Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Delta's top-tier card with Sky Club lounge access
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Why we rate it 4.1/5
A top-tier card for frequent Delta flyers: lounge access, a Companion Certificate, and status boosts justify the $650 fee if you fly Delta regularly.
Earning is narrow: 3X miles on Delta purchases but only 1X on everything else, so day-to-day spend earns little unless you route it through Delta.
The $650 fee is heavy, but the annual Companion Certificate plus the Resy, rideshare, and Delta Stays credits claw most of it back for round-trip Delta flyers.
Delta Sky Club access, Centurion Lounge entry on Delta Amex flights, the First Class Companion Certificate, and a $2,500 MQD Headstart are the real draw.
Benefits apply automatically with nothing to track, though the 15-visit Sky Club cap and $50 guest fees add some friction.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium airline credit card designed for frequent Delta flyers who want top-tier travel benefits and the ability to earn elite status. With a $650 annual fee, this card offers extensive perks, including complimentary Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access, an annual companion certificate, and the opportunity to boost Medallion status through spending.
Key Features:
Rewards Structure:
- 3X miles on Delta purchases
- 1X mile on all other eligible purchases
Welcome Offer:
Annual Fee: (see rates and fees)
Additional Benefits:
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club access when flying Delta
- Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta
- Annual companion certificate for domestic first class, Delta Comfort+, or main cabin round-trip
- First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation
- Priority boarding
- 20% savings on eligible in-flight purchases
- Up to a $120 rideshare credit ($10 per month)
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit
- 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights
- Upgrade priority over other Medallion members within the same tier and fare class
- No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees)
Rates and Fees:
- Annual Fee:
- Purchase APR:
- Penalty APR: 29.99% Variable (may be applied for late or returned payments)
- Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40
- Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- See rates and fees
Who Is This Card For:
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is ideal for:
- Frequent Delta flyers who value airport lounge access
- Delta loyalists aiming to earn or maintain Medallion status
- Travelers who can maximize the annual companion certificate
- Those who appreciate premium travel perks and protections
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FAQ
Pros
Complimentary Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access: This benefit alone can justify the annual fee for those frequently visiting airport lounges.
Annual companion certificate, including first class: This perk can potentially save cardholders hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually
Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) boost: Provides a $2,500 MQD head start towards elite status each year
Cons
High annual fee: At $650, it’s one of the most expensive airline co-branded credit cards
Limited bonus categories: Only earns 3X miles on Delta purchases, with no additional bonus categories for everyday spending
Sky Club access restrictions: Starting February 1, 2025, cardholders will be limited to 15 visits per year unless they meet a high spending threshold.