile app or sign up at the American Express website and set up automatic payments. This way, you’ll always pay on time and avoid paying unnecessary fees and interest.
• Enroll in ShopRunner. With ShopRunner you get 2-day free shipping at more than 100 online retailers. And if you don’t like the item you purchased, return it for free.
• Contact customer service. Call American Express customer service at 1-800-528-4800 with any questions you may have. If you prefer to chat with a customer service rep online, visit the American Express website.
• Earn and redeem miles. You earn 2 miles per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide and on purchases made directly with Delta. You’ll also earn 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases with your card. Redeem your miles for seat upgrades, flights, hotels or use them to shop at the SkyMiles Marketplace.

Bottom line

For the occasional Delta flyer who wants to earn miles while dining out without paying an annual fee, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card may be a good choice. The changes to the earning rate of the other Delta cards however, make leave this card a little less valuable for pure earning potential.

Otherwise, you may want to consider the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, which offers priority boarding, discounted Delta Sky Club access and a free first checked bag — you can save $60 per person per round trip on this perk alone.

You may find that none of the Delta cards fit what you’re looking for, and that’s alright. Take your time and compare other credit cards to find the best one that suits your needs.