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Best Delta credit cards 2020
Enjoy priority boarding, companion certificates and more.
With each of Delta’s four personal credit cards, you earn miles on your Delta purchases and its partner airlines. The major differences between the cards are how much they cost and what additional perks you get.
If you make at least two round trips per year, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card could be your best choice. It takes only those two round trips to save enough money on checked bags to offset the annual fee, making everything else you earn a plus.
Delta SkyMiles. Earn 2x miles on your Delta purchases. This includes flights, seat upgrades and in-flight purchases. Also, earn 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and at US supermarkets. Everything else you buy earns 1x miles. This is the same rewards rate you would earn with the more expensive Delta credit cards.
Welcome offer. Spend $2,000 on purchases within your first 3 months of card membership and earn 50,000 bonus miles.
First checked bag free. Save $60 on a round trip with the first checked bag free feature. Up to nine passengers on your reservation can benefit from this perk.
Annual fee. For the first year, you get an intro $0 annual fee. From the second year onward, you'll pay a $99 annual fee.
No intro APR period. You don't get a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year ($99 thereafter)
Purchase APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Welcome offer
50,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months until 10/28/2020
Rewards
2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants and at US supermarkets and 1x miles on all other purchases
Best for the frequent flyer Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is aimed at the frequent Delta flyer who spends between $25,000 and $50,000 on purchases annually with their card. Spending in this range helps you reach Medallion Status faster.
Delta SkyMiles. Earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases like flight tickets, food or beverages and movies. Earn 3x miles at hotels and 2x miles at restaurants worldwide and US supermarkets. On all other purchases, earn 1x miles. Redeem miles for flights on Delta and partner airlines.
Welcome offer. Spend $3,000 on purchases within 3 months of your account opening and earn 60,000 bonus miles and 5,000 MQMs.
Companion certificate. When you renew your card, receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate.
Annual fee. This card will cost you $250 each year.
Taxes and fees on companion certificate. To use the companion certificate for a domestic flight, expect to pay taxes and fees of up to $75 out of pocket.
Annual Fee
$250
Purchase APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Welcome offer
60,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards
3x miles on Delta and direct hotel purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and US supermarkets and 1x miles for all other purchases
Best for luxury perks Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta flyers who are frequently in the air and spend more than $30,000 on purchases per year could find the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and its perks useful. With this card, you should be able to quickly reach a higher Medallion Status tier while enjoying luxury perks.
Delta SkyMiles. Earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases like flight tickets and upgrades, and in-flight purchases of food, beverages and movies. On everything else you buy, earn 1x miles.
Welcome offer. Spend $3,000 on purchases during your first 3 months of card membership and earn 40,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs.
Companion certificate. Receive a Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate every year upon card renewal.
Annual fee. Premium perks come with a premium price. Expect to pay $550 each year to own the card.
No intro APR period. You don't get to save money on interest with a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
Annual Fee
$550
Purchase APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Welcome offer
40,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards
3x miles on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases
Best for no annual fee Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is the only Delta card that has no annual fee. It can be ideal for the occasional Delta flyer, though is far more simplistic than its brethren.
Earn miles. Purchases made at restaurants worldwide and with Delta earn 2x miles. All other purchases earn 1x miles.
Welcome offer. Spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months of card membership and earn 10,000 bonus miles. This offer expires on April 1, 2020.
In-flight savings. Save 20% on your in-flight Delta purchases of food, beverages and headsets. You get your savings as statement credit.
No intro APR period. The card doesn't offer a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
Few perks. The Delta Blue lacks many of the Delta perks that make the other cards so valuable.
Annual Fee
$0
Purchase APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer APR
N/A
Welcome offer
10,000 miles after spending $500 in the first 3 months
Rewards
2x miles at restaurants and on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases
Best business card for the occasional Delta flyer Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Like the personal card, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is a solid card for those who just occasionally travel with Delta. It's a low cost investment that can save you cash with just a few flights.
Delta SkyMiles. Earn 2x miles on your Delta purchases. This includes flights, seat upgrades and in-flight purchases. Also, earn x miles at restaurants worldwide and at US supermarkets. Everything else you buy earns 1x miles. This is the same rewards rate you would earn with the more expensive Delta credit cards.
Welcome offer. Spend $3,000 on purchases within your first 3 months of card membership and earn 60,000 bonus miles.
First checked bag free. Save $60 on a round trip with the first checked bag free feature. Up to nine passengers on your reservation can benefit from this perk.
Annual fee. For the first year, you get an intro $0 annual fee. From the second year onward, you'll pay a $99 annual fee.
No intro APR period. You don't get a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
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
Welcome offer
60,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards
2x miles on Delta, US shipping, select US advertising and at restaurants and 1x miles on all other purchases
Best for the frequent flyer Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is great for mid-sized businesses that engage is occasional travel and want to push their flight perks to the next level through MQMs.
Delta SkyMiles. Earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases like flight tickets, food or beverages and movies. Earn 3x miles at hotels and x miles at restaurants worldwide and US supermarkets. On all other purchases, earn 1x miles. Redeem miles for flights on Delta and partner airlines.
Welcome offer. Spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months of your account opening and earn 70,000 bonus miles and 5,000 MQMs.
Companion certificate. When you renew your card, receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate.
Annual fee. This card will cost you $250 each year.
Taxes and fees on companion certificate. To use the companion certificate for a domestic flight, expect to pay taxes and fees of up to $75 out of pocket.
Annual Fee
$250
Purchase APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer APR
N/A
Welcome offer
70,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards
3x miles on direct Delta and hotel purchases, 1.5x miles on single purchases over $5,000 up to 50,000 miles per year, and 1x miles on all other purchases
Best for luxury perks Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Big business spenders who fly Delta frequently will want to scope out the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. The big MQM earning potential and luxury perks make this a great card for traveling in style and a big value play for the price.
Delta SkyMiles. Earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases like flight tickets and upgrades, and in-flight purchases of food, beverages and movies. On everything else you buy, earn 1x miles.
Welcome offer. Spend $4,000 on purchases during your first 3 months of card membership and earn 45,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs.
Companion certificate. Receive a Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate every year upon card renewal.
Annual fee. Big price. Expect to pay $550 each year to own the card.
No intro APR period. You don't get to save money on interest with a 0% intro APR period on purchases or balance transfers.
Annual Fee
$550
Purchase APR
15.74% to 24.74% variable
Balance transfer APR
N/A
Welcome offer
45,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months
Rewards
3x miles on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases on up to $150,000 in a calendar year, then 1.5x miles on non-Delta purchases the rest of the year
How we selected our top cards
When choosing our top Delta picks, we looked at features such as cashback rates, annual fees, earning categories, Delta benefits and other factors that a consumer might find compelling in a travel card. Those cards that outperformed the others in a given category were chosen for our list.
What’s changed in 2020
The Delta refresh shook up our choices for 2020, leading to new placements across all categories.
Compare the perks and features of Delta credit cards to find the one with the highest value for your wallet.
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Benefits and perks of Delta credit cards compared
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Annual fee
$0 for your first year, $99 thereafter
$250
$550
$0
Free checked bags
First checked bag
First checked bag
First checked bag
–
Medallion Qualifying Miles
–
5,000 with welcome offer; 10,000 after spending $25,000 in a calendar year. This bonus can be earned twice a year
10,000 with welcome offer; 15,000 after spending $30,000 in a calendar year. This bonus can be earned four times a year
–
Companion certificate
–
One each year upon card renewal
One each year upon card renewal
–
Priority boarding
Main Cabin 1
Main Cabin 1
Main Cabin 1
–
Delta SkyClub access
–
Discounted entry for $39
Complimentary access and two one-time guest passes each year you renew; Complimentary Centurion lounge access if you book your flight with your Delta card
–
In-flight discounts
20% back on food, beverages and audio headsets
20% back on food, beverages and audio headsets
20% back on food, beverages and audio headsets
20% back on food, beverages and audio headsets
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit
–
$100 every four years
$100 every four years
–
Baggage, trip delay and car rental insurance
Car rental loss and damage
Baggage delay, trip delay, and car rental loss and damage
Baggage insurance, trip delay, trip cancellation, car rental loss and damage
Car rental loss and damage
Benefits and perks of Delta business credit cards compared
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Annual fee
$0 for your first year, $99 thereafter
$250
$550
Free checked bags
First checked bag
First checked bag
First checked bag
Medallion Qualifying Miles
–
5,000 with welcome offer; 10,000 after spending $25,000 in a calendar year. This bonus can be earned twice a year
10,000 with welcome offer; 15,000 after spending $30,000 in a calendar year. This bonus can be earned four times a year
Companion certificate
–
One each year upon card renewal
One each year upon card renewal
Priority boarding
Main Cabin 1
Main Cabin 1
Main Cabin 1
Delta SkyClub access
–
Discounted entry for $39
Complimentary access and two one-time guest passes each year you renew; Complimentary Centurion lounge access if you book your flight with your Delta card
In-flight discounts
20% back on food, beverages and audio headsets
20% back on food, beverages and audio headsets
20% back on food, beverages and audio headsets
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit
–
$100 every four years
$100 every four years
Baggage, trip delay and car rental insurance
Baggage insurance, Car rental loss and damage
Baggage insurance, trip delay, and car rental loss and damage
Baggage insurance, trip delay, trip cancellation, car rental loss and damage
Should I get a Delta credit card?
Yes, if you’re a frequent Delta flyer, you should get a Delta card. The higher-end Delta cards are packed with plenty of value. In fact, the annual companion certificates included on the Platinum essentially pays for the cost of the card. Add on the other perks, such as Sky Club discounts, travel coverage, and free checked bags, and you’ll have no trouble justifying adding a Delta card to your wallet.
Like most cobranded cards, picking up a Delta card is a little harder to justify if you tend to fly with a variety of airlines. The Delta Gold and Blue also lack enough punch to recommend to either casual or frequent fliers.
How to choose Delta credit cards
To choose the right Delta credit card, ask yourself:
How often do I fly Delta? If you make at least two round trips annually, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card should be enough. With the first-checked-bag-free perk, you’ll offset your annual fee and earn Delta perks and miles along the way. Note that some benefits apply to all Delta credit cards, such as discounts on in-flight meals.
Do I want a Delta card without an annual fee? Only the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card has no annual fee.
How much do I spend annually? If you spend less than $25,000 with your card each year, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card could be the right choice. If you spend $25,000 or more annually, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is worth considering. And if you spend $30,000 or more annually and want the ultimate Delta perks, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could be worth adding to your wallet.
Alternatives to Delta SkyMiles cards
Amex Membership Rewards cards allow you to transfer your Amex points to Delta at a 1:1 ratio, in increments of 1,000, or you can simply redeem your points for a Delta flight. The main benefit to picking an Amex reward card over the Delta cobranded card is in a greater earning and redeeming flexibility. The two most popular credit card choices are:
The Platinum Card® from American Express. This card costs $550 annually, but it comes with premium perks like a $200 annual airline fee credit, $200 annual Uber credit, a complimentary Hilton and Marriott gold elite status and more. On top of that, you get to earn massive rewards on flights booked directly with the airlines and on prepaid hotels.
American Express® Gold Card. This card is mostly designed for foodies because you earn a generous rewards rate at US restaurants and you get $10 in monthly statement credits to use at participating restaurants. What’s more, you also get generous rewards rates at US supermarkets, and flights. The only downside is that it costs $295 annually.
How do I earn more miles on Delta flights?
There are many strategies to earn Delta SkyMiles quickly. When you book a flight, enter your SkyMiles number and earn additional 5x miles on Delta flight purchases. Also, once you reach Medallion Status, you can earn from seven to 11 additional miles per dollar, depending on your Medallion Status tier. You can find more information about moving through these elite tiers at our Delta SkyMiles guide.
For the best ways to spend your newly earned miles, check out our SkyMiles redemption guide to squeeze the most value from your redemptions.
Delta Airlines guides and resources
The Delta SkyMiles program offers several features, many affected by the type of credit card you have. Here are the most common features you’re likely to encounter and our corresponding guides.
Companion certificate. A Delta companion certificate allows you to bring one companion along on a flight you’ve booked, for the cost of just taxes and fees.
Free checked bags. Most Delta credit cards grant you one free checked bag per flight.
Priority boarding. Priority boarding allows you to move to the front of the Delta waiting line for seating.
Flight upgrades. You can upgrade your Delta seating and flights using cash or Delta SkyMiles.
Skyclub lounges. Chill out at a Delta SkyClub lounge before your flight and enjoy food, beverages and comfortable seating.
In-flight meals. Several Delta cards offer discounts on your in-flight meals.
SkyMiles Dining. This dining program allows you to earn Delta SkyMiles when you dine at participating restaurants.
SkyMiles Shopping. Similar to the SkyMiles Dining program, this program allows you to earn Delta SkyMiles when you make purchases at participating retailers.
Bottom line
Delta credit cards can be useful if you fly with the airline often. You get to enjoy travel perks while earning miles that you can redeem for flights. But to choose the right card, consider how frequently you fly Delta and how much you spend on flights.
There are many strategies to earn Delta SkyMiles quickly. When you book a flight, enter your SkyMiles number and earn additional 5x miles on Delta flight purchases. Also, once you reach Medallion Status, you can earn from seven to 11 additional miles per dollar, depending on your Medallion Status tier.
Which other airlines earn Delta SkyMiles?
AeroMexico
Air France
Alitalia
China Eastern
GOL
KLM
Korean Air
Jet Airways
Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Australia
Air Europa
Kenya Airways
Middle East Airlines
Saudia Airlines
TAROM
Aeroflot
Aerolíneas Argentina
China Airlines
China Southern
Czech Airlines
Garuda
Vietnam Airlines
Xiamen Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
WestJet
What is Medallion Status?
This is Delta’s tiered program that gives you benefits like unlimited complimentary upgrades for you and your companion to Delta Comfort+ and first class, waived baggage fees, priority customer service and more.
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.
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