Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Review

In the ever-evolving landscape of credit cards, finding the one that perfectly aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences can be a daunting task. However, for frequent travelers, particularly those loyal to Delta Airlines, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card stands out as a compelling option. This review delves deep into the features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of this card, providing an expert analysis to help you make an informed decision.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Review

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a travel rewards credit card designed to cater to frequent flyers, especially those who prefer Delta Airlines. It offers a range of perks and rewards tailored to enhance your travel experience. With no annual fee, it is an attractive choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to maximize their rewards without incurring additional costs.

Card Details:

– Annual Fee: $0
– Rewards:
– 2x Miles on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
– 2x Miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta.
– 1x Miles on all other purchases.
– Bonus Miles: 10,000 Bonus Miles after spending $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
– APR: 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
– Credit Score Requirement: Good to Excellent (670-799)

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Key Takeaways

Understanding the key aspects of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card can help you determine if it fits your travel and spending habits.

Rewards Structure

The rewards structure of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is straightforward yet rewarding:
– 2x Miles on Dining: Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on dining at restaurants, including takeout and delivery within the U.S.
– 2x Miles on Delta Purchases: Earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta Airlines.
– 1x Miles on Other Purchases: Earn 1 mile for every dollar spent on all other purchases.

Bonus Miles

New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 10,000 miles after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. This bonus can significantly boost your SkyMiles balance, providing an excellent start to your rewards journey.

No Annual Fee

One of the standout features of this card is the $0 annual fee. This makes it an ideal option for those who want to earn travel rewards without the burden of an annual fee.

Foreign Transaction Fees

The card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a suitable companion for international travelers who want to avoid additional costs while making purchases abroad.

In-Flight Savings

Cardholders receive a 20% discount on eligible in-flight purchases made on Delta flights, including food, beverages, and audio headsets, in the form of a statement credit.

Travel Benefits

While the card does not offer comprehensive travel benefits like some premium cards, it does provide essential travel protections such as car rental loss and damage insurance, and access to the Global Assist® Hotline for emergency assistance when traveling more than 100 miles from home.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Pros and Cons

Pros:

– No Annual Fee: Enjoy all the perks and rewards without paying an annual fee.
– Generous Rewards on Dining and Delta Purchases: Earn 2x miles on dining and Delta purchases, making it easy to accumulate miles.
– No Foreign Transaction Fees: Save money on international purchases with no foreign transaction fees.
– In-Flight Savings: Receive a 20% discount on eligible in-flight purchases made on Delta flights.
– Bonus Miles: Earn 10,000 bonus miles after meeting the spending requirement within the first six months.

Cons:

– Limited Travel Benefits: The card lacks some of the comprehensive travel benefits offered by premium travel credit cards, such as lounge access and travel insurance.
– Relatively Small Welcome Bonus: Compared to other travel cards, the welcome bonus of 10,000 miles may seem modest.
– High APR: The variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99% can be high, especially for those who carry a balance.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Benefits

1. Rewards Program

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card offers a robust rewards program that caters to frequent travelers. The 2x miles on dining and Delta purchases allow cardholders to earn miles quickly, while the 1x miles on all other purchases ensure that every dollar spent contributes to your rewards balance. The miles earned can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related expenses, providing flexibility and value to cardholders.

2. Welcome Bonus

The 10,000 bonus miles offered to new cardholders after spending $1,000 within the first six months is a great way to kickstart your rewards journey. This bonus can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, or other travel-related expenses, providing significant value to new cardholders.

3. No Annual Fee

The absence of an annual fee makes the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers. Cardholders can enjoy all the benefits and rewards without the burden of an annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for earning travel rewards.

4. No Foreign Transaction Fees

For international travelers, the card’s lack of foreign transaction fees is a significant benefit. Cardholders can make purchases abroad without incurring additional costs, making it a great companion for international travel.

5. In-Flight Savings

Cardholders receive a 20% discount on eligible in-flight purchases made on Delta flights. This discount, provided in the form of a statement credit, can add up over time, providing additional savings for frequent Delta flyers.

6. Travel Protections

The card offers essential travel protections, including car rental loss and damage insurance. This benefit provides coverage for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle when the card is used to reserve and pay for the rental, and the collision damage waiver is declined at the rental counter. Additionally, the Global Assist® Hotline provides 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and luggage assistance, when traveling more than 100 miles from home.

Conclusion

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is a well-rounded travel rewards credit card that offers significant value to frequent travelers, particularly those who prefer Delta Airlines. With a generous rewards program, no annual fee, and essential travel protections, it caters to budget-conscious travelers looking to maximize their rewards without incurring additional costs. However, the card does have some limitations, such as the lack of comprehensive travel benefits and a relatively modest welcome bonus.
Overall, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is an excellent choice for frequent Delta flyers and those who spend significantly on dining. It provides a straightforward and rewarding experience, allowing cardholders to earn miles quickly and enjoy various travel-related perks. If you are looking for a cost-effective way to earn travel rewards and enhance your travel experience, this card is worth considering.
By understanding the key features, benefits, and potential drawbacks of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your travel and spending habits. Whether you are a frequent traveler or someone looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases, this card offers a compelling blend of value and flexibility.