Which Delta SkyMiles Credit Card Has the Best Value?
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Frequent flyers of Delta Airlines can get perks and free flights by earning miles in its SkyMiles program. Using one of Delta's branded credit cards can help earn miles faster through bonuses and everyday purchases. If you're wondering which one to get, here's a breakdown of the cards to help you decide. (See also: Which Airline Loyalty Program Has the Best Value?)
Delta Partners
Earning SkyMiles doesn't just get you award tickets on Delta. Delta is in the SkyTeam Alliance which consists of 20 carriers. Delta is also partners with Alaska Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, and Hawaiian Airlines. These partnerships allow you to redeem awards on Delta's partner airlines as well.
Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
With the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, you earn two miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and at US restaurants, and one mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases. New cardholders can earn 10,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months. Plus, receive a 20% In-Flight Savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets. Savings do not apply to any other in-flight purchases, such as in-flight wireless internet access and associated services, and charitable contributions. Terms apply. There is no annual fee for this card. See Rates & Fees.
For rates and fees of the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, please click here.
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express
The Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express offers double miles on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, and one mile per dollar spent on other eligible purchases. In addition, cardholders receive a free checked bag for themselves and up to 8 other companions on Delta flights, priority boarding, and reduced fee access to Delta's SkyClub Airport lounges. New cardholders can earn 30,000 bonus miles after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases within your first 3 months and a $50 Statement Credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. Terms apply. There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. See Rates & Fees.
For rates and fees of the Gold Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, please click here.
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Blue Delta |
Gold Delta
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Platinum Delta (Editor's note: This offer is currently not available.) |
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Welcome Offer |
10k bonus after $500 in purchases within the first 3 months. |
Bonus Offer: 30K bonus miles after you use your new Card to make $1,000 in purchases within your first 3 months and a $50 Statement Credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. |
Bonus Offer: 75K Bonus Miles and 5,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months. Offer Expires 10/30/2019 and $100 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months. |
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Rewards On Purchases |
2x miles on Delta & US restaurants, 1 mile elsewhere |
2x miles on Delta, 1 mile elsewhere |
2x miles on Delta, 1 mile elsewhere |
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Checked Baggage |
N/A |
Free first checked bag + 8 companions |
Free first checked bag + 8 companions |
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Miles Boost |
N/A |
N/A |
10k bonus miles + 10k MQMs after $25,000 spent in calendar year. Additional 10k bonus miles + 10k MQMs after $50,000 spend. Total 20k bonus miles and 20k MQMs possible. |
|
Elite Status |
N/A |
Spend $25k each year to waive MQD requirement |
Spend $25k each year to waive MQD requirement |
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Priority Travel |
N/A |
Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights |
Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights |
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Airport Lounge Access |
N/A |
Reduced Rate benefit + 2 guests |
Reduced Rate benefit +2 guests |
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Discounts On In-Flight Purchases |
20% off eligible in-flight purchases |
20% off eligible in-flight purchases |
20% off eligible in-flight purchases |
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Companion Certificate |
N/A |
N/A |
Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal |
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Annual Fee |
$0 |
$95, waived the first year |
$195 Annual Fee ($250 if application is received on or after 1/30/2020) |
Which Card Is Right for You?
The best card for you is the one that matches your frequency of travel and preferences for extra benefits. For the cards with an annual fee, your spending level should generate enough rewards to cover the fee, or you're able to take advantage of the extra perks and benefits that make the annual fee well worth it. (See also: Best Credit Cards that Offer Free Airport Lounge Access)
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