The Delta Amex Reserve gives you travel credits, lounge access, and airline perks tied to Delta flights
The Delta American Express Reserve Card is a premium credit card designed for frequent Delta travelers. It comes with an annual fee (currently $550) and provides benefits including a yearly Delta flight credit, airport lounge access, baggage fee waivers, and priority boarding. The card also earns points on purchases that you can redeem for Delta flights and other travel.
This card is meant for people who fly Delta regularly enough that the annual fee pays for itself through the credits and perks. If you fly Delta a few times a year or more, the math often works out. If you rarely fly Delta, the annual fee will likely cost you more than you get back.
Key Takeaways
- The card includes a $100 annual Delta flight credit that you can use toward any Delta ticket, which covers part of the annual fee.
- You get complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges and certain partner lounges when traveling on a Delta flight.
- The card waives your first checked bag fee and your companion's first checked bag fee on Delta flights.
- You earn bonus points on Delta purchases and a higher earning rate on other travel and dining, which you redeem for flights or upgrades.
- Priority boarding, seat selection, and other perks are included to make your Delta travel experience faster and more convenient.
The Annual Fee and Flight Credit
The annual fee is $550. American Express credits your account with $100 per year toward a Delta flight, which you can use on any ticket price. That $100 credit reduces your net annual cost to $450, though you only benefit if you actually book Delta flights.
The credit posts automatically each year on your card anniversary. You do not have to request it or meet any spending threshold. If you do not use it within the year, it does not roll over to the next year, so plan to book a Delta flight before your anniversary date if you want to use the credit.
Lounge Access and Airport Perks
The card gives you complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges when you are traveling on a Delta flight. You can bring one companion with you at no extra charge. Sky Club lounges offer free food, beverages, showers, and quiet seating — benefits that add real value if you spend time in airports.
You also get priority boarding on Delta flights, which means you board before most other passengers and can stow your carry-on bag in the overhead bin. The card waives your first checked bag fee and your companion's first checked bag fee on all Delta flights, which saves $30 to $40 per round trip if you check bags.
Additional perks include preferred seat selection (you can pick your seat without paying extra), a $0 baggage fee for a third checked bag, and priority customer service when you call Delta with questions or issues.
How Points Earn and What They Are Worth
The card earns 3 points per dollar on Delta purchases (flights, seat upgrades, baggage fees), 3 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. You accumulate these points in your American Express account and can redeem them for Delta flights, seat upgrades, or other travel.
The value of each point varies depending on what you redeem it for. A point is typically worth between 1 and 2 cents when you use it for a flight, though premium cabin upgrades and peak travel dates can offer better value. You can also transfer points to Delta's frequent flyer program at a 1:1 ratio if you prefer to manage them there.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, so you can accumulate them over time and use them when you find a flight you want.
Who Should Get This Card
This card makes sense if you fly Delta at least a few times per year and value lounge access and priority boarding. The $100 annual flight credit and baggage fee waivers offset much of the annual fee for regular Delta travelers. If you also dine out or travel frequently on other airlines, the 3x points on dining and travel help you earn rewards faster.
If you fly Delta only once or twice a year, or if you split your flying between multiple airlines, the annual fee is harder to justify. In that case, a no-annual-fee card or a different premium card might be a better fit. You can also downgrade to a no-fee Delta Amex card if your travel patterns change.
Comparing This Card to Other Delta Amex Options
| Card | Annual Fee | Flight Credit | Lounge Access | Checked Bag Waiver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Amex Reserve | $550 | $100 | Delta Sky Club | First two bags |
| Delta Amex Platinum | $250 | $100 | No | First bag only |
| Delta Amex Gold | $0 | No | No | First bag only |
The Reserve is the highest tier of Delta Amex cards. The Platinum card ($250 annual fee) offers a flight credit and a checked bag waiver but no lounge access. The Gold card has no annual fee but also no credits or lounge access. Choose based on how often you fly Delta and whether lounge access and priority boarding are worth the extra cost to you.
How to Use Your Benefits Effectively
To get the most from this card, book your Delta flights through your American Express account so you earn the 3x points on the purchase. Use your $100 annual flight credit before your card anniversary by booking a flight in advance. If you have a trip coming up, book it before your anniversary date to make sure you capture the credit.
Visit the Delta Sky Club lounge on every flight where you are may be able to access, even if you do not have time for a full meal. The lounge offers quiet seating, phone charging, and restrooms that are cleaner and less crowded than the airport terminal. If you travel with a companion, bring them along — the one complimentary guest per trip is included with your card.
Track your points balance in your American Express account and redeem them when you find a flight at a good value. Do not let points sit unused for years; redeem them for trips you actually plan to take rather than waiting for a perfect redemption that may never come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the $100 flight credit on any airline?
No, the credit is for Delta flights only. You can use it on any Delta ticket — economy, premium economy, business class — but it must be a Delta-operated flight. Partner airlines like Virgin Atlantic or KLM do not may have access to.
Do I get lounge access if I am flying on a partner airline?
No, lounge access is only when you are traveling on a Delta flight. If you are flying on another airline, you do not get Sky Club access with this card, though you may have access through other benefits or memberships.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points stay in your American Express account and do not expire, even if you close the card. You can redeem them for Delta flights or transfer them to Delta's frequent flyer program at any time. You just lose the ability to earn new points once the card is closed.
Can I downgrade to a no-fee Delta Amex card instead of canceling?
Yes, American Express allows you to downgrade to the Delta Gold or Platinum card without closing your account. This keeps your account history intact and lets you keep your existing points balance. Contact American Express to request a downgrade.
Does the baggage fee waiver explore to my family members?
The waiver covers your first checked bag and one companion's first checked bag on the same reservation. Additional family members or bags beyond that are subject to standard Delta baggage fees.