Delta Skymiles Reserve
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium credit card tailored for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers seeking exclusive benefits and enhanced travel experiences. With a suite of perks ranging from lounge access to companion certificates, this card is designed to reward Delta loyalists.
Key Features:
• Rewards Structure:
• Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
• Earn 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
• Annual Fee: $650.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends April 2, 2025.
Additional Benefits:
• Delta Sky Club® and Lounge Access: Enjoy 15 complimentary visits per year to Delta Sky Club® lounges when traveling on a same-day Delta flight. To unlock unlimited visits, cardholders must spend $75,000 or more on the card annually. Additionally, receive access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner when flying Delta on a same-day ticket purchased with the card.
• Annual Companion Certificate: Upon card renewal, receive a companion certificate valid for a round-trip domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin flight within the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, or Central America. Taxes and fees apply.
• Travel Credits:
• Resy Credit: Earn up to $240 annually (up to $20 monthly) in statement credits for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required.
• Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $120 annually (up to $10 monthly) in statement credits for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Delta Stays Credit: Earn up to $200 annually in statement credits for prepaid hotel or vacation rental bookings through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) Boost: Receive a $2,500 MQD head start each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card, facilitating progress toward elevated Medallion Status.
• Upgrade Priority: Cardholders receive priority over other Medallion Members within the same tier and fare class grouping for complimentary upgrades on Delta flights.
Pros:
• Exclusive Lounge Access: The card provides access to Delta Sky Club® and Centurion Lounges, enhancing the travel experience with premium amenities.
• Companion Certificate: The annual companion certificate can offset the annual fee when used for premium cabin bookings, offering significant value for travelers.
• Accelerated Medallion Status: The MQD head start and boost through spending assist in achieving higher Medallion Status tiers, unlocking additional Delta benefits.
Cons:
• High Annual Fee: The $650 annual fee is substantial and may not be justifiable for infrequent Delta travelers or those unable to utilize the card’s premium benefits fully.
• Limited Lounge Access Without High Spending: The 15 annual Sky Club visits may be insufficient for frequent travelers, and unlocking unlimited access requires significant annual spending of $75,000.
• Complex Credit Utilization: Maximizing the Resy, rideshare, and Delta Stays credits necessitates careful planning and regular use, which may not align with all cardholders’ spending habits.
Considerations:
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is best suited for dedicated Delta flyers who can fully leverage its extensive benefits, including lounge access, companion certificates, and accelerated paths to Medallion Status. However, the high annual fee and spending requirements for unlimited lounge access mean that potential cardholders should carefully assess their travel frequency and spending patterns to determine if this card aligns with their needs.