9 Best Delta Credit Cards

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

Choosing the right Delta credit card can make flying more affordable and comfortable for anyone who travels with the airline. The best Delta cards offer valuable perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and the ability to earn SkyMiles on everyday purchases. With options ranging from simple travel benefits to premium perks like lounge access, there’s a card that fits both casual travelers and frequent flyers.

  • The Platinum Card® From American Express

    The Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card that offers strong benefits for frequent travelers. It is well known for its airport lounge access and travel credits.

    This card also earns valuable Membership Rewards® points, which can be transferred to Delta SkyMiles®. Travelers who fly Delta often can use it to enhance their travel experience.

    Earning Structure:

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

    Welcome Bonus:
    You may be eligible for up to 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Offer availability and amounts vary.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $695
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 20.24% to 29.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Membership Rewards® points

    Key Benefits:

    • Access to Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta
    • Priority Pass™ Select membership
    • Annual airline fee credit for incidental charges
    • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit
    • Premium hotel benefits through Fine Hotels + Resorts®

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, upgrades, and transfers to Delta SkyMiles® and other partners.

    Credit Requirements:
    Typically requires good to excellent credit, with a FICO score starting at 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    High annual fee may not be worth it for those who travel infrequently.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    Simple earning categories and valuable Delta lounge access make it easy for new travelers to see benefits quickly.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is designed for travelers who fly with Delta a few times a year or more. It offers perks that can make flying more comfortable and help cardholders save money on common travel costs.

    It focuses on earning SkyMiles through everyday spending and Delta purchases. The card also provides benefits that can make trips smoother, such as priority boarding and free checked bags.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x miles on Delta purchases
    • 2x miles at restaurants worldwide
    • 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
    • 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Delta SkyMiles®

    Key Benefits:

    • First checked bag free on Delta flights for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation
    • Main Cabin 1 priority boarding
    • 20% savings on in-flight purchases when using the card
    • Access to Amex Offers for additional savings and rewards

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and certain gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is usually needed for approval, with a FICO score of 670–850.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The best value comes when redeeming miles for Delta or partner flights, so options may be limited for non-travel redemptions.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers simple earning categories and easy-to-use travel perks, making it a good entry point into airline rewards.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is for frequent Delta travelers looking to earn more miles on their purchases. It offers travel perks that can make flying more convenient and rewarding.

    Cardholders can enjoy benefits that help them save time and reduce travel costs. It also provides ways to earn bonus miles faster compared to entry-level Delta cards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x miles on Delta purchases
    • 3x miles on hotels booked directly with the hotel
    • 2x miles at restaurants worldwide
    • 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
    • 1x mile on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $350
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Delta SkyMiles®

    Key Benefits:

    • Earn toward Medallion® Status with qualifying purchases
    • Discounted Delta Sky Club® access when flying Delta
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Travel protections such as trip delay insurance

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and certain travel experiences.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically required, with a FICO score starting at 690.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card’s value depends on frequent Delta use, and some benefits require annual renewal.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers straightforward earning categories and clear travel perks that are easy to use for those new to airline credit cards.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is designed for travelers who want premium Delta benefits. It offers features that can make frequent flying more comfortable and rewarding.

    This card focuses on perks like airport lounge access, priority services, and opportunities to earn Medallion® Status faster. It is best suited for those who fly Delta often and value travel upgrades.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases
    • 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $650
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Delta SkyMiles®

    Key Benefits:

    • Complimentary Delta Sky Club® access when flying Delta
    • Access to The Centurion® Lounge when flying Delta on the same day
    • First checked bag free on Delta flights for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation
    • Priority boarding on Delta flights
    • Companion certificate each year upon renewal (restrictions apply)

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and certain vacation packages.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically needed to qualify, with a FICO score of at least 690.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The card’s rewards rate is highest only on Delta purchases, so general spending earns fewer miles.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers straightforward earning on Delta purchases and valuable travel perks without requiring complex reward strategies.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is designed for small business owners who travel with Delta. It provides travel perks that can help reduce costs and improve the flying experience.

    It offers a straightforward way to earn Delta SkyMiles on everyday business purchases. Cardholders can also enjoy travel benefits that make frequent trips more convenient.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x miles at U.S. shipping providers (on up to $50,000 in purchases per year)
    • 2x miles at U.S. providers for advertising in select media (on up to $50,000 in purchases per year)
    • 2x miles on Delta purchases
    • 2x miles at restaurants worldwide
    • 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Delta SkyMiles®

    Key Benefits:

    • First checked bag free on Delta flights for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation
    • Priority boarding on Delta flights
    • 20% savings on in-flight purchases when using the card
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, Pay with Miles discounts, and vacation packages.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically needed, with a FICO score of 690 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The most valuable rewards are tied to Delta purchases, so benefits may be limited for those who rarely fly with Delta.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    Its simple earning structure and useful travel perks make it easy for new business travelers to get value without complex rules.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is designed for frequent Delta travelers who want premium travel perks. It offers an accelerated path to earning Medallion® Status and includes access to Delta Sky Club® lounges.

    This card also provides an annual companion certificate for eligible domestic flights. It is aimed at business owners who value comfort, convenience, and loyalty rewards when flying with Delta.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases
    • 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $10,000 in purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $650
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Delta SkyMiles®

    Key Benefits:

    • Complimentary Delta Sky Club® access
    • Upgrade priority for Medallion Members
    • First checked bag free on Delta flights
    • Priority boarding on Delta flights
    • 15% discount on award travel booked with miles through Delta

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, Pay with Miles discounts, and vacation packages.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is typically required, with a FICO score of at least 690.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    It may not be the best choice for those who rarely fly Delta or do not use lounge access.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    Beginners who travel often with Delta can quickly earn rewards and enjoy travel perks without complex redemption rules.

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

    The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card is designed for small business owners who travel often with Delta Air Lines. It offers travel perks that can save time and add convenience during trips.

    Cardholders can earn SkyMiles on everyday business purchases and enjoy benefits that make Delta flights more comfortable. This card also helps frequent flyers work toward elite status faster.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x miles on Delta purchases
    • 3x miles on purchases made directly with hotels worldwide
    • 1.5x miles on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases
    • 1.5x miles on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year)
    • 1x mile on all other eligible purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first 6 months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $350
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Delta SkyMiles®

    Key Benefits:

    • First checked bag free on Delta flights
    • Main Cabin 1 priority boarding
    • Annual companion certificate (domestic main cabin)
    • Discounted Delta Sky Club access
    • No foreign transaction fees

    Redemption Options:
    Miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, partner airline flights, seat upgrades, and certain travel experiences.

    Credit Requirements:
    Typically requires good to excellent credit for approval, with a FICO score of at least 690.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Limited value for those who do not fly Delta often.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    The earning structure is simple, and the benefits are easy to use for Delta travelers.

  • American Express® Gold Card

    The American Express® Gold Card is a travel rewards card that works well for people who want to earn points on everyday spending. It is not a Delta co-branded card, but its points can be transferred to Delta SkyMiles through the American Express Membership Rewards program.

    This makes it useful for travelers who want flexibility in earning and redeeming rewards. It also offers extra value for dining and grocery purchases, which can help build points faster.

    Earning Structure:

    • 4x points at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year, then 1x)
    • 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
    • 2x points on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked through AmexTravel.com
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    You may be eligible for up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months. Offer availability and amounts vary.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $325
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 21.24% to 29.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Membership Rewards® points

    Key Benefits:

    • Strong rewards on dining and groceries
    • Flexible travel transfer partners
    • Purchase protection and extended warranty
    • Access to Amex Offers for extra savings

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise, or transferred to Delta SkyMiles® and other travel partners.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is usually needed, with a FICO score between 690 and 850.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    Limited acceptance outside the U.S. compared to Visa or Mastercard.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    The simple earning structure and flexible redemption options make it easy for new travelers to collect and use points.

  • American Express® Green Card

    The American Express® Green Card is a travel rewards card that can work well for people who want flexible points and useful travel perks. It is not tied to one specific airline, but it can still help Delta flyers through point transfers.

    It offers Membership Rewards® points, which can be redeemed for flights, hotels, and more. The card also includes benefits that can make travel easier and more comfortable.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals
    • 3x points on transit including trains, rideshare services, taxis, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
    • 3x points on restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:
    Receive 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after making $3,000 in eligible purchases with your American Express® Green Card during the first six months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual Fee: $150
    • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
    • APR: 20.24%–28.24% variable
    • Network: American Express
    • Rewards Currency: Membership Rewards® points

    Key Benefits:

    • Flexible point transfers to airline and hotel partners
    • Statement credits for certain travel and transit purchases
    • Global travel and shopping protections
    • Access to Amex Offers for extra savings

    Redemption Options:
    Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, statement credits, or transferred to Delta SkyMiles® and other partners.

    Credit Requirements:
    Good to excellent credit is usually needed for approval, with a FICO score of at least 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:
    The highest rewards rates apply only to travel and dining, so everyday purchases earn fewer points.

    Why it Works for Beginners:
    It offers simple earning categories and flexible redemption, making it easy for new travelers to start collecting valuable points.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card helps frequent Delta travelers earn miles faster on Delta flights, hotels, dining, and U.S. supermarkets. It includes perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and a companion certificate each year after renewal. Cardholders can also earn Medallion® Qualification Dollars through spending to work toward elite status.

How does the welcome bonus work for Delta credit card offers?

Most Delta credit cards, such as the Gold, Platinum, and Reserve versions, offer a one-time SkyMiles bonus after you meet a spending requirement within the first few months. The bonus amount varies by card and offer. Once the spending threshold is met, the miles are typically credited to your SkyMiles account.

What are the differences between the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve and Gold American Express Cards?

The Reserve offers premium perks like Delta Sky Club® access, a First Class or Comfort+® companion certificate, and faster Medallion® Status earning. The Gold focuses on everyday travel benefits such as a free checked bag and priority boarding. The Reserve’s higher annual fee reflects its more extensive benefits.

Can you earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Delta business credit cards?

Yes. Cards like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business and Reserve Business American Express allow you to earn MQMs when you meet certain annual spending thresholds. These MQMs count toward qualifying for Delta’s Medallion® Status.

What are the annual fees associated with the top Delta credit cards?

Annual fees vary by card, starting at $0 introductory for the first year with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express before moving to $150. The Platinum version charges $350 annually, while the Reserve costs $650. Higher fees typically come with more premium travel perks.