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Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express review
Kliment Dukovski is a credit cards writer. He's written over 600 articles to help readers find and compare the best credit cards. Kliment has also written on money transfers, home loans and more. Previously, he ghostwrote guides and articles on foreign exchange, stock market trading and cryptocurrencies.
Expert Review
Review by
Kliment Dukovski
The Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express is the entry-level Delta card with a $0 annual fee, a welcome offer of 10,000 bonus miles, and a rewards program with 2x miles at US restaurants and Delta purchases, and 1x miles on all other purchases.
This may not sound spectacular, but considering you don’t pay an annual fee for the card, you get a chance to earn the same rewards rate on Delta purchases as the more expensive Delta cards. Unlike the other Delta cards, you don’t get any of their cool perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, but you do get the 20% savings for all in-flight Delta purchases.
All in all, the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express can be a valuable card for the occasional Delta flyer, but also for the hardcore Delta flyer because this is the only card that lets you earn 2x miles on US restaurant purchases.
Expert review
The Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express is the entry-level Delta card with a $0 annual fee, a welcome offer of 10,000 bonus miles, and a rewards program with 2x miles at US restaurants and Delta purchases, and 1x miles on all other purchases.
This may not sound spectacular, but considering you don’t pay an annual fee for the card, you get a chance to earn the same rewards rate on Delta purchases as the more expensive Delta cards. Unlike the other Delta cards, you don’t get any of their cool perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, but you do get the 20% savings for all in-flight Delta purchases.
All in all, the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express can be a valuable card for the occasional Delta flyer, but also for the hardcore Delta flyer because this is the only card that lets you earn 2x miles on US restaurant purchases.
Benefits changes to the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express in 2020
Amex removed or reduced certain Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express coverages on January 1, 2020. At this time, it has not announced changes to the card’s Global Assist, trip cancellation, trip delay reimbursement or Baggage Insurance Plan benefits.
Planned changes include:
Reduced extended warranties from two years to one year.
Reduced purchase protection from 120 days to 90 days.
Removal of travel accident insurance.
Removal of roadside assistance.
Removal of return protection.
The perks
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 US restaurants 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.
TIP: If you’re considering a higher-end Delta card — or if you already have one — and you want to earn more miles, you can always get the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express to compliment your other Delta card and earn 2 miles per dollar spent at US restaurants. Plus, you can easily clear the welcome offer and grab the bonus miles offered.
You’ll also like
No annual fee.
The Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express has an annual fee of $0 (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 Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express 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.
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.
None of the Delta cards offer an intro APR for balance transfers and purchases.
High APR for balance transfers and purchases.
All Delta cards have a relatively high APR for balance transfers and purchases when compared to other credit cards. The Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express has an APR of 17.24% to 26.24% variable.
Foreign transaction fees.
This card is meant for the occasional Delta flyer, but if you travel abroad you’ll likely want to try to limit your payments with it. Every international transaction with the card attracts a 2.7% fee.
Avoid late payments.
Make the minimum payment within 60 days after its due date to avoid a penalty APR of 29.99% variable.
SkyMiles value varies for different products or services that you want to redeem them for. You can explore your options on the Delta SkyMiles Redemption site. Here are some examples of what you might get as of June 2018:
Buy a $250 gift card for 35,700 miles — a value of 0.70 cents per mile.
Buy a $79 American Tourister Moonlight carry-on 21″ for 21,900 miles — a value of 0.36 cents per mile.
Buy a $540 Citizen Men’s Blue Angels World Chronograph watch for 83,600 miles — a value of 0.64 cents per mile.
Airfare purchases start at $130 for 10,000 miles — a value of 1.30 cent per mile.
To make the most out of your Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, use your miles toward purchasing flight tickets. That way you’ll get the highest value of dollar per mile.
You can apply with a credit score in the low 600s. But to get a high credit limit and a lower APR on purchases and balance transfers, apply with a good to excellent credit score of 670 or higher.
American Express usually pulls your credit report from Experian.
What do customers say about the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express?
Customers generally like the card because it lets them earn miles for a $0 annual fee. They also love the option to earn 2 miles per dollar spent at US restaurants, something that other Delta cards don’t offer.
American Express has been accredited with the Better Business Bureau since 1948, and it 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.
How to apply for the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
How long will it take to get my Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express?
American Express can instantly approve your application, and you’ll receive your card in 7 to 10 business days.
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.
Bottom line
For the occasional Delta flyer who wants to earn miles while dining out without paying an annual fee, the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express may be a good choice. Alternatively, you can use this card in addition to another Delta card and earn more miles.
Otherwise, you may want to consider the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, 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.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Earn 10,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months after your account is open.
You earn 2 miles per dollar spent at US restaurants and on purchases made directly with Delta. You’ll also earn 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases with your card.
Purchases made at restaurants located in the US that aren’t part of a casino, hotel or an event venue qualify as restaurant purchases. You won’t earn 2 miles per dollar if you eat at nightclubs, convenience stores, grocery stores or supermarkets.
No. Miles never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
Redeem your miles for seat upgrades, flights, hotels or use them to shop at the SkyMiles Marketplace.
No. The card has a $0 annual fee.
Disclaimer
Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.
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