Delta Airlines Credit Card FAQ - How It Is Beneficial

1. What is the Delta SkyMiles credit card?

The Delta SkyMiles credit card is a co-branded credit card issued by American Express in partnership with Delta Air Lines. It allows cardholders to earn SkyMiles Delta's frequent flyer currency on both Delta purchases and everyday spending. There are four main versions available: Blue, Gold, Platinum, and Reserve, each offering different benefits, reward rates, and annual fees to suit various travel patterns.​

2. What are the main Delta credit card benefits?

Delta credit cards offer benefits including free checked bags, priority boarding (Zone 5), 20% back on in-flight purchases, no foreign transaction fees, and Pay with Miles functionality. Premium tiers include Delta Sky Club access, companion certificates, and statement credits for travel expenses. The specific benefits vary by card tier—higher-tier cards offer more generous perks like lounge access, Delta Stays credits, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits.​

3. Which Delta credit card offers the most miles as a welcome bonus?

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card currently offers the most welcome bonus at 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. However, limited-time promotional offers have previously reached up to 125,000 bonus miles on the Reserve card.​

4. What is the Gold Delta SkyMiles credit card from American Express?

The Gold Delta SkyMiles card is a mid-tier option with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150. Cardholders earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), and U.S. supermarkets. It includes free checked bags, Zone 5 priority boarding, 20% off in-flight purchases, and a $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.​

5. What is the difference between the Delta Platinum and Reserve credit cards?

The Delta Platinum ($350 annual fee) is designed for occasional to moderate Delta flyers who want better earning outside of Delta purchases, earning 3X miles on Delta and hotel purchases, 2X miles at restaurants and supermarkets. The Reserve ($650 annual fee) focuses on premium benefits like 15 Delta Sky Club visits annually, a companion certificate, and better overall credits, making it ideal for frequent flyers. The Platinum offers better earning rates, while the Reserve prioritizes travel perks and lounge access.​

6. Is a Delta credit card worth it?

A Delta credit card is worthwhile if you fly Delta frequently, use the free checked bag benefit multiple times per year, or spend enough to maximize welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards. The free checked bag alone can pay for the annual fee within one to two round-trips. Cards with $0 annual fees (Blue) are excellent entry points, while premium cards require substantial spending or frequent travel to justify their higher fees.​

7. What are the Delta business credit card options?

Delta offers three co-branded business cards through American Express: Gold, Platinum, and Reserve. They feature benefits tailored to small business owners, including free employee cards, spending limits, business expense tracking, and the same SkyMiles earning structure as consumer cards. Welcome bonuses range from 70,000 to 80,000 bonus miles depending on the tier.​

8. Which Delta credit card is best for me?

The best card depends on your travel frequency and spending. The Blue card suits occasional flyers with its $0 annual fee. The Gold card is ideal for moderate Delta travelers who value the $200 annual flight credit and restaurant/supermarket earnings. The Platinum appeals to those wanting better earnings outside Delta purchases, while the Reserve suits hardcore Delta fans who prioritize lounge access and premium benefits.​

9. What credit card points can transfer to Delta?

American Express Membership Rewards points are the primary transfer partner, converting at a 1:1 ratio with a small fee ($0.0006 per mile, up to a maximum of $99). Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Delta at a 3:1 ratio, though this is generally not the best value. You cannot directly transfer points from other airline programs, like United or American to Delta.​

10. Can I transfer Delta SkyMiles between accounts?

Yes, you can transfer SkyMiles between accounts, but Delta charges $0.01 per mile transferred plus a $30 transaction fee, making this an expensive option. It's generally not recommended unless necessary, as the fees significantly reduce the value of your miles.​

11. What are the current Delta credit card deals and offers?

As of November 2025, promotional offers are more moderate. The Reserve card offers 70,000 bonus miles after $5,000 spending, while previous promotional periods (like February-April 2025) featured bonuses up to 110,000-125,000 miles. It's worth checking the official Delta and American Express websites for current limited-time offers, as they vary throughout the year.​

12. How do Delta credit card rewards work?

Delta credit cards earn SkyMiles on purchases based on category multipliers. For example, the Gold card earns 2X miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and supermarkets, and 1X on all other purchases. These miles accumulate in your SkyMiles account and can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and partner airline travel. Premium cardholders also receive a 15% discount on award bookings.​

13. What is the Delta SkyMiles Blue card?

The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card is the entry-level option with no annual fee. It earns 2X miles on Delta purchases and restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery), plus 1X miles on all other purchases. It includes free checked bags and 20% back on in-flight purchases. This card is perfect for those new to the Delta program or infrequent flyers wanting to earn miles without an annual commitment.​

14. What bonus miles can I earn with Delta rewards credit cards?

Welcome bonus offers vary by card tier and promotional period. The Blue card offers 10,000 bonus miles, Gold offers 50,000, Platinum offers 60,000, and Reserve offers 70,000 (or up to 125,000 during limited-time promotions). Bonus miles require meeting a minimum spending threshold within the first 6 months of card membership.​

15. How do I maximize rewards and benefits with my Delta credit card?

Maximizing Delta credit card rewards requires strategic spending and the full use of available benefits. Start by using your card for bonus category purchases: the Platinum and Reserve cards earn 3X miles on Delta purchases and hotels, while the Gold earns 2X on Delta, restaurants, and supermarkets. If you hold a Platinum card, take advantage of specific statement credits worth up to $560 annually, including $150 Delta Stays credit (use it on off-brand hotels), $120 Resy restaurant credit ($10 monthly), and $120 ride-share credit ($10 monthly)—these credits essentially cover your annual fee.​​