Delta Air Lines and American Express have some excellent welcome offers on their range of cobranded credit cards.
Right now, six Delta SkyMiles Amex cards are offering elevated welcome offers, four of which are the best we have ever seen. The two Gold and two Reserve cards have their highest-ever bonuses and the two Platinum cards are close to their best-ever offerings.
These limited-time welcome offers will end Oct. 23.
Just remember there were major changes made to these cards in early February — namely, higher annual fees, a handful of new perks to offset them and restrictions on lounge access.
Let’s dive into each of these offers and see which might be a good fit for you.
Delta credit cards welcome offers
Here’s an overview of the offers at first glance:
| Card | Welcome offer | Annual fee | Bonus value* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card | Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees) | $960 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card | Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $350 (see rates and fees) | $1,080 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $650 (see rates and fees) | $1,200 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card | Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees) | $1,080 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card | Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $350 (see rates and fees) | $1,200 |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card | Earn 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. | $650 (see rates and fees) | $1,320 |
*Bonus value is based on TPG’s September 2024 valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.
Delta personal cards
Delta offers three personal cards for your consideration. Which card is right for you depends on how frequently you fly with Delta and how much you’re willing to pay for an annual fee.
Let’s take a look at what differentiates each of the Delta SkyMiles personal cards.
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Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
If you want to take advantage of a welcome bonus but aren’t a frequent Delta flyer, the Delta SkyMiles Gold is your best option.
Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. This is the best-ever welcome offer we have seen on this card. This offer ends Oct. 23.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)
Earning rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Is this offer worth it?
The Delta Gold Amex is a solid card for travelers who occasionally fly with Delta. Eligible cardmembers will get:
- 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
- First checked bag free
- Zone 5 priority boarding
- 20% off inflight purchases
- Up to $100 Delta Stays statement credit per calendar year on eligible bookings
- An up to $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
If you fly frequently with Delta but can’t justify the pricier Delta SkyMiles Reserve, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum is worth considering.
Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. This is very close to the best welcome offer we have seen on this card. This offer ends Oct. 23.
Annual fee: $350 (see rates and fees)
Earning rate: Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and at hotels (when booking directly with the hotel), 2 miles per dollar at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Is this offer worth it?
The card is pretty impressive.
Eligible cardmembers will get:
- 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
- An annual companion certificate each renewal for
- Annual companion certificate upon card renewal for Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights
- Statement credits for Rideshares, Resy and Delta Stays every calendar year
- Statement credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fees ($100 every four years for Global Entry and up to $85 every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck)
- First checked bag free
- Zone 5 priority boarding
- 20% off eligible inflight purchases
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
Overall, this is a great card option if you fly Delta semiregularly and are looking for a way to earn miles on purchases and reach elite status. However, even if you aren’t going for status, the companion voucher alone can make the annual fee for this card worth it.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Delta’s most expensive consumer credit card also comes with many benefits. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve is ideal for hardcore Delta fans and frequent flyers.
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. This matches the best-ever welcome offer we have seen on this card with only a $1,000 higher minimum spending requirement. This offer ends Oct. 23.
Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees)
Earning rate: Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Is this offer worth it?
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve is the top-tier Delta Amex card available and thus comes with a high annual fee.
With this card, you’ll get a slew of benefits, including:
- 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
- Annual companion certificate upon card renewal for round-trip travel in first class, Comfort+, Premium Select or main cabin to select destinations
- Until Jan. 31, 2025, unlimited Delta Sky Club access when you fly same-day Delta, plus four one-time guest passes each year. (Effective Feb. 1, 2025, you’ll receive 15 visits per year; to earn an unlimited number of visits, you must spend $75,000 or more between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.)
- Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying on a same-day Delta flight with a ticket purchased on the card (up to two guests may also enter for a fee of $50 each)
- Up to $240 Resy statement credit per calendar year (up to $20 monthly)
- Up to $200 Delta Stays annual statement credit per calendar year on eligible bookings
- Up to $120 ride-hailing statement credit per calendar year (up to $10 monthly)
- A Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee statement credit ($100 every four years for Global Entry, up to $85 every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck)
- Access to complimentary upgrades (for non-Medallions)
- A first bag checked for free on Delta flights
- Zone 5 priority boarding
- 20% off inflight purchases
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
For loyal Delta flyers who enjoy visiting the Sky Club, this card can pay for itself with lounge access, spending boosts and other benefits. However, the Platinum may be the better choice for the semi-loyal Delta traveler.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Delta business cards
If you own a small business (or have a side hustle where you pay business expenses), one of these offers may be a great addition to your work wallet.
With three options to choose from, it’s important to understand which business card best suits your needs. Let’s dive into each of the Delta SkyMiles business cards.
Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business is ideal for smaller businesses or business owners who aren’t Delta loyalists.
Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. This is the best-ever welcome offer we have seen on this card. This offer ends Oct. 23.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees)
Earning rate: Earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, 2 miles per dollar on U.S. shipping (up to $50,000 in eligible purchases per category per year, then 1 mile per dollar spent) and U.S. advertising in select media (up to $50,000 in eligible purchases per category per year, then 1 mile per dollar spent) and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Other card details:
- 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
- First checked bag free on Delta flights and Zone 5 priority boarding
- Up to $200 annual Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
- Up to $150 Delta Stays annual statement credit each calendar year on eligible bookings
- 20% off inflight purchases
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Gold Business.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
Business owners who are looking for a good mid-tier airline business card should consider the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business for its earnings potential and benefits.
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. This is very close to the best-ever welcome offer we have seen on this card. This offer ends Oct. 23.
Annual fee: $350 (see rates and fees)
Earning rate: Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and eligible purchases made directly with hotels, 1.5 miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping and on purchases over $5,000 (up to $100,000 spent per calendar year, then 1 mile per dollar) and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Other card benefits:
- 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
- Annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal for Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights
- Up to $200 Delta Stays annual statement credit per calendar year on eligible bookings
- Up to $120 Resy annual statement credit per calendar year (up to $10 monthly)
- Up to $120 ride-hailing annual statement credit per calendar year (up to $10 monthly)
- A Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee statement credit ($100 every four years for Global Entry, up to $85 every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck)
- First checked bag free on Delta flights and Zone 5 priority boarding
- Complimentary upgrades (when available) for non-Medallion members
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
As the most expensive business card Delta offers, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business comes packed with great perks for Delta loyalists.
Welcome offer: Earn 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. This matches the best-ever welcome offer we have seen on this card; it does require double the minimum spending, but you also have double the time to reach it. This offer ends Oct. 23.
Annual fee: $650 (see rates and fees)
Earning rate: Earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, 1.5 miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, U.S. office supplies and all purchases after spending $150,000 per calendar year and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Other card details:
- 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card and booking through delta.com or the Fly Delta app)
- Annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal for round-trip travel in first class, Comfort+, Premium Select or main cabin on flights to select destinations
- Until Jan. 31, 2025, unlimited Delta Sky Club access when you fly same-day Delta, plus four one-time guest passes each year. (Effective Feb. 1, 2025, you’ll receive 15 visits per year; to earn an unlimited number of visits, you must spend $75,000 or more between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year thereafter.)
- Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying a same-day Delta with a ticket purchased on the card (up to two guests may also enter for a fee of $50 each)
- Up to $250 Delta Stays annual statement credit per calendar year on eligible bookings
- Up to $240 Resy annual statement credit per calendar year (up to $20 monthly)
- Up to $120 ride-hailing annual statement credit per calendar year (up to $10 monthly)
- A Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee statement credit ($100 every four years for Global Entry, up to $85 every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck)
- Access to complimentary upgrades (when available) for non-Medallion members
- First checked bag free on Delta flights
- Zone 5 priority boarding
- 20% off inflight purchases
Enrollment is required for select benefits; terms apply.
To learn more, read our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
Are these business card offers worth it?
These cards also mirror the consumer versions in many ways. The major ongoing differences are the spending categories, which are more business-oriented than the personal variations of the cards, and the fact that business cards won’t appear on your credit report.
Of course, choosing between a business and a consumer card will depend on whether you have an eligible business — and whether you’re looking to maximize miles on business or consumer spending.
Related: Do I need a business to get a business credit card?
Which Delta credit card is right for you?
The good news is that you can’t go wrong by applying for any of these offers. In short:
- Occasional Delta flyers should look at the SkyMiles Gold.
- Regular Delta flyers who are interested in elite status, can utilize the economy flight companion voucher and prefer earning miles across purchases (as opposed to lounge access) should consider the SkyMiles Platinum.
- Delta loyalists who will regularly use Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges when traveling should think about applying for the SkyMiles Reserve.
With a full lineup of Delta cards, you may wonder how to pick the best offer for your needs. While it might be tempting to go after the one with the highest offer, you should also consider its long-term value in your wallet.
For example, you may enjoy Delta’s inflight experience but don’t typically fly with the airline enough in a normal travel year to justify a card with a higher annual fee. Or, if you’re primarily a solo traveler, you may not be able to consistently use the annual companion voucher that comes with the Platinum and Reserve versions of the card.
In this case, you may opt for the Delta SkyMiles Gold to help you earn miles and enjoy some elitelike perks that can save you time and money when flying Delta.
However, someone who is almost always flying Delta because they live near a Delta hub, such as Atlanta, New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport or Seattle, might easily justify a higher annual fee because they’ll use the benefits of the higher-tier cards more regularly. Families and couples who know they can use the annual companion certificate with the Platinum or Reserve versions of the card can also easily come out ahead with those cards, depending on their exact usage.
Related: Choosing the best credit cards for Delta flyers
Bottom line
Delta SkyMiles isn’t generally the most valuable currency — partly because of unannounced program devaluations over the years. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find value in the SkyMiles program. Many TPGers actually prefer flying Delta over any other U.S. carrier.
Remember that American Express has a once-per-card-per-lifetime rule in place regarding welcome offers. If you’ve had one of these cards in the past, you likely can’t earn a welcome offer on the same card again. This is why timing your Amex card applications is so important: You only get one shot to earn a welcome offer for each of them, so you’ll want to make it count.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business
Related: How to maximize the statement credits on the Delta Amex cards
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Business Amex, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex, click here.
