For frequent flyers with Delta Air Lines, navigating the world of credit cards can be overwhelming. American Express offers a suite of Delta SkyMiles cards, each with varying benefits and annual fees. When comparing Amex Delta cards, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card stands out as the premium option, designed for travelers who prioritize luxury and enhanced travel experiences. But is the Delta Reserve card truly worth the higher annual fee? Let’s delve into the benefits to help you decide.
One of the most significant perks of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card is access to airport lounges, a haven for travelers seeking respite from crowded terminals. Cardholders receive 15 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year when flying Delta, offering a comfortable space to relax, work, or dine before flights. For the most frequent of flyers, unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs becomes available after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year. Furthermore, to share the lounge experience, the card provides four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year.
Beyond Delta Sky Clubs, the Reserve card expands lounge access even further. Card Members enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge – The Centurion Studio Partner when flying Delta and purchasing the flight with their Reserve card. This broadens your lounge options significantly, especially in airports where Delta Sky Clubs may be less conveniently located or during peak travel times.
For those chasing Delta Medallion Status, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card offers a substantial boost. Through MQD Headstart, cardholders automatically receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) each Medallion Qualification Year. Additionally, the MQD Boost accelerates status earning by granting $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card. These features can significantly shorten the path to elite status, unlocking valuable benefits like priority boarding, waived baggage fees, and complimentary upgrades.
Sharing travel experiences becomes more rewarding with the Companion Certificate, another key benefit of the Delta Reserve card. Each year upon card renewal, you’ll receive a Companion Certificate valid for a round-trip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin on domestic, Caribbean, or Central American routes. While the companion ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees (ranging from $22 to $250), this benefit can offer substantial savings, especially for premium cabin travel, effectively offsetting a portion of the annual fee for many cardholders.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve card extends its value beyond travel benefits with a range of lifestyle and travel credits:
- Global Dining Access + $240 Resy Credit: Unlock exclusive restaurant reservations through Global Dining Access by Resy. Enroll in the Resy program via your Amex account and receive up to $20 per month in statement credits (totaling $240 annually) for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 per month in statement credits (up to $120 annually) on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after enrolling.
- TakeOff 15: Enjoy a 15% discount when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights through delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
- Complimentary Upgrade List: Even without Medallion Status, Reserve cardholders with eligible tickets are added to the Complimentary Upgrade List, prioritized after Medallion members.
- $120 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive a statement credit to cover the application fee for either Global Entry ($120, every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck® (up to $85, every 4.5 years) when charged to your card.
Finally, the card facilitates mileage accrual, allowing you to earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with the airline and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
In conclusion, when Amex Delta cards are compared, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card distinguishes itself with premium benefits tailored for the dedicated Delta traveler. While it carries a significant annual fee, the extensive lounge access, MQD boosts, Companion Certificate, and various credits can provide substantial value, especially for those who frequently fly Delta and seek a more luxurious travel experience. For travelers prioritizing comfort, convenience, and accelerated elite status, the Reserve card is a compelling option to consider within the Amex Delta card portfolio.
