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It hasn't been a quiet week for Delta, and there's another change sure to make people unhappy: the introduction of a “family” rule on American Express' Delta co-branded credit cards.
American Express and Delta offer numerous credit cards, and we've had numerous questions over the years from people wondering whether it's possible to earn the welcome bonus on all of these cards. Until today, the answer was an easy “yes.” Now, it's muddier.
Let's look at the introduction of this family rule on Delta's credit cards from American Express.
New Family Rule on Personal (Consumer) Delta Credit Cards
Previously, when reading the application terms for these credit cards, you would see language saying American Express might pull your credit report, will consider your existing/previous banking relationship (including the number of cards you've opened/closed with Amex in the past), and you ineligibility for a bonus if you've had that same card in the past.
Additionally, Amex has rules limiting the number of cards you can apply for in a short period and the number of credit cards you can hold at once. Minding those general Amex rules, you could apply for all of the Delta credit cards at some point.
Now, you'll see specific terms on each card.
Here are the application terms on the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card:
You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Options Credit Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application.
These are the new terms on the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card:
You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application.
And these are the updated terms on the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card:
You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or previous versions of these Cards. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application.
At present, we haven't seen the addition of this family rule in the terms of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. They still read as follows:
You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card or previous versions of this Card. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application.
No Family Rule on Delta’s Small-Business Cards From American Express
Looking at the small-business cards, we see a different story. As of now, you'll still find this more vague eligibility rule:
You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card or previous versions of this Card. You also may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer based on various factors, such as your history with credit card balance transfers, your history as an American Express Card Member, the number of credit cards that you have opened and closed and other factors. If you are not eligible for a welcome offer, we will notify you prior to processing your application so you have the option to withdraw your application.
That doesn't mean this won't change. With all of the Delta changes lately, assume that nothing is written in stone.
Bottom Line
Most of Delta's personal credit cards now have a “family” rule, meaning your eligibility for the welcome bonus on one card is affected by other cards. If you've had other Delta credit cards in the past, you may be ineligible for the introductory offer on another Delta credit card — a restriction we haven't seen previously on these cards. Luckily, it doesn't apply to all of Delta's co-branded credit cards from American Express at this point. Note “at this point,” because that could change.
What do you make of all these Delta changes lately and the addition of this family rule to three of the four personal cards? Let us know your thoughts.
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