'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?
ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
The 5 best Delta credit cards: Flying perks galore
Delta Air Lines has long been a popular and reliable carrier for international travel. Established in 1925, it now services almost 200 million travelers annually to 300 destinations in 50 countries with 5,000 daily departures (as much as 15,000 daily departures if you consider its partnership with the SkyTeam alliance). It is a flexibility that both the occasional traveler and road warrior can appreciate, knowing no matter where you are going, Delta is there.
In 1996, Delta expanded into credit cards, thanks to a partnership with American Express. There are many options for Delta credit cards, but not all of them may fit the bill for your travel plans. If you have caught the travel bug, these are the best Delta credit cards to help you get there.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card does a good job of straddling the line between entry-level and advanced benefits. Its annual fee is reasonable at $99 each year, and you get the first year's fee automatically waived. Another bonus you receive comes much faster. When you spend $2,000 within the first six months of having the card, you will earn 40,000 bonus miles. If you spend $10,000 within the first year, there is a $100 Delta Flight Credit that you can put towards that next trip. Simply use the Pay with Miles option for discounted tickets via Delta's website. You also earn extra miles for your food purchases, with 2 miles per dollar at U.S. restaurants and supermarkets, as well as 2 miles per dollar for all of your Delta purchases.
Pros:
- Rewards never expire
- Early boarding benefit
- Free checked bag
Cons:
- Annual fee after the first year
- No luxury perks
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
- Earn 2X Miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
With the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, rewards are straightforward. You begin earning right away with 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 within the first six months.
You can save money by skipping the annual fee because, unlike many of Delta's credit cards, this is one of the few American Express credit cards that does not charge an annual fee. With this card, you still have the option to use Pay with Miles. This gives you the ability to redeem your points on Delta.com without any fuss when you book your next trip. When eating out, you earn two miles per dollar at all restaurants globally, including takeout and delivery. You also earn two miles per dollar on your Delta purchases.
Pros:
- No annual fee
- Dining perks
- Bonus miles after $1,000 in purchases
Cons:
- Must pay for checked bags
- Missing travel benefits
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card comes with handsome rewards to benefit the frequent flyer. When you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months, you can earn 50,000 bonus miles. There are also other ways to earn, like three miles per dollar when you make a Delta purchase or purchase directly with hotels. There is a reward of two miles per dollar when you spend at restaurants and grocery stores.
Amex will also give you a free credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® to help expedite that next trip, plus a companion certificate and Status Boost® to get you that much closer to upgrading Medallion status. There is an annual fee of $250, and while not so cheap, it is still half the cost of other cards like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card.
Pros:
- Companion perks
- Free checked bag
- Early boarding
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Must pay for lounge access
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
- Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
- Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
You have to pay $550 each year for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, but the list of benefits is long and impressive. To start, you only have to spend $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months and you are awarded 70,000 Bonus Miles. Purchases will also earn you three miles per dollar on Delta purchases, 1.5 miles per dollar after your first $150,000, and one mile per dollar on other eligible purchases.
Other perks include a Status Boost® of 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after $30,000 in eligible purchases per year. You have the opportunity to use your Status Boost up to four times per calendar year. There are many other built-in perks, too, like Companion Certificates, priority boarding, and Delta Sky Club® access with complimentary access to both the Centurion® and Escape lounges.
Pros:
- Generous travel perks
- Extra Medallion Miles
- No annual fee
Cons:
- Annual fee applies
- Reward limitations
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases.
- Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you only have to spend $5,000 in your first six months of having the card in order to earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs. Regular rewards include three miles per dollar on Delta purchases. There is also complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® globally with two guest passes each year.
The annual fee is high at $550, but there are many benefits like complimentary upgrades, a Companion Certificate, and a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy the Centurion Lounge with access to the Delta Sky Lounge, plus two guest passes per year. Other benefits include a free checked bag, in-flight discounts, priority upgrades, and a 24/7 global assist hotline.
What's more, you can earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your card a year, up to four times.
Pros:
- Automatic Medallion status
- Complimentary companion benefits
- Delta Sky Club access
Cons:
- Very high annual fee
- Minimal rewards compared to other cards
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
What is the best Delta credit card?
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is our pick for the overall best Delta credit card. With no annual fee for the first year and a reasonable introductory offer, it is a solid pick when you are looking for an excellent credit card for travelers.
Credit card | Variable APR | Recommended credit score | Intro offer |
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | 20.74% to 29.74% | Good, Excellent | $0 intro first-year annual fee 40,000 bonus miles after $2,000 in eligible purchases within first 6 months |
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card | 20.74% to 29.74% | Good, Excellent | 10,000 bonus miles after $1,000 in eligible purchases within first 6 months |
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | 20.74% to 29.74% | Good, Excellent | 50,000 bonus miles after $3,000 in eligible purchases within first 6 months |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card | 20.74% to 29.74% | Good, Excellent | 70,000 bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within first 3 months |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | 20.74% to 29.74% | Good, Excellent | 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 MQMs after $5,000 in eligible purchases within first 6 months |
Which Delta credit card is right for you?
Delta offers a few credit cards, but not all of them may fit your specific needs. To help you find the best Delta credit card for you, consider our expert recommendations:
Choose this Delta credit card... | If you... |
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | Want the best perks for even the occasional flyer |
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card | Don't want to waste your dollars on an annual fee |
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | Want mid-tier perks and companion tickets |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: | Are a road warrior wanting extra perks |
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Want Sky Club perks |
How did we choose these credit cards?
There are several factors we consider in our search for the best Delta credit card:
- APR: Your annual percentage rate, or APR, is what dictates how much interest you will pay on your purchases. Lower APRs are generally given to those with more favorable credit scores and histories.
- Rewards: Many perks can accompany a Delta credit card, like companion tickets, free checked bags, and Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credits.
- Fees: You can quickly waste money on credit card fees if you are not careful, so we look at the fee schedule for each credit card in order to provide an upfront financial portrait of what to expect should you choose each card.
- Credit: Your credit score is one of the major factors that determine whether you will be approved for a Delta credit card. Generally, the higher your credit score, the better your chances are of approval.
Who issues Delta credit cards?
Delta credit cards are issued by American Express, Member FDIC.
What is the APR for the best Delta credit cards?
All of our picks for the best Delta credit cards share the same APR, ranging from 20.74% to 29.74%, depending on creditworthiness.
Are there alternative credit cards worth considering?
In our research for the best Delta credit card, we also considered two other Delta credit cards that may be worth a second look.
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: A solid choice for the occasional business trip
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: A great pick for medium-sized businesses
For other options, consider our picks for the best Amex business cards, best airline credit cards, and the best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2022.