Pay no annual fee to earn 2x miles at US restaurants, and redeem miles toward flights.
30-second take
- Get this card if you want to earn 2x Delta miles for purchases at US restaurants.
- Pick something else if you want cash back or an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.
- Apply with a good to excellent credit score of 680 or higher.
| Product Name | Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card |
|---|---|
| Card Type | American Express |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for Purchases | 17.49% to 26.49% variable |
| Cash Advance Rate | 26.99% fixed |
| Cash Advance Fee | $5 or 3% of the cash advance amount, whichever is greater |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 2.7% of the transaction value |
| Interest Free Period | Up to 25 days |
| Minimum Interest | $0 |
| Late Payment Fee | $38 |
| Returned Payment Fee | $38 |
| Additional Cardholder Fee | $0 |
| Minimum Age | 18 years of age |
|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Earn 10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months |
|---|---|
| Reward Value per Dollar | 1 miles |
The basics
The Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card could be a solid rewards card for those who aren’t interested in paying an annual fee and dine at restaurants often. You’ll earn double your dollars in Delta SkyMiles, which you can redeem toward flights or shopping at the SkyMiles Marketplace. It’s the only Delta card offering 2 miles for each dollar you spend at US restaurants.
But if you make at least two round trips per year with Delta, the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card could be a better choice. It waives fees for your first checked bag, which can save you up to $50 round trip. With just two round trips per year, you’ll offset the card’s annual fee of $95, and you’ll get to enjoy benefits such as priority boarding and discounted Delta Sky Club access for you and two guests.
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 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.
How much are SkyMiles worth?
SkyMiles value varies for different products or services that you want to redeem them for.
- 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, use your miles toward purchasing flight tickets. That way you’ll get the highest value of dollar per mile.
The perks
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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.
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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.
You’ll also like
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No annual fee.
The Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card has an annual fee of $0.
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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.
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Car rental insurance.
Use your Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit 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.
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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.
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Purchase protection.
If you don’t like the item you bought and the merchant won’t take it back within 90 days of purchase — you may get a refund by American Express. Also, get free expedited shipping from ShopRunner and get protection against accidental damage or theft of your phone or other eligible items.
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Fraud protection.
Call American Express about any unauthorized transactions and you won’t be held responsible.
What to watch out for
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No intro APR for balance transfers and purchases.
None of the Delta cards offer an intro APR for balance transfers and purchases. For a card that has an intro APR and lets you earn miles at the same time, consider the Discover it® Miles Travel Credit Card.
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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 has an APR of 17.49% to 26.49% variable.
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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.
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Avoid late payments.
Make the minimum payment within 60 days after its due date to avoid a penalty APR of 29.99%.
Consider other cards if…
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You want a hotel card.
If you prefer staying at Hilton hotels, consider the Hilton Honors™ Card from American Express. It has a $0 annual fee, a decent welcome offer and it lets you earn Hilton Honor points — which you can redeem for complimentary benefits.
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You fly with other airlines.
For occasional American Airline flyers, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite™ Mastercard® could be a better choice. And if you prefer United Airlines, the no-annual-fee United TravelBank Card may suit you better.
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You want cash back.
There’s a large selection of cashback cards with no annual fees. You may want to consider the Chase Freedom® credit card, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express or the Citi® Double Cash Card, among others.
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You want an intro APR on balance transfers and purchases.
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers cash back and an intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers of 0% for 15 months, with an APR of 14.74% to 25.74% thereafter.
Compare travel credit cards
What should I know before I apply?
To apply you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- A US citizen or permanent resident of the US
Required information and documents
- Name and address
- Email and phone number
- Social Security number and date of birth
- Annual income and income sources
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 and balance transfers, apply with a good to excellent credit score of 680 or higher.
American Express usually pulls your credit report from Experian.
What do customers say about the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card?
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
- Go to the American Express website.
- Select the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from the list and click Apply now.
- Complete the form with the requested information.
- 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 Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card?
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 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, which offers priority boarding, discounted Delta Sky Club access and a free first checked bag — you can save $50 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
Images: americanexpress.com
