What you get with an American Express Delta card

American Express offers several Delta co-branded cards, each with different rewards rates and annual fees. The main benefit across all Delta cards is earning miles on every purchase you make, which you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, and other travel rewards through Delta's program. Beyond miles, most Delta American Express cards include perks like checked baggage fee waivers, priority boarding, and statement credits toward Delta purchases.

The specific benefits depend on which Delta card you hold. The Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card has no annual fee and earns 1 mile per dollar spent. The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card charges an annual fee but earns higher miles rates and includes a checked baggage waiver and priority boarding. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express card has a higher annual fee and offers even more miles per dollar, plus additional perks like a $100 annual incidental credit and lounge access.

Key Takeaways

  • All Delta American Express cards earn miles on purchases, but the earning rate and annual fee vary by card tier.
  • Checked baggage fee waivers and priority boarding come with most Delta cards, saving you money on travel days.
  • Annual statement credits on higher-tier cards can offset part or all of the annual fee if you use them for Delta purchases.
  • Miles earned on the card never expire as long as your account remains open and you use the card at least once every two years.
  • You can combine miles from the card with miles from Delta flights to reach redemption thresholds faster.

Earning miles on everyday purchases

Every dollar you spend on a Delta American Express card earns miles toward future flights. The earning rate depends on your card: the no-annual-fee Blue card earns 1 mile per dollar, while Gold and Platinum cards earn 2 or 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 to 1.5 miles per dollar on other spending. Some cards also offer bonus miles when you first open the account, typically 10,000 to 70,000 miles depending on the card and current promotions.

Miles accumulate in your Delta SkyMiles account, which is separate from your American Express account but linked to your card. You can check your balance anytime by logging into Delta's website or app. The miles you earn through the card combine with any miles you earn by flying Delta, so your total balance grows from both sources.

Baggage fees and boarding priority

Most Delta American Express cards waive the fee for your first checked bag on Delta flights. This benefit applies to you and up to two companions traveling on the same ticket. A checked bag normally costs $35 for the first bag on domestic flights, so this benefit alone can save you money if you check luggage even once per year.

Priority boarding is included on Gold and Platinum Delta cards, meaning you board before most other passengers. This gives you a better chance of finding overhead bin space and settling in before the cabin fills. The Blue card does not include priority boarding, though you can still board during the regular boarding groups if you hold a may have access to ticket.

Annual fees and statement credits

The Delta SkyMiles Blue card has no annual fee, making it a low-cost way to earn miles if you do not need premium perks. The Gold card charges an annual fee, and the Platinum card charges a higher annual fee. Both the Gold and Platinum cards include annual statement credits that you can use toward Delta purchases, such as flights, seat upgrades, or baggage fees.

The credit amount varies by card. For example, a Gold card might include a $50 annual credit, while a Platinum card might include a $100 annual credit. These credits post to your American Express account once per year, usually around your card anniversary. You must use the credit within the year or it expires, so plan your Delta purchases accordingly.

How to redeem miles for flights

To book a flight with miles, log into your Delta SkyMiles account on Delta's website or app and search for award flights. You can filter results to show only flights available for miles redemption. The number of miles required depends on the route, time of year, and demand — a short domestic flight might cost 5,000 miles, while a long international flight could cost 50,000 miles or more.

You can also call Delta's reservations line to book with miles over the phone, though online booking is usually faster. Once you book, your miles are deducted from your account and your flight is confirmed. You can make changes to award flights, though change fees may explore depending on your ticket type and the specific change you want to make.

Keeping your miles active and your account open

Delta miles do not expire as long as your SkyMiles account remains open and you earn or use miles at least once every two years. This means you can hold onto miles for a long time without losing them, as long as you stay active. Using your American Express Delta card counts as account activity, so regular card use keeps your miles safe.

If your account becomes inactive for more than two years with no earning or spending, Delta may close the account and forfeit your miles. To avoid this, use your card periodically or take at least one Delta flight every two years. You can also transfer miles to a family member's account or donate them to charity if you do not plan to use them yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I earn miles on every purchase with a Delta American Express card?

Yes, you earn miles on all purchases made with the card. The earning rate varies by card type and spending category — for example, a Platinum card might earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases but only 1 mile per dollar on other spending. Check your card's terms to see the exact earning rates.

Can I use my miles for anything other than flights?

Miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, and baggage fees through Delta. Some cards also allow you to transfer miles to hotel and car rental partners or use them for other travel-related purchases, though the redemption options vary by card and program rules.

What happens to my miles if I close my card?

Closing the card does not automatically close your SkyMiles account or forfeit your miles. Your miles remain in your SkyMiles account as long as the account stays active. However, if your account becomes inactive for two years with no earning or spending, Delta may close it and your miles could be lost.

Do I have to pay the annual fee every year?

Yes, the annual fee posts to your account once per year, usually around your card anniversary. The fee is charged whether or not you use the card. If you decide the card is not worth the fee, you can close it at any time, though closing it does not refund the annual fee you already paid.

Can I earn bonus miles for signing up?

Most Delta American Express cards offer a sign-up bonus of miles when you open the account and meet a minimum spending requirement within a set timeframe. The bonus amount and spending requirement change based on current promotions, so check the card's offer details before you open an account.