Top Reasons to get This Card
If you’re a frequent traveler with Delta Airlines or you’re looking to elevate your travel experience, you’ve probably come across the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.
Whether you’re in it for the SkyMiles, exclusive airport lounge access, or just to fast-track your way to Medallion Status, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve is worth a closer look. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into what the card offers in 2024 and how it compares with other premium travel cards, like the Delta SkyMiles Platinum.
What is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex is one of Delta’s most premium co-branded credit cards. Issued by American Express, this card is tailored for frequent Delta flyers who are looking for travel perks like complimentary Delta Sky Club access, upgraded Medallion Status, and more.
While the Delta SkyMiles Reserve has a hefty annual fee, the card is designed to pay for itself if you take advantage of the rich perks it offers.
Key Features and Benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Before diving into the nitty-gritty, here’s a quick snapshot of the top benefits the Delta SkyMiles Reserve offers in 2024.
-
Welcome Offer
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a generous welcome offer, although it can vary depending on when you apply. Currently, new cardholders can Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/2/2025.
This is a great way to kick-start your SkyMiles journey and get closer to Medallion Status.
-
Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge Access
One of the biggest draws of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is its complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs. These lounges offer a relaxing atmosphere with complimentary snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quieter place to wait before your flight.
The card also includes Centurion Lounge access when you fly Delta on the same day. Centurion Lounges are a notch above many airport lounges, offering higher-end food and beverage options, and they are available in select major airports.
-
Companion Certificate
One of the most valuable benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the annual companion certificate.
Each year, on your card renewal, you’ll get a certificate that lets you book a round-trip domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin ticket for a companion when you book your own ticket using the card.
Taxes and fees apply, but this perk alone can save you hundreds of dollars annually if you use it wisely.
-
Medallion Status Boost
For frequent flyers striving for Medallion Status, the Medallion Qualification Miles (MQM) boost that the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers is a game-changer. After spending $30,000 in a calendar year, you’ll earn an additional 15,000 MQMs, helping you get closer to Silver, Gold, or even Platinum Medallion Status.
You can earn this boost up to four times a year, which can mean a total of 60,000 MQMs if you max out the benefit. So, if you’re loyal to Delta and fly frequently, the card will help you climb the Medallion ranks much faster.
-
Priority Boarding and Free Checked Bags
Hate standing in long lines to board? With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you’ll get priority boarding, allowing you to settle into your seat before most of the plane.
You’ll also receive your first checked bag free on Delta flights, which can save you around $60 on a round-trip journey.
-
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit
Frequent travelers love the convenience of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card card offers a credit for your enrollment fees. This perk alone is worth up to $100 every four years, making security checks a breeze.
Are the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Benefits Worth It?
With an annual fee of $650, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve might make you pause, but let’s break down whether the benefits truly outweigh the cost.
-
Delta Sky Club and Lounge AccessConsidering that Delta Sky Club membership alone costs $695 per year for individuals, the Reserve card already offers a lot of value with its complimentary access. If you’re someone who enjoys lounging at the airport or travels frequently enough to make use of this benefit, you’ve essentially “paid off” the card with just this feature.
-
Annual Companion CertificateThis perk alone can be worth hundreds if not thousands of dollars. Booking a First-Class round-trip for two people can easily exceed $1,000, and with this companion pass, you could save that amount annually. That’s a huge value proposition.
-
Medallion Status BoostFor those chasing Medallion Status, the ability to earn MQMs with your spending is worth its weight in gold. Upgrading to Silver or Gold status means better seats, free upgrades, and enhanced customer service, which can make frequent flying a much more enjoyable experience.
-
Other PerksWhen you factor in priority boarding, free checked bags, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit, the Reserve card easily justifies its high fee for frequent travelers. Even if you don’t use the card for everyday purchases, the travel-specific perks can cover the cost of the card if you fly Delta regularly.
Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for Everyone?
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card isn’t for everyone. If you don’t fly with Delta at least a few times a year or don’t prioritize airport lounge access, you might find the high annual fee harder to justify.
There are plenty of other travel cards that offer good benefits without such a high cost.
However, for those who do travel frequently, especially with Delta, and want the best perks available, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is an excellent choice.
From earning SkyMiles faster, enjoying exclusive lounges, and even scoring a first-class companion ticket, the perks add up quickly.
Pros and Cons of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Here’s a quick rundown of the Delta Reserve’s major pros and cons to help you decide:
Pros
-
Access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges
-
Generous welcome bonus and Medallion Status Boosts
-
Annual First Class companion certificate
-
Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit
-
Priority boarding and free checked bags
Cons
-
High annual fee of $650
-
Benefits mainly centered around Delta travel (not as versatile as other premium travel cards)
-
MQM boosts require high spending
Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Worth it?
If you’re a loyal Delta flyer, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers significant perks that can make your travel experience much more enjoyable and rewarding.
The $650 annual fee may seem steep, but between lounge access, the companion certificate, and Medallion Status Boosts, the card pays for itself with frequent use.
While the card isn’t for everyone, if you find yourself at the airport frequently and love the idea of premium travel perks, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a solid choice.
Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities. Uthrive has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Uthrive and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
