What the Delta SkyMiles American Express card is and who it's for

The Delta SkyMiles American Express card is a co-branded credit card issued by American Express and Delta Air Lines. When you use it to make purchases, you earn SkyMiles — Delta's frequent flyer currency — instead of cash back. The card comes in several versions with different annual fees and earning rates, and it's designed for people who fly Delta regularly or want to accumulate miles toward free tickets.

This is not a travel rewards card that lets you choose your airline. Every mile you earn goes into your Delta account only. If you don't fly Delta, or if you prefer flexibility to switch between carriers, a general travel card may suit you better. But if Delta is your primary airline, the card's sign-up bonus and everyday earning can add up quickly.

Key Takeaways

  • The Delta SkyMiles American Express card earns miles on every purchase, with higher earning rates on Delta flights and American Express purchases.
  • The card charges an annual fee that varies by version — typically $95 to $550 — and the fee is charged every year you keep the account open.
  • New cardholders receive a sign-up bonus in miles after meeting a spending requirement within the first few months.
  • You can redeem miles for Delta flights, seat upgrades, and other travel-related purchases through your Delta account.
  • The card includes benefits like checked baggage waivers and priority boarding for the cardholder, which vary by card tier.

The three versions of the card and their annual fees

American Express offers three Delta SkyMiles cards: Blue, Gold, and Platinum. Each charges a different annual fee and offers different earning rates and benefits. The Blue card is the entry-level option with the lowest fee. The Gold card sits in the middle. The Platinum card is the premium version with the highest fee and the most benefits.

The Blue card charges $95 per year. The Gold card charges $250 per year. The Platinum card charges $550 per year. These fees are charged to your account once per year on your card anniversary — the date you opened the account — and you will be charged even if you do not use the card. There is no way to pause the fee without closing the account. If you close the account, you lose access to any miles you have not yet redeemed, though miles themselves do not expire as long as your Delta account stays active.

How many miles you earn on different types of purchases

The earning rate depends on which version of the card you hold and what you are buying. On the Blue card, you earn 1 mile per dollar on most purchases and 2 miles per dollar on Delta flights and American Express travel purchases. On the Gold card, you earn 2 miles per dollar on Delta flights and American Express travel purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on everything else. On the Platinum card, you earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta flights and American Express travel purchases, and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases.

American Express travel purchases include hotels, rental cars, and cruises booked through American Express Travel. Regular purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, and restaurants earn the base rate of 1 mile per dollar on all three versions. The higher earning rates on Delta flights explore whether you book directly with Delta or through a travel agent, as long as the charge posts as a Delta purchase.

Sign-up bonuses and how to claim them

When you open a new Delta SkyMiles American Express card, you receive a sign-up bonus in miles. The bonus amount changes regularly and depends on which version of the card you open. A typical bonus ranges from 10,000 to 75,000 miles, though the exact offer varies by card tier and the time you explore.

To receive the bonus, you must spend a set amount within a specific timeframe — usually three months from when your account opens. For example, an offer might require you to spend $3,000 in three months to earn 50,000 bonus miles. The spending requirement includes all purchases on the card, not just Delta flights. Once you meet the requirement, the miles post to your Delta account automatically within a few weeks. You do not need to request the bonus or take any action beyond making the purchases.

Cardholder benefits beyond earning miles

All three versions of the Delta SkyMiles card include a checked baggage waiver for the primary cardholder and one companion on the same ticket. This means you avoid the first checked bag fee on Delta flights. The Blue card also includes priority boarding, which lets you board before most other passengers. The Gold and Platinum cards include additional benefits such as seat upgrade certificates, which let you upgrade to a higher cabin class on may be able to access flights.

The Platinum card includes the most extensive benefits: annual seat upgrade certificates, a statement credit toward Delta purchases, and access to Delta Sky Club lounges at certain airports. These benefits have real value if you fly Delta frequently, but they do not offset the $550 annual fee unless you use them regularly. Calculate whether the benefits you will actually use justify the fee before you open the account.

How to redeem your miles for flights and upgrades

Miles live in your Delta SkyMiles account, which is separate from your American Express account. You log into Delta.com with your Delta credentials to see your balance and redeem miles. To book a flight with miles, search for your route on Delta.com, select a flight, and choose "pay with miles" instead of a credit card. The number of miles required depends on the route, the time of year, and the cabin class — economy flights cost fewer miles than first class on the same route.

You can also use miles to upgrade an existing ticket. If you have booked a flight in economy, you can log into your Delta account and offer miles to upgrade to business or first class. The upgrade cost varies by flight. Miles can also be used for seat selections, checked baggage fees, and other ancillary charges, though using miles this way is usually not the best value compared to redeeming them for flights.

What happens if you close the card or miss a payment

If you close your Delta SkyMiles American Express card, you keep the miles in your Delta account as long as your Delta account remains active. Closing the card does not erase your miles. However, you will no longer earn miles on new purchases with that card, and you lose access to the cardholder benefits like checked baggage waivers and priority boarding.

If you miss a payment on the card, American Express will charge you a late fee and report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. Your interest rate may also increase. If you are having trouble making a payment, contact American Express as soon as possible to discuss your options — they sometimes offer hardship programs or payment plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use the card to keep my miles?

No. Once miles are in your Delta account, they stay there as long as your Delta account is active, regardless of whether you keep the credit card open. However, if you close the card, you will stop earning new miles on purchases. Your existing miles do not expire.

Can I transfer miles to another person or airline?

You cannot transfer miles to another airline. You can gift miles to another Delta SkyMiles account holder, but Delta charges a fee for the transfer. The fee and process are listed on Delta.com under account settings.

What is the difference between the Blue and Gold cards?

The Gold card costs $155 more per year but earns 2 miles per dollar on Delta flights instead of 1 mile per dollar. If you fly Delta at least twice a year and spend $3,000 or more on Delta flights annually, the higher earning rate usually pays for the extra fee. Otherwise, the Blue card is the better value.

Can I earn miles on someone else's purchases if I add them as an authorized user?

Yes. When you add an authorized user to your card, their purchases earn miles that go into your Delta account. You are responsible for all charges made by authorized users, and the annual fee applies to the primary card only.

What happens to my miles if Delta goes out of business?

Delta has been in operation for over 90 years and is one of the largest U.S. airlines. While no airline is may provide to remain in business forever, the risk is low. If an airline ceases operations, miles typically become worthless, though there is no insurance or protection for them.