Negative Changes Coming to Some AmEx Delta Credit Cards

Editor's note: After announcing these changes, Delta walked back some of the policies. Read the updated information here.

In the wake of a major shake-up to the Delta SkyMiles program, American Express has announced upcoming changes to some of the airline's co-branded credit cards. Starting in 2024, lounge access benefits and the way you can earn elite status will change for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Here's what cardholders need to know.

» MORE: Should you aim for airline elite status this year?

Changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, cardholders will:

• Lose the ability to access the Delta Sky Club®.

• Earn $1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) for every $20 spent on purchases on the card.

Currently, the primary cardholder and up to two guests can access the Delta Sky Club® for $50 per person when traveling on a Delta flight. This update accompanies upcoming changes to Delta SkyMiles loyalty program, which will solely utilize MQDs for elite status qualification, rather than a combination of qualifying dollars plus miles and segments flown with the airline.

Changes to the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, cardholders will:

• Lose Delta Sky Club® access when flying on a basic-economy ticket.

• Earn $1 MQD for every $10 in purchases.

Effective Feb. 1, 2025, cardholders will:

• Receive 10 complimentary visits per calendar year to the Delta Sky Club®. Up to two guests will be able to access the lounge at a rate of $50 per person per visit.

• Earn unlimited Delta Sky Club® visits by spending $75,000 on the card in the prior calendar year.

Currently, primary cardholders receive unlimited access to the Delta Sky Club® with a same-day Delta ticket, in addition to two annual guest passes.

Are these cards still worth the hefty annual fees?

According to Delta, changes to the Sky Club® access policies are being implemented in an effort to stem overcrowding. These changes largely follow the limits AmEx has implemented in recent years to combat overcrowding of Centurion Lounges.

The premium-level annual fees on the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card ($350) and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card ($650) may now be harder to justify for some cardholders. If you value lounge access and don't think it will be worth paying the annual fee given the upcoming changes, there are other card options.

Both cards will continue to offer an annual companion certificate upon renewal (good for one round-trip domestic flight in first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin for someone traveling with you, less some taxes and fees), in addition to 15% off when using miles to book award travel on Delta flights (not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes and fees).

While these changes are largely negative, in theory, you can now reach Delta Medallion elite status almost exclusively by spending on your credit card.

» MORE: 6 reasons you should be using airline lounges