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Delta Reserve Card Review: 50,000 SkyMiles and Airport Lounge Access

 2 years ago
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Delta Reserve Amex card review: Earn 50,000 miles and receive upscale benefits like Sky Club and Centurion airport lounge access

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The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is only a good choice if you fly Delta a lot and can use benefits like airport lounge access, which can make the $550 annual fee worthwhile. Less-frequent Delta flyers will do better with cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card.

4.4/5
A five pointed starA five pointed starA five pointed starA five pointed starA five pointed star
Editor's Rating
Annual Fee
$550
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% Variable
Recommended Credit Score
Good to Excellent
Pros & Cons Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
Pros
  • Annual companion certificate benefit, which is valid for domestic first class and Comfort+ as well as the main cabin
  • Access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges when you're flying Delta
  • Earns 3x miles on Delta purchases
Cons
  • Very high annual fee
  • Doesn't offer bonus miles on non-Delta purchases
Read Our Review Read Our ReviewA looong arrow, pointing right
Details Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
More Information
  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
  • Earn up to 60,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 15,000 MQMs up to four times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • Receive a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+® or domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Complimentary access into the Delta Sky Club® for you when travelling on a Delta flight.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $550 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Review: Is the Delta Reserve card the best credit card for you?

American Express issues seven personal and small-business Delta credit cards to suit every type of traveler. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the most premium of the personal cards and currently offers an intro bonus of: 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months.

With a $550 annual fee (See Rates), this card isn't for the casual Delta flyer. However, if you can make use of perks like Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion airport lounge access when you fly Delta, Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs), complimentary upgrades, a free first checked bag, and an annual companion certificate, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is worth considering.

You'll earn 3x miles on Delta purchases, but just 1 mile per dollar on everything else — there are no other bonus categories. If your objective is to earn more Delta miles on your everyday spending, you'll want to look at other Delta cards or cards that earn American Express Membership Rewards points like the American Express® Gold Card . Delta is an Amex transfer partner, and you can convert Membership Rewards points to SkyMiles instantly at a 1:1 ratio.

If you don't fly Delta often enough to maximize these benefits and justify the annual fee, there are other Delta cards that are a better fit. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months. It has an annual fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $99, and offers decent perks for the occasional traveler, including a free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights.

We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

How to earn miles with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card isn't a great pick for everyday spending outside of Delta purchases, because it doesn't offer any additional bonus categories. Cardholders earn:

  • 3 miles per dollar on purchases made directly with Delta (including airfare, upgrades, miles, seat selection, Delta Sky Club membership, and inflight purchases of food, alcoholic beverages, and audio headsets on Delta-operated flights)
  • 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases

How to use Delta miles

According to Insider's points and miles valuations, Delta SkyMiles are worth, on average, 1.1 cents apiece. If you get that rate or better when you compare the cost of your award flight to that of a paid ticket, you're getting a good deal. 

Find out more about how Insider calculated the value of points, miles, and credit card rewards here»

You can redeem Delta miles for flights on Delta, SkyTeam alliance partners, and non-alliance partners, including Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. Delta no longer publishes an award chart, so the number of miles required for an award ticket varies depending on demand, paid ticket price, and time of year. 

The airline sometimes runs flash sales with award tickets priced as low as 2,000 miles one-way for domestic flights and as little as 9,000 miles for international routes. These Delta SkyMiles deals usually pop up unannounced, so it's worth checking frequently to see if the route or destination you want is on sale.

All Amex Delta cardholders have the ability to use miles to fully or partially offset the cost of a paid ticket. The Delta Pay With Miles program allows members to redeem at a rate of 1 cent per mile in 5,000-mile increments, so 5,000 miles is worth $50 off the cost of a paid ticket. This is helpful if you don't have enough miles for an award or want to stretch your miles by combining them with cash.

If you don't want to redeem SkyMiles for flights, there are other options, but you'll typically get a poor value in comparison:

  • Seat selection and upgrades
  • Delta Sky Club lounge memberships
  • Certain Delta fees (like ticket changes and award ticket redeposit fees)
  • Gift cards
  • Magazines
  • Tour vouchers
  • Charity donations
  • Delta Vacations packages
  • Premium drinks in Delta Sky Club lounges
  • Delta SkyMiles Experiences 

Because Delta miles don't expire, there's no pressure to redeem them if you're not ready to travel yet.

Delta Reserve card benefits and features

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium card and comes with a wide variety of benefits that can help offset the hefty annual fee.

Delta Sky Club airport lounge access

The standout benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the Delta Sky Club airport lounge access it offers. Normally, an individual Sky Club membership costs $545 per year, so if that's something you'd otherwise pay for, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (with its $550 annual fee and additional perks) is a better deal.

Delta operates dozens of Sky Clubs at major US airports, although some are currently closed due to the pandemic. With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll get access to Sky Club lounges if you're flying on a Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight that day. Cardholders receive two one-time Sky Club guest passes each year, but can also bring in up to two guests at a discounted rate of $39 per person (as long as they're also flying Delta).

If you fly through airports with Sky Club lounges frequently, this perk can make your travels more comfortable and save you money in the long run. Delta Sky Clubs offer a quieter place to work and relax, with free Wi-Fi, snacks, light meals, beverages, and other amenities. 

Keep in mind you can also get Delta Sky Club access (when you fly Delta) if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , so those cards may be a better fit if you prefer flexibility and the other perks they offer.

Amex Centurion Lounge access

Amex Centurion Lounges are typically fancier than Delta Sky Clubs, and if you hold the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll have access if you're flying Delta that day and used the card to pay for your ticket. 

Cardholders can currently bring in up to two guests (if they're also flying Delta) at a rate of $50 per person. Centurion Lounges are known for offering premium food and cocktails and a more upscale atmosphere, but they're at far fewer airports and some have long wait times to enter due to pandemic restrictions.

Upgrade priority and access to complimentary upgrades

When you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll get upgrade priority over non-cardholders with the same Medallion status level and fare class grouping. If you don't have Medallion status, you'll get added to the complimentary upgrade list after elite status holders.

Annual Delta companion certificate

Each year on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card anniversary, you'll receive a Delta companion certificate valid for round-trip, domestic first class, Delta Comfort+, or economy class travel within the contiguous 48 states.

If you buy an eligible paid ticket, a companion can join you for just the cost of taxes and fees on the same itinerary — and if it's an expensive fare, you could end up saving hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

Delta companion certificate details:

  • Valid on Delta, Delta Connection, and Delta Shuttle flights
  • Route must be within the 48 contiguous United States; if the address on your SkyMiles account is in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, you can use the certificate for round-trip travel to the contiguous 48 states
  • Both passengers must be booked at the same time and you must use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for the tickets
  • Only certain fare classes are eligible: I and Z for first class, L, U, T, X, and V for economy class, and W and S  for Delta Comfort+ (only when L, U, T, X, or V classes of service are available in the Main Cabin)
  • The companion certificate can't be combined with other promotions (like web fares, sale fares, and eCoupons)
  • Companion tickets are eligible for Medallion® Complimentary Upgrades (subject to availability) based on the elite status of the higher-tiered member traveling

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card also comes with an annual companion certificate, but it's only valid for economy class travel — so the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a better choice if you'll book Comfort+ or first-class tickets.

Delta Status Boost

If you spend $30,000 or more on eligible purchases in a calendar year with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll receive 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) — up to four times — that can help you qualify for elite status.

Free first checked bag

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card members and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive a free first checked bag on Delta flights. Delta normally charges $30 each way for the first checked bag, so this perk can significantly offset the annual fee if you fly Delta often.

Families or groups, in particular, can get a huge value — four people with a checked bag each on a round-trip itinerary would normally incur fees of $240 for their luggage.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

The Global Entry and TSA PreChecktrusted traveler programs can save you a ton of time at the airport, and if you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay the application fee, you'll be reimbursed (up to $100 for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years) after you apply through any authorized enrollment provider.

Priority boarding

Cardholders and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive Delta Main Cabin 1 priority boarding — even when flying Basic Economy — which means you'll have more time to get settled into your seat and find room in the overhead bins for your carry-on bag.

The Main Cabin 1 group boards after passengers flying in premium cabins and most elite members, but before other economy class travelers or those flying in basic economy.  

20% back on inflight purchases

When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for inflight purchases like drinks, food, or audio headsets on Delta flights, you'll receive 20% back in the form of a statement credit.

Car rental insurance

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers secondary car rental insurance when you use the card to pay for your rental in full and decline the rental company's collision damage waiver. Coverage is for theft or damage only (not liability) and some rentals, vehicle types, and countries are excluded, so be sure to read the terms.

Purchase protection

When you pay for an eligible item with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you can be covered for loss or damage up to 90 days from the date of purchase, up to a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per year.

Extended warranty

Cardholders can also get an extended warranty on eligible items when they use their Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay — up to one additional year added to eligible US manufacturer's warranties of five years or less.

Return protection

If you purchased an eligible item with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the merchant won't accept your return, you may get a refund of the full purchase price (excluding shipping and handling), up to $300 per item and a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.

Baggage insurance

If you pay for a covered trip with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you can be covered for baggage loss or damage, up to $500 per person for checked bags and $1,250 per person for carry-on luggage.

There are exclusions for high-risk items and some states have different limits, so check the terms and conditions for specific details.

Trip delay insurance

You can get reimbursed up to $500 for meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal items if you've paid for a covered trip with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and it's delayed by six hours or more, up to two times per consecutive 12-month period.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

If you paid for a covered trip with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and it's canceled or cut short for a covered reason, you could be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 per card per consecutive 12-month period.

Cell phone protection

One of the newest benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is cell phone protection. When you use your card to pay your monthly wireless bill, you're covered for the cost of repair or replacement if your phone is damaged or stolen, up to $800 per claim and up to two claims per 12-month period.

There's a $50 deductible, and you must file your claim within 90 days of the incident. Coverage is secondary (it will pay out after any other insurance you have) and it starts the first day of the calendar month following payment of your monthly bill with your eligible card. It stays in effect as long as you continue paying your bill with the card. 

Premium Global Assist Hotline

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with a little-known perk that can be a lifesaver if you have an emergency while you're away from home. Cardholders get access to Amex's Premium Global Assist Hotline, which can help arrange things like passport replacement, medical referrals, and translation services.

The service itself is complimentary, but you may be responsible for any third-party costs. One big difference from the regular (versus premium) Global Assist Hotline is emergency medical evacuation coverage — Amex may provide emergency medical transportation assistance at no cost if it's approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline.

Amex Offers

Like other American Express cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with targeted discounts or bonus miles at participating merchants through Amex Offers**. Taking advantage of these offers is a great way to save money on purchases you'd make anyway and can help you offset the card's annual fee.

4.4/5
A five pointed starA five pointed starA five pointed starA five pointed starA five pointed star
Editor's Rating
Annual Fee
$550
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% Variable
Recommended Credit Score
Good to Excellent
Pros & Cons Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
Pros
  • Annual companion certificate benefit, which is valid for domestic first class and Comfort+ as well as the main cabin
  • Access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges when you're flying Delta
  • Earns 3x miles on Delta purchases
Cons
  • Very high annual fee
  • Doesn't offer bonus miles on non-Delta purchases
Read Our Review Read Our ReviewA looong arrow, pointing right
Details Chevron iconIt indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.
More Information
  • Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
  • Earn up to 60,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 15,000 MQMs up to four times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • Receive a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+® or domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Complimentary access into the Delta Sky Club® for you when travelling on a Delta flight.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $550 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees

Fees and costs

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card annual fee is $550, and there are no foreign transaction fees to worry about, so it's a good card to use for international purchases.

Like most other cards, there are fees for late or returned payments and cash advances (See Rates).

Comparison: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Credit Card vs other Amex Delta cards

 

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Annual fee

$0 intro for the first year, then $99

Rewards rate

3x miles on eligible Delta purchases

1 mile per eligible dollar on everything else

3x miles on eligible Delta purchases

3x miles on purchases made directly with hotels

2x miles at US supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide

1 mile per eligible dollar on everything else

2x miles on eligible Delta purchases

2x miles at U.S. supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide

1 mile per eligible dollar on everything else

Welcome bonus offer

50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months

50,000 bonus miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months

40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months

Travel benefits

Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights

Annual Delta companion certificate

15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to four times

Complimentary Delta Sky Club airport lounge access when you fly Delta

Complimentary American Express Centurion Lounge access when you fly Delta and use the card to pay for your ticket

Access to complimentary upgrades and upgrade priority

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit after you apply through any authorized enrollment provider

20% off inflight purchases as a statement credit

Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights

Annual Delta companion certificate

10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to two times

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Discounted access to Sky Club lounges

20% off inflight purchases as a statement credit

Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights

$100 flight credit when you spend $10,000 or more in a calendar year

20% off inflight purchases as a statement credit

Other card benefits

Car rental insurance

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Baggage insurance

Trip delay insurance

Return protection

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Cell phone protection

Premium Global Assist Hotline

Access to Amex Offers**

No foreign transaction fees

Car rental insurance

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Baggage insurance

Trip delay insurance

Global Assist Hotline

Access to Amex Offers**

No foreign transaction fees

Car rental insurance

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Baggage insurance

Global Assist Hotline

Access to Amex Offers**

No foreign transaction fees

Review

 

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card review

Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card review

Delta SkyMiles Reserve credit card vs other premium airline credit cards

 

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®

Annual fee

Rewards rate

3x miles on eligible Delta purchases

1 mile per eligible dollar on everything else

4x miles on eligible United® purchases

2x miles on travel

2x miles on dining

1 mile per dollar on everything else

2x miles on American Airlines purchases

1 mile per dollar on everything else

Welcome bonus offer

50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 3 months

100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

50,000 miles after you spend $5,000 within the first three months of account opening

Travel benefits

Free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights

Annual Delta companion certificate

15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to four times

Complimentary Delta Sky Club airport lounge access when you fly Delta

Two one-time Delta Sky Club guest passes each year

Complimentary American Express Centurion Lounge access when you fly Delta and use the card to pay for your ticket

Access to complimentary upgrades and upgrade priority

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit after you apply through any authorized enrollment provider

20% off inflight purchases as a statement credit

Free first and second checked bags on United flights

Priority boarding

Premier Access travel services

25% back on inflight purchases as a statement credit

United Club airport lounge membership

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Free first checked bag on domestic American Airlines itineraries

Priority screening, check-in, and boarding on American Airlines

Admirals Club membership

25% back on inflight purchases as a statement credit

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

Other card benefits

Car rental insurance

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Baggage insurance

Trip delay insurance

Return protection

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Cell phone protection

Premium Global Assist Hotline

Access to Amex Offers**

No foreign transaction fees

Primary car rental insurance

Baggage delay insurance

Lost luggage reimbursement

Trip cancellation/interruption insurance

Trip delay reimbursement

Return protection

Purchase protection

Extended warranty

Visa Signature Concierge

Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort collection

One year complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership (activate by December 31, 2024)

No foreign transaction fees

World Elite Mastercard benefits

Review

 

United Club Infinite card review

Citi AAdvantage Executive card review

Delta Reserve card frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible for the Delta Reserve card?

If you have or already had the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you won't qualify for the bonus again because of Amex's one bonus, per card, per lifetime rule across all of its cards. It is possible to get the card again (just not the bonus) if you've had it in the past.

Because each Delta card is considered a different product, if you have or had other Delta cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, you're still eligible to apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

What credit score do you need for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card?

Most folks who are approved for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card have a good to excellent credit score, which means a FICO score of at least 670, or a VantageScore of at least 700.

If your credit score still needs a bit of work, read our guides to improving your credit score and how using credit cards can help boost your score.

If I cancel my Delta Reserve card, will I lose my miles?

After you've tried out the card for a year, if you decide the benefits don't justify the annual fee, you won't lose your miles if you cancel. Your miles get deposited into your Delta frequent flyer account, not your Amex account.

That said, closing a card before you've had it for a year is not a good idea. It may result in Amex taking back the welcome bonus miles offer, so it's best to wait to make a decision after your first 12 months is up.

Do I need to pay for my ticket with the Delta Reserve to get a free checked bag?

You'll receive benefits like a free checked bag or priority boarding as long as the primary cardholder's Delta SkyMiles number is added to the reservation. There's no requirement to book your flight with your Delta card.

However, only the primary cardholder (not authorized users) qualifies for these perks, as well as up to eight companions on the same reservation. 

Is the Delta Reserve the best Delta credit card?

The best Delta card really depends on how often you fly Delta and if you can use all the perks that come with each card. If you're a Delta loyalist and travel through airports with Delta Sky Club lounges, it could be worth paying the high annual fee on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

For infrequent Delta flyers, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is usually a better choice, because it has a modest annual fee and still offers perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding. 

Is earning a Delta Companion Certificate worth it?

If you know you'll have at least one eligible round-trip Delta flight with a companion each year, the Delta Companion Certificate can be extremely valuable, especially because the certificate you earn with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is valid for any class of travel.

This can translate to huge savings if you fly expensive routes or have to book a last-minute ticket, which often costs hundreds more than booking in advance. Your companion can tag along with you for just the cost of taxes and fees, even if their ticket would normally cost a fortune.

Is Delta Sky Club lounge access worth it?

Normally, Delta Sky Club lounge membership costs $545, so opening the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a better value when you consider all the other perks you get. Delta Sky Clubs offer free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quieter place to relax and escape the stresses of the airport terminal.

This perk makes the most sense if your home airport has a Delta Sky Club, or if you frequently travel to airports that do. If that's not the case for you, but you still want airport lounge access, The Platinum Card® from American Express is another compelling option. It comes with access to Delta Sky Clubs when you fly Delta, as well as Centurion Lounge and Priority Pass lounge access. Here's our Amex Platinum review for all the details.

Jasmin Baron is an editor at Insider, responsible for credit card coverage on Personal Finance Insider. She is also a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF).Before joining the Insider team, she was a senior editor at The Points Guy and Million Mile Secrets, covering credit cards, points and miles, and loyalty programs. Her expertise in maximizing travel rewards grew from over two decades of experience in the aviation industry, including 18 years working as a pilot and flight instructor in her native Canada.You can reach Jasmin at [email protected]. Learn more about how Personal Finance Insider chooses, rates, and covers financial products and services »
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For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve 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 American Express® Gold Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum® Card from American Express, please click here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, please click here.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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