Delta Skymiles® Reserve American Express Card Review: Premium Travel Experiences, Steep Annual Fee

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If you’re a dedicated Delta traveler with a taste for VIP treatment, the American Express Delta Reserve card could be your ultimate travel ally. While the $650 annual fee may seem steep, the premium perks it offers can more than justify the cost. The exclusive lounge access alone can quickly recoup the fee, and if you frequently travel with a companion, the Companion Certificate — a complimentary round-trip domestic ticket — can deliver significant savings, making this card a smart investment for the right flyer.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is tailor-made for frequent Delta flyers who crave a premium travel experience. While the $650 annual fee might seem steep, the card’s benefits — like priority boarding, a free checked bag and a yearly companion certificate — make it a savvy choice for those who often find themselves in the sky with Delta.

You’ll also earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Miles on everything else, with the added perk of complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs (up to 15 visits per year) and The Centurion® Lounge when flying Delta. Plus, no foreign transaction fees make it a solid option for international jet-setters.

If you won’t be able to enjoy the lounge access, the high annual fee and limited bonus categories could make this card a tough sell. The spending requirements to boost your Medallion status are not for the faint of heart. Keep in mind that the Medallion status rewards travelers with exclusive benefits like complimentary upgrades, priority boarding and waived fees based on their level of travel and spending with Delta.

Reward flights and flight upgrades are the best options for redemption because they typically offer the most value per mile, which is normally between 1.4 and 1.5 cents per mile, especially for international and premium-class flights.

For frequent Delta passengers, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card offers substantial benefits. Purchases made on Delta will earn you 3X miles, while all other qualified purchases will earn you 1X miles. This flexible option is ideal for frequent Delta Flyers as these miles can be redeemed for a wide range of travel-related charges.

Special rewards earning opportunities include earning Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) and a 15% discount when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app.

Redemption Options

Redeeming Delta SkyMiles can be rewarding but requires a strategic approach. The real value lies in using miles for Delta flights, though navigating fluctuating rates and limited availability can be tricky. As a Reserve cardholder, take advantage of perks like the 15% discount on Award Travel and keep an eye on flash sales to stretch your miles further. Non-flight redemptions lead to less bang for your buck.

Delta SkyMiles generally can’t be transferred to other frequent flyer programs, which might limit your flexibility compared to some other travel rewards cards. However, you can transfer your miles between Delta accounts for a fee, which can be handy if you’re pooling miles with family or friends. Keep in mind, though, that this option can be costly, so it's usually better to redeem miles directly through Delta for flights or upgrades to get the most value.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card packs perks that frequent Delta flyers will appreciate. From priority boarding to free checked bags, these benefits make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. The highlight of this Amex travel card is the annual companion certificate, which can save you hundreds on select flights.

Travel Perks

• Annual Companion Certificate: The annual companion certificate is a standout feature; you receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after the renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.

• Priority Boarding: Skip the crowd and board early to secure your overhead bin space and settle in comfortably before takeoff. This simple perk can make a big difference, especially on packed flights.

• Free Checked Baggage: Baggage fees can add up quickly, but with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex, your first checked bag is free on Delta flights, which can save you up to $60 per round trip.

• Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge Access: When flying Delta, you can get complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs (typically $695 per year) and The Centurion® Lounge. These lounges offer complimentary refreshments, Wi-Fi and a comfortable space to relax or work, making your layovers far more pleasant. Plus, you get four one-time guest passes each year, so you can bring someone along to enjoy the perks with you.

• Complimentary Upgrade List: As a cardholder, you’ll be added to the complimentary upgrade list, boosting your chances of enjoying a more comfortable flight, whether it’s in First Class or Delta Comfort+.

Financial Benefits

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Travel abroad without worrying about extra charges. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex waives foreign transaction fees, making it a great companion for international trips.

• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: Speed through airport security with a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, saving you time and stress on your travels.

• Travel Insurance: Travel with peace of mind, knowing you’re covered for trip delays, rental car issues and more. This added security can be invaluable during unexpected travel hiccups.

• Medallion Qualification Dollars and Boost: If you’re aiming for elite status with Delta, this card gives you a head start. You’ll receive $2,500 in Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) at the beginning of each year and earn 1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card. This perk can help you climb the Medallion status ladder faster, unlocking even more travel benefits.

Lifestyle Perks

• Dining and Rideshare Credits: New for 2024, the card offers up to $360 in automatic annual credits, including $240 at Resy restaurants and $120 for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. These monthly credits can help offset the card’s annual fee, especially if you frequently dine out or use rideshare apps.

• Hertz President's Circle Status: Enjoy VIP treatment with Hertz, including car rental upgrades and bonus points, making your road trips or business travel smoother and more rewarding.

• ShopRunner Membership: With your complimentary ShopRunner membership, you can enjoy free two-day shipping and returns at select online stores, adding convenience to your shopping experience.

Before committing to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Card, be sure to weigh the substantial $650 annual fee and the other potential downsides. The limited bonus categories might not align with your spending habits, and hitting the $75,000 yearly spending for unlimited Sky Club access is no small feat.

• High Annual Fee: The card comes with a whopping $650 annual fee, which might be a deal-breaker if you don't frequently utilize its premium benefits. Consider if the perks justify this cost for your travel habits.

• Limited Bonus Rewards Categories: While you earn 3X miles on Delta purchases, all other eligible purchases only earn 1X miles. If your spending isn't heavily focused on Delta flights, you might find other cards offer better rewards for everyday expenses like the Chase Freedom Flex® Card, which has no annual fee and offers 5% cash back on rotating categories, 3% on dining and drugstores and 1% on all other purchases. This makes it a solid choice for those seeking more versatile rewards without the hefty fee.

• Spending Requirements for Status Boosts: To enjoy unlimited Delta Sky Club visits, you need to spend $75,000 annually. This high spending threshold may be challenging to meet, making it harder to maximize the card's benefits in the long run.

• Credits Issued in Increments: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers statement credits that, in the right hands, can help defray the annual cost. However, it may be difficult for those who don't live in the city to take advantage of those credits. Furthermore, monthly increments are given out for the Resy and ridesharing credits. Those who would rather use them all at once may find this frustrating because the benefits are use-it-or-lose-it.

When comparing the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card to its Gold and Platinum siblings, the differences are clear. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card's $650 fee may seem steep, but it offers unmatched perks like 3X miles on Delta purchases, complimentary lounge access and a coveted companion certificate, making it the most premium of the Delta travel cards.

Consider the Platinum Amex card, with a $250 fee. It offers 3X miles on Delta and dining, plus a companion certificate at renewal, making it a strong middle ground for not-so-frequent jet setters. There’s also the Gold Amex card, with a lower $0 intro fee and $150 after that, which offers 2X miles and fewer perks but is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who still want to earn Delta rewards.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card is the go-to for serious Delta loyalists seeking top-tier perks and travel luxury while building their way to elite status. Still, the Platinum Amex offers a solid balance of benefits at a more reasonable fee. For those just dipping their toes into Delta rewards, it’s safe to say that the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card provides decent perks without the hefty price tag.

Pairing the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card creates a powerful combo for frequent travelers. The Delta Reserve shines with airline-specific perks like priority boarding and free checked bags, making it ideal for loyal Delta flyers.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® stands out with its flexible point redemption and broader travel perks, making it a top pick for those who crave versatility in their rewards. You can use points for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal, where they often stretch further or transfer them to airline and hotel partners like United, Southwest or Marriott. Better yet, the points you earn with your Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card can be transferred directly to Delta SkyMiles®, creating a synergistic effect between the two cards. Together, these cards let you maximize rewards on Delta flights while enjoying the flexibility to redeem points for a wide range of travel experiences.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card is a top-tier choice for consumers who frequently fly Delta and can fully leverage its premium perks. If you’re a Delta loyalist, the annual companion certificate can easily justify the $650 yearly fee by saving you hundreds on a First Class or Delta Comfort+ round-trip ticket. Using the certificate on a cross-country flight from New York to Los Angeles during peak seasons could offset a significant portion of the card's cost, making it a valuable perk for frequent travelers.

The 100,000 bonus miles and access to Delta Sky Clubs add even more value, making it a standout option for those who make it a point to travel in style. However, if you don’t fly Delta often or prefer a more flexible rewards program, the steep annual fee and limited bonus categories might not be worth it. For those who can't consistently use these perks, you might be better off with other airline cards with lower fees or broader rewards.

We evaluated the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card by reviewing 102 cards in total. Our assessment focused on several key features, weighted as follows:

• Expected Value for Travelers (20%): Measures the expected monetary value of rewards and perks minus the annual fees for a traveler who vacations two to three times yearly.
• Airline Rewards Rate for Travelers (15%): Evaluate the rewards earned on airline expenditures for someone who travels two to three times per year.
• Airline Scope (15%): Rates the number of destinations the airline flies to, which is important for understanding the card's utility.
• Issuer Satisfaction (10%): Evalutes customer fulfillment based on J.D. Power's issuer satisfaction study.
• Effective Reward Rate (10%): Calculates how rewarding the rewards earned are using different reward multipliers.
• Annual Fee (10%): Rates the annual fees from 1 to 5, where 5 is no annual fee.
• Airline Rewards Rate for Elite (10%): Evaluates the rewards earned on airline expenditures for elite travelers.
• Dining Rewards Rate (5%): Measures rewards earned on dining expenses.
• Hotel Rewards Rate for Travelers (5%): Measures rewards earned on hotel expenditures for someone who vacations two to three times per year.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please click here.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.