Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card Review 2025
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In the competitive world of business travel rewards, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card stands out as a premium option for frequent Delta flyers who own or run a small business. With a hefty $650 annual fee, this card is designed for those who prioritize elite status perks, lounge access, and Delta-specific benefits over broad rewards earning. As of September 2025, the card offers a robust welcome bonus and enhanced MQD (Medallion Qualification Dollars) boosts to accelerate Delta elite status, making it a strong contender for executives logging serious air miles. However, its value hinges on how much you fly Delta—casual travelers or non-Delta loyalists may find better alternatives with lower fees and more flexible points.
Whether you’re chasing Medallion Status or seeking luxury in the skies, this review breaks down the card’s features, pros, cons, and who it suits best. All details are current as of September 9, 2025, and subject to change—always check the issuer’s site for updates.
Key Features and Benefits
The Delta Reserve Business Card excels in Delta ecosystem perks, but its rewards structure is straightforward rather than category-heavy. Here’s a snapshot of the standout elements:
Welcome Offer
Earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 6 months of card membership. Offer ends October 29, 2025. Valued at approximately $1,438 based on The Points Guy’s September 2025 valuations (1.15 cents per mile), this is one of the highest bonuses available for Delta business cards, matching historical highs. It’s ideal for businesses with high upfront spending, like inventory or marketing, but the threshold is steep for smaller operations.
Earning Rates
- 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases.
- 1.5 miles per dollar on eligible U.S. transit (including rideshares), U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply stores, plus all eligible purchases after spending $150,000 in a calendar year.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
This structure favors Delta spenders but lags behind general business cards like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (3x on travel and select categories). No bonus for advertising or telecom, which are staples for many businesses.
Annual Fee and Rates
- Annual Fee: $650 (no introductory offer; see rates and fees).
- Intro APR: None; variable APR of 20.24%–29.24% on purchases and balance transfers (if allowed).
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Balance Transfers: Not accepted.
Statement Credits and Perks (Up to $720+ in Value)
The card shines here, potentially offsetting the fee for Delta enthusiasts:
- Delta Stays Credit: Up to $250 annually for prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays on delta.com.
- Resy Credit: Up to $240 ($20/month) on eligible U.S. Resy restaurant purchases (enrollment required).
- Rideshare Credit: Up to $120 ($10/month) on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers (enrollment required).
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 every 4–4.5 years.
- 15% Off Award Travel: Save 15% on Delta award flights (not applicable to partners or taxes/fees).
Total potential credits: $720, plus elite status boosts like $2,500 MQD Headstart and $1 MQD per $10 spent (helping reach Silver status with ~$25,000 spend).
Travel and Delta Perks
- Companion Certificate: Annual round-trip in First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin to domestic, Caribbean, or Central American destinations (taxes/fees $22–$250; after renewal). Valued at $500–$1,000+ for business class.
- Lounge Access: 15 Delta Sky Club visits per Medallion Year (unlimited after $75,000 spend); complimentary Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge access when booking Delta flights with the card.
- Free Checked Bag: First bag free for you and up to 8 companions on Delta flights ($280 savings for a family of 4 round-trip).
- Priority Boarding: Zone 5 for you and up to 8 companions.
- Hertz President’s Circle Status: Complimentary (enrollment required).
- Complimentary Upgrades: Added to upgrade list after Medallion members.
Protections
- Trip delay/cancellation insurance, secondary car rental coverage, purchase protection, extended warranty, and cell phone protection (up to $800/claim).
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Generous welcome bonus and MQD boosts for elite status. | High $650 annual fee requires heavy Delta usage to offset. |
| Valuable companion certificate and lounge access. | Limited earning rates outside Delta (no broad business bonuses). |
| Up to $720+ in statement credits. | Sky Club visits capped at 15/year without high spend. |
| No foreign transaction fees and strong protections. | No balance transfers or intro APR. |
Who Should Get This Card?
Ideal for small business owners who fly Delta 10+ times annually and value status perks like upgrades and lounges. If you spend $15,000+ yearly on business expenses and book through Delta, the credits and certificate can easily exceed the fee—potentially $1,500+ in value. Skip if you’re not Delta-loyal; consider the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card ($350 fee) for lighter travel.
Who Should Skip It?
Casual flyers or those preferring flexible points (e.g., Chase Ink Business Preferred for 3x on travel/shipping). The earning is mediocre without Delta spend, and the fee is prohibitive for low-volume users.
Final Verdict
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card earns a 4.5/5 for Delta devotees, thanks to its elite-boosting perks and credits that can eclipse the $650 fee. It’s a powerhouse for business travel but overkill otherwise. If Delta is your go-to, apply now for the 125,000-mile bonus—terms apply. For broader rewards, look to Amex Business Platinum (5x on flights/hotels). Always pay in full to avoid high APR.