Best Delta Credit Cards For Flying Of July 2024 – Forbes Advisor – Technologist

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a fantastic Delta card for travelers who regularly use the premium benefits.

Why We Like It

This ultra-premium card offers plenty of perks. Delta Sky Club lounge access when flying same-day with Delta is one of the most notable (effective February 1, 2025, cardholders will receive 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year—unlimited visits can be earned when total purchases exceed $75,000 in 2024 and each calendar year thereafter). Four one-time guest passes to the Delta Sky Club are included annually. Cardholders can also visit American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta on the same day and pay for their ticket with their Delta Reserve card.

Cardholders also receive an annual companion certificate each year after card renewal valid for a round-trip flight in first class, Delta Comfort+ or main cabin plus taxes and fees to anywhere in the U.S., Caribbean or Central America.

Another major perk exclusive to this card is upgrade priority over other Delta elite-level flyers with the same Medallion status.

Additional benefits when flying with Delta include your first checked bag free, priority boarding and 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your card for in-flight food and beverages. As with other Delta cards, cardholders can also book award tickets for 15% fewer miles.

Reserve cardholders will also earn 1 Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) per $10 in eligible card charges, helping you qualify for Delta elite status more easily.

Cardholders also receive a once-annual $2,500 MQD head start toward status qualification. Other benefits include up to $240 in annual Resy dining credit, up to $120 in annual rideshare credit and up to $200 in annual Delta Stays credit for a prepaid hotel or vacation rental stay. You can also get Hertz’s top rental car elite status, called President’s Circle. With around $560 in yearly credits, you can almost completely offset the annual fee if you can use all of the monthly perks. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

What We Don’t Like

There’s a lot to like about the Delta Reserve card, but it also charges a high annual fee. Before applying for this card, ensure you’ll get enough value from the benefits to justify it. With mediocre rewards earning rates, this card isn’t a great choice for everyday spending.

Who It’s Best For

The Delta Reserve card is best for Delta loyalists who are sure they’ll get enough value out of the card’s benefits to justify the annual fee.