For frequent flyers on Delta Air Lines seeking premium travel experiences, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card stands out as a luxury option. With its significant $650 annual fee7, this card is packed with benefits designed to enhance your travel journey, including airport lounge access and accelerated paths to elite Medallion status. If you’re in the market to Compare Delta Credit Cards, understanding the perks of the Reserve card is essential to making the best decision for your travel needs and spending habits.
Airport lounges offer a sanctuary for travelers, providing a comfortable and quiet space away from the hustle and bustle of crowded terminals. For Delta loyalists, access to Delta Sky Club® lounges is a highly valued benefit. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card provides cardholders with 15 Delta Sky Club Visits per Medallion Year when flying with Delta. For those who are high spenders, unlimited access becomes available after making $75,000 in purchases on the card within a calendar year. To further enhance the lounge experience, card members also receive four One-Time Guest Passes annually, allowing them to bring companions into the Delta Sky Club when traveling together on Delta.
Beyond Delta Sky Clubs, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card extends its lounge benefits to include complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounge – The Centurion® Studio Partner. This valuable perk is available when you purchase your Delta flight tickets using your Reserve Card, offering a wider range of lounge options across different airports.
For those aiming to climb the Medallion status ladder faster, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card provides a significant boost. Card members benefit from MQD Headstart, receiving $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) each Medallion Qualification Year right from the start. Furthermore, the MQD Boost allows you to earn $1 MQD for every $10 of purchases made on the card, accelerating your progress towards elite status through everyday spending.
Another standout feature of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is the Companion Certificate. Each year upon card renewal, members receive a Companion Certificate redeemable for a round-trip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin for a domestic, Caribbean, or Central American route. This allows you to share your travel experiences with a companion. It’s important to note that the Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees, which can range from $22 to $250 depending on the itinerary.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card is replete with additional benefits that cater to travel and lifestyle needs:
- Global Dining Access + $240 Resy Credit: Through Global Dining Access by Resy, cardholders gain exclusive access to reservations at sought-after restaurants. By enrolling through your Card account, you can also leverage a $240 Resy Credit, earning up to $20 back per month in statement credits on eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Receive up to $10 back monthly in statement credits, totaling up to $120 annually, on U.S. rideshare purchases made with select providers when you pay with your card. Enrollment is required for this benefit.
- TakeOff 15: Enjoy a 15% discount whenever you book Award Travel with miles on Delta flights through delta.com or the Fly Delta app. This discount does not apply to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Complimentary Upgrade List: Even without Medallion status, Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card Members with eligible tickets are added to the Complimentary Upgrade List, prioritized after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
- $120 Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Every 4 years, receive a statement credit for Global Entry application ($120) or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck application (up to $85 via a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) when charged to your card. Global Entry approval includes TSA PreCheck benefits. Terms and conditions apply; see www.americanexpress.com/expeditedtravel for details.
- Earn Miles on Purchases: Accumulate rewards with 3X Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta and 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.8
When comparing Delta credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card distinguishes itself with its premium benefits and higher annual fee. It’s designed for the dedicated Delta flyer who values lounge access, accelerated status, and travel perks that enhance the overall journey. While the annual fee is substantial, the suite of benefits, especially for frequent Delta travelers, can outweigh the cost, making it a worthwhile consideration in your comparison of Delta credit cards.
