Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card: Are the Benefits Worth the $650 Annual Fee?

The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card can be well worth it for Delta loyalists who take several trips per year. You’ll need to do a good amount of spending and flying to justify the high $650 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the many airline-focused benefits and additional perks, the card offers tremendous value.

Before you apply, ask yourself if you will take advantage of the yearly companion certificate (which can be used for a first-class flight)*, make a few visits to the Delta Sky Club® lounge and use the first checked bag free privilege (valued at up to $280 per round-trip flight for a family of four). If so, you can easily outearn the annual fee.

On the flip side, the card only earns bonus miles on Delta purchases, and many of the perks are Delta-focused. Therefore, if redemption flexibility or extra earnings from everyday spending categories are important to you — or you sometimes fly with other airlines — a general travel card may be a better fit.

• Welcome offer: 4.7 out of 5 stars

  Current offer:

  Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.

  How does it compare to other cards?

  The Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card has a valuable welcome offer, but the spending requirement is high. If a mid-tier card with an annual fee in the $95 range is more your speed, you can find similar bonuses with lower spending thresholds on cards like the Citi Strata Premier^® Card or the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

  Is it a good time to apply?

  The current offer is at a peak, so now may be a great time to apply. Trying to time your application to score the highest possible welcome offer is a good idea, given Amex’s once-in-lifetime policy. Amex only lets you cash in on a welcome offer for a specific card one time.

  Recent offers for the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card

  Date	Number of miles
  September 2025	125,000
  July 2025	70,000
  June 2025	100,000
  April 2025	70,000
  February 2025	100,000
  October 2024	70,000
  September 2024	100,000

  → See the best credit card sign-up bonuses

  Tip: Amex offers a pop-up tool that notifies you if you aren’t qualified for a welcome offer before you submit your application.

• Earning miles: 0.2 out of 5 stars

  How many miles can you earn?

  Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

  How does it compare to other cards?

  If you enjoy earning rewards on everyday spending, this isn’t the card for you since it only earns elevated rewards on Delta purchases. This is one of its greatest drawbacks. Other elite travel rewards cards allow you to earn additional miles on a range of categories, including travel dining or groceries.

  If you’re aiming to earn a lot of Delta miles, you should consider a more versatile card like the American Express^® Gold Card. Its earning categories include restaurants worldwide, U.S. supermarkets, flights with all airlines and prepaid hotels. Its rewards are also more valuable than the Delta Reserve’s since you can transfer them to a range of travel programs, including Delta SkyMiles.

  Estimated rewards earned per $1 spent*

  • American Express^® Gold Card: $0.046
  • Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: $0.043
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve^®: $0.041 (see rates & fees)
  • American Express Platinum Card^®: $0.023
  • Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card: $0.016
  • Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card: $0.011
  *Based on LendingTree’s value methodology

  → Learn more: Cash back vs. points vs. miles

• Redeeming miles: 2 out of 5 stars

  How easy are miles to redeem?

  • SkyMiles don’t expire.
  • Delta has excellent award availability with no blackout dates.
  • Delta has a huge flight network with flights to most destinations.
  • Delta’s award site is fairly easy to use and navigate.
  • SkyMiles are only worth around 1.1 cent each, much less than many airline currencies.
  • Awards prices can vary drastically with Delta’s dynamic pricing system, ranging from 5,000 miles to 300,000 miles or more for first-class seats at peak travel times.
  • Delta has fairly dense rewards program terms that can be difficult to interpret.
  • There are few other good redemption options besides flights with Delta and its partners.
  • You can’t redeem miles for cash back.

  How does it compare to other cards?

  For those redeeming Delta SkyMiles, the availability of award seats is generally good and you can use miles for most destinations due to Delta’s large flight network. However, getting the most “mileage” out of your miles is another story. SkyMiles are worth less than other airline miles programs. Some flights require a lot of miles, especially during peak travel times.

  When compared with other travel rewards cards that have several travel transfer partners, you’ll have less flexibility to shop around for the best deal with the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card.

  Tip: One of the best ways to stretch your miles is to check out SkyMiles Award Deals. If you are flexible enough to take advantage of these offers, you can book a flight using fewer miles.

  → Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles program

• Other benefits: 5 out 5 stars

  • Delta Sky Club and Centurion lounge access: Get 15 visits per Medallion year to the Delta Sky Club when flying Delta or unlimited visits if you spend $75,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year. You’ll also get four one-time guest passes each Medallion year.
  • Annual companion certificate: Each year after you renew the card, you’ll get a Companion Certificate, which covers one Delta First, Delta Comfort or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
  • Status boost: Cardmembers get $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year, plus $1 Medallion Qualification Dollar for each $10 in purchases on your card in a calendar year. This perk, which gets you halfway to Silver Status.
  • Resy credit: Enroll with Resy to book restaurant reservations, and then pay with your card to get up to $20 back each month in statement credits (up to $240 per year).*
  • Rideshare credit: Enroll in this benefit to get up to $10 in statement credits each month (up to $120 per year) when using your card to pay for eligible U.S. rideshare services (Uber, Lyft, Curb, Revel and Alto).*
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit: Use your card to purchase Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and receive a statement credit up to $120.*
  • Delta stays credit: Cardmembers get up to $200 back as an annual statement credit if you use the card to book a Delta Stay — with a prepaid hotel or vacation rental — on delta.com.
  • TakeOff 15: Get 15% off Delta award flights. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Complimentary upgrades: Get added to the Complimentary Upgrade list on eligible fares, just after Medallion Members, for being a card member.
  • Upgrade priority: If you are a Medallion member, having this card bumps you up on the priority list over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
  • Hertz President’s Circle status: Receive automatic higher tier status when you enroll in the Hertz Gold Plus Rewards program.*
  • First checked bag free: Card members and up to eight other travelers on their reservation can check their first bag free on Delta flights.
  • 20% off in-flight purchases: Get an automatic discount on Delta in-flight food and beverage purchases with your card.
  • Travel insurance: This card offers trip insurance benefits including trip delay insurance¹, trip cancellation and interruption insurance¹, baggage insurance² and car rental loss and damage insurance³.
  • No foreign transaction fees: There are no foreign transaction fees when using this card on foreign purchases. (see rates & fees)
  *Enrollment required.

  How does it compare to other cards?

  If you’re seeking airline-focused benefits, the card cannot be beaten in terms of the return you’ll get on your annual fee investment. It currently ranks as our top airline credit card thanks to the value of these perks. Benefits like Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge Access, the free checked bag perk, status boost and the annual companion certificate can more than justify the card’s annual fee.

  The annual companion certificate, when redeemed strategically, can easily justify the annual fee each year. Just be mindful of the fine print that could make it challenging to get the most out of this benefit. For example, it cannot be used for overseas travel, and only certain fare classes qualify. Plus, Delta treats it as a deeply discounted fare, which means seats can run out if you don’t book well in advance.

American Express Platinum Card^®

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American Express Platinum Card^®

Apply Now

on American Express's secure site

Rates & Fees

|Terms Apply

American Express Platinum Card^®

Intro Purchase APR N/A

Regular Purchase APR See Pay Over Time APR

Annual Fee $895

Rewards Rate 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Terms apply.… Read More

Highlights

• Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.
• Rates & Fees

Recommended Credit

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Good / Excellent

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Show Detailsfor Citi Double Cash Card

For luxury travel perks that aren’t restricted to flying on Delta, the American Express Platinum Card^® is a general premium travel rewards card worth exploring. For a higher $895 annual fee (see rates & fees), eligible card members get access to a much larger set of airline lounges, including Delta Sky Club (subject to visit limitations) and Amex Centurion lounges. You’ll also get more than $2,000 worth of credits, including an up to $200 annual airline credit for your selected airline of choice (enrollment required), plus an up to $600 hotel credit on hotel bookings through American Express Travel.

The earning rate is more lucrative with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. Terms apply. And Amex Membership Rewards are much more flexible, since you transfer them to more than 20 travel loyalty programs, including Delta.

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

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| Disclosures

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Apply Now

on American Express's secure site

Rates & Fees

|Terms Apply

Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card

Intro Purchase APR N/A

Regular Purchase APR 19.99%-28.99% Variable

Annual Fee $350

Rewards Rate Earn 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 and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.… Read More

Highlights

• Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
• Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/29/2025.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on a Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Earn 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 Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Resy Credit: Get up to $10 in statement credits each month after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: earn up to $10 in statement credits each month after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights and save up to $70 per person on a round-trip Delta flight.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $350 Annual Fee.
• 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.
• Rates & Fees

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

Good / Excellent

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Show Detailsfor Citi Double Cash Card

If Delta is your airline of choice, but you aren’t interested in airport lounge access, you might go down a level to the Delta SkyMiles^® Platinum American Express Card. It doesn’t offer Delta Sky Club or Centurion Lounge access — but for a lower $350 annual fee (see rates & fees), you’ll still get key perks like a free first checked bag, an annual companion certificate (baggage charges and other restrictions apply) and MQD Headstart and MQD Boost to help with Medallion status.

It’s also a better option for earning miles because it has more earning categories than the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card. You’ll earn 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 and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

American Express^® Gold Card

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LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appears on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

| Disclosures

American Express^® Gold Card

Apply Now

on American Express's secure site

Rates & Fees

|Terms Apply

American Express^® Gold Card

Intro Purchase APR N/A

Regular Purchase APR See Pay Over Time APR

Annual Fee $325

Rewards Rate Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. Terms apply.… Read More

Highlights

• Click APPLY NOW to apply online.
• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Terms Apply.
• Rates & Fees

Recommended Credit

Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion

Good / Excellent

Get my free score

Show Detailsfor Citi Double Cash Card

If you don’t care about Delta-specific perks and just want to earn miles for Delta awards, you should check out the American Express^® Gold Card. You’ll earn rewards at a much quicker pace: Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. Terms apply. Because Delta is a travel transfer partner with American Express, you can use these rewards to get free flights with Delta.

It has a lower $325 annual fee (see rates & fees) and includes more than $200 in credits to balance out that fee. However, unlike the American Express Platinum Card^®, it doesn’t offer much in the way of travel-related benefits. For those, you’re better off with the Delta SkyMiles^® Reserve American Express Card or another top travel credit card.

→ Looking for a more flexible travel rewards card? See the Best Travel Credit Cards

We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best travel cards. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. Every card is selected based on its merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals. We use the following criteria to make our picks:

• Average value over two years (80% of rating): We calculate the value of rewards and perks for the average cardholder using U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and an annual spend of $20,000, minus the annual fee. This value includes the card’s sign-up bonus, annual bonus (including free night certificates) and travel perks like lounge access and travel credits. We look at the average rewards earned over two years to balance out a card’s ongoing value with its first-year value.
• Flexibility of rewards (15% of rating): We consider how easy the rewards are to use, looking at factors like expiration dates, minimum thresholds to redeem, blackout dates and the availability of flexible redemption options like travel statement credits and cash back.
• Other features (5% of rating): We also compare a card’s benefits, such as purchase protections, travel protections and elite status benefits against benefits from other cards.