Best Airline Credit Cards for Delta Flyers in 2024

If you’re a Delta flyer, there's a range of credit cards tailored to enhance your travel experience. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card suits frequent flyers, while the Delta SkyMiles BlueCard is the best entry-level Delta card.

Updated: November 5, 2024

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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.

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
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Read review	4.2/ of 5	19.99%-28.99% variable	$0	Earn 1X–2X miles	670–850 (Good to Excellent)	Review & Apply On Issuer's Site
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card Read review	4.7/ of 5	19.99% – 28.99% variable	$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150	Earn 1X–2X miles	670–850 (Good to Excellent)	Review & Apply On Issuer's Site
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Read review	4.9/ of 5	19.99%–28.99% variable	$350	Earn 1X–3X miles	670–850 (good to excellent)	Review & Apply On Issuer's Site
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Read review	4.8/ of 5	19.99%–28.99% variable	$650	Earn 1X–3X miles	670-850 (Good to Excellent)	Review & Apply On Issuer's Site

Best No-Annual-Fee Delta Card: Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

MoneyGeek Rating

4.2/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X–2X miles

Regular APR

19.99%-28.99% variable

Annual Fee

Recommended Credit

670–850 (Good to Excellent)

The Delta SkyMiles Blue is the card to get if you just want to earn extra SkyMiles and aren’t looking for other perks. It earns 2X SkyMiles on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide, plus 1X on all other purchases. Get this card if you don’t fly Delta frequently enough to pony up the annual fee for other cards that provide perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.
PROS
- High rewards on U.S. dining
- Generous bonus miles offer
- High rewards on Delta flights
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
CONS
- High annual fee after the first year
- Limited value if not flying Delta
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 10,000 bonus Delta SkyMiles after spending $1,000 in the first six months.
- Rewards
  - Earn 2X Delta SkyMiles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  - Earn 2X Delta SkyMiles per dollar on Delta purchases.
  - Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Receive a 20% savings as a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
  - Pay with Miles: Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles redeemed when booking on delta.com.
  - No foreign transaction fees. see Rates and Fees
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- APRS, Fees, and Penalties
  - No annual fee. see Rates and Fees
  - Terms apply.

Best for Casual Travel: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

MoneyGeek Rating

4.7/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X–2X miles

Regular APR

19.99% – 28.99% variable

Annual Fee

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, the...

Recommended Credit

670–850 (Good to Excellent)

If you don’t fly enough to earn status, but you see the value in paying an annual fee for free checked bags, priority boarding and earning miles on everyday purchases, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card could be a good fit. A sign-up bonus of 50,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months offers excellent value for a reasonable annual fee of $150 after the first year.
PROS
- High rewards on U.S. groceries and dining
- Generous bonus miles offer
- High rewards on Delta flights
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights
- Priority boarding on Delta flights
CONS
- High annual fee after the first year
- Limited value if not flying Delta
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 50,000 Bonus Delta SkyMiles Miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months.
- Rewards
  - Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets, and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  - Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Enjoy a 15% discount on Award Travel booked with miles on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app.
  - Check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 per round-trip per person.
  - Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
  - Get a $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year.
  - Receive up to $100 back per year as a statement credit for prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays.
  - Save 20% on eligible Delta in-flight purchases in the form of a statement credit.
  - Use Send & Split® to send money and split purchases with Venmo or PayPal users directly from the Amex App.
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- APRS, Fees, and Penalties
  - Benefit from a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 after that. see Rates and Fees
  - Enjoy no foreign transaction fees on international purchases. see Rates and Fees
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  - Terms Apply.

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

MoneyGeek Rating

4.9/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X–3X miles

Regular APR

19.99%–28.99% variable

Annual Fee

$350

Recommended Credit

670–850 (good to excellent)

Frequent travelers focused on earning status can make the most of their travel with the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Amex Card. It offers 60,000 Bonus SkyMiles after you spend $3,000 in the first six months of membership, an annual companion certificate, priority boarding and a free checked bag. Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) help you earn Delta Medallion status by earning $1 for every $20 spent, and it balances rewards with practical benefits for both family trips and status seekers.
PROS
- Companion certificate
- Priority boarding and free checked bag
- High rewards on Delta purchases
- Medallion® Qualification Dollar boost
- Generous welcome bonus
CONS
- High annual fee
- No introductory APR offer
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 60,000 bonus Delta SkyMiles after spending $3,000 in the first six months.
- Rewards
  - Earn 3X miles on Delta and hotel purchases.
  - Earn 2X miles at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
  - Earn 1X mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Receive a Companion Certificate for a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S., Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after card renewal.
  - Enjoy a 15% discount on Award Travel when booking Delta flights using miles.
  - Check your first bag free on Delta flights.
  - Benefit from Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights.
  - Receive up to $120 in statement credits annually for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants.
  - Earn up to $120 in statement credits annually for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
  - Receive a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees.
  - Be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list for eligible ticket holders.
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- APRS, Fees, and Penalties
  - No foreign transaction fees. see Rates and Fees
  - $350 annual fee. see Rates and Fees
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  - Terms Apply.

Best for Luxury Travel: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

MoneyGeek Rating

4.8/ of 5

Rates & Fees

REVIEW & APPLY

On Issuer's Site

Rewards Summary

Earn 1X–3X miles

Regular APR

19.99%–28.99% variable

Annual Fee

$650

Recommended Credit

670-850 (Good to Excellent)

Delta loyalists and frequent travelers seeking luxury perks or fast-tracked elite status will appreciate the Delta Skymiles Reserve Amex Card and its 70,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $5,000 in the first six months, lounge access and companion certificate. With accelerated MQD earnings, it's a solid choice for business travelers who prioritize comfort. Though it carries the highest annual fee, its perks offer long-term value.
PROS
- Companion certificate
- High rewards rate on Delta
- Annual status award points
- Free checked baggage
- Priority Boarding
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS
- High annual fee
- High spend needed to earn some benefits
- Introductory Offers
  - Earn 70,000 Delta SkyMiles after spending $5,000 in the first six months.
- Rewards
  - Earn 3X Delta SkyMiles on Delta purchases and 1X on all other eligible purchases.
  - Receive $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for every $10 spent on the card annually.
  - Get a 15% discount on Award Travel using miles on Delta flights.
- Perks & Benefits
  - Enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and The Centurion Lounge when flying Delta.
  - Receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year.
  - Get a Companion Certificate for a Main Cabin round-trip flight annually after card renewal.
  - Earn up to $240 in Resy Credits for eligible U.S. restaurant purchases.
  - Earn up to $120 in Rideshare Credits for eligible U.S. rideshare purchases.
  - Benefit from upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same level and fare class.
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- APRS, Fees, and Penalties
  - No Foreign Transaction Fees. see Rates and Fees
  - $650 Annual Fee. see Rates and Fees
  - Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  - Terms apply.

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.

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*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.
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