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American Express has announced big changes for the co-brand Delta cards. Overall, it’s a mixed bag that includes some new benefits we like and some changes to existing ones we could do without. The most obvious negative is the increased annual fee on six of the cards which will apply to applications received on or after January 30, 2020.
We’ve summarized the key changes that kick in on January 30, to help you decide whether it makes sense to jump on the current offer and if you can justify the increased annual fees in the long term.
Changes to Amex Delta Cards in 2020
With all seven Delta cards undergoing a refresh, there is a lot of ground to cover. First, we’ll touch on the benefits that aren’t changing; then, we’ll dig into the updates for each card in more detail below.
Existing benefits that aren't being removed on the Delta cards:
- Free first checked bag on Delta flights
- Annual companion certificates on the Platinum and Reserve cards
- Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding on Delta flights
- Pay with Miles
- In-flight savings up to 20%
- No foreign transaction fees
Changes to Delta Reserve Cards
Undergoing the most extensive changes of the Delta card lineup, Amex has doubled down on the two Reserve cards as the best products for members trying to earn Medallion elite status. The new perks allow you to earn up to 60,000 MQM via spending alone and provide better lounge access than before. Plus, the Delta Reserve cards have finally jumped on the Global Entry/TSA Pre bandwagon with a $100 credit every four years. Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Cardholders will retain complimentary Delta SkyClub access, the annual companion certificate (Domestic First-Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin each year upon renewal), free checked bags, plus the MQD Waiver.
(Starting 2/1/25, Reserve Card members get 10 Delta Sky Club visits yearly. Spend $75,000+ on the card between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24 for unlimited visits, and each calendar year thereafter – Learn more.)
Positive changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card:
- 3x miles on Delta purchases (previously 2x)
- Complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when flying Delta same day (guests cost $50)
- Up to four Status Boost’s for a total of up to 60,000 MQM per year – new $90K + $120K tiers added to the existing $30K + $60K
(Effective 1/1/24, the Status Boost benefit and MQD benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Delta cards – Learn more.)
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✔ fee credit up to $100 every four years
- Two Delta Sky Club® one-time guest passes
- Access to complimentary upgrades even if you don’t hold Medallion Status
- Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.
Negative changes:
- Bonus miles no longer awarded at $30K + $60K Status Boost spending thresholds
- No longer have access to Sky Priority Security Access
- Annual fee will increase from $450 to $550 from January 30, 2020 (Rates & Fees)
- Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Enjoy Delta Sky Club® access 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 10 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.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
- With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card through 12/31/23, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
- Eligible Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Receive a domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+® or domestic Main Cabin round trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $550 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
The loss of redeemable bonus miles at the $30K + $60K spending thresholds is a genuine hit to the hip pocket, particularly when you factor in the higher annual fee. However, the additional Status Boost tiers at $90K + $120K spending thresholds, plus the new Centurion Lounge access speak to what the Delta Reserve has always been about; lounge access for Delta fans that don’t have top-tier status and the ability to spend your way to elite status. On these fronts, the Delta Reserve now provides more lounge options and makes it easier to get Medallion Status.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card features the same new benefits listed out for the personal card, but also receives one additional perk:
- Earn 1.5x miles on purchases after spending $150,000 on the card each year
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/2023.
- Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Card Members now enjoy savings on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With complimentary access into Delta Sky Club®, you can relax before your Delta flight, or find downtime between connections.* You'll also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year so you can share the experience with others when you're traveling together. *Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 10 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.
- When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge - The Centurion® Studio Partner.
- After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that's an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X).
- Enjoy 3x miles per dollar on Delta purchases.
- With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card through 12/31/23, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.* MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights.*Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more.
- Terms and limitations apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 1.5X miles per dollar on eligible purchases after spending $150K per calendar year
- 1 mile on every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Changes to Delta Platinum Cards
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and its business counterpart have, for the most part, been the sweet spot cards in the Delta line up. That may change for some folks once the announced changes take effect at the end of January, as we think these cards have been hit relatively hard by these updates.
While the card’s score additional bonus spending categories and a new Global Entry/TSA Pre credit, the loss of bonus redeemable miles at the $25K + $50K spending thresholds are a huge hit. Unlike the Reserve cards, which receive additional Status Boost tiers, there is no replacement perk for the Platinum cards. So this is a net ~$340 loss (if you value SkyMiles at ~1.7¢ each) when you hit the spending thresholds each year. That comes on top of the increased annual fee.
(Effective 1/1/24, the Status Boost benefit and MQD benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Delta cards – Learn more.)
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card will keep many of its core benefits, including the yearly companion certificate (Domestic Main Cabin round-trip each year upon renewal), first checked bag free, main cabin 1 priority boarding, MQD waiver, and no foreign transaction fees. (Rates & Fees)
Positive changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card:
- 3x miles on Delta purchases (previously 2x) and hotel purchases (previously 1x)
- 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (previously 1x)
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✔ fee credit up to $100 every four years
Negative changes:
- Delta Sky Club per-visit rate has increased from $39 to $50 (Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available – Learn more.)
- Bonus miles no longer added at $25K + $50K Status Boost spending thresholds (you'll earn bonus MQMs, but no redeemable SkyMiles)
- Annual fee has increased from $195 to $250 (Rates & Fees)
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Get access to Delta Sky Club® at a rate of $50 per person per visit for you and up to two guests or immediate family when traveling on a Delta flight from now until 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Official Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Delta Platinum Card, up to two times through 12/31/23. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 3X miles per dollar at hotels
- 2X miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets
- 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
The big hit for the Platinum cards is the loss of redeemable miles when hitting the Status Boost thresholds. In theory, you should be able to make up the additional miles courtesy of the new bonus categories the cards receive. But, if you primarily place big, non-bonus purchases on the Platinum cards to reach the spending thresholds, you will struggle to make up the difference.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card will feature most of the new benefits listed out for the personal card come January 30, but with the following differences:
- Earn 1.5x miles on purchases over $5,000 (up to 50,000 bonus miles annually)
- Doesn’t receive 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 10,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Members save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- You can receive a domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Earn more miles on big purchases with 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (that's an extra half mile per dollar), up to 50,000 additional miles per Calendar year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels instead of 1.5X).
- Delta Sky Club® Access - Get access to Delta Sky Club® at a rate of $50 per person per visit for you and up to two guests or immediate family while flying together on Delta. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available.
- With Status Boost®, earn 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, up to 2x per year getting you closer to Medallion Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.
- Terms and limitations apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 3X miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta
- 3X miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases with hotels
- 1.5x miles on eligible purchases over $5,000 (up to 50,000 bonus miles annually)
- 1X miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Changes to Delta Gold Cards
The Gold Delta cards also receive expanded bonus categories, plus you’ll get a $100 flight voucher after spending $10,000 on the card each year (an additional 1% return on spend). But, starting January 1, 2020, these cards no longer offer the MQD waiver after spending $25,000, and cardmembers won’t get discounted access to SkyClub lounges (currently $29 per person) from January 30, 2020.
Positive changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card:
- 2x miles at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (previously 1x)
- $100 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
Negative changes:
- From January 1, 2020, you will no longer earn an MQD waiver after spending $25K on the Delta Gold cards
- Starting January 30, 2020, you will no longer be able to access Delta Sky Club® with the Delta Gold cards
- Effective January 30, 2020, the annual fee will increase from $95 to $99 (Rates & Fees)
- Earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $99.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights.
- Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- $100 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, receive a Credit to use toward future travel.
- Want even more flexibility? 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.
- Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 2X Miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 2X miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets
- 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 1X miles on all other eligible purchases
The increase in annual fees on the Gold cards is negligible and doesn’t affect the value proposition of holding either of these cards. Without the MQD waiver, it’s unlikely anyone would spend $10K on the Gold cards, so we don’t assign the $100 Delta credit near face value. But, as these cards keep their core benefits like free checked bags and priority boarding, the reason for holding the Gold Delta cards remains the same. If you and a companion fly one round-trip flight per year with Delta and check a bag each, the card pays for itself, and you come out ahead of the annual fee.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card features most of the new benefits listed out for the personal card come January 30, but with the following differences:
- Earn 2x miles at restaurants and on U.S. shipping and U.S. advertising (effective 1/1/2024, U.S. shipping and U.S. advertising categories will have an annual cap of $50,000 in eligible purchases per category)
- Doesn’t receive 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn an additional 5,000 Bonus Miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within your first 6 months. Offer Ends 10/25/23.
- Card Members save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights when using delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Check and stow your bag with ease: First Checked Bag Free on Delta Flights + Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding.
- Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases at U.S. shipping providers and eligible U.S. advertising purchases in select media. Effective 1/1/2024, this benefit will have a cap of $50,000 in eligible purchases per category, per year.
- Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants.
- Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
- Additionally, receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel overseas.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
- Terms and limitations apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 2X Miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta
- 2X miles per dollar on eligible U.S. purchases for advertising in select media
- 2X miles per dollar on eligible U.S. shipping purchases
- 2X miles per dollar on eligible dining purchases
- 1X miles per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- (Effective 1/1/2024, 2X on eligible U.S. purchases for advertising in select media and eligible U.S. shipping purchases will have an annual cap of $50,000 in eligible purchases per category)
Changes to Blue Delta Amex Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card will undergo a minor refresh at the end of January 2020, and the changes are all positive.
Positive changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card:
- 2x miles at restaurants worldwide (previously 1x)
- Access Pay with Miles to reduce the cost of cash flights
- No foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees)
There is no change to the annual fee on the Blue Delta Amex, which remains at $0 (Rates & Fees).
- Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay with Miles: 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.
- Receive a 20% 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.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Terms Apply.
- Rates & Fees
- 2X Miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta
- 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases
Our Take
Whether you approve of these changes likely comes down to how you use your Delta card. If you hold a Delta Gold card and drop $25K on it each year for the MQD waiver, it’s unlikely you’ll renew your card when it’s time to pay the annual fee. If you employ the Delta cards as your daily spenders, the increased earning rates will deliver a substantial increase to your annual SkyMiles balance.
If you’ve had the Delta cards on your radar, we see this as the perfect time to get an application in before the annual fees increase at the end of January. You’ll lock in the lower annual fee for the first year, giving you plenty of time to decide if it makes sense to renew at a higher cost the following year.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (Rates & Fees), Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card (Rates & Fees), and Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card (Rates & Fees)
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Question: with these changes, is there any reason to keep both the Delta Platinum and Delta Reserve cards? I ask as someone who primarily uses them for the MQM status boost benefits.
In the past, I my annual spend would exceed $60k, which made it worthwhile to have both cards to earn MQM boosts for. But now that the Delta Reserve card offers MQM earnings up to $120k annual spend, I am having trouble justifying any reason to hold on to the Delta Platinum card. Is there any reason I to hold on to the Delta Platinum card that I am overlooking?
Hey Roger, I think the answer is probably no in that case. I suppose with the right companion redemption, you could potentially offset the $250 fee on the DL Platinum, but with the expanded StatusBoost, you should be covered with the Reserve unless you’re spending more than 120K.
IS now the best time to look at getting into Delta options??
With so many cards available with an annual fee (such as the Blue Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express mentioned above), I can’t believe anyone would pay $550 per year for an annual fee. I guess if someone was paying $450 they will pay $550. I try to use award credit cards without an annual fee. I also perfer cash over miles. I can always use the cash, sometimes the miles are hard to use.
It looks like the offers are getting to be more and more. I remember when it was just one take it or leave it option. Now it can be overwhelming.
The Gold card losing lounge access appears to be the most significant lose for these cards.
I missed out the last good bonus – I hope they do another year end good bonus as I currently have too many Amex cards. Might have to finally say goodbye to my EveryDay.
Does this include a new card in Canada?
As far as I know, there isn’t an option for a Delta Cobrand card in Canada. Please correct me if I’m wrong folks. https://www.delta.com/us/en/skymiles/airline-credit-cards/international-credit-cards
not much inspiration for everyday spending Delta cards…
Afterall a wide range of options. As now Delta is increasing its marketshare in South America due to the merger with LATAM it would be a wise option to start reaching agreements with banks in order to boost travel cards in those places.
Having lived in america for quite a while, Delta has a lot of room to strength its presence overthere.
Time to look at getting the Delta Reserve card!
How does one use the AMEX Delta SkyMiles to improve upgrade status? It seems you still need to fly a lot to get those upgrades. Yes?
The complimentary upgrades on a paid ticket are based on your SkyMiles Medalion status. Diamonds get upgraded first; then Delta Platinums; then Gold, and last Silver. To have a good chance, you really need to be a Diamond or Platinum, although it depends on the route. You either need to fly a lot, or put a substantial amount of spend on your Delta card. The DL Reserve cards give you the ability to earn Medallion Qualification Miles in chunks of 15K MQMs for every 30K in spending. Right now, the max is 30K MQMs for 60K in spending; starting in 2020, you can earn a total of 60K MQMs for 120K in spending.
In other words, you can potentially spend your way to Gold status and be only 15K MQMs away from reaching Platinum status (75K needed). That’s a lot of spending, but it is possible to get up to Platinum status with minimal flying.
I have the 60k Gold card mailer offer, 2nd time they’ve sent it. I let the first one lapse but I think I’ll go for this one and then try for one of the next cards up the chain.
Wow! 20 years! Soon delta will include our grandparents’ cards in the account to deny bonuses.. But info on offer is important. Thanks.
Some value here if usually a Delta flyer to jump in before the fees rise.
I was considering this card purely for the CP and the convenience of having them fly out of SDF. But with the fee increase and the removal of some benefits maybe I should go with the CSR at Amex Plat instead. Very informative post.
Interesting, but I don’t know about the annual fee increases… seems a bit much for what you get.
Love delta credit cards traditionally as miles do not expire, great service, and of course you can get threshold bonuses. This all continues, but has gotten more expensive as you don’t also get the 10k bonus miles along with the threshold 10K EQMs….and the price has gone up. Its still worth it for at least one card, but unsure if I will keep multiple delta amex cards any longer.
Overall a mixed bag of options. As others have stated the $29 lounge access never had much value, better to just go sit at a bar for that price.
Perplexed in choosing between AX Platinum or Delta Reserve AX. Would spend enough to get the full 100,000 Membership Miles, and 5x when traveling on Delta via Amex website. But also like the free companion F at renewal and 75000 SkyMiles. Am Delta Lifetime Gold so Skyteam Elite Plus for lounges internationally, Travel on Awards 3x per year and paid tickets 5x per year. MIA home base so AA many nonstops.
Looking for tie breakers. Thanks
For the Delta Platinum Amex, does the companion pass require the owner of the certificate to fly or can it be used to fly 2 other people?
The owner of the certificate needs to travel as far as I know. T&C here: https://www.delta.com/us/en/booking-information/companion-certificates
We just say no to annual fees
then you are missing out on a lot of perks
Annual fees are like a Costco membership. You pay to get in the door but you can come out WAY ahead if you analyze it right (or way behind if you sign up for cards willy nilly).
good deal !
Definitely something to consider, but you have to be very selective in how you use the miles. Best used on other airlines for sure.
Fee increases – especially on Reserve are a hard pill to swallow here. Plat is probably the way to go with ability to get greater than 1x on certain spend.
I only see the Delta card being better than the Platinum if you are trying to get status. Otherwise I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t choose the Platinum card.
I could never imagine a situation in which I’d pay the $29 per person for entry to the Delta Sky Club anyway, no loss there…
Same. I couldn’t see paying that much for a lounge visit.
The 60,000 bonus points from Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express is attractive, interesting.
Delta miles have poor value in my experience. Not sure if it’s worth it to get the Delta cards.
Failed to justify increase in the annual fee.
Oops I didn’t know the annual fees would go up soon.
In that case I’ll have to apply for a Delta card…I think I am going to go for the plat card for the most miles.
Nice card offers! Thanks for the information!
Some great bonuses, 75k is *often* still nearly enough to get a OW to Asia in Biz, for example. Some nice new perks also… although I would really have liked to see the DL earn on the Reserve card elevated to 4x. that would really have set it apart from the Plat.
*Edited at commenter’s request.:)
Thanks for all the updates! There is a lot to keep up with especially as we near the year end. I’m glad that I found you through the Facebook group!
We’re glad too!
Great overview. I don’t think these changes will induce me to get these cards. Every dollar spent on these is fewer dollars spent on the flexible points cards.
Agreed. I think it’d be more about if you want a boost to get status or not. Otherwise not the best cards out there.
Do you get “free first checked bag” and “main cabin 1 priority boarding” on international Delta flights?
Hey Jeff, there isn’t an exclusion for international flights as long as it is Delta operated. Both benefits should work.
You did a great job of explaining the most confusing awards program in history. I will be decreasing from platinum to gold. I spent over 26k in april at my renewal date. still not at the next level. Companion passes cannot be used without paying cash which i never do because i use miles. Then they expire. I started using southwest which fly from ftl to atlanta too. I might even cancel amercan express next year.
Yeah I really like AW as the writers here post quality content 95+% of the time.
A mixed bad. Delta rightfully gets knocked for some things and some values, and probably absorbs too much criticism in other areas. But this is a “meh” for me.
I’m not loving these new cards! I liked being able to purchase SkyClub passes.
The Amex launch of their limited-time welcome offer on the Gold, Platinum, and Reserve personal cards is very attractive. The only downside is that it expires way too soon.
They don’t call it limited time for no reason.
In relation to your conclusion, if you have a Delta AMEX Platinum SkyMiles already and use it as your every day card dropping $50k plus year, do you benefit here? Should I hold it or move to Chase Sapphire or elsewhere? One big thing I am looking for is travel status to get more Economy to First upgrades.
Hey David, I think this comes down to how close you anticipate you’ll be to reaching the next status level next year. If you spend 50K on the DL Platinum card, you’ll get 20K MQMs. Does that get you from Gold to Platinum? If not, (and if you could put more spending on a Delta card), you might look at the Delta Reserve which lets you earn MQMs on up to 120K in spending.
That said, there is a big opportunity cost. 120K in spending could get you at least 180K points with the right card (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited). 180K chase points should get you a round trip international business or first class ticket with Ultimate Rewards. Delta SkyMiles aren’t worth nearly as much (or at least they take far more effort to use efficiently).
It really comes down to how many MQMs you need to get to the next Delta level and how valuable that status boost will be.
If you’re loking for status, the only thing the CSR would get you is Priority Pass which sounds like it has nothing to do with what you’re wanting.
Can see a drop in uptake for the delta cards after the fees rise, its a shame but inevitable it was going to happen.
Yeah, Amex pretty much just did this to all of their cards or if they haven’t, I see those cards getting revamped in the near future.
I don’t like or never like increases to annual fee on six of their cards, but the upside her of points on dining and travel is a change of game. Nice…
Amex is definitely revamping all of their cards as of late. Maybe it’ll be a good thing but higher AFs aren’t exactly welcome.
After I achieved the required spend on my new Platinum Amex Delta card (in fact over $10K of spending), they informed me that since I once had a Delta Amex card 20 years ago I was not eligible for any mileage bonus. Lesson learned; never again.
Wow, they really go a long way back to deny your bonus!
When you sign up for Amex cards, they should be letting you know if you are or aren’t eligible for the bonus.
When you say they denied your bonus miles because you previously had an Amex card, is that because you had the same card or a different type? I’ve thought about upgrading my card but if I won’t get bonus points since I already have a lower grade card, that makes a difference. Thanks.
I believe AmEx has a tool you can use that will look at your card history and tell you whether or not you’re eligible for the welcome bonus on a particular card.
Yeah Amex has a once a lifetime rule. Even if you didn’t receive a bonus, if you’ve had the card, you can never get a bonus in the future.
With so many changes and rules, I definitely feel overwhelmed by these offers….
Just take it one step at a time and don’t even look at the old offers as they’re completely irrelevant now. Just look at the current info and move on from there.
Delta mileage has no expiration, so good to consider its card.
This is a really good thing because now both SW and United have copied that philosophy.
Home airport not many delta flights. 🙁
Same. Unfortunately United for me and no Centurion lounge so this is still an easy answer.
If I have a Platinum card already, will I be eligible for the TSA precheck credit starting next year?
Hey Bobby, other cards won’t affect the TSA precheck credit. If you already have a credit on another card (like the Platinum) you can give away any extras by using the card with the credit to pay the TSA application fee for someone else.
I only use my delta gold sky Miles credit card to purchase tickets on Delta. So these changes do not affect me.