The best card if you fly Delta
By Rachel Lipson
August 2, 2025
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While we topically recommend cards that earn transferable points — points that can be transferred to hotels and airlines to book direct — there are hotel and airline cards that earn points, miles and perks worthy of taking up a spot in your wallet. For some of these cards, the lounge access, free luggage and status opportunities can make it worth it for frequent travelers. These Delta cards can really make a difference with discounted award bookings, companion certificates and climbing the ranks towards status.
The best personal cards
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Rates & fees, terms apply
Annual fee: $350
Earning rates include:
3X miles on Delta purchases, including flights and Delta Vacations®
3X miles on hotels
2X miles at U.S. supermarkets
2X at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
1X miles on all other eligible purchases
Some of the benefits:
Earn an annual statement credit of up to $150 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com
Check your first bag free on Delta flights
Enjoy international travel without foreign transaction fees
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Why we like it:
The 15% discount on Delta award bookings and the first checked bag perk make this card especially valuable for frequent Delta flyers. The companion certificate (available after the first renewal) is a standout benefit, offering an easy way to offset the annual fee and unlock significant value year after year.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Rates & fees, terms apply
Annual fee: $650
Earning rates include:
3x miles on Delta purchases
1x miles on all other eligible purchases
Some of the benefits:
Earn an annual statement credit of up to $200 after using your card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com
Check your first bag free on Delta flights
Enjoy international travel without foreign transaction fees
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Why we like it:
For loyal Delta flyers, this card offers a compelling mix of perks and elite status support. The 15% discount on Delta award bookings, first checked bag, and Delta Sky Club access make each trip smoother and more rewarding. With MQD Boost, cardholders can accelerate their progress toward Medallion Status through everyday spending. And the annual companion certificate (after your first renewal) delivers excellent potential value—often enough to offset the card’s annual fee entirely.
The best business cards
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
Rates & fees, terms apply
Annual fee: $350
Earning rates include:
3x miles on Delta purchases
1.5x miles on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year)
1x miles on all other eligible purchases
Some of the benefits:
Receive a Companion Certificate on a main cabin round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. Terms apply.
Check your first bag free on Delta flights
Receive a 15% discount on Delta award travel when booking with miles on Delta.com or the Fly Delta app
MQD Boost: Earn Medallion Qualification Dollars through eligible business purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Why we like it:
The 15% discount on Delta award bookings and first checked bag benefit make day-to-day business travel more rewarding. MQD Boost allows cardholders to work toward Medallion Status through business spend, while the companion certificate (issued after your first renewal) can deliver significant value — often enough to cover the annual fee with a single trip.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
Rates & fees, terms apply
Annual fee: $650
Earning rates include:
3× miles on Delta purchases
1.5× miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases (plus on all purchases after $150,000 in a calendar year)
1× miles on all other purchases
Some of the benefits:
15 visits per Medallion Year to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta; unlock unlimited access after $75,000 in eligible annual purchases, plus four guest passes
15% discount on Delta award bookings booked with miles on Delta flights through delta.com or the Fly Delta app (TakeOff 15)
Companion Certificate each year after renewal, valid on First Class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central America round‑trip flights (taxes and fees apply)
MQD Headstart: $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars per year; MQD Boost: $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card
Statement credits: up to $250 via Delta Stays, $240 Resy dining credit, and $120 rideshare credit per year
First checked bag free on Delta flights; no foreign transaction fees
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Why we like it:
The TakeOff 15 award discount and first checked bag perk are practical and immediate. With the MQD Boost and Headstart combined, everyday business spending becomes a tool for fast‑tracking Medallion status. The annual Companion Certificate adds substantial value — often covering the fee in a single trip. And with lounge access, travel statement credits, and no foreign transaction fees, it delivers a high-end experience that can elevate your travel.
Rachel Lipson
Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Brooklyn Family Travelers and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
