Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Review

When it comes to travel credit cards, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card stands out as a premium option for frequent Delta flyers. With a robust suite of benefits tailored specifically towards Delta Airlines customers, this card is designed to enhance your travel experience. From earning bonus miles and enjoying complimentary lounge access to receiving a comprehensive set of travel protections, this card has a lot to offer. However, it also comes with a hefty annual fee and a set of criteria that might not suit everyone.
In this detailed review, we will explore the key features, benefits, and drawbacks of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. We will also provide insights into whether this card is a good fit for your travel and financial needs.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Key Takeaways

Before diving into the finer details, let’s summarize the key takeaways for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card:
– Earning Miles: Earn 3x miles on Delta purchases and 1x miles on other eligible purchases.
– Bonus Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership.
– Annual Fee: $550 annually.
– APR: Variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99%.
– Credit Requirement: Good to excellent credit scores (670-799).
– Travel Perks: Complimentary Delta Sky Club® access, Centurion® Lounge access, annual companion certificate, priority upgrades, and more.
– Additional Benefits: Fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®, baggage insurance, trip delay and cancellation insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and premium global assist.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Pros and Cons

Pros

Generous Bonus Offer

One of the standout features of this card is the generous bonus offer. New cardholders can earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months. This is a significant bonus that can be a game-changer for frequent Delta flyers, helping to offset the high annual fee and providing a substantial amount of miles right from the start.

Opportunity to Earn Medallion Status

The card offers several pathways to earning Medallion® Status, which can significantly enhance your travel experience with Delta. Spend $25,000 in a calendar year to waive the Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) requirement for Platinum, Gold, or Silver Medallion Status. Additionally, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $30,000 in purchases in a calendar year, up to four times. These benefits can help you achieve and maintain elite status with Delta, which comes with additional perks like complimentary upgrades and priority boarding.

Annual Companion Certificate

Each year upon renewal of your card, you receive a Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort®, or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate. This benefit alone can provide significant value, allowing you to bring a companion along on a domestic flight for just the cost of taxes and fees.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

For international travelers, the absence of foreign transaction fees is a significant advantage. You can use your card abroad without worrying about additional charges on your purchases, making it a convenient option for global travel.

Cons

High Annual Fee

The $550 annual fee is one of the highest in the industry for a consumer credit card. While the card offers a plethora of benefits, the steep annual fee might be a deterrent for some. It’s crucial to assess whether the benefits you will use justify this cost.

Lounge Access Limitations

Although the card provides complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® and Centurion® Lounges, there are certain limitations. For instance, access to Centurion® Lounges is only available when flying Delta, and guest access to lounges can incur additional fees.

Balance Transfers Not Available

This card does not offer balance transfer options, which might be a drawback for those looking to consolidate debt or transfer balances from other cards.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Benefits

Earning Miles

3x Miles on Delta Purchases

Cardholders earn 3x miles on Delta purchases, including flights and Delta Vacations®. This accelerated earning rate can help you accumulate miles quickly, which can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses.

1x Miles on Other Eligible Purchases

For all other eligible purchases, you earn 1x miles per dollar spent. While this is a standard earning rate, it still contributes to your overall miles balance and can be beneficial for everyday spending.

Travel Benefits

Complimentary Delta Sky Club® Access

One of the most coveted benefits of this card is the complimentary access to Delta Sky Club® lounges. These lounges offer a serene environment to relax before your flight, complete with amenities like Wi-Fi, snacks, and beverages. Additionally, you receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year, allowing you to share the experience with friends or family.

Complimentary Access to The Centurion® Lounge

When you book your Delta flight with your Reserve Card, you also enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge. These lounges are known for their upscale amenities, including gourmet food, premium beverages, and comfortable seating.

Delta Reserve Annual Companion Certificate

Each year upon card renewal, you receive a Domestic First Class, Delta Comfort®, or Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate. This benefit can offer substantial savings, especially when used for premium cabin tickets.

Upgrade Priority

Cardholders receive upgrade priority over other Medallion members within the same Medallion level and fare class grouping. This can increase your chances of securing complimentary upgrades on Delta flights.

Access to Complimentary Upgrades

Even if you don’t have Medallion Status, your card adds you to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Medallion Members. This can be a valuable benefit for those who frequently fly with Delta and seek upgrades to higher cabin classes.

First Checked Bag Free

As a cardholder, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights booked with your card. This benefit can save you up to $60 on a round-trip Delta flight per person, and up to $240 for a family of four.

Additional Benefits

Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®

To expedite your airport security experience, the card offers a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®. This credit is available every 4 years for Global Entry ($100) or every 4.5 years for TSA Pre✓® (up to $85).

Baggage Insurance Plan

Travel with peace of mind knowing that you are 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) with your eligible Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card. Coverage is available for up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.

20% Savings on In-Flight Purchases

Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after using your card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food, beverages, and audio headsets. This perk can make your flight experience even more enjoyable while saving you money.

Trip Delay and Trip Cancellation Insurance

The card provides trip delay and trip cancellation insurance, offering reimbursement for certain additional expenses if your trip is delayed or canceled for a covered reason. Trip delay insurance covers expenses up to $500 per trip, with a maximum of 2 claims per card per 12 consecutive months. Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse non-refundable travel expenses up to $10,000 per trip and $20,000 per card per 12 consecutive months.

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 counter, you can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory. This benefit provides additional peace of mind when renting a car.

Premium Global Assist® Hotline

With the Premium Global Assist® Hotline, you have access to 24/7 medical, legal, financial, or other select emergency coordination and assistance services when you travel more than 100 miles from home. Emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost if approved and coordinated by the Premium Global Assist Hotline.

Additional Travel Benefits

Status Boost®

Earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $30,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, up to four times. This benefit helps you get closer to earning Medallion Status with Delta, which comes with additional perks and privileges.

Rate and Fee Information

Purchase Intro APR

None.

Purchase APR

Variable APR ranging from 20.99% to 29.99%.

Intro Balance Transfer APR

None.

Balance Transfers APR

None.

APR for Cash Advances

29.99% Variable.

How to Avoid Paying Interest

Your due date is at least 25 days after the close of each billing period. You will not be charged interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance (or if you have a plan outstanding, your balance adjusted for plans) by the due date. Interest is charged on cash advances from the transaction date.

Fees

– Annual Fee: $550 annually.
– Fees for Cash Advances: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater.
– Penalty Fees: 29.99% APR for returned payments and late payments, with a fee of up to $40 for each.

Conclusion

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a powerhouse of travel benefits, particularly for those who are loyal to Delta Airlines. With its generous bonus miles offer, opportunities to earn Medallion Status, and extensive suite of travel perks,