The Delta Amex card comes with travel perks tied to flying and airport visits, plus some general spending rewards

The Delta American Express card is a co-branded credit card issued by American Express and Delta Air Lines. It gives you points on purchases, fee waivers for certain Delta services, and access to airport lounges — but the specific benefits depend on which Delta Amex card you hold, since American Express offers several versions at different annual fee levels.

The most common versions are the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express card (no annual fee), the Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card (annual fee applies), and the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express card (higher annual fee). Each tier adds more benefits. The card is not a travel insurance product or a replacement for travel planning — it is a spending tool that rewards you for purchases and gives you access to certain Delta and airport services.

Key Takeaways

  • Delta Amex cards earn points (called SkyMiles) on every purchase, with bonus points on Delta flights and American Express partner merchants.
  • Higher-tier cards waive the annual fee for checked bags on Delta flights and give you priority boarding, which saves money if you fly Delta regularly.
  • Gold and Platinum cardholders get access to airport lounges, where you can sit in a quieter space, eat, and use Wi-Fi before your flight.
  • The card does not cover trip cancellation, lost luggage, or medical emergencies — those are separate travel insurance products you may need to buy.
  • Whether the card makes financial sense depends on how often you fly Delta, how much you spend annually, and whether the annual fee (if any) is worth the perks you will actually use.

How points work and what you earn them on

Every Delta Amex card earns SkyMiles points on purchases. The earning rate varies: you typically earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases, and 2 points per dollar (or sometimes higher) when you buy Delta flights directly or use the card at American Express partner merchants. Some cards offer a one-time bonus of points when you first open the account, though the size of that bonus changes based on current promotions.

You redeem SkyMiles for Delta flights, seat upgrades, or partner airline tickets. The number of miles needed for a flight depends on the route, the time of year, and how far in advance you book — there is no fixed price. You can also use points to cover baggage fees, seat selection fees, or other Delta charges, though this is usually not the best use of your points.

Checked bag fees and priority boarding

The Gold and Platinum Delta Amex cards waive the first checked bag fee for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation when you pay with the card. On Delta, the first checked bag normally costs $35 to $40 per flight (the exact amount varies by route and booking method). If you fly Delta twice a year, that alone can cover the annual fee.

Both cards also give you priority boarding, which means you board before most other passengers. This is useful if you want to find overhead bin space or prefer not to gate-check your carry-on. The Blue card (no annual fee) does not include these perks — it is designed for people who fly Delta occasionally or want to earn points without paying an annual fee.

Airport lounge access

The Gold and Platinum cards give you access to airport lounges, typically American Express Centurion Lounges and Delta Sky Club lounges (depending on the card and the airport). Lounges offer seating, food and beverages, Wi-Fi, and sometimes shower facilities. A single visit to a lounge can cost $35 to $50 if you paid out of pocket, so regular flyers may find this benefit valuable.

Access rules vary: some cards give you unlimited visits, while others limit you to a certain number per year or per card membership year. You can usually bring one companion for free, though policies differ by lounge. Check the specific card's terms to see what lounge access you get and whether there are any blackout dates or restrictions.

Other perks and what they do not cover

Delta Amex cards often include benefits like statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (which speeds up airport security), discounts on Delta purchases, and bonus points on specific spending categories. Some cards offer a credit toward airline seat upgrades or a waiver of the annual fee in your first year. These perks change with promotions, so check the current offer when you are considering the card.

The card does not include trip cancellation insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, emergency medical coverage, or rental car insurance. If you need those protections, you will have to buy a separate travel insurance policy or check whether your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers travel. The card is a rewards and convenience tool, not a travel protection plan.

Annual fees and whether the math works for you

The Blue card has no annual fee. The Gold card has an annual fee (the amount varies and changes with promotions). The Platinum card has a higher annual fee. To decide whether a card makes sense, add up what you would spend on checked bags, lounge visits, and other perks over a year, then compare that to the annual fee.

For example: if you fly Delta four times a year and check a bag each time, the checked bag waiver saves you $140 to $160 annually. If you visit a lounge twice a year, that is another $70 to $100 in value. If the annual fee is less than that total, the card pays for itself. If you fly Delta rarely or never check bags, the Blue card (no annual fee) or no Delta card at all may be the better choice.

How to compare Delta Amex cards to other travel cards

Other credit card issuers offer travel cards with similar perks — lounge access, checked bag waivers, and points on travel purchases. Some cards earn points with multiple airlines instead of just Delta, which is useful if you fly different carriers. Others offer higher earning rates on non-travel spending, which may be better if you spend more on groceries or gas than on flights.

The right card depends on your spending habits and travel patterns. If you fly Delta frequently and spend heavily on the card, a premium Delta Amex card may be worth the annual fee. If you fly multiple airlines or rarely travel, a general travel card or a no-annual-fee card might be a better fit. Compare the annual fee, earning rates, and perks you will actually use before you decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Delta Amex points on airlines other than Delta?

Yes, you can transfer SkyMiles to Delta partner airlines or use them to book partner airline flights through Delta's website. However, the transfer rate and availability vary by partner. Redeeming directly for Delta flights usually gives you better value than transferring to partners.

Do I have to fly Delta to benefit from this card?

No. You earn points on all purchases, not just Delta flights, so you can use the card for everyday spending and build up points even if you do not fly. However, the checked bag waiver and lounge access are only useful if you fly Delta, so those perks would not benefit you.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your SkyMiles account and points remain active even after you close the card. You can still redeem them for flights or other rewards. However, you will lose access to card-specific perks like lounge access and the checked bag waiver once the card is closed.

Is there a sign-up bonus, and how much is it?

American Express regularly offers sign-up bonuses for Delta Amex cards, but the amount changes frequently based on promotions. Check the current offer on American Express's website or Delta's website to see what bonus is available right now.

Can I use this card internationally?

Yes, American Express cards work internationally, and you earn points on purchases made outside the United States. However, American Express charges a foreign transaction fee on most purchases made abroad (the amount varies by card). Check your card's terms for the exact fee.