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Features of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
- Overview of the Card’s Core Offerings: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium co-branded travel credit card designed for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers who seek luxury perks, elite status benefits, and enhanced travel experiences. With a focus on rewarding loyalty to Delta, this card offers a robust suite of features that cater to both leisure and business travelers who prioritize convenience, comfort, and rewards. Its high annual fee is offset by a range of premium features, including lounge access, travel credits, and opportunities to earn miles and Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) to achieve elite status within Delta’s SkyMiles program.
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Rewards Structure:
- 3X Miles on Delta Purchases: Cardholders earn 3 miles per dollar spent on all eligible purchases made directly with Delta Air Lines, including flights, seat upgrades, in-flight purchases, and other Delta-related transactions. This maximizes mile accumulation for frequent Delta travelers.
- 1X Miles on All Other Purchases: For all other eligible purchases, you earn 1 mile per dollar spent, ensuring that everyday spending contributes to your SkyMiles balance.

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- Welcome Bonus Offer: New cardholders can earn a substantial welcome bonus of 70,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Valued at approximately 1.2 cents per mile, this bonus is worth around $840 and offers a significant boost for travel rewards. Note that the welcome bonus is subject to American Express’s once-per-lifetime rule, meaning it can only be earned once for this specific card, regardless of past Delta SkyMiles card ownership.
- Delta Sky Club Access: One of the card’s standout features is its access to Delta Sky Club lounges. Cardholders receive 15 visits per Medallion Year when flying on Delta or Delta Connection flights. After spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, cardholders unlock unlimited Delta Sky Club visits, making this feature highly valuable for frequent flyers. Additionally, cardholders receive four one-time guest passes each Medallion Year, allowing them to share the lounge experience with family or friends. Access is limited to same-day, Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flights, and additional guests can be brought in for a fee of $50 per person per visit.
- Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge Access: When purchasing a Delta flight with the card, cardholders gain complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge and Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner. This perk extends to up to two guests at a rate of $50 per adult (or $30 for children aged 2–17), provided they are traveling on a same-day Delta flight. These lounges offer premium amenities like gourmet food, high-speed Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating, enhancing the pre-flight experience.
- Annual Companion Certificate: Each year after card renewal, cardholders receive a Companion Certificate valid for a round-trip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin to select domestic, Caribbean, or Central American destinations. The certificate covers the base fare for a companion, with the cardholder responsible for taxes and fees ranging from $22 to $250, depending on the itinerary. This feature can yield significant savings, especially for First Class travel, and is a cornerstone of the card’s value proposition.
- Free First Checked Bag: Cardholders and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive a free first checked bag on Delta flights, saving up to $70 per person per round-trip (a potential $280 savings for a family of four). This applies to standard-weight and standard-size bags on Delta or Delta Connection flights, making it a practical perk for frequent travelers.
- Priority Boarding: The card offers Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding (Zone 5) for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation. This allows earlier boarding, ensuring ample time to stow carry-on luggage and settle in before takeoff. Priority boarding is available on Delta and Delta Connection flights but not on Delta Shuttle flights.
- Complimentary Upgrades: Non-Medallion members with an eligible ticket are added to the Complimentary Upgrade List after Delta SkyMiles Medallion members, increasing the chances of securing a seat in a higher cabin class, such as Delta Comfort+ or First Class, subject to availability. For Medallion members, the card prioritizes upgrades over others within the same status tier and fare class.
- Medallion Status Boosts (MQD Headstart and MQD Boost): The card provides a $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year, giving cardholders a significant boost toward achieving Delta SkyMiles Medallion status. Additionally, cardholders earn $1 MQD for every $10 spent on eligible purchases, further accelerating progress toward elite status tiers like Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond. These features are particularly valuable for frequent Delta flyers aiming to unlock exclusive benefits like priority check-in, bonus miles, and complimentary upgrades.
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Statement Credits:
- Resy Credit: Cardholders can earn up to $240 annually in Resy Credits ($20 per month) for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants after enrolling through their American Express account. This credit encourages dining at sought-after establishments and can offset the card’s annual fee when fully utilized.
- Rideshare Credit: The card offers up to $120 annually in Rideshare Credits ($10 per month) for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers, such as Uber or Lyft, after enrollment. This perk supports seamless travel to and from airports or other destinations.
- Delta Stays Credit: An annual $200 Delta Stays Credit is available for prepaid hotel or vacation rental bookings made through Delta Stays on delta.com. This credit enhances the card’s value for travelers who book accommodations through Delta’s platform.
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit: Cardholders receive a statement credit of $120 every four years for Global Entry or up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck after paying the application fee with the card. Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck at no additional cost, streamlining both domestic and international travel.
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Additional Travel Perks:
- Hertz President’s Circle Status: Cardholders receive complimentary Hertz President’s Circle Status after enrolling and linking their Hertz Gold Plus Rewards account to their SkyMiles account. This status offers benefits like upgraded vehicles, priority service, and bonus points on car rentals, enhancing the overall travel experience.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: The card has no foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for international purchases without incurring additional costs, a feature that aligns with the needs of global travelers.
- Travel Protections: The card includes robust travel protections, such as Trip Delay Insurance (up to $500 per trip for delays over six hours, maximum two claims per year), Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance (up to $10,000 per trip, $20,000 per year), and Baggage Insurance (up to $1,250 for carry-on, $500 for checked baggage). These protections provide peace of mind for unexpected travel disruptions.
- Digital Tools and Account Management: The American Express App offers cardholders tools to manage their account, track spending, receive fraud alerts, and access nearby offers. This digital integration ensures seamless control over card activity, enhancing user convenience.
- Annual Fee and Additional Card Options: The card carries a $650 annual fee, reflecting its premium status and extensive benefits. Additional cards for employees or family members are available, with benefits like lounge access and priority boarding extended to additional cardholders, though some perks are limited to the primary cardholder.
- Summary of Features: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is packed with features tailored for Delta loyalists, including a rewarding miles structure, lounge access, travel credits, and elite status boosts. Its comprehensive travel protections and digital tools further enhance its appeal for frequent travelers seeking a premium experience.

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- Free Checked Bag Savings: The free first checked bag for the cardholder and up to eight companions can save up to $70 per person per round-trip, equating to $280 for a family of four.
- Statement Credits Offset Annual Fee: The card’s statement credits—$240 Resy Credit, $120 Rideshare Credit, $200 Delta Stays Credit, and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit—can total up to $560 annually if fully utilized.
- Travel Convenience and Comfort:
- Delta Sky Club and Lounge Access: Access to Delta Sky Club lounges and Centurion/Escape Lounges enhances comfort during layovers or pre-flight waits. Lounges offer complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and workspaces.
- Priority Boarding Benefits: Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding for cardholders and up to eight companions helps secure overhead bin space and reduces boarding stress.
- Complimentary Upgrades: Inclusion on the Complimentary Upgrade List for non-Medallion members and priority upgrades for Medallion members increase chances of Delta Comfort+ or First Class upgrades at no extra cost.
- Hertz Five Star Status: Enjoy vehicle upgrades and priority service by enrolling and linking your SkyMiles account.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Make purchases abroad without extra charges, ideal for international travel.
- Elite Status Acceleration:
- MQD Headstart and Boost: Receive a $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollar headstart and earn $1 MQD per $10 spent to accelerate progress toward Delta SkyMiles Medallion, unlocking perks like priority check-in and waived fees.
- Travel Protections and Peace of Mind:
- Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Includes Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance (up to $10,000 per trip), and Baggage Insurance (up to $1,250 for carry-on, $500 for checked baggage).
- Global Assist Hotline: 24/7 emergency assistance when traveling over 100 miles from home.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Saves money on purchases abroad.
- Exclusive Travel Perks:
- Hertz President’s Circle Status: Receive upgraded rentals, priority service, and bonus points by enrolling and linking accounts.
- TakeOff 15 Discount: Get 15% off Award Travel booked with miles on Delta flights through delta.com or the Fly Delta app, stretching mile value.
- Lifestyle and Dining Benefits:
- Resy Credit and Global Dining Access: $240 annual Resy Credit ($20/month) for dining at U.S. Resy restaurants plus access to exclusive reservations via Global Dining Access.
- In-Flight Purchase Discounts: 20% back as statement credits on eligible Delta in-flight food, beverages, and entertainment purchases.
- Digital and Account Management Benefits:
- American Express App: Track spending, manage payments, and get fraud alerts in real time.
- Amex Offers: Access exclusive rewards and credits.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Receive quick assistance anytime via chat or phone.
- Flexibility in Rewards Redemption:
- Pay with Miles Option: Use miles to reduce Delta flight costs, with 5,000 miles equaling a $50 discount in 5,000-mile increments. Unlimited usage as long as miles are available.
- Summary of Benefits: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers substantial financial savings via statement credits, enhanced travel experiences through lounge access and priority services.