We've identified the top Delta cards for 2024 to help you maximize SkyMiles and enjoy perks tailored to your travel style. From the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue to the status-earning Delta SkyMiles Reserve, these cards offer valuable rewards and money-saving benefits like companion certificates, elevating your travels in the long run.
Best Airline Credit Cards for Delta Flyers in 2024
Updated: November 5, 2024
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Why You Can Trust Our List
MoneyGeek experts gather 32 data points for over 240 of the most popular cards in the U.S. from sources like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, card issuer websites and trusted partners to provide our readers with accurate, up-to-date information. Using a proprietary ranking methodology, we evaluate business credit cards based on factors like annual fees, welcome offers, rewards rates, APR, foreign transaction fees and more, with specific weight given to each criterion.
4 Best Delta Credit Cards
| Credit Card | MoneyGeek Rating | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Rewards | Recommended Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4.2/ of 5 | 20.24%-29.24% variable | $0 | Earn 1X–2X miles | 670–850 (Good to Excellent) On Issuer's Site | |
4.7/ of 5 | 20.24%-29.24% variable | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 | Earn 1X–2X miles | 670–850 (Good to Excellent) On Issuer's Site | |
4.9/ of 5 | 20.24%-29.24% variable | $350 | Earn 1X–3X miles | 670–850 (good to excellent) On Issuer's Site | |
4.8/ of 5 | 20.24%-29.24% variable | $650 | Earn 1X–3X miles | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) On Issuer's Site |
Best No-Annual-Fee Delta Card: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
On Issuer's Site
Rewards Summary
Earn 1X–2X milesEarn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Regular APR
20.24%-29.24% variableAnnual Fee
$0Recommended Credit
670–850 (Good to Excellent) Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Best for Casual Travel: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
On Issuer's Site
Rewards Summary
Earn 1X–2X milesEarn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
Regular APR
20.24%-29.24% variableAnnual Fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, the...Recommended Credit
670–850 (Good to Excellent)Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
CONSIDER AMERICAN EXPRESS REWARDS CARDS
American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 rate. If your goal is free flights and amassing points and you don't value the status earning or airline perks, you can also use an Amex card that earns Membership Rewards points and transfer points to Delta as needed. Consider pairing your Delta SkyMiles card with a more flexible rewards card, like the Amex EveryDay® Credit Card, which is great for maximizing everyday spending and allows you to transfer points to Delta's loyalty program.
Best for Status Earners: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
On Issuer's Site
Rewards Summary
Earn 1X–3X milesEarn 3X miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X mile on all other eligible purchases.
Regular APR
20.24%-29.24% variableAnnual Fee
$350Recommended Credit
670–850 (good to excellent)Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Best for Luxury Travel: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
On Issuer's Site
Rewards Summary
Earn 1X–3X milesEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
Regular APR
20.24%-29.24% variableAnnual Fee
$650Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
How Do the Delta SkyMiles® Amex Cards Compare?
All Delta SkyMiles Amex cards earn SkyMiles and offer perks like in-flight savings and no foreign transaction fees. The main differences? Annual fees range from $0 to $650, and perks vary by card, including but not limited to discounts on inflight purchases, Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) and Delta flight credits.
For instance, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue Amex Card is great for casual travelers. In contrast, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Amex Card caters to frequent flyers with luxury perks like lounge access and companion certificates, fitting a range of travel preferences and budgets.
Here’s how the Delta SkyMiles Amex cards stack up against one another:
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express | Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express | Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express | Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Summary | No annual fee, basic rewards and perks, best for budget-conscious travelers. | Moderate annual fee, enhanced rewards and perks, best for frequent Delta flyers. | Higher annual fee, premium rewards and perks, best for frequent Delta flyers seeking Medallion status. | Highest annual fee, most comprehensive rewards and perks, best for frequent Delta flyers seeking luxury and status. |
Credit Score Requirement | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) | 670-850 (Good to Excellent) | 670–850 (Good to Excellent) | 670–850 (Good to Excellent) |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 | $350 | $650 |
Rewards | 2X Miles on Delta purchases and restaurants, 1X Miles on all other purchases. | 2X Miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and restaurants, 1X Miles on all other purchases. | 3X Miles on Delta purchases and hotels, 2X Miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, 1X Miles on all other purchases. | 3X Miles on Delta purchases, 1X Miles on all other purchases. |
Sign up Offer | Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first six months. | Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. | Earn 60,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. | 70,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $5,000 in the first six months. |
Perks | 20% back on in-flight purchases, no foreign transaction fees. | Free first checked bag, priority boarding, $200 Delta flight credit. | Companion certificate, MQDs, travel insurance, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit. | Unlimited lounge access with high spending, companion certificate for higher classes, priority upgrades, Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit. |
Best Known For | High rating for annual fees, good for budget-conscious travelers. | Good balance of rewards and perks for a moderate annual fee. | High rewards rate and expected value for frequent travelers. | Most comprehensive perks and highest annual fee, best for luxury travelers. |
Best For | Budget-conscious travelers who occasionally fly Delta. | Frequent Delta flyers who want enhanced perks without a high annual fee. | Frequent Delta flyers seeking Medallion status and premium perks. | Frequent Delta flyers seeking luxury and status with comprehensive perks. |
How to Apply for a Delta SkyMiles® Amex Credit Card
The application process for a Delta SkyMiles® card is straightforward, and you can be approved on the same day you apply.
Before you apply, there's information to prepare. You'll want your contact information, including name, birthday, Social Security number or TIN and mailing address. You'll also need information about your income, Delta Airlines SkyMiles number and any other information for other authorized users (if applicable).
Application Process:
- Begin by completing the application form with your personal details.
- American Express will conduct a soft credit check to determine pre-approval, which won't impact your credit score.
- If you choose to accept the offer and are approved, a hard credit inquiry will be performed, which may slightly affect your credit score.
Having all your information ready can make the application process smoother. Remember, adding authorized users requires their details as well.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Your Delta SkyMiles
Using your Delta SkyMiles with some strategy can help you get the most value from your travel rewards.
1. Use Your Card for Everyday Purchases
To accumulate miles quickly, use your Delta credit card for everyday purchases. Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offer 2X miles on Delta purchases and restaurants. The more you use your card, the more miles you earn.
2. Take Advantage of Bonus Categories
Different Delta cards offer bonus miles in specific categories. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card gives you 2X miles on Delta purchases, U.S. supermarkets and restaurants. Make sure to use your card for these purchases to maximize your earnings.
3. Utilize Companion Certificates
If you have the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum or Reserve American Express Card, don't forget to use your annual companion certificate. This benefit can save you hundreds of dollars on flights each year.
4. Redeem Miles Wisely
Redeem your miles for high-value rewards like flights and upgrades. Avoid using miles for low-value items like merchandise. The Pay With Miles feature allows you to take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed.
5. Monitor Your Account for Promotions
Delta frequently offers promotions that can help you earn extra miles. Keep an eye on your account and take advantage of these offers when they arise.
6. Avoid Common Pitfalls
Keep your Delta SkyMiles account active to prevent your rewards from expiring. Watch for limited award availability, which can restrict redemptions. We recommend paying your credit card bill in full each month to maximize your rewards earnings and avoid interest charges.
FAQ About the Best Credit Cards for Delta Flyers
Is a no-annual-fee Delta credit card worth it?
Yes, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card can be worth it for occasional travelers. It offers 2X miles on Delta purchases and dining, plus 1X miles on everything else. While it lacks perks like free checked bags or priority boarding, its no annual fee makes it a solid choice for earning SkyMiles on everyday spending.
Is it worth getting the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card?
Yes, if you frequently fly Delta and typically earn or want to work towards elite status, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card can be a great choice. You can utilize perks like the companion certificate, free checked bags and priority boarding.
How much is 70,000 Delta SkyMiles worth?
70,000 Delta SkyMiles are worth approximately $1,050 when redeemed for flights, based on an average value of 1.5 cents per mile.
Which credit card has a partnership with Delta?
American Express partners with Delta and offers several co-branded cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Blue, Gold, Platinum and Reserve American Express Cards.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, please click here.
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.
About Doug Milnes, CFA
Doug Milnes is a CFA charter holder with over 10 years of experience in corporate finance and the Head of Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. Formerly, he performed valuations for Duff and Phelps and financial planning and analysis for various companies. His analysis has been cited by U.S. News and World Report, The Hill, the Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and many other outlets.
Milnes holds a master’s degree in data science from Northwestern University. He geeks out on helping people feel on top of their credit card use, from managing debt to optimizing rewards.
*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.