Best Delta credit cards of December 2023

More details on our best Delta credit cards

The Platinum Card® from American Express 

Why we love it: There is no travel card like the Amex Platinum with its slew of perks, statement credits and lounge access. You can use your Platinum card to earn 5 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through the Amex Travel portal (up to $500,000 in combined purchases each year). Delta is an Amex transfer partner, you can also redeem these points for your next Delta flight. And the card even offers Sky Club access when you’re traveling with Delta.

Who should use it: Frequent flyers who are loyal to Delta but want added flexibility for their rewards will love the Amex Platinum with its ability to earn transferable points and enjoy luxury travel perks.

Why it’s in my wallet: “As a frequent traveler, the Platinum Card’s extensive lounge access makes the card a must-have on the road. I can access Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass lounges and others. More often than not, this means I have a place to relax before my flight. This has saved me thousands of dollars in airport food over the years and keeps me productive at the airport. On top of this, the up to $200 airline fee credit and up to $200 Uber Cash offset most of the card’s high annual fee.” – Andrew Kunesh, Senior Editor 

Alternative card option(s): Frequent flyers who are still looking for a premium travel card but can’t justify the Platinum’s high annual fee should consider the Chase Sapphire Reserve. Although the Reserve does not come with as many perks and benefits, it does offer a more flexible travel credit with slightly lower annual fee of $550. 

Unlocking status: Unfortunately, the Amex Platinum doesn’t offer any path to status with Delta SkyMiles, though you can select Delta as your designated airline to enjoy up to $200 in statement credits for incidental fees charged to the card. In addition, it gives cardmembers Gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Why we love it: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex comes packed with elitelike benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding yet has an annual fee of just $99, which is $0 for your first year (see rates and fees). In addition, it has no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) and offers a $100 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 or more on your card in a calendar year.

Who should use it: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex offers great airline-specific perks and travel benefits without a high annual fee, which makes it great for new travelers and casual Delta flyers. 

Why it’s in my wallet: “As someone who likes flying Delta but doesn’t fly often enough to earn elite status, my Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex still gives me elite like perks to help upgrade my travel experience.” — Madison Blancaflor, senior content operations editor

Alternative card option(s): If you are looking to earn Delta Medallion elite status, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card offers similar benefits as the Delta Gold Amex but also comes with shortcuts to elite status, such as a Medallion Qualification Dollar waiver after spending $25,000 in a calendar year. 

Unlocking status: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex does not offer any benefits that help earn elite status. 

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Why we love it: The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex is the perfect fit for a Delta loyalist thanks to its plethora of travel benefits and perks. The Reserve Amex comes with standard premium perks like priority boarding, free checked bags for cardmembers and eight companions and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit. It is also the only Delta cobranded card that allows for complimentary Delta Sky Club access. Meanwhile, the Delta Reserve Amex’s annual companion certificate (issued upon account renewal) allows cardmembers to bring a companion on a domestic round-trip flight, including Comfort+ and first class, while only paying the taxes and fees of the accompanying person’s ticket. 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.

Who should use it: While the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex comes with plenty of benefits and perks, it should only be considered by Delta loyalists as it also comes with an elite-level annual fee of $550 (see rates and fees). 

Why it’s in my wallet: “As a Delta Diamond Medallion, I spend a lot of time on Delta jets. The Delta Reserve card helps me maintain my status by offering Medallion Qualification Mile bonuses, which have done a lot to help me earn and retain status. Plus, the card’s annual companion ticket is valid on first-class itineraries and has helped me offset the card’s annual fee multiple years in a row.” — Andrew Kunesh, points and miles editor

Alternative card option(s): If you are a frequent flyer but not looking to be an airline loyalist, consider The Platinum Card® from American Express, which offers 5 Amex Membership Rewards points per dollar on airfare purchased directly with the airlines or with Amex Travel (up to $500,000 in purchases a year), essentially a 10% return based on TPG’s valuations. Membership Rewards points are transferable, so if you are redeeming for a Delta flight, you can transfer them to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio. And the Amex Platinum includes Delta Sky Club access when traveling on Delta as part of the Amex Global Lounge Collection.

Unlocking status: Cardholders are given the chance to earn four Status Boosts annually — 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 in spending each year, up to a total of 60,000 MQMs. In addition, if cardholders spend more than $25,000 on purchases on their card, they will be eligible for a MQD waiver. Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.

American Express® Gold Card

Why we love it: The Amex Gold card may be the perfect mid-tier card for Delta travelers looking to maximize rewards on everyday spending while enjoying value-added perks. With its monthly Uber and dining credits, you can cover almost all of the card’s $250 annual fee (see rates and fees). In addition, all points earned are transferable to Amex’s travel partners — which includes Delta SkyMiles. 

Who should use it: Traveling foodies who are looking for a card that combines both travel and dining would find a lot of use for the Amex Gold card with its multiple bonus earning categories. 

Why it’s in my wallet: “There’s no better card for groceries and dining than the Amex Gold. I earn 4 points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point) and at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. With additional perks like a monthly Uber credit and the ability to transfer my Membership Rewards points to valuable airline partners, the card is a mainstay in my wallet.” – Nick Ewen, Director of Content

Alternative card option(s): For travelers looking for a flexible travel card with valuable bonus categories but with a lower annual fee, consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card . You’ll earn 3 points per dollar on dining and 2 points per dollar on travel purchases.

Unlocking status: The Amex Gold does not offer elite status perks. 

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Why we love it: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex is a good option for a more frequent Delta flyer. It comes standard with Delta card perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag for you and eight companions when flying Delta. However, the card also features premium benefits such as a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit, shortcuts toward Medallion status based on spending during the year and an annual companion certificate (issued upon account renewal) which allows cardmembers to bring a friend or family member along on a round-trip Delta flight in the continental U.S.

Who should use it: Frequent Delta flyers and/or those seeking to earn Delta Medallion status would benefit from the premium perks offered by the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex. 

Why it’s in my wallet: “This card helps me earn Medallion Qualification Miles toward my elite status, but the real reason I keep it in my wallet is the annual companion pass. My family and I do a lot of domestic flying and often plan our vacations far in advance. Having the companion ticket can save my family hundreds of dollars a year in airfare. Plus, the tickets even qualify for free elite upgrades.” — Scott Mayerowitz, executive editor

Alternative card option(s): If you are Delta loyalist that wants more Delta perks, including complimentary Delta Sky Club access, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card may be a better option for your wallet. 

Unlocking status: The Delta Platinum Amex allows cardholders to earn an MQD waiver after spending $25,000 in a calendar year. The card also features Status Boost perks that allow you to earn 10,000 bonus MQMs after you spend $25,000 in a calendar year and another 10,000 MQMs after spending $50,000 in the same year. 

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

Why we love it: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business card is a good fit for small businesses that fly Delta. With airline perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags and 2 miles per dollar earned on multiple business categories, it is a solid business card option. 

Who should use it: Small businesses that fly Delta will benefit from the premium perks offered by the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex without having to pay a high annual fee. 

Why it should be in your wallet: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex can be a good addition to any small-business owner’s wallet. It offers a solid welcome bonus plus several Delta-specific perks.

Alternative card option(s): If you are looking for a similarly priced business card that is more flexible in terms of redemptions but still offers high rewards rates on travel purchases, consider the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are transferable, so you don’t have to commit to one airline when it comes time to redeem your points. 

Unlocking status: The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex does not feature any perks that help earn status. 

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Why we love it: The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex has tons of valuable perks, including complimentary Delta Sky Club access and an annual companion ticket valid on economy, Comfort+ and first-class flights. The card offers the most benefits, the highest welcome offer and the best earning rates out of all the business cards — though it does carry a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees). 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.

Who should use it: The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card is a great card for frequent Delta travelers looking to experience all the luxury Delta has to offer.

Why it’s in my wallet: “The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex helped me attain airline status without actually having status. As a newbie Delta flyer, I wanted to have a credit card that will make my overall travel experience better. Having access to the Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounges when flying Delta were massive perks. Earning triple miles when making Delta purchases, an annual companion pass and a 15% discount when using my SkyMiles to book travel make the high annual fee worth it.” — Hannah Streck, senior SEO manager 

Alternative card option(s): If you’re a business looking for a premium travel card with lounge access and more flexible rewards, there is no better option than The Business Platinum Card® from American Express. You’ll have access to not only Delta lounges but also Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges and Plaza Premium locations. You can also travel in style with automatic Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels and an array of other statement credits and perks for your small business. And you can transfer Membership Rewards points directly to your Delta SkyMiles account. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Unlocking status: Cardmembers who have reached $25,000 in spending are eligible for a MQD waiver. The Delta Reserve Business Amex also offers 15,000 MQMs for every $30,000 spent on the card in a calendar year (up to 60,000 MQMs in all). Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available. Learn more at delta.com/skymilesprogramchanges.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

Why we love it: The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex is a good option for a mid-tier business card. Like all Delta cards, it comes with perks like priority boarding and a free checked bag for you and eight companions when flying Delta. The card also earns 3 miles per dollar on all eligible purchases with Delta and hotels, offers a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee credit and multiple Delta Medallion elite status boosters. The card’s most notable perk is the annual companion certificate that allows cardmembers to bring another person on a domestic round-trip Delta flight for only the taxes and fees associated with the ticket. 

Who should use it: Small-business owners that frequently travel with Delta and want to earn Delta Medallion elite status can benefit from having the SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex. 

Why it’s in my wallet: “This card often offers a high welcome bonus, which I maximize by using for domestic flights in Comfort+ and first class when cash prices are high. Getting an automatic 15% discount on award redemptions just by holding this card is a major perk for me and makes my SkyMiles go further. Given I don’t have Delta elite status, I enjoy getting a free checked bag and priority boarding when flying on the airline.” — Matt Moffitt, senior credit cards editor

Alternative card option(s): If your small business wants a mid-tier travel card with flexible earnings, the American Express® Business Gold Card can be a great fit. The card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar on the two categories where your business spends the most each month (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year, then 1 per point per dollar), and these points can be transferred to Delta SkyMiles if you find yourself needing a Delta flight. 

Unlocking status: Cardholders can earn a MQD waiver after spending $25,000 in a calendar year. In addition, cardholders are eligible for 10,000 MQMs after spending $25,000 on purchases within a calendar year, up to two times per year. 

What is Delta?

Delta Air Lines is a major airline based in Atlanta, though it also has numerous hubs across the United States. It frequently ranks No. 1 in TPG’s annual report on the best airlines in the U.S., including the most recent iteration. Delta currently offers seven cobranded credit cards, many of which are featured on this list.

How to choose a Delta credit card

Choosing a Delta credit card may seem overwhelming, but there are some initial steps you can take to make the process easier. Begin by considering how often you’ll fly with Delta in a given year. A casual traveler may not benefit from a higher-end card with a large annual fee. However, Delta road warriors may enjoy the perks on these cards.

You should also look at the earning rates on each card and compare them to your typical spending habits. And consider whether you even want to be locked into earning Delta miles, as opposed to more flexible travel rewards.
Remember, the best Delta credit card for your wallet is a completely unique and personalized choice. 

Delta credit card benefits

Delta cobranded credit cards come with many unique benefits. Some of the best perks are:

Earning Delta SkyMiles

Cobranded Delta credit cards earn Delta SkyMiles when you charge purchases to the card. Most offer bonus miles on Delta purchases, but some offer category bonuses on other purchases — including hotels and dining. You can then redeem these SkyMiles in a variety of ways, including for Delta flights as well as flights on multiple airline partners.

Welcome-offer bonus miles

Delta cobranded cards typically offer large welcome bonuses when new cardmembers reach minimum spending requirements. They tend to vary across the year, but you can view the current offers in this article. 

Delta flight credits

Only the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex and the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex offer a $100 Delta flight credit after you have spent $10,000 on the card within a calendar year. 

Free checked baggage

The personal and business versions of the Delta Gold, Delta Platinum and the Delta Reserve cards offer a free checked bag for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation. 

Companion certificates

The companion certificate is an annual perk offered upon card renewal for travelers with the personal or business versions of the Delta Platinum and Delta Reserve cards. If you hold the Delta Platinum Amex or Delta Platinum Business Amex, you’ll receive a companion certificate valid for a round-trip, domestic flight in select economy fare classes — all you need to pay for is the ticket’s taxes and fees. Meanwhile, Reserve and Reserve Business cardholders enjoy a similar certificate, but it’s extended to include certain domestic first-class tickets as well. 

How to maximize Delta credit card rewards

The best way to maximize Delta credit card rewards is to earn welcome bonuses to boost your SkyMiles balance. These bonuses often offer more miles than a typical person would be able to earn just using a cobranded credit card on a regular basis.

Once you’ve earned a bunch of Delta SkyMiles, the best way to maximize your reward redemptions is by using the miles for Delta flights. Although Delta has devalued its program in recent years, there are still some solid ways to redeem Delta miles.

Methodology

At TPG, we know how hard it can be to choose the best card for your wallet. Through a lengthy research process, we have curated a list to help you choose the best Delta card for you. Some factors we considered in helping our readers get the best return on their spending include:

Welcome bonus: The welcome bonus is one of the main factors we consider during the card review process. Having a great initial offer can greatly increase the value of a card. 

Annual fee: Not all annual fees are bad. Many premium credit cards incur an annual fee but more than make up for it with accompanying perks, benefits or enhanced earning rates on purchases. 

Reward rates: If you are in the market for a Delta cobranded card, you’re probably looking to earn Delta miles as quickly as possible. As a result, we looked at the earning rates on these cards.

Additional perks: There are many credit card benefits that can make your travel experience less costly and more comfortable — including checked bag fee waivers and airport lounge access. These perks also played a key role in selecting the cards on this list.