Overview of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a range of benefits tailored for those who frequently travel with Delta. Cardholders can enjoy elite status through spending, lounge access (with certain conditions), and an annual companion certificate. It is ideal for regular Delta flyers seeking exclusive perks. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐½
*The card rating reflects the opinions of Flying Frugal’s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Despite a considerable annual fee of $650 (see rates and fees), the value offered by this card can outweigh the costs for dedicated Delta customers.
A recommended credit score for this card is at least 670.
Let’s delve into the Delta Reserve Amex and its benefits to determine if it meets your needs.
Pros and Cons of the Delta Reserve Amex
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Welcome Offer for Delta Reserve Amex
New cardmembers can earn a generous welcome bonus of 100,000 miles after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months. This offer ends on July 16.
This represents the best-ever offer for this card, making it an excellent opportunity to apply. Similar offers have been seen once or twice a year, with the most recent in April.
According to Flying Frugal’s June 2025 valuations, Delta SkyMiles are valued at approximately 1.25 cents each, translating to a value of $1,250 for the bonus miles.
Note that some applicants may not qualify for this welcome offer, particularly due to Amex’s one-bonus-per-card-per-lifetime policy. Those currently holding this card or previous versions are typically ineligible.
Amex may also review your history with other American Express cards and various factors when determining eligibility for this offer. After submitting your application, Amex will notify you of ineligibility before pulling your credit.
Related: What credit score do you need for Delta SkyMiles American Express cards?
Benefits of the Delta Reserve Amex
The Delta Reserve Amex offers various benefits for enthusiastic Delta travelers. Enrollment is required for some features, and terms apply.
Lounge Access
Primary and additional cardmembers receive 15 complimentary visits to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying on a same-day, Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. Unlimited visits are available after spending $75,000 in a calendar year.
If traveling on a Delta partner airline, cardmembers can access Sky Clubs for $50 per guest. After exhausting the 15 complimentary visits, a fee of $50 is required for each club visit.
Additionally, cardmembers gain free admission to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta with a ticket purchased on a U.S.-issued American Express card. Guests can be brought in for a fee of $50 each (or $30 for children aged 2 to 17).
Annual Companion Certificate
Another appealing feature of the Delta Reserve Amex is the annual companion certificate provided after the account anniversary, valid for one round-trip fare on Delta’s first class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin when a round-trip ticket is purchased for an adult.
This benefit covers travel to all 50 U.S. states (including Hawaii and Alaska), as well as Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean, potentially resulting in significant savings on airfare.
Elite Status Qualification
Cardmembers earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) for every $10 spent, with no cap on MQDs accumulated through credit card purchases. Additionally, a bonus of 2,500 MQDs is granted at the beginning of each Medallion Qualification Year.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta
Additional Perks
The Delta Reserve Amex also extends various travel-related benefits, including shopping and travel protections when the card is used for specific purchases (enrollment may be required; terms apply).
Related: How to maximize the new statement credits on the Delta Amex cards
Earning Miles with the Delta Reserve Amex
This card earns Delta SkyMiles on eligible purchases as follows:
- 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta
- 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases
With a return of 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, you’re looking at a 3.8% return, or 1.3% on other spending, based on Flying Frugal’s June 2025 valuation. There might be more lucrative options for everyday purchases through other American Express cards that earn Membership Rewards points transferable to Delta.
Related: 4 reasons why the Amex Platinum might be the ideal credit card for Delta flyers
Redeeming Miles with the Delta Reserve Amex
Delta’s dynamic pricing can complicate the process of redeeming SkyMiles, especially for long-haul or premium cabins.
When aiming for premium-cabin awards, the redemption costs can soar. It may be wiser to save your Delta miles for promotional award sales, which have featured deals such as domestic travel for as low as 2,000 SkyMiles or business class to Bogota, Colombia, for 12,000 SkyMiles.
You also have the option to redeem miles for flights with international SkyTeam partners or non-alliance partners like WestJet, in addition to using SkyMiles for various other rewards like hotel stays or premium beverages in Sky Clubs, though not all redemptions yield high value.
Related: Short on Delta SkyMiles? Try Miles Headstart
Competing Cards to the Delta Reserve Amex
The Delta Reserve Amex is primarily valued for its Delta Sky Club access and elite status qualification. It competes with several other cards offering similar perks.
For additional options, check out our complete list of the best travel cards.
Related: Amex Platinum vs. Delta Reserve
Conclusion
This personal credit card is optimal for those loyal to Delta seeking complimentary Sky Club access and elite-like benefits. If this aligns with your travel habits, this card could be a worthwhile investment.
If you prefer broader earning opportunities without specific Delta perks, other cards such as the Amex Platinum may be more suitable.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Amex, click here
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here
