American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card Review

When it comes to business travel, few things can make a journey smoother and more rewarding than the right credit card. The American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card, designed specifically for frequent Delta Airlines travelers, offers an array of benefits and rewards that make it a compelling choice for business owners and professionals who are constantly on the go. In this comprehensive review, we will dive into the features, benefits, pros, and cons of this premium travel credit card, and provide you with insights from a financial expert’s perspective.

American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card Key Takeaways

Before we delve into the details, let’s highlight some key takeaways for the American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card:
1. Generous Rewards Program: Earn 3x miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, 1.5x miles on eligible purchases after spending $150,000 in a calendar year, and 1x mile on other purchases.
2. Significant Welcome Bonus: Receive 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of card membership.
3. Premium Travel Benefits: Enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and The Centurion® Lounge, annual companion certificates, free checked bags, priority boarding, and more.
4. Annual Fee: $550 annually.
5. APR and Fees: Variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99%, no foreign transaction fees, and various insurance coverages including trip delay, cancellation, and baggage insurance.

American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card Pros and Cons

Pros

1. No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travelers, as there are no additional charges for purchases made abroad.
2. High Rewards Rate: Earning 3x miles on Delta purchases can quickly accumulate significant rewards, especially for frequent flyers.
3. Extensive Travel Benefits: Access to airport lounges, free checked bags, and priority boarding enhance the travel experience.
4. Welcome Bonus: The substantial welcome bonus of 110,000 miles can significantly offset the annual fee, especially in the first year.
5. Status Boost: Earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) to help reach elite status faster.

Cons

1. High Annual Fee: The $550 annual fee may be steep for some businesses, particularly those that do not travel frequently.
2. No Intro APR Period: The lack of an introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers may not appeal to those looking to finance large purchases or transfer balances.
3. Limited Balance Transfer Options: The card does not offer balance transfer promotions, limiting its usefulness for consolidating debt.

American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card Benefits

1. Miles and Rewards

One of the standout features of the American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card is its robust rewards program. Here’s how you can maximize your miles:
– 3x Miles on Delta Purchases: Earn 3x miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, including airfare, seat upgrades, and in-flight purchases.
– 1.5x Miles on Other Purchases: After spending $150,000 on your card in a calendar year, you’ll earn 1.5x miles per dollar on eligible purchases for the remainder of the year.
– 1x Mile on Other Purchases: For all other purchases, you earn 1 mile per dollar spent.

2. Welcome Bonus

The welcome bonus is particularly enticing for new cardholders. You can earn 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 on purchases within the first 6 months of card membership. This substantial bonus can be a game-changer, allowing you to book multiple flights or upgrade to premium cabins.

3. Travel Benefits

The American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card offers a plethora of travel benefits designed to enhance your travel experience:
– Delta Sky Club® Access: Enjoy complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs, providing a comfortable and relaxing environment before your flights. You also receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year.
– The Centurion® Lounge Access: Gain complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book your Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
– Companion Certificate: Receive an annual companion certificate for a Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin round-trip flight upon card renewal.
– Complimentary Upgrades: If you don’t have Medallion Status, your card adds you to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Medallion Members.
– Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding: Enjoy early boarding on Delta flights, allowing you to find room for your carry-on bag and settle into your seat sooner.
– First Checked Bag Free: Save up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight by checking your first bag for free.

4. Status Boost®

With the Status Boost® feature, you can accelerate your path to Medallion Status. Earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $30,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to 4 times per year. Additionally, earn an extra 3,750 MQMs after making $30,000 in purchases, up to 4 times.

5. Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®

Basic card members can receive a statement credit for a five-year membership every 4 years after applying for Global Entry ($100) or every 4.5 years after applying for TSA Pre✓® (up to $85). This benefit can save you time and hassle at airport security checkpoints.

6. Trip Delay and Cancellation Insurance

The card offers trip delay and cancellation insurance, providing peace of mind when your travel plans are disrupted. If a round-trip is paid for entirely with your eligible card and a covered reason delays your trip more than 6 hours, trip delay insurance can help reimburse certain additional expenses up to $500 per trip. Similarly, trip cancellation and interruption insurance can reimburse non-refundable travel expenses up to $10,000 per trip.

7. Baggage Insurance Plan

Travel more comfortably knowing you can be covered for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage when you purchase the entire fare for a common carrier vehicle ticket (e.g., plane, train, ship, or bus) on your eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.

8. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

When you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter, you can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory. This benefit can save you money on rental car insurance and provide peace of mind during your travels.

Conclusion

The American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card is a premium travel credit card designed for business owners and professionals who frequently fly with Delta Airlines. Its generous rewards program, substantial welcome bonus, and extensive travel benefits make it a compelling choice for frequent travelers. However, the high annual fee and lack of introductory APR period may be drawbacks for some.
In conclusion, if you are a business owner who values premium travel perks, enjoys flying with Delta Airlines, and can leverage the card’s benefits to offset the annual fee, the American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Credit Card is a strong contender for your wallet. The ability to earn miles quickly, access exclusive airport lounges, and enjoy complimentary upgrades and priority boarding can significantly enhance your travel experience and make your journeys more enjoyable and rewarding.