What Delta credit cards offer and who issues them

Delta credit cards are issued by American Express and give you points toward Delta flights, seat upgrades, and other travel perks. American Express offers several versions—the Blue Business, Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards—each with different annual fees, point earning rates, and welcome bonuses. The cards are designed to reward frequent Delta flyers, but you don't have to fly Delta exclusively to use them.

Every Delta American Express card earns Medallion may have access to Dollars (MQDs) on purchases, which count toward Delta's elite frequent flyer status. This is different from regular points: MQDs help you reach Silver, Gold, Platinum, or Diamond status faster, which unlocks priority boarding, seat upgrades, and lounge access. You earn MQDs on every dollar you spend with the card, not just on Delta purchases.

The cards also come with a companion certificate or annual travel credit, depending on which card you choose. A companion certificate lets someone fly with you for a reduced price on a domestic Delta flight. An annual travel credit reimburses you for incidental travel expenses like baggage fees or seat upgrades across any airline.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta American Express cards earn points and Medallion may have access to Dollars on all purchases, not just flights.
  • Each card has a different annual fee, ranging from no annual fee to several hundred dollars, and offers different perks in return.
  • Companion certificates and annual travel credits are included benefits, but they work differently and suit different travel patterns.
  • You can use Delta points to book flights, seat upgrades, or other travel rewards through the Delta website or by calling reservations.
  • Welcome bonuses typically require you to spend a set amount within the first few months to receive the points.

The four main Delta American Express cards and their annual fees

The Delta Blue Business American Express has no annual fee and is designed for small business owners or self-employed people. You earn one point per dollar on all purchases, with higher earning rates on Delta purchases and at restaurants and gas stations. There is no companion certificate or annual travel credit, so this card is best if you want a no-cost way to accumulate Delta points without extra perks.

The Delta Gold American Express has an annual fee and earns two points per dollar on Delta purchases and restaurant and gas station spending. It includes a companion certificate that resets each year, letting you bring someone on a domestic Delta flight for a reduced price. This card appeals to people who fly Delta regularly and want a mid-tier option with a meaningful annual benefit.

The Delta Platinum American Express has a higher annual fee and earns three points per dollar on Delta purchases and one point per dollar on all other purchases. It includes an annual travel credit that reimburses incidental travel expenses, priority boarding, and other elite-level perks. This card is for frequent Delta flyers who want maximum earning power and don't need a companion certificate.

The Delta Reserve American Express has the highest annual fee and earns three points per dollar on Delta purchases, restaurants, and gas stations. It includes both a companion certificate and an annual travel credit, plus access to Delta Sky Club lounges and other premium benefits. This card is designed for the most frequent travelers who want every available perk.

How to earn and use Delta points

You earn Delta SkyMiles points every time you use your card, whether you're buying groceries, paying a bill, or booking a flight. The earning rate depends on which card you have and what you're buying. For example, the Platinum card earns three points per dollar on Delta purchases but only one point per dollar on groceries. Points never expire as long as your account stays active, so you can accumulate them over time.

You can redeem points through the Delta website by logging into your SkyMiles account and searching for award flights. Delta shows you available flights and how many points each one costs. Prices vary based on demand—a flight might cost 25,000 points one day and 35,000 points another day. You can also call Delta reservations to book with points if you prefer to speak with someone.

Points can be used for more than just flights. You can redeem them for seat upgrades, checked baggage fees, standby flights, or Delta gift cards. Some cards also let you transfer points to hotel and car rental partners, though the transfer rate varies. Check your card's benefits guide to see all redemption options.

Understanding companion certificates and annual travel credits

A companion certificate (included with Gold and Reserve cards) lets you book a domestic Delta flight and bring a companion for a reduced price. The companion typically pays only taxes and fees—usually $20 to $50—while you pay the full award price in points or cash. The certificate resets each calendar year, so if you don't use it by December 31, you lose it. You must be the primary passenger on the flight; the companion cannot use the certificate to bring someone else.

An annual travel credit (included with Platinum and Reserve cards) reimburses you for incidental travel expenses up to a set dollar amount each year. This covers things like baggage fees, seat upgrades, parking, or airline club memberships—not the ticket itself. You pay out of pocket first, then submit a receipt to American Express for reimbursement. The credit resets each year and does not roll over if you don't use it.

The choice between a companion certificate and a travel credit depends on how you travel. If you fly with a partner or family member regularly, a companion certificate saves you money on their ticket. If you fly solo or want flexibility in how you spend your travel benefit, an annual travel credit works better.

Welcome bonuses and how to meet the spending requirement

Each Delta American Express card comes with a welcome bonus—a large number of points awarded after you meet a spending requirement. The bonus amount and spending threshold vary by card and change periodically. For example, a card might offer 50,000 points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months. The bonus is paid once, not every year.

The spending requirement is the total amount you must charge to the card within a set timeframe, usually three months from account opening. Only purchases count—balance transfers, cash advances, and fees do not. If you don't meet the requirement by the important date, you don't receive the bonus. Plan your spending in advance or use the card for regular bills to reach the threshold without overspending.

The welcome bonus is often the biggest value you get from a card in the first year, especially if the card has an annual fee. Compare the bonus points to the annual fee to see if the card makes sense for you. For example, if a card costs $250 per year but gives you 50,000 bonus points worth $500 in travel value, the net benefit in year one is positive—but only if you actually use the points.

Annual fees, when they charge, and how to avoid them

The Delta Blue Business card has no annual fee. The Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards all charge annual fees that vary by card. The fee is charged on your account anniversary—the date you opened the card—each year. American Express will send you a notice before the fee posts, usually 30 days in advance.

If you decide you don't want to pay the annual fee, you can call American Express and close the card before the anniversary date. Your account will close, and you'll lose access to any remaining points (though points don't expire if you keep the account open). Some people downgrade to a lower-tier card instead of closing entirely, which lets them keep their points and avoid a high annual fee.

Annual fees are worth paying only if you use the card's benefits. If you never use a companion certificate or travel credit, or if you don't earn enough points to offset the fee, the card costs you money. Calculate your expected annual spending and point value before opening an account.

How to set up your card and start earning

When your Delta American Express card arrives in the mail, you'll need to set up it before you can use it. American Express sends set up instructions with the card or you can set up online through your American Express account. Some cards set up automatically when they arrive, so check your account to confirm.

Once the card is active, you can start using it when ready. Your first purchase will post within a few days, and points will appear in your SkyMiles account within one to two weeks. Make sure your American Express account is linked to your Delta SkyMiles account so points post correctly. You can link them through the Delta website or by calling Delta customer service.

If you're working toward a welcome bonus, keep track of your spending to make sure you hit the requirement before the important date. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar for the last day of the may have access to period so you don't miss it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to fly Delta to use a Delta American Express card?

No. You earn points and Medallion may have access to Dollars on every purchase you make with the card, regardless of whether you fly Delta or any airline. However, the card earns bonus points on Delta purchases, so frequent Delta flyers get more value. If you rarely fly Delta, a general travel rewards card might be a better fit.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points do not disappear when you close the card. They stay in your Delta SkyMiles account as long as you have account activity at least once every 24 months. If your SkyMiles account becomes inactive, Delta may delete the points. You can keep your points active by flying Delta, using a different Delta credit card, or making any purchase that earns SkyMiles.

Can I use my companion certificate on any Delta flight?

Companion certificates work on most domestic Delta flights, but some flights and dates are excluded. Typically, you cannot use a companion certificate on basic economy fares, flights during peak travel times, or certain routes. Check the terms on your card's benefits guide or call Delta reservations to see which flights are available for your travel dates.

How long does it take to earn enough points for a free flight?

It depends on how much you spend and which card you have. A domestic flight typically costs 25,000 to 50,000 points depending on demand. If you spend $5,000 per month on a card that earns one point per dollar, you'd earn 60,000 points per year—enough for one or two domestic flights. Higher-earning cards and welcome bonuses speed this up significantly.

Can I transfer my Delta points to someone else?

You cannot transfer points to another person's account. However, you can use your points to book a flight for someone else if you're the primary passenger, or you can buy a gift card with your points and give it to them. Some cards allow you to add an authorized user to your account, and that person can use the card to earn their own points.