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Do you fly Delta Airlines frequently? If so, you may want to consider applying for a Delta co-branded credit card. Delta offers a variety of credit cards, each with its own unique benefits and features. From no annual fee options to premium cards with airport lounge access, there’s a Delta credit card for every type of traveler. But with so many options, it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
Compare the best Delta Air Lines credit cards
You can earn miles by flying, but with a Delta credit card, you can earn air miles on everyday purchases faster, helping you earn frequent flyer rewards and elite status. The best Delta credit card for you depends on how often you fly and the rewards you want.
| Card Name | Best for | Highlights | Welcome Offer | Annual Fee | Bankrate Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card | Travel Rewards Newcomers |
| Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases on your new card in the first six months. | $0 | 3.4 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | Casual Delta Air Lines passenger |
| Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in the first six months of Cardmembership. | The annual fee is $0 for the first year, then $150 thereafter. | 4.4 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | Frequent Delta flyers |
| Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in the first six months of Cardmembership. | $350 | 4.7 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Lounge Access and Elite Status |
| Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in the first six months of Cardmembership. | $650 | 4.2 |
Top Delta Air Lines Credit Cards
How to Choose a Delta Airlines Credit Card
If you’re having trouble deciding which Delta credit card is best for you, consider all the differences to determine which card best suits your needs.
- Annual fee: You’ll need to decide which annual fee level is best for you. The Blue and Gold versions let you earn miles and get some basic perks without paying a high annual fee, but they don’t offer as many great perks. The Platinum and Reserve versions offer more perks, but they come at a higher price. Decide whether you want those extra perks and then decide if a card with a higher annual fee is the better deal.
- Airport Lounge Access: If you want airport lounge access, you’ll have to pay a $650 fee for the Reserve card, which gives you unlimited access to Delta Sky Club or Amex Centurion Lounges when you fly with Delta through Jan. 31, 2025. If you’re a frequent traveler, this may be a better option than paying the $695 Delta Sky Club membership fee.
- Elite Status: If you want your credit card spending to help you earn elite status, you’ll need either the Platinum or Reserve version. Both offer an extra $2,500 in MQDs per year, plus an extra $1 MQD for every $10 you spend on the Reserve card and $20 on the Platinum card. Frequent Delta flyers can quickly earn status and extra Delta SkyMiles by applying their travel expenses to these cards.
- Flight Awards: Make sure the card you’re considering offers the perks you use most often: Depending on the version you choose, you could get free checked bags, priority boarding, statement credits for in-flight purchases, free upgrades, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits, travel insurance benefits, and more.
Other Cards to Consider
Delta affiliate cards aren’t the only way you can earn Delta SkyMiles, and depending on your spending habits, they may not be the best way to earn miles. Business owners may also want to consider a business credit card version of a Delta affiliate card to better serve their business needs.
Membership Rewards Card
American Express Membership Rewards points can be transferred to Delta at a ratio of 1,000:1,000 after paying a small sales tax, making it a great way to build or top up your Delta SkyMiles balance. Many American Express credit cards earn Membership Rewards and cover a number of bonus categories.
Depending on your spending habits and travel preferences, these cards offer great rewards and benefits that will enhance your travel experience, as well as a lot more flexibility when it comes to cash back or redeeming points for one of Amex’s travel partners.
Delta Business Credit Card
Business owners can choose from the Gold, Platinum and Reserve business credit card versions. The annual fees for the business versions are the same as the personal versions. While the features and benefits are largely similar, the differences between the personal and business versions are as follows:
FAQ
What’s next?
Use Bankrate’s tools to match your travel needs with your budget.
Conclusion
Choosing the best Delta SkyMiles credit card depends on your personal travel habits and priorities. Whether you’re a frequent traveler looking for elite perks or a casual traveler looking for no annual fee, a Delta credit card could be the right choice for you. Plus, consider other credit cards to maximize your rewards and flexibility. When choosing the best Delta credit card, carefully weigh all the important factors to make the best decision.
