6 Best Delta Air Lines Credit Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Delta Air Lines offers a range of credit cards tailored to different travel needs, from casual flyers to frequent travelers seeking premium perks. These options let you earn SkyMiles, enjoy perks like free checked bags and priority boarding, and access exclusive services to improve your travel experience based on your spending habits and reward goals.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is designed for travelers who want to earn miles on everyday spending and Delta flights. It offers an easy way to build up SkyMiles that can be used for future travel.

    This card also provides travel perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag on Delta flights. These features enhance the overall travel experience without a high annual fee.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
    • 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets
    • 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
    • APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable APR
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • First checked bag free on Delta flights (for you and up to eight companions)
    • Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights
    • 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases
    • Send & Split® payment feature via Venmo or PayPal

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn miles on everyday purchases and Delta tickets
    • Save with a free checked bag and priority boarding
    • No foreign transaction fees for international travel
    • Special discounts on in-flight purchases

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, seat upgrades, partner flights, and Pay with Miles discounts.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify for this card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The annual fee after the first year is higher than some competitors, and it lacks a companion certificate or elite status boost.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is simple to use with straightforward earning and benefits that improve typical travel without complex rules.

  • The Platinum Card® from American Express

    The Platinum Card® from American Express is designed for frequent travelers who want premium perks. It offers a luxury experience with access to exclusive airport lounges and travel benefits.

    Cardholders can transfer points to Delta and other airline partners, book through Amex Travel, or redeem them for various experiences. While its annual fee is steep, the value can outweigh the cost for those who maximize its benefits.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel
    • 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
    • 1x point on other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    You may be eligible for up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months (offer may vary).

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $695
    • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Global Lounge Collection access (including Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta)
    • Global Dining Access by Resy perks

    Key Benefits:

    • Up to $200 in Uber credits per year
    • $200 airline fee credit each year for incidental charges
    • Access to global airport lounges, including Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta
    • Fine Hotels & Resorts program benefits

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and transfers to airline partners (including Delta), or used for statement credits and other rewards.

    Credit Requirements:

    The card requires good to excellent credit for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee might not be suitable for occasional travelers or those unwilling to use the card’s benefits fully.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It is a strong option for those who want to start building travel rewards with premium perks but should be willing to spend enough to cover the fees.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is designed for frequent Delta flyers who want to earn more miles and get special perks. This card helps users upgrade their travel experience with premium benefits and rewards. It offers access to Delta Sky Club lounges and priority boarding. Cardholders can also enjoy perks that make flying more comfortable and rewarding.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases
    • 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first 6 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $650
    • APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable APR
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • 15 Delta Sky Club® visits per Medallion® Year; unlimited visits after $75,000 in annual spending
    • Four one-time Sky Club guest passes annually
    • Complimentary Centurion® Lounge access when flying Delta on a ticket booked with this card
    • Upgrade priority over other Medallion members in the same tier/fare class

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn bonus miles on Delta purchases
    • First checked bag free on Delta flights
    • Exclusive companion certificate each year
    • TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and partner airline travel via the Delta SkyMiles program.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not suit casual travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers clear rewards and travel benefits that help new Delta flyers get more value from their spending.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

    This card is designed for travelers who want to earn miles fast and enjoy extra travel perks. It offers a good balance between rewards and benefits for regular Delta flyers.

    Cardholders earn miles on everyday purchases and get access to important travel features. It also provides some purchase protections that add value beyond just miles.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
    • 3 miles per dollar on purchases made directly with hotels
    • 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
    • 2 miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets
    • 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $350
    • APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable APR
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Annual Main Cabin companion certificate (domestic, Caribbean, or Central America)
    • First checked bag free (for you and up to eight companions)
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
    • Complimentary upgrade eligibility (after Medallion® Members and Reserve Card Members)
    • 15% off award travel booked via delta.com or Fly Delta app

    Key Benefits:

    • Priority boarding on Delta flights
    • 20% savings on in-flight purchases
    • Travel and purchase insurance protections
    • Access to exclusive Delta offers

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, Main Cabin upgrades, and partner airline travel.

    Credit Requirements:

    It usually requires good to excellent credit for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Companion certificate is limited to Main Cabin and select destinations, unlike the Reserve Card’s all-cabin benefit.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It gives simple ways to earn and use miles without complicated rules, making it easy for new users to benefit.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a good option for travelers who want to earn miles without a high cost. It offers a simple way to start collecting Delta SkyMiles on everyday purchases.

    This card is designed for occasional flyers or those new to airline rewards. It helps build miles that can be used toward Delta flights and other travel perks.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
    • 2 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
    • 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable APR
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Pay with Miles option ($50 off per 5,000 miles redeemed)
    • 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases (statement credit)

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn miles on every purchase
    • Use miles for flights with no blackout dates
    • Priority boarding on Delta flights

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, upgrades, and other travel experiences.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants usually need good or excellent credit to qualify for this card.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has lower earning rates on non-Delta purchases compared to premium cards.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides a low-cost way to start earning Delta miles, making it a good choice for first-time rewards card users.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is designed for small business owners who travel frequently with Delta Air Lines. It offers premium benefits and a way to earn SkyMiles that can be used for flights and upgrades.

    This card provides access to Delta Sky Clubs and priority boarding. It helps businesses manage travel while earning rewards tailored to Delta flyers.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases
    • 1.5 miles per dollar on eligible purchases after $150,000 in spending in a calendar year
    • 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after spending $10,000 in purchases within the first 6 months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $650
    • APR: 20.24%-29.24% Variable APR
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • 15 Delta Sky Club® visits per Medallion® Year; unlimited after $75,000 in annual spending
    • Annual companion certificate valid for First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central America round trips
    • 15% off award travel booked via delta.com or Fly Delta app
    • Complimentary upgrade eligibility (after Medallion® Members)

    Key Benefits:

    • Priority boarding and free first checked bag
    • MQM boosts to help reach higher status tiers
    • Statement credits for purchases like CLEAR membership
    • Annual companion certificate for domestic main cabin flights

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, seat upgrades, and other travel perks.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The high annual fee may not be suitable for infrequent travelers.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides strong travel benefits with clear rewards for Delta business travelers starting to build loyalty rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card?

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card earns extra miles on Delta flights, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets. Cardholders enjoy a free checked bag on Delta flights, which can add significant savings for families. Priority boarding lets you settle in earlier and secure overhead space.

How does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card compare to other premium airline cards?

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers higher earning rates on Delta purchases and exclusive access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges. It includes complimentary upgrades, a valuable annual companion certificate, and priority boarding. These perks make it more rewarding than lower-tier Delta cards for frequent flyers.

What are the current sign-up offers for Delta-branded credit cards?

Most Delta credit cards offer a welcome bonus after meeting a spending requirement in the first few months. Bonuses range from 10,000 miles on the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card to 80,000 miles on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. These offers can give new cardholders a strong head start on earning travel rewards.

Which Delta Air Lines credit card is best for frequent flyers?

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is ideal for frequent flyers thanks to its top-tier earning rates on Delta purchases. Benefits include airport lounge access, complimentary upgrades, and a companion certificate valid for premium cabins. These features deliver maximum comfort and value for regular Delta travelers.

What additional perks come with holding a Delta airlines credit card?

Delta cardholders can receive free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts on in-flight purchases. Select cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, offer travel statement credits and lounge access. Some cards also provide TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credits for faster airport security.