If you're a frequent flyer with Delta Airlines, get ready for some fantastic news! The Delta SkyMiles credit cards from American Express are undergoing some exciting changes that will enhance your travel experience even more.
Following recent updates to the SkyMiles program, Delta cardholders can look forward to improved benefits that make earning miles, scoring upgrades, and getting the most out of your card easier than ever. These changes apply to all three tiers of Delta SkyMiles credit cards.
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
These updates are not just minor tweaks; they represent significant enhancements that will benefit both new and existing cardholders. If you're already a Delta SkyMiles cardholder, you can start enjoying these new benefits immediately. However, the updated annual fees will only take effect upon card renewal starting on or after May 1, 2024.
Unfortunately, with the introduction of new and enhanced perks, Delta Amex cardholders will see an increase in their annual fees across all cards. Here's what's changing,
Personal Cards
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Annual fee increasing from $99 to $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Annual fee increasing from $250 to $350.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Annual fee increasing from $550 to $650.
Business Cards
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Annual fee increasing from $99 to $150.
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Annual fee increasing from $250 to $350.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Annual fee increasing from $550 to $650.
While the increased fees may seem disappointing, it's important to consider the added value and upgraded benefits that accompany these changes. Despite the higher annual costs, the enhanced perks make Delta Amex cards even more rewarding for travelers.
Let's take a closer look at these popular travel credit cards and the exciting changes you can expect.
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card has long been a favorite among travelers, and it's about to get even better with some exciting changes. Here's what you need to know about the updated benefits, fees, and more...
Annual Fee: For the first year, enjoy a $0 annual fee. After that, the annual fee increases to $150.
Welcome Offer: Get ready to earn big! Enjoy a welcome offer of 70,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first 6 months.
Rewards: The rewards program has been revamped to offer even more value
- Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases.
- Receive 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets.
- Get 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, including U.S. takeout and delivery.
- Earn 1x miles on all other purchases.
What's New
1. New Annual Fee: While the first year remains fee-free, the ongoing annual fee has been increased from $99 to $150.
2. Increased Welcome Offer: The welcome bonus has been boosted to 70,000 bonus miles when you spend $3,000 within the first six months, up from the previous 40,000 bonus miles.
3. Bigger Annual Credit: Cardholders now receive a $200 flight credit (previously $100) when they spend $10,000 on purchases in a calendar year.
4. Delta Stays Benefit: Enjoy up to $100 back in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.
These enhancements make the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card an even more valuable tool for frequent flyers. With increased rewards, a larger flight credit, and added benefits, there's never been a better time to elevate your travel experience with this card.
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card is leveling up with some incredible enhancements that make it an even more valuable tool for frequent travelers. Here's everything you need to know about the updated benefits, fees, and more:
Annual Fee: The annual fee for the Platinum SkyMiles Card has increased from $250 to $350.
Welcome Offer: Get ready to earn big rewards right from the start. Enjoy a welcome offer of 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first 6 months.
Rewards: The rewards program has been supercharged to offer even more value.
- Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases.
- Receive 3x miles on hotel purchases made directly with hotels.
- Get 2x miles at restaurants worldwide, including U.S. takeout and delivery.
- Enjoy 2x miles at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1x miles on all other purchases.
What's New
1. New Annual Fee: While the annual fee has increased, the card now offers even more benefits to justify the cost.
2. Boosted Companion Certificate Offer: The companion certificate perk has been enhanced to provide a Main Cabin round trip flight to domestic, Caribbean, or Central American destinations (excluding taxes and fees).
3. More MQDs: Cardholders will receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year, helping you progress towards elite status.
4. Resy Credit: Enjoy up to $120 ($10 per month in statement credits) annually on eligible Resy purchases.
5. Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $120 ($10 per month in statement credits) annually on select U.S. rideshare services with enrollment required.
6. Delta Stays Benefit: Earn up to $150 back in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.
7. Upgrades: Cardholders are now eligible for complimentary upgrades with an eligible flight ticket, even if you're not a Medallion member.
8. Hertz Status: Enroll in the rewards program with your card and receive Hertz Five Star Status, providing additional perks when renting a car.
These updates make the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card an even more valuable asset for travelers, offering enhanced benefits and rewards to elevate your travel experience.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is raising the bar with some incredible enhancements that make it an even more valuable asset for frequent flyers. Here's everything you need to know about the updated benefits, fees, and more:
Annual Fee: The SkyMiles Reserve Card now comes with a $650 annual fee, up from $550.
Welcome Offer: Prepare to be rewarded generously right from the start. Enjoy a welcome offer of 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 within the first 6 months.
Rewards: The rewards program remains top-notch, offering:
- Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases.
- Receive 1x miles on all other purchases.
What's New
1. New Annual Fee: While the annual fee has increased, the card now offers enhanced benefits to provide even more value.
2. Increased Welcome Offer: The new welcome bonus sets the Delta Reserve apart, offering an impressive 100,000-mile bonus. Spend $6,000 within the first six months to earn this generous reward.
3. Boosted Companion Certificate Offer: Enjoy an enhanced companion certificate benefit that applies not only to Main Cabin fare but also to First Class or Delta Comfort+. You can now receive a companion round-trip ticket on your choice fare class to domestic, Caribbean, or Central American destinations (excluding taxes and fees).
4. More MQDs: Cardholders will receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year, helping you progress towards elite status.
5. Resy Credit: Earn up to $240 ($20 per month in statement credits) annually on eligible Resy purchases.
6. Rideshare Credit: Enjoy up to $120 ($10 per month in statement credits) annually on select U.S. rideshare services with enrollment required.
7. Upgrades: Cardholders are eligible for complimentary upgrades with an eligible flight ticket, even if you're not a Medallion member. Medallion members with a Reserve card receive upgrade priority over other members at the same Medallion level and fare class.
8. Delta Stays Benefit: Earn up to $200 back in annual statement credits on eligible prepaid bookings through Delta Stays.
9. Hertz Status: Enroll in the rewards program with your card and receive Hertz President’s Circle Status, providing additional perks when renting a car.
For many of us, hearing about increased annual fees on credit cards isn't exactly music to our ears. But before you start feeling the pinch, let's take a closer look at the recent changes to Delta's lineup of Amex cards.
Sure, higher fees are never ideal, but Delta has sweetened the deal with some pretty enticing perks. Take, for example, the enhanced benefits you'll now enjoy as a card member. It's like getting more bang for your buck.
Now, let's address the elephant in the room, the exclusion of Delta Sky Club access on the Reserve cards. We get it—it's a bit of a downgrade. But think of it as a necessary step to tackle the issue of overcrowding in the lounges. Delta is making moves to improve the overall lounge experience, and sometimes, change is needed for the better.
So, how do you make the most of these changes? It's all about leveraging those credits that come with your card. Whether it's travel credits, statement credits, or other perks, make sure you're taking full advantage of what your card has to offer. That way, you can offset the increase in annual fees and still come out ahead.
Feeling a bit unsure about these adjustments? Don't worry—you're not alone. If the changes aren't sitting right with you, it's worth reaching out to Amex and asking about retention offers when your new annual fee kicks in. And if you're really not vibing with your current card anymore, consider downgrading to a Delta card with a lower annual fee, like the Gold or Platinum options, or even the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, which doesn't have an annual fee at all (see rates and fees). Plus, downgrading can help protect your credit score.
One thing to keep in mind, though, if you're holding onto the Reserve, you won't be eligible for the welcome offer on any of the lower-tier Delta cards (Platinum, Gold, or Blue) as a new cardmember, thanks to Amex tightening up their application restrictions in the latter half of 2023.
So, as you navigate these changes, remember to choose the card that aligns best with your travel habits and financial goals. With a bit of strategy, you can make these adjustments work in your favor and continue to enjoy the perks of being a Delta Amex cardmember.
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