Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Review 2025
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The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a premium travel credit card designed for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers who prioritize luxury perks, elite status boosts, and lounge access. With a steep $650 annual fee, it’s not for everyone, but its robust welcome bonus, companion certificate, and up to $710 in statement credits can make it a powerhouse for Delta devotees. This review, updated as of September 9, 2025, details the card’s features, pros, cons, and ideal users to help you decide if it fits your travel and spending habits. Always check the issuer’s site for the latest terms, as benefits may change.
Key Features and Benefits
Welcome Offer
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. Offer ends October 29, 2025.
- Value: Approximately $1,438 (The Points Guy’s 1.15 cents/mile valuation) to $1,625 (US Credit Card Guide’s 1.3 cents/mile, September 2025). This high bonus is achievable for frequent travelers or those with significant expenses, ideal for booking Delta flights or partner awards.
Earning Rates
- 3 miles per dollar: On eligible Delta purchases (flights, Delta Vacations®).
- 1 mile per dollar: On all other eligible purchases.
- Note: The lack of bonus categories outside Delta limits earning potential compared to cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on flights booked directly) or Chase Sapphire Reserve® (3x on travel).
Annual Fee and Rates
- Annual Fee: $650 (no introductory offer).
- Regular APR: 20.24%–29.24% variable, based on creditworthiness.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None, making it ideal for international travel.
- No Balance Transfers or Intro APR: Not suited for carrying balances or debt consolidation.
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% for late/returned payments ($39 fee).
Statement Credits and Perks (Up to $710 in Annual Value)
- Delta Stays Credit: Up to $200 annually for prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays on delta.com/stays.
- 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. rideshares with select providers (enrollment required).
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Credit: Up to $100 every 4–4.5 years.
- 15% Off Award Travel: 15% discount on Delta award flights booked via delta.com or the Fly Delta app (excludes partner flights, taxes, fees).
These credits alone can offset the $650 fee if fully utilized, especially for frequent travelers dining at Resy restaurants or using rideshares.
Travel and Delta Perks
- Companion Certificate: Annual round-trip certificate for First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin to domestic, Caribbean, or Central American destinations upon card renewal (taxes/fees ~$22–$250). Valued at $500–$1,000+ for First Class, potentially covering the fee alone.
- Lounge Access: 15 Delta Sky Club visits per Medallion Year (February 1–January 31); unlimited visits after $75,000 annual spend. Complimentary access to Centurion Lounges and Escape Lounges when booking Delta flights with the card, plus 4 one-time Sky Club guest passes yearly.
- Free Checked Bag: First bag free for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on Delta flights (~$280 savings for a family of 4 round-trip, assuming $40 per bag).
- Priority Boarding: Zone 5 (Main Cabin 1) for you and up to 8 companions, ensuring overhead bin space.
- 20% In-Flight Savings: Statement credit on Delta in-flight purchases (food, drinks, entertainment).
- Elite Status Boosts: $2,500 MQD Headstart each Medallion Year; earn $1 MQD per $10 spent, accelerating Delta Medallion status (e.g., ~$25,000 spend for Silver Medallion, valued at $500+ for upgrades/priority benefits).
- Hertz President’s Circle Status: Complimentary, offering car rental perks (enrollment required).
- Complimentary Upgrades: Added to Delta’s upgrade list after Medallion members, enhancing chances for Comfort+ or First Class seats.
Protections
- Trip Delay/Cancellation Insurance: Up to $500 per trip for delays over 6 hours (2 claims/year).
- Baggage Insurance: Up to $1,250 for carry-on, $500 for checked bags.
- Car Rental Coverage: Secondary, up to $50,000 for damage/theft (excludes some countries).
- Purchase Protection: Up to $1,000 per item, $50,000/year for damage/theft within 90 days.
- Extended Warranty: Adds 1 year to eligible warranties of 5 years or less.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High 125,000-mile welcome bonus (~$1,438–$1,625 value). | $650 annual fee requires heavy Delta usage to justify. |
| Up to $710 in credits can offset fee. | Limited earning rates outside Delta purchases. |
| Valuable companion certificate and lounge access (15 visits, unlimited with $75,000 spend). | Sky Club visits capped at 15 without high spend. |
| MQD boosts fast-track elite status. | No intro APR or balance transfer options. |
| No foreign transaction fees; strong travel protections. | Less flexible rewards than competitors like Amex Platinum. |
Who Should Get This Card?
- Ideal For: Frequent Delta flyers (10+ trips/year) who prioritize lounge access, elite status, and travel perks. The $710 credits, companion certificate (~$500–$1,000), and free bags (~$280 for 4 round-trips) can generate $1,500–$2,000+ in annual value, far exceeding the fee for those near Delta hubs (e.g., Atlanta, NYC, Detroit). Business travelers or high spenders chasing Silver/Gold Medallion status will maximize benefits.
- Example: A professional flying Delta 12 times yearly, spending $6,000 in 6 months, could recoup ~$2,190 (bonus + credits + bags), making the card a no-brainer.
Who Should Skip It?
- Not For: Infrequent Delta flyers or those seeking flexible rewards. Cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express ($695 fee, 5x on flights, broader lounge access) or Chase Sapphire Reserve® ($550 fee, 3x on travel, transferable points) offer more versatility for non-Delta loyalists.
- Also Skip If: You can’t maximize credits or fly Delta less than 5 times/year, as the $650 fee outweighs benefits for low-volume users.
Application Tips
- Credit Score Needed: Good to Excellent (670–850, FICO).
- Amex Rules: Welcome bonus is once-per-lifetime per card; ineligible if you’ve previously held this card. Amex allows one credit card approval per day and is lenient with hard pulls for established credit (6+ months history).
- Timing: Apply by October 29, 2025, to secure the 125,000-mile bonus, among the highest historically offered.
Comparison to Alternatives
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: $350 fee, 100,000-mile bonus, companion certificate, but no lounge access or MQD Headstart. Better for moderate Delta flyers.
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: $695 fee, 150,000-point bonus, 5x on flights booked directly, Priority Pass and Centurion Lounge access. Suits travelers wanting flexibility and premium lounges.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: $550 fee, 60,000-point bonus, 3x on travel/dining, transferable points to Delta and others. Ideal for those prioritizing earning rates and transfer partners.
Final Verdict
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card earns a 4.5/5 for Delta loyalists who fly frequently and can leverage its $710 credits, companion certificate, and lounge access to generate $1,500–$2,000+ in annual value. The 125,000-mile bonus is a major draw, but the $650 fee and narrow earning make it overkill for casual travelers or non-Delta fans. Apply by October 29, 2025, to lock in the bonus—terms apply. Pay in full to avoid the high 20.24%–29.24% APR. For more details, visit American Express or call 1-800-528-4800.