What to Know Before Getting the Delta Reserve AmEx
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If you’re thinking about applying for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, these are the most important factors for you to consider.
1. The benefits
All Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card cardholders can have access to the following benefits:
Get a head start on status with a $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) bonus each year.
Earn 3x miles per $1 spent on eligible Delta purchases rather than 2x.
Receive a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
Access to AmEx Centurion Lounges when using this card to book your Delta flight.
Up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
Up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases.
Hertz President’s Circle status.
$200 Delta Stays statement credit.
Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more the previous year. To earn unlimited visits in 2025, you’ll need to spend this amount between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24.
Terms apply.
» Learn more: The complete guide to Delta SkyMiles
2. Your complimentary companion certificate comes with some strings attached
One high-value perk of holding the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the complimentary Companion Certificate that is issued annually. Terms apply.
If you play your cards right, you should be able to easily cover the cost of the annual fee by utilizing the companion certificate.
The Companion Certificate is valid for one round-trip first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin ticket to select locations. The Companion Certificate must be redeemed at the same time your primary ticket is booked, and it is only applicable to Delta, Delta Connection and Delta Shuttle flights.
You'll still be on the hook for government-imposed taxes and fees, which can cost up to $250 on international flights.
The bottom line
Before signing up for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, it’s essential that you understand the recent annual fee price increase, the ways the benefits have evolved, how the card is focusing on MQD acquisition and the restrictions imposed on the Companion Certificate. Terms apply.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
United℠ Explorer Card
Travel
Get valuable perks like free checked bag, lounge passes and rental car insurance for a fee of $0 intro for the first year, then $95. Limited time offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
