My Money Blog

New limited-time offers. I think the first 80k offer with first year annual fee waived offers great value and is near its all-time high. Delta Airlines American Express cards offer various special perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, and the ability to earn Delta Skymiles with card purchases. As you can only get the welcome offers once on each of these cards per person per lifetime (each card is considered different), I recommend waiting until a limited-time offer to maximize your benefit. Here are the current offers:

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

• 80,000 Bonus SkyMiles after $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
• $200 Delta flight credit. Get a $200 credit to use toward future Delta travel after $10,000 in purchases on your card within a calendar year.
• $100 Delta Stays Credit. Get up to $100 back annually as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles(R) Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• First checked bag free (worth $70 roundtrip, per person) on Delta flights. This perk is worth up to $280 per round trip for a family of four ($35 each way, per person).
• 15% off discount on Award Travel booked through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Applies to Delta flights only, not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees.
• Zone 5 Priority Boarding.
• 2X miles at Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1 miles per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• Simplified Pay with Miles option. Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• 20% back on eligible Delta in-flight purchases with this card in the form of a statement credit .
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150. (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms Apply.

80,000 Skymiles is worth at least $800 in Delta airfare. Delta offers a minimum value out of your Skymiles via the “Pay with Miles” option. That means 80,000 Skymiles can reduce the price of your Delta ticket(s) by $800 at the very least. (5,000 mile = $50 minimum redemption.) You can still book the traditional award tickets and possibly get better value.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

• 90,000 Bonus SkyMiles after $4,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
• $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year. Also earn $1 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases in a calendar year.
• $150 Delta Stays Credit. Get up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• $120 Resy Credit. Up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants, using your enrolled Card. Enrollment is required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit. Up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers using your Delta SkyMiles(R) Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment is required.
• 15% off discount on Award Travel booked through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Applies to Delta flights only, not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees.
• Up to $100 Global Entry Fee Credit. You can get either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck(R) (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Delta SkyMiles(R) Platinum American Express Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Main Cabin Companion Certificate. Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• First checked bag free on Delta flights. This perk is worth up to $280 per round trip for a family of four ($35 each way, per person).
• Zone 5 Priority Boarding.
• 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
• 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
• 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $350 annual fee. (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms Apply.

The Platinum version can be a worthy upgrade from the Gold version if you can take advantage of the annual Companion Certificate (i.e. book two tickets together on Delta at least once a year). I’ve used it several times in the past and it is easy to use while booking tickets online at Delta.com. My savings from using the companion certificate has ranged from $200 to $500.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.

• 100,000 Bonus SkyMiles after $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
• $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars (new) each Medallion Qualification Year. Also earn $1 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases in a calendar year.
• Delta Sky Club access (changed). Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club(R). Effective 2/1/25, Reserve cardholders get 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; in order to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter. Once all 15 visits have been used, eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a rate of $50 per visit, per person using the Card.
• Get four Delta Sky Club(R) One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
• Centurion Lounge access. Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion(R) Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• $200 Delta Stays Credit. Get up to $200 back annually on eligible prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• $120 Resy Credit. Up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants, using your enrolled Card. Enrollment is required.
• $120 Rideshare Credit. Up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers using your Delta SkyMiles(R) Platinum American Express Card. Enrollment is required.
• 15% off discount on Award Travel booked through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Applies to Delta flights only, not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees.
• Up to $100 Global Entry Fee Credit. Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck(R) (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider). Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck.
• First Class or Main Cabin Companion Certificate. Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+(R), or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• First checked bag free on Delta flights. This perk is worth up to $280 per round trip for a family of four ($35 each way, per person).
• 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
• 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• $650 annual fee. (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms Apply.

The Reserve version can be a worthy upgrade for frequent Delta fliers. Enjoy Delta Sky Club and/or Centurion Lounge access on your Delta flights, that First Class companion certificate can be worth thousands, etc.

BUSINESS Card Versions

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

• Limited Time Offer: 90,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24.
• $200 Delta flight credit. Get a $200 credit to use toward future Delta travel after $10,000 in purchases within a calendar year.
• $150 Delta Stays Credit. Get up to $150 back annually on eligible prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• 15% off discount on Award Travel booked through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Applies to Delta flights only, not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees.
• First checked bag free on Delta flights. This perk is worth up to $280 per round trip for a family of four ($35 each way, per person).
• Zone 5 Priority Boarding.
• 2X miles per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. Shipping providers and at U.S. providers for Advertising in select media on up to $50,000 of eligible purchases per category, per year. 2X miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants. 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee for the first year, then $150. (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms Apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

• Limited Time Offer: 100,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24.
• $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars (new) each Medallion Qualification Year. Also earn $1 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases in a calendar year.
• $200 Delta Stays Credit (new). Get up to $200 back annually on eligible prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• $120 Resy Credit (new). Up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit (new). Up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• 15% off discount on Award Travel booked through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Applies to Delta flights only, not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees.
• Up to $100 Global Entry Fee Credit. Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck(R) (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider). Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck.
• Main Cabin Roundtrip Companion Certificate (enhanced) on US domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. You still have to pay the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments).
• First checked bag free on Delta flights. This perk is worth up to $280 per round trip for a family of four ($35 each way, per person).
• Zone 5 Priority Boarding.
• $350 annual fee (increased). (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms and limitations apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

• Limited Time Offer: 110,000 Bonus SkyMiles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 10/23/24.
• $2,500 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollars (new) each Medallion Qualification Year. Also earn $1 Medallion(R) Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases in a calendar year.
• Delta Sky Club access (changed). Enter Delta Sky Club(R) at no cost and bring up to two guests or immediate family at a rate of $50 per person per visit. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Centurion Lounge access. Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion(R) Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• $250 Delta Stays Credit (new). Get up to $250 back annually on eligible prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
• $240 Resy Credit (new). Up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy dining purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit (new). Up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
• 15% off discount on Award Travel on Delta flights booked through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
• Up to $100 Global Entry Fee Credit. Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck(R) (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider). Global Entry membership includes TSA PreCheck.
• First Class Main Cabin domestic round-trip companion certificate. Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+(R), or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. You must still pay for government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments).
• First checked bag free on Delta flights. This perk is worth up to $280 per round trip for a family of four ($35 each way, per person).
• Enjoy 3X miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
• Zone 5 Priority Boarding.
• $650 annual fee (increased). (See Rates and Fees)
• Terms and limitations apply.

Again, Delta offers a minimum value out of your Skymiles via the “Pay with Miles” option. That means 100,000 Skymiles can reduce the price of your Delta ticket by $1,000 at the very least. (5,000 mile = $50 minimum redemption.) You can still book the traditional award tickets and possibly get better value.

In my opinion, the Delta Gold is still the best for most casual Delta customers because of the high potential upfront value in the first year (bonus miles + $200 flight credit). Even after the first year, the $100 increase in flight credit ($100 to $200) more than offsets the $51 increase in annual fee ($99 to $150) as long as you spend $10,000 in purchases during the year. That’s on top of the other perks like free checked bags.

During a limited-time offer, I will add these to my list of the Top 10 Best Credit Card Bonus Offers.

Rates and Fees for Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Rates and Fees for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Rates and Fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Rates and Fees for Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Rates and Fees for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

Rates and Fees for Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card