What the American Express Delta SkyMiles Card offers
The American Express Delta SkyMiles Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by American Express in partnership with Delta Air Lines. It earns SkyMiles — Delta's frequent flyer currency — on every purchase you make, and it comes with benefits tied directly to Delta flying: checked bag fee waivers, priority boarding, and mile bonuses when you first open the account.
American Express offers several versions of this card at different annual fee levels. The basic version has a lower annual fee and entry-level benefits. Higher-tier versions charge more but include perks like annual mile bonuses, seat upgrades, and lounge access. The card itself is not a charge card — you can carry a balance month to month, though interest will accrue on unpaid balances.
This card is designed for people who fly Delta regularly or plan to, because the benefits and earning rates are built around Delta's ecosystem. If you rarely fly Delta specifically, the rewards may not be worth the annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- You earn SkyMiles on every purchase — the earning rate varies by card tier and purchase category, with bonus rates on Delta purchases and certain partner merchants.
- The card waives your first checked bag fee on Delta flights, saving you $30 to $40 per round trip if you check luggage regularly.
- You receive priority boarding on Delta flights, which means you board before most other passengers and can stow your carry-on bag overhead.
- American Express charges an annual fee that varies by card tier; higher tiers include annual mile bonuses and other perks that may offset the cost if you fly Delta frequently.
- The card comes with a welcome bonus of SkyMiles after you meet a minimum spending requirement in the first few months.
How to open an American Express Delta SkyMiles account
You can open an account online through American Express's website or through Delta's website. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. American Express will pull your credit report to make a decision.
You will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If approved, your card will ship to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you set up it through the American Express app or website by entering the card number and expiration date, or by calling the number on the back of the card.
After set up, you can link the card to your Delta SkyMiles account so that purchases and miles post automatically. You do this through Delta's website by entering your SkyMiles number and card details. This step is important because it ensures every purchase earns miles toward your account.
Understanding the earning structure and annual fee
The card earns SkyMiles at different rates depending on what you buy. You typically earn a base rate on all purchases — often 1 mile per dollar spent. On Delta purchases (flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees paid to Delta), you earn at a higher rate, usually 2 or 3 miles per dollar. Some versions also offer bonus earning on restaurants, gas stations, or other categories.
The annual fee ranges from around $95 to $550 depending on which version of the card you choose. The basic version has the lowest fee. Higher tiers charge more but include perks like an annual statement credit toward Delta purchases, annual SkyMiles bonuses (often 10,000 to 15,000 miles), and access to Delta Sky Club lounges.
To decide whether the annual fee is worth it, calculate how much you would spend on Delta in a year. If the annual bonus miles and fee credits add up to more than the annual fee, and you fly Delta at least a few times per year, the card may pay for itself. If you fly Delta rarely or not at all, the annual fee will likely cost you more than you gain.
Benefits beyond earning miles
The checked bag waiver is one of the most concrete benefits. When you use this card to pay for your Delta ticket, your first checked bag flies free on that trip. This saves you $30 on a domestic round trip or more on international flights. Family members traveling with you do not get the waiver — only the cardholder.
Priority boarding means you board in an earlier group than standard passengers, which gives you a better chance of finding overhead bin space for your carry-on. This matters most on full flights or if you prefer not to gate-check your bag.
Depending on the card tier, you may also receive seat upgrades (usually complimentary upgrades to first or business class if space is available), access to Delta Sky Club lounges, and a statement credit toward Delta purchases. Read the specific benefits for the tier you are considering, because these perks vary significantly.
How to use miles and redeem rewards
SkyMiles accumulate in your Delta SkyMiles account as you make purchases with the card. You can redeem them for Delta flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees, or partner airline tickets. You can also transfer miles to hotel and car rental partners, though the redemption value is often lower than using them for flights.
To book a flight with miles, log into your Delta account, search for a flight, and select the option to pay with miles instead of cash. Delta shows you the mile cost for each flight. Prices vary based on demand — the same route might cost 25,000 miles on a slow day or 50,000 miles during peak travel.
Miles do not expire as long as you have account activity at least once every 24 months. Account activity includes earning or redeeming miles, so regular card use keeps your account active. If your account goes inactive for more than 24 months, Delta may close it and forfeit your miles.
Annual fees and when to keep or cancel the card
The annual fee posts to your account on the anniversary of when you opened the card. You will receive a statement showing the charge. If you decide the card is not worth keeping, you can cancel it anytime, though you will not receive a refund of the annual fee you just paid.
Some versions of the card include an annual statement credit — for example, a $100 credit toward Delta purchases. This credit posts automatically each year and can offset part or all of the annual fee if you use it. Check your card's benefits to see whether it includes a credit and how much it is.
If you are on the fence about keeping the card after the first year, contact American Express before the annual fee posts. Sometimes they will waive the fee for one year if you ask, though this is not may provide. If you decide to cancel, do so before the fee posts to avoid paying for a year you will not use the card.
How the card compares to other airline cards
American Express offers Delta cards at multiple tiers, and other issuers offer cards for United, Southwest, and other airlines. The choice depends on which airline you fly most often and what benefits matter to you.
Delta cards emphasize checked bag waivers and priority boarding. Southwest cards typically offer rapid rewards earning and no blackout dates for award flights. United cards focus on upgrade certificates and lounge access. If you fly one airline far more than others, a card for that airline usually makes the most sense.
If you split your flying between multiple airlines, a general cash-back card or a flexible points card (like the American Express Gold Card) might earn you more value than a single-airline card. Compare the annual fee, earning rates, and benefits against your actual flying patterns before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Delta frequent flyer member to open this card?
No. You can open the card without a SkyMiles account, and American Express will help you create one during the process process. If you already have a SkyMiles account, you can link it to the card after set up.
What happens to my miles if I cancel the card?
Your miles stay in your SkyMiles account. Canceling the card does not delete your miles — they remain as long as your account stays active (which requires at least one transaction every 24 months). You can continue to redeem them for flights or other rewards.
Can I earn the welcome bonus more than once?
American Express has rules about how often you can earn a welcome bonus on the same card. Generally, you cannot earn another bonus on the same card within a certain period (often 24 months). If you close the card and reopen it later, you may be able to earn the bonus again, but check American Express's current rules first.
Does the checked bag waiver explore to my family members?
No. Only the cardholder gets the free checked bag. Your spouse, children, or other family members traveling with you would need to pay the checked bag fee unless they have their own Delta card or status with Delta.
What if I don't fly Delta enough to use the benefits?
If you fly Delta fewer than two or three times per year, the annual fee will likely cost you more than the benefits are worth. In that case, a general cash-back card or a card for an airline you fly more often would be a better choice.