Delta Reserve Card Review 2023

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American Express issues seven personal and small-business Delta credit cards to suit every type of traveler. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the most premium of the personal cards, and new cardholders can earn a welcome bonus offer of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. 

See our picks for the best credit cards »

Delta Reserve Card Review: Is It the Best Credit Card for You?

With a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card annual fee, this card isn't for the casual Delta flyer. However, if you can make use of perks like Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion airport lounge access when you fly Delta, Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs), complimentary upgrades, a 15% discount on Delta award flights, a free first checked bag, and an annual companion certificate, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is worth considering.

You'll earn 3x miles on Delta purchases, but just 1 mile per dollar on everything else — there are no other bonus categories. If your objective is to earn more Delta miles on your everyday spending, you'll want to look at other Delta cards or cards that earn Amex Membership Rewards points like the American Express® Gold Card. Delta is an American Express transfer partner, and you can convert Membership Rewards points to SkyMiles instantly at a 1:1 ratio.

If you don't fly Delta often enough to maximize these benefits and justify the annual fee, there are other Delta cards that are a better fit. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. It has an annual fee of Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, and offers decent perks for the occasional traveler, including a 15% discount on Delta award travel and a free first checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights.

We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.

Delta Reserve Card Rewards

Delta Reserve welcome bonus offer

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card - Product Name Only currently offers a welcome bonus of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card - Intro Bonus. The bonus miles are worth about Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card - Featured Reward Value in flights, based on Insider's points and miles valuations.

How to earn miles with the Delta Reserve 

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card isn't a great pick for everyday spending outside of Delta purchases, because it doesn't offer any additional bonus categories. Cardholders earn:

• 3 miles per dollar on purchases made directly with Delta (including airfare, upgrades, miles, seat selection, Delta Sky Club membership, and inflight purchases of food, alcoholic beverages, and audio headsets on Delta-operated flights)
• 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases

How to use miles from the Delta Reserve

Insider's points and miles valuations peg Delta miles as worth 1.1 cents apiece, on average. If you get that rate or better when you compare the cost of your award flight to that of a paid ticket, you're getting a good deal. 

You can redeem Delta miles for flights on Delta, SkyTeam alliance partners, and non-alliance partners, including Air France, KLM, and Korean Air. Delta no longer publishes an award chart, so the number of miles required for an award ticket varies depending on demand, paid ticket price, and time of year. 

The airline occasionally runs surprise flash sales with award tickets priced as low as 2,000 miles one-way for domestic flights and as little as 9,000 miles for international routes. These Delta SkyMiles deals don't occur at specific times, so it's worth checking frequently to see if the route or destination you want is on sale.

All Amex Delta cardholders can use miles to fully or partially offset the cost of a paid ticket. The Delta Pay With Miles program allows members to redeem at a rate of 1 cent per mile in 5,000-mile increments, so 5,000 miles is worth $50 off the cost of a paid ticket. This is helpful if you don't have enough miles for an award or want to stretch your miles by combining them with cash.

If you don't want to redeem SkyMiles for flights, there are other options, but you'll typically get a poor value in comparison:

• Seat selection and upgrades
• Delta Sky Club lounge memberships
• Certain Delta fees (like ticket changes and award ticket redeposit fees)
• Gift cards
• Magazines
• Tour vouchers
• Charity donations
• Delta Vacations packages
• Premium drinks in Delta Sky Club lounges
• Delta SkyMiles Experiences 

Because Delta miles don't expire, you don't have to stress about redeeming them if you're not ready to travel in the near future.

Delta Reserve Card Benefits and Features

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium credit card and comes with a wide variety of benefits that can help offset the hefty annual fee.

Delta Sky Club airport lounge access

The standout benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the Delta Sky Club airport lounge access it offers. Normally, an individual Sky Club membership costs $545 per year, so if that's something you'd otherwise pay for, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (with its Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card annual fee and additional perks) is a better deal.

Delta operates dozens of Sky Clubs at major US airports, and with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll get access to Sky Club lounges if you're flying on a Delta-operated or Delta-marketed flight that day. Cardholders receive two one-time Sky Club guest passes each year, but can also bring in up to two guests at a discounted rate of $39 per person (as long as they're also flying Delta).

If you fly through airports with Sky Club lounges frequently, this perk can make your travels more comfortable and save you money in the long run. Delta Sky Clubs offer a quieter place to work and relax, with free Wi-Fi, snacks, light meals, beverages, and other amenities. 

Keep in mind you can also get Delta Sky Club access (when you fly Delta) if you have The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, so those cards may be a better fit if you prefer flexibility and the other perks they offer. Here's our comparison of the Amex Platinum versus Delta Reserve to help you decide if you're torn between these cards.

Amex Centurion Lounge access

Amex Centurion Lounges are typically fancier than Delta Sky Clubs, and if you hold the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll have access if you're flying Delta that day and used a US-issued American Express card to pay for your ticket. 

Cardholders can currently bring in up to two guests (if they're also flying Delta) at a rate of $50 per person. Centurion Lounges are known for offering premium food and cocktails and a more upscale atmosphere, but they're at far fewer airports and some have long wait times to enter.

Escape Lounge — The Centurion Studio Partner access

Similarly, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card members can access Escape Lounge — The Centurion Studio Partner US locations when flying on a same-day Delta-operated or marketed flight. To be eligible for entry, you must have used a US-issued Amex card to pay for your ticket. Additional guests are allowed but will be charged a guest fee that varies depending on the Escape Lounge location.

Upgrade priority and access to complimentary upgrades

When you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll get upgrade priority over non-cardholders with the same Medallion status level and fare class grouping. If you don't have Medallion status, you'll get added to the complimentary upgrade list after elite status holders.

Annual Delta companion certificate

Each year on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card anniversary, you'll receive a Delta companion certificate valid for round-trip, domestic first class, Delta Comfort+, or economy class travel within the contiguous 48 states.

If you buy an eligible paid ticket, a companion can join you for just the cost of taxes and fees on the same itinerary — and if it's an expensive fare, you could end up saving hundreds (or thousands) of dollars.

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card also comes with an annual companion certificate, but it's only valid for economy class travel — so the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a better choice if you'll book Comfort+ or first-class tickets.

Delta Status Boost

If you spend $30,000 or more on eligible purchases in a calendar year with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll receive 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) — up to four times — that can help you qualify for elite status.

Free first checked bag

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card members and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive a free first checked bag on Delta flights. Delta normally charges $30 each way for the first checked bag, so this perk can significantly offset the annual fee if you fly Delta often.

Families or groups, in particular, can get a huge value — four people with a checked bag each on a round-trip itinerary would normally incur fees of $240 for their luggage.

Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit

The Global Entry and TSA PreCheck trusted traveler programs can save you a ton of time at the airport, and if you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay the application fee, you'll be reimbursed (up to $100 for Global Entry every 4 years or up to $78 for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years) after you apply through any authorized enrollment provider.

Priority boarding

Cardholders and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive Delta Main Cabin 1 priority boarding — even when flying Basic Economy — which means you'll have more time to get settled into your seat and find room in the overhead bins for your carry-on bag.

The Main Cabin 1 group boards after passengers flying in premium cabins and most elite members, but before other economy class travelers or those flying in basic economy.  

TakeOff 15 discount

When you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card connected to your SkyMiles account, you can receive a 15% discount on award tickets booked on Delta-operated flights. With this new TakeOff 15 benefit, you'll need to book through Delta.com or the Fly Delta app to get the discount. 

This is a convenient perk for folks who use Delta miles to book award flights often, but there are a few restrictions to be aware of. Partner award flights are excluded, and authorized users aren't eligible for the discount. 

20% back on inflight purchases

When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for inflight purchases like drinks, food, or audio headsets on Delta flights, you'll receive 20% back in the form of a statement credit.

Car rental insurance

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers secondary car rental insurance when you use the card to pay for your rental in full and decline the rental company's collision damage waiver. Coverage is for theft or damage only (not liability) and some rentals, vehicle types, and countries are excluded, so be sure to read the terms.

Purchase protection

When you pay for an eligible item with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll get purchase protection for loss or damage up to 90 days from the date of purchase, up to a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per year.

Extended warranty

Cardholders can also get an extended warranty on eligible items when they use their Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay — up to one additional year added to eligible US manufacturer's warranties of five years or less.

Return protection

If you purchased an eligible item with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the merchant won't accept your return, you may get a refund of the full purchase price (excluding shipping and handling), up to $300 per item and a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.

Baggage insurance

If you pay for a covered trip with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you can be covered for baggage loss or damage, up to $500 per person for checked bags and $1,250 per person for carry-on luggage.

Like most other credit cards with travel insurance, there are exclusions for things like high-risk items. Some states have different limits, so check the terms and conditions for specific details.

Trip delay insurance

The card's trip delay insurance can reimburse you up to $500 for meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal items if you've paid for a covered trip with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Your flight must be delayed by six hours or more, and you can file a claim up to two times per consecutive 12-month period.

Trip cancellation and interruption insurance

If you paid for a covered trip with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and it's canceled or cut short for a covered reason, you could be reimbursed up to $10,000 per trip and up to $20,000 per card per consecutive 12-month period.

Cell phone protection

One of the newest benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is cell phone protection. When you use your card to pay your monthly wireless bill, you're covered for the cost of repair or replacement if your phone is damaged or stolen, up to $800 per claim and up to two claims per 12-month period.

There's a $50 deductible, and you must file your claim within 90 days of the incident. Coverage is secondary (it will pay out after any other insurance you have) and it starts the first day of the calendar month following payment of your monthly bill with your eligible card. It stays in effect as long as you continue paying your bill with the card. 

Premium Global Assist Hotline

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with a little-known perk that can be a lifesaver if you have an emergency while you're away from home. Cardholders get access to Amex's Premium Global Assist Hotline, which can help arrange things like passport replacement, medical referrals, and translation services.

The service itself is complimentary, but you may be responsible for any third-party costs. One big difference from the regular (versus premium) Global Assist Hotline is emergency medical evacuation coverage — Amex may provide emergency medical transportation assistance at no cost if it's approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline.

Amex Offers

Like other American Express cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with targeted discounts or bonus miles at participating merchants through Amex Offers**. Taking advantage of these offers is a great way to save money on purchases you'd make anyway and can help you offset the card's annual fee.

Delta Reserve Card Annual Fee and Other Costs

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card annual fee is Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, so it's not for the occasional traveler. If you carry a balance on the card, you'll pay a Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card - Regular APR APR, so try to pay your card in full each month to avoid high interest charges.

There are no foreign transaction fees to worry about, so it's a good card to use for international purchases. However, there are other fees to be aware of, including:

• Cash advance fee
• Late payment fee
• Returned payment fee

How the Delta Reserve Card Compares

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card vs other Amex Delta cards

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Credit Card vs other premium airline credit cards

Delta Reserve Card Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is eligible for the Delta Reserve card?

If you have or already had the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you won't qualify for the bonus again because of Amex's one bonus, per card, per lifetime rule across all of its cards. It is possible to get the card again (just not the bonus) if you've had it in the past.

Because each Delta card is considered a different product, if you have or had other Delta cards, like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , you're still eligible to apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

What credit score do you need for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card?

In general, most people who are approved for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card have a good to excellent credit score, which means a FICO score of at least 670. 

If I cancel my Delta Reserve card, will I lose my miles?

After you've tried out the card for a year, if you decide the benefits don't justify the annual fee, you won't lose your miles if you cancel. Your miles get deposited into your Delta frequent flyer account, not your Amex account.

That said, closing a card before you've had it for a year is not a good idea. It may result in Amex taking back the welcome bonus miles offer, so it's best to wait to decide after your first 12 months is up.

Do I need to pay for my ticket with the Delta Reserve to get a free checked bag?

You'll receive benefits like a free checked bag or priority boarding as long as the primary cardholder's Delta SkyMiles number is added to the reservation. There's no requirement to book your flight with your Delta card. However, only the primary cardholder (not authorized users) qualifies for these perks, as well as up to eight companions on the same reservation. 

Is the Delta Reserve the best Delta credit card?

The best Delta card depends on how often you fly Delta and if you can use all the perks that come with each card. If you're a Delta loyalist and travel through airports with Delta Sky Club lounges, it could be worth paying the high annual fee on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card.

For infrequent Delta flyers, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is usually a better choice, because it has a modest annual fee and still offers perks like a free checked bag and priority boarding. 

Is earning a Delta Companion Certificate worth it?

If you know you'll have at least one eligible round-trip Delta flight with a companion each year, the Delta Companion Certificate can be extremely valuable, especially because the certificate you earn with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is valid for any class of travel.

This can translate to huge savings if you fly expensive routes or have to book a last-minute ticket, which often costs hundreds more than booking in advance. Your companion can tag along with you for just the cost of taxes and fees, even if their ticket would normally cost a fortune.

Is Delta Sky Club lounge access worth it?

Normally, Delta Sky Club lounge membership costs $545, so opening the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a better value when you consider all the other perks you get. Delta Sky Clubs offer free food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quieter place to relax and escape the stresses of the airport terminal.

This perk makes the most sense if your home airport has a Delta Sky Club, or if you frequently travel to airports that do. If that's not the case for you, but you still want airport lounge access, The Platinum Card® from American Express is another compelling option. It comes with access to Delta Sky Clubs when you fly Delta, as well as Centurion Lounge and Priority Pass lounge access. Here's our American Express Platinum card review for all the details.

Methodology: How We Reviewed the Delta Reserve Card

Insider's experts assessed the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in comparison to other premium travel credit cards and considered several factors, including:

• Ease of use — Is the card accessible to travel beginners and experts alike? Are the miles earning and redeeming straightforward, or do you have to jump through hoops?
• Rewards earning — Are there everyday bonus categories that can help you easily earn more rewards, and do any of them have a spending cap?
• Annual fee — Is the card's annual fee worth it when you consider the rewards and perks?
• Benefits — Are the benefits, especially travel and premium perks, comparable to similar cards? Are they useful to frequent travelers?

For an in-depth look at Insider's methodology, read our guide to how we rate credit cards.