These are our favorite credit cards for Delta flyers in 2023

Delta Air Lines has been a popular choice for travelers in recent years. The carrier has been widely revered for its best-in-class seatback entertainment screens (with free content for all), ample power ports on most jets and Wi-Fi on the majority of its flights.

So if you’re a longtime Delta loyalist or you’re considering flying the airline more often as travel returns, it’s worth understanding which Delta credit cards will serve you best as you fly, especially since there are seven Delta credit cards available. And right now is a great time to apply due to the increased welcome offers. So if you’re looking to increase your mileage balance and jump start your next vacation, here’s our list of the best Delta credit cards of 2023.

The best Delta credit cards of 2023

How do these Delta credit cards compare with each other, and why is the Amex Platinum on our list? Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, while also exploring this alternative card that includes Delta lounge access.

Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex: Best Delta credit card with no annual fee

If you normally don’t fly Delta that often and just want to earn Delta SkyMiles without paying an annual fee, the Delta Blue Amex is a basic, no-frills Delta credit card. With 2 miles earned for every dollar you spend at restaurants worldwide, access to Delta’s Pay with Miles program, and no foreign transaction fees, this card actually has a decent number of features for an airline credit card in the no-annual-fee camp (see rates and fees).

People who check bags on Delta for at least two trips each year will want a more powerful Delta credit card, since the Delta Blue Amex doesn’t have a checked bag fee waiver. But for the once-in-a-while traveler, Delta’s no-annual-fee credit card may be worth considering.

You can also earn 10,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases on your new Delta Blue Amex card in your first six months after opening your account. Based on the points valuations of frequent flyer website The Points Guy, Delta SkyMiles are worth 1.41 cents apiece, meaning these 10,000 bonus miles are worth $141 toward travel.

Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Blue Amex card.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex: Best for occasional Delta flyers

The Delta Gold Amex credit card has an introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year, and then a $99 annual fee starting at your first renewal (see rates and fees), so you can try out the card for a year to see if it’s right for you.

New Delta Gold Amex card members can earn 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $2,000 in purchases in the first six months after opening the account. Those miles are worth $564 toward travel based on The Points Guy’s valuations.

With the Delta Gold Amex, you’ll receive 2 miles per dollar at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, plus up to $100 in Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year. In other words, even after the annual fee kicks in for the second year and beyond, people who can put $834 per month in purchases on this card can essentially offset the entire annual fee with the flight credit.

You’ll also get your first checked bag free on all Delta flights with this card, which further whittles down the net cost of carrying it, and 20% inflight savings on purchases made while flying Delta. However, it’s worth noting that this card lacks the Delta Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) elite status waiver found on other higher-end Delta credit cards, and it won’t grant you discounted access to Delta Sky Club lounges.

Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex card.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex: Best for regular Delta flyers

If you’ve been thinking about getting a Delta Platinum Amex credit card, the card currently features a welcome offer of 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first six months after opening the account.

To put it in context, those 50,000 miles are worth $705 based on The Points Guy’s valuations, and potentially even more with some simple planning and strategy. Even with the card’s $250 annual fee (see rates and fees), you’ll easily come out ahead in the first year with just the bonus.

You won’t get complimentary lounge access with the Delta Platinum Amex, but you’ll still earn 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases, 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Delta Platinum Amex card members also get Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, a domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate each time you renew the card starting at the beginning of your second year, your first checked bag free on Delta flights and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit worth up to $100.

And if you’re chasing Delta elite status, you may also like the Status Boost feature of the Delta Platinum Amex. The card earns 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles for spending $25,000 in purchases on the card in a calendar year, and you can even earn this Status Boost a second time with an additional $25,000 spent on the card in the same year. However, effective Jan. 1, 2024, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn Medallion Status with the card.

Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex card.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex: Best Delta companion certificate

If you’re a Delta fanatic and want to maximize your Delta experience, you’ll ideally want a credit card that adds a layer of luxury to your trip by granting Delta Sky Club lounge access, as well as enhancing the journey in other ways. With a $550 annual fee (see rates and fees), the Delta Reserve Amex packs an impressive set of Delta-focused perks.

Similar to the other Delta credit card offers, the Delta Reserve Amex comes with 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the card in the first six months after you open the account. Those bonus miles are worth $846 in travel according to The Points Guy.

Plus, after you renew at the start of your second year with the card (and every year thereafter), you’ll gain access to a lucrative annual companion certificate. This is essentially a buy-one-get-one for any domestic first class, Comfort+ or Main Cabin ticket to anywhere in the lower 48 US states. You’ll just have to pay the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 (see terms and conditions for details). If you use this benefit on what would otherwise be an expensive round-trip ticket, you can get enough value from this perk alone to make the annual cost of the card worth it.

But the top reason to hold the Delta Reserve Amex is lounge access. This credit card includes an Individual membership to Delta’s global network of Sky Club lounge locations, which serve as an oasis with food, seating, fast Wi-Fi and cleaner restrooms than what you’ll find in the general terminal area. Come Feb. 1, 2025, however, cardmembers will be limited to just 10 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. If you want to continue being able to access the lounge an unlimited number of times, you’ll need to spend $75,000 or more on your card between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.

Outright membership to the Delta Sky Club normally costs $545 annually, so those planning to pay up for access anyway should give strong consideration to getting this card instead, as the outlay is essentially equal in both scenarios.

But with this card in your purse or wallet, you’re entitled to even more value. Delta Reserve Amex card members receive complimentary access to American Express’ network of Centurion Lounge locations and Escape lounges when you’re flying Delta and use your card to book the flight. Plus, you’ll get two one-time Delta Sky Club guest passes (valued at $39 apiece), and those who don’t have elite status in Delta’s frequent flyer program will be eligible for complimentary upgrades on Delta flights when available.

You’ll also earn 3 miles per dollar on all eligible Delta purchases, and there’s a Status Boost feature that’s more generous than the one on the Delta Platinum Amex. When you hit $30,000 in annual spending on the Delta Reserve Amex, you’ll earn 15,000 bonus MQMs, up to four times in a calendar year. Even reaching this Status Boost just twice in 2023 would earn you Delta Silver elite status without even stepping on a Delta flight. And similar to the changes taking place on the Delta Platinum card, effective Jan. 1, 2024, the status boost feature will no longer be available.

Toss in a first checked bag free on Delta flights, Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), 20% back on Delta inflight purchases, MQM gifting, the same MQD waiver as the Delta Platinum Amex, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck fee credit worth up to $100, and you’ve got a compelling value proposition.

Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card.

American Express Platinum: Best for Delta lounge access

Though it’s not a Delta credit card, the Amex Platinum can be a Delta flyer’s best friend. You can earn 80,000 Membership Rewards bonus points after you use your new card to make $8,000 in purchases in the first six months after opening the account, and those points are transferable to Delta at a 1-to-1 ratio or to many other airline and hotel partners. Plus, flashing this card at any Delta Sky Club location will grant you access, so long as you have a same-day boarding pass for a Delta flight.

The Amex Platinum also opens the door to Amex’s own Centurion Lounges, international American Express lounges, a collection of partner lounges, and Priority Pass Select lounges. In total, it unlocks access to more than 1,300 airport lounges across 130 countries (and counting). In other words, the Amex Platinum provides more lounge access, but charges a higher $695 annual fee than the Delta Reserve Amex (see rates and fees).

A unique perk of this card is the ability to unlock elite status in a variety of programs. Just by holding the Amex Platinum, you’re granted Gold status in Hilton’s Honors and Marriott’s Bonvoy programs. And on the car rental front, you’ll get complimentary memberships in Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, Avis Preferred and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive. You’ll just need to enroll for each of these benefits before using them.

For those who rely on ride-sharing to get around, you’ll appreciate Uber VIP status. That perk sits alongside up to $200 in annual statement credits for Uber rides in the US and UberEats orders, split into monthly $15 credits plus a bonus $20 each December. Again, you’ll need to enroll before you use this benefit.

You’ll also get a credit of up to $100 to cover the fee for applying for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $100 in annual Saks Fifth Avenue credits, up to $189 in annual credits toward a CLEAR® membership and up to $200 in annual airline fee credits to cover incidental fees — such as checked bags and inflight refreshments — on an airline of your choice. Enrollment is also required for each of these benefits.

Did we mention that the Amex Platinum earns 5 points for every dollar you spend on airfare purchases made directly with any airline (Delta included), as well as on airfare and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com? It does.

Learn more about The Platinum Card from American Express.

Delta Gold Business Amex: Best for business owners who fly Delta

If you own a business, large or small, Delta also has welcome offers on its line of business credit cards. Currently, you can earn 50,000 bonus miles on the Delta Gold Business Amex after spending $2,000 in purchases within the first three months after you open the account. The card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 a year thereafter (see rates and fees).

Similar to the personal Delta Gold Amex, the Delta Gold Business Amex offers up to a $100 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year, plus a free checked bag on Delta flights alongside Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, and no foreign transaction fees to sweat (see rates and fees).

However, with this business card, you’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases made directly with Delta as well as at restaurants worldwide. You’ll also earn the same 2 miles per dollar on U.S. purchases for advertising in select media and eligible U.S. shipping purchases, but effective 1/1/2024, the bonus points will be capped at $50,000 in eligible purchases per category, per year.

Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex card.

Delta Platinum Business Amex: Best for Delta business travelers

The Delta Platinum Business Amex has a $250 annual fee (see rates and fee), but that outlay comes with a welcome offer of 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first three months after opening the account. Plus, you can earn an additional 10,000 miles after you make an eligible Delta purchase with your new card within the first six months. Offer ends 10/25/2023.

You’ll also rack up 3 miles for every dollar spent on eligible Delta purchases and on purchases made directly with hotels. For business owners who tend to make large purchases, you can earn 1.5 miles per dollar on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (that’s an extra half point per dollar), up to 50,000 additional miles per year.

Flight benefits on the Delta Platinum Business Amex include all the same perks as the personal Delta Platinum Amex card, like a first checked bag for free on Delta flights, Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) and the same annual Status Boost feature, which can effectively rocket you to Delta elite status just by using the card. Note that the status boost feature will no longer be available come Jan. 1, 2024.

Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex card.

Delta Reserve Business Amex: Best for Delta road warriors

Business owners willing to pay the card’s $550 annual fee (see rates and fees) for the privilege of Delta Sky Club access should consider the Delta Reserve Business Amex. Right now, this card offers 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first three months after opening the account.

Like its personal counterpart, the most notable perk of the Delta Reserve Business Amex is complimentary Delta Sky Club and Amex Centurion Lounge access when flying on a same-day Delta flight. Outright membership to Delta’s network of Sky Club lounges is $545 annually, so if that’s of utmost importance to you as a businessperson, you’re better off holding this card than buying a membership. However, effective 2/1/2025, access will change drastically. Instead of unlimited access to the Delta Sky Club, all members will receive 10 visits per year. And to earn unlimited access you’ll have to spend $75,000 on the card between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024 and each calendar year thereafter.

You’ll earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases with the Delta Reserve Business Amex, but the business version of the card also has another feature. After you spend $150,000 on your card in a calendar year, you’ll earn 1.5 miles per dollar on all your eligible purchases for the rest of the year, except eligible Delta purchases, which continue to earn 3 miles per dollar.

With the card’s Status Boost feature, you can earn 15,000 MQMs after you spend $30,000 in purchases on the card in a year, up to four times each year. But, this benefit will no longer be available Jan. 1, 2024 and there will be a new way to earn medallion status with the card.

And finally, the Delta Reserve Business Amex provides complimentary upgrades for non-elites when available, an annual companion certificate that can be used for domestic first-class travel each year upon renewal of your card, and you won’t have to fret over foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees).

Learn more about the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex card.

Delta credit cards versus our benchmark card

All seven Delta credit cards top CNN Underscored’s benchmark credit card, the Citi Double Cash Card®, on several of our criteria. They offer welcome bonuses, bonus categories and travel benefits, and don’t charge foreign transaction fees. If you’re a regular Delta flyer, you’ll likely find value in at least one if not all of these areas.

However, all the Delta cards (except the Delta Blue Amex) either have annual fees immediately or after the first year, which our benchmark card doesn’t. And unless you’re really good at maximizing Delta SkyMiles, the Citi Double Cash card’s 2% return — 1% when you make a purchase, and another 1% when you pay it off — beats the Delta cards when it comes to everyday spending. You can read more about our benchmark credit card concept in our methodology.

Which credit card is best for Delta flyers?

For people who don’t need a lot of Delta perks but who can utilize the free checked bag on Delta flights at least twice a year, either the personal Delta Gold Amex or Delta Gold Business Amex will make the most sense. Or, if you’re aiming for mid-tier Delta elite status, you might pick up a Delta Platinum Amex or a Delta Platinum Business Amex to take advantage of the MQM waiver and the Status Boost feature (as long as you’re looking for these perks in 2023 as they’ll no longer be available in 2024).

If you expect to be on the road regularly and want Delta Sky Club access, the American Express Platinum is a more well-rounded credit card than the Delta Reserve Amex. It offers broader lounge access, throws in elite status with a handful of top hotel and car rental companies, and offers a variety of annual credits that help offset the $695 annual fee.

However, the main reasons you might choose a personal Delta Reserve Amex or a Delta Reserve Business Amex over the Amex Platinum are the annual companion certificates or the MQD waivers or Status Boosts — all of which are exclusive to Delta credit cards, but some benefits are only available for the rest of 2023.

And if you don’t plan to travel much at all this year, you might want to skip all the Delta credit cards and instead choose a credit card that aligns better with your needs. In that case, check out our guide to the best credit cards for other options.

Looking for a travel credit card? Find out which cards CNN Underscored chose as our best travel credit cards currently available.

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