Is the Blue Delta SkyMiles Card From AmEx Worth It?

Finding a no-annual-fee credit card is simple enough, but finding a no-annual-fee card that offers competitive rewards and benefits is harder. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a valuable option if you prefer flying on Delta and want to avoid the high annual fees of other premium travel cards.

Deciding whether the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card fits into your lifestyle depends on a few factors. Here are some reasons it might be worth having.

» Learn more: Delta Air Lines SkyMiles program: The complete guide

You’re planning a large purchase

Not all rewards cards without an annual fee offer cardmembers a chance to earn a welcome bonus offer. As a new cardmember, you'll have the following welcome offer: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. Terms Apply.

If you’re in the market for a zero-annual-fee card and have a large purchase coming up, this welcome bonus offer can give your rewards balance a head start.

You dine out frequently

Whether you’re dining al fresco these days at your favorite restaurant or ordering takeout, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers 2 miles for every dollar you spend. This earnings rate also applies to restaurant orders placed for delivery. It’s the highest rewards category offered through the card alongside Delta purchases (which also earn 2 miles per dollar). Terms apply.

However, there’s a caveat to keep in mind. When the restaurant is located within another establishment, the transaction might not be considered an eligible purchase. For example, if you’ve made a purchase at a Starbucks that’s inside a Target, the charge might not earn 2x miles. There are also restrictions on purchases at bars, nightclubs, cafeterias and convenience stores, according to the card’s terms and conditions. Terms apply.

You’re a member of Delta’s SkyMiles Dining program

Speaking of dining at restaurants — if you’re an existing member of the Delta SkyMiles Dining program, this card comes in handy. In addition to your 2-miles-per-dollar bonus on dining, you can get an additional 5 miles per dollar by hitting VIP status with the SkyMiles Dining program. Register your Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card in the dining program and make 11 qualified transactions in a calendar year to reach VIP status. Be sure to opt in to their email program for the maximum earning rate.

Your rewards card rotation has category gaps

Travel rewards credit cards offer rewards on different categories and often have different benefits in their fine print. For example, some rewards cards offer bonus rewards when you spend in specific categories. If the other cards in your rotation focus on categories, like supermarkets or groceries, gas or entertainment, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card can help cover the gap for dining purchases.

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card also provides additional benefits, like purchase protection and extended warranty protection. These are useful benefits that aren’t always offered by other cards. Terms apply.

You pack light when traveling

Other credit cards under the Delta-AmEx partnership, like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, offer cardmembers the convenience of one complimentary checked bag but charge an annual fee. Terms apply.

As a Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card customer, however, you’ll have to pack like a minimalist to avoid checking a bag at the standard rate, because the card doesn’t offer a free checked bag as a perk. But this is typical for a card that doesn’t charge an annual fee.

You don’t need VIP travel perks

If you have a low-profile traveling style, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card fits the mold. Unlike other travel rewards cards that tout luxury benefits, like exclusive airport lounge access or concierge service while you’re away from home, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card leans on upfront savings as its redeeming factor.

You’ll get bottom-line savings — like no annual fees, 20% back on in-flight purchases on Delta and no foreign transaction fees — in lieu of flashy VIP access. Terms apply.

Who is this card right for?

Being loyal to Delta’s rewards currency and having an affinity for dining out are musts when considering this credit card. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is particularly an ideal companion for savings-minded cardholders who want zero annual fees and ongoing 20% discounts on in-flight purchases. Terms apply.

It’s also a good option if you’re an occasional traveler who doesn’t need the bells and whistles of today’s elite travel rewards cards. Without hundreds of dollars in annual fees looming over your head, there’s less pressure to chase rewards and redeem benefits, so you can enjoy the card at your own pace.