For frequent flyers loyal to Delta Air Lines, navigating the world of airline credit cards can be overwhelming. When you compare delta credit cards, the choices range from basic, no-annual-fee options to premium cards boasting luxury travel perks. Among the higher-end options, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card stands out with its significant annual fee of $6507 and promises of enhanced travel experiences. But when you truly compare delta credit cards, is the Reserve card the right choice for you? This article dives into the benefits of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card to help you decide if its premium features justify the cost when compared to other Delta and travel credit card options.
One of the most sought-after benefits for travelers is airport lounge access. Imagine escaping the crowded terminal and unwinding in a comfortable space before your flight. If Delta Sky Club access is a priority, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card delivers. Card Members receive 15 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year when flying Delta. For truly frequent travelers, unlimited access is unlocked after spending $75,000 in purchases on the card within a calendar year. Furthermore, you can share the lounge experience with companions using the four One-Time Guest Passes provided each Medallion Year.
Beyond Delta Sky Clubs, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card extends lounge access even further. Cardholders enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner when booking Delta flights with their Reserve card. This expanded network provides even more opportunities for relaxation and comfort during your travels.
For those chasing elite Medallion Status with Delta, the Reserve card offers a significant boost. Through MQD Headstart and MQD Boost, card members receive $2,500 MQDs (Medallion Qualification Dollars) each Medallion Qualification Year to get a head start on status qualification. Additionally, you earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card, accelerating your path to higher status tiers. This feature can be invaluable for frequent Delta flyers aiming for Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Medallion status.
Another key perk that sets the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card apart when you compare delta credit cards is the Companion Certificate. Each year upon card renewal, Reserve cardholders receive a Companion Certificate for a round-trip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin for domestic, Caribbean, or Central American destinations. This allows you to bring a companion on your travels, only paying government-imposed taxes and fees (between $22 and $250, depending on itinerary). This benefit alone can potentially offset a significant portion of the annual fee, especially for those who utilize it for premium cabin travel.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card doesn’t stop at travel benefits; it also offers valuable lifestyle credits and perks:
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Global Dining Access + $240 Resy Credit: Unlock exclusive access to reservations at popular restaurants worldwide through Global Dining Access by Resy. Enroll through your card account to also receive up to $20 per month in statement credits (up to $240 annually) on eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants.
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$120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 per month in statement credits (up to $120 annually) on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers when you pay with your Reserve card. Enrollment is required.
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TakeOff 15: Enjoy a 15% discount on Award Travel booked with miles for Delta flights through delta.com or the Fly Delta app. (Discount excludes partner-operated flights and taxes/fees.)
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Complimentary Upgrade List: Even without Medallion status, Reserve cardholders with eligible tickets are added to the Complimentary Upgrade List, prioritizing them after Medallion Members.
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$120 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive a statement credit every 4 years for Global Entry ($120) or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85) when you apply and pay with your Reserve card. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. See www.americanexpress.com/expeditedtravel for terms and conditions.
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Earn Miles: Accumulate rewards quickly with 3X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.8
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Compared to Other Delta Credit Cards
When you compare delta credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve sits at the top tier, offering the most premium benefits and the highest annual fee. Cards like the Delta SkyMiles Gold and Delta SkyMiles Platinum present more accessible entry points into the Delta credit card ecosystem with lower annual fees and a different mix of benefits.
For example, the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card typically has a significantly lower annual fee (sometimes even waived for the first year) and focuses on earning miles and providing basic travel perks like priority boarding and free checked bags. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card bridges the gap, offering some lounge access (though less extensive than the Reserve), a domestic Companion Certificate (with restrictions), and a higher miles earning rate on Delta purchases compared to the Gold card, but with a mid-range annual fee.
Choosing the right Delta credit card depends on your travel frequency, spending habits, and desired benefits. If you are a very frequent Delta flyer who values lounge access, elite status acceleration, and premium travel experiences, and can maximize the Companion Certificate and other credits, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card can be a worthwhile investment despite its high annual fee. However, if you travel less frequently or prioritize a lower annual cost, exploring the Gold or Platinum Delta SkyMiles cards might be more suitable when you compare delta credit cards to find the best fit for your needs.
In conclusion, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card is a powerful tool for enhancing the travel experience of dedicated Delta customers. By offering a suite of premium benefits, it distinguishes itself within the landscape of delta credit cards. Carefully consider your travel patterns and spending to determine if the Reserve card’s premium features and elevated annual fee align with your financial and travel goals when you compare delta credit cards and make your choice.
