Having a Delta credit card gets you a free checked bag whenever you fly the airline — here's how to use this perk to save $60 per person round-trip

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• If you have an eligible Delta credit card, you can get a free first checked bag on Delta flights.
• This perk also extends to up to eight companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
• Delta charges $30 for the first checked bag, so this can translate to significant savings.
• Read Insider's guide to the best travel rewards credit cards.

One of the perks that come with most Amex Delta co-branded credit cards is a free checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight travel companions on the same reservation when flying Delta.

Six Delta credit cards offer this benefit:

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

For travelers who check bags often, the savings can add up quickly. Delta charges $30 each way for a checked bag on a domestic flight. For a family of four taking a long vacation, just having the credit card can help save $240 — $30 each bag, each way would mean a total of $240 for the whole family.

Here's how to make sure you get your free checked bag as a Delta credit card holder.

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 free checked bag: How it works

When you apply for a Delta Amex card, you'll be prompted to enter your Delta SkyMiles number (if you don't have one, it's free to join). From that point on, as long as the card is open, the benefits are tied to your SkyMiles account.

There is no requirement to use your Delta card to pay for your ticket (or the taxes and fees on an award ticket) to receive your first checked bag free.

Just make sure that you're logged in to your Delta account when booking tickets — or, if you're booking through a third-party portal like Expedia, just enter your Delta frequent flyer number during the booking process. If you go to add a bag when checking in for your flight, you'll see a cost of $0. The same will apply to up to eight passengers on the same reservation as you.

The key is making sure that you're on the same reservation. If you book separately, your travel companions won't have access to free checked bags unless they have their own Delta credit card (or hold elite Medallion status). 

There's no limit to the number of times you can use the free checked bag benefit, so cardholders who fly Delta frequently can get a value that far exceeds the card's annual fee with this perk.

Which Amex credit cards qualify for the Delta free checked bag?

The only Amex Delta credit card that doesn't offer a free checked bag is the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card. Otherwise, the other Delta cards all come with the benefit:

Delta free checked bag frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Which flights are eligible for free checked bags?

Only itineraries that start with a Delta or Delta Connection flight qualify for this benefit. You must check in with Delta and the flight must be marketed and operated by Delta — partner flights aren't eligible.

Can Delta Amex authorized users get a free checked bag?

The Delta free checked bag benefit applies only to the primary cardholder, and not authorized users. However, if an authorized user is traveling on the same reservation as the primary cardholder, they'll be eligible for the free bag.

What if your checked bag is oversize or overweight?

The free checked bag benefit only applies to normal bags. If your bag is overweight or oversized, you'll still have to pay the appropriate fee.

Can you add your Delta SkyMiles number to an existing reservation?

If you forget to add your SkyMiles number when you booked your reservation, all is not lost. You can add your frequent flyer number to your itinerary by going to the "My Trips" section of the Delta website and searching for your reservation.

Alternatively, you can call Delta reservations and have an agent add your SkyMiles number, but keep in mind that hold times these days can be very long.

What are Delta baggage fees?

In economy class on flights in the US, Delta normally charges $30 for the first checked bag, as long as it's not oversize or overweight. To qualify for a free checked bag from your Delta credit card, your bag must weigh under 50 pounds and not exceed 62 inches when you total length + width + height. 

If you have a second bag to check, you'll be charged a fee of $40 (assuming it's not oversize/overweight). 

Other Delta baggage fees vary by route and class of service. You can find out the fees for your specific ticket by entering your flight details on Delta's baggage website.