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My introduction to travel credit cards began with Delta co-branded American Express cards. In 2008, I signed up for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card during a flight to Puerto Rico. Fast forward to 2023, and I upgraded from the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to the Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express to maintain Medallion status and access to Delta Sky Clubs. This upgrade made perfect sense as I fly Delta often—my home airport happens to be the airline’s main hub. Signing up for this card even rewarded me with enough points for a round-trip flight from Atlanta to Paris.
This card is a no-brainer if you’re a Delta loyalist like me, but it can be a good option for other frequent travelers, too. Keep reading to learn about the card’s benefits and determine whether it’s worth adding to your wallet.
Is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card worth the $650 annual fee?
Shortly after I signed up for the card, Delta announced an increase in the annual fee from $550 to $650. Initially, I was disappointed, but the more I understood the increase in benefits that come with the price tag, the more I realized this card is worth the hefty fee. Before upgrading from the Delta SkyMiles Platinum to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, I considered a few factors. At the time, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex had an annual fee of $250 (it’s now $350). While I had the card, I paid for entry into the SkyClub a few times. At $50 per visit, that added up.
With access to SkyClubs included with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card and the enhanced companion pass, frequent use of the perks easily offset the $650 annual fee.
Additionally, while this card does not offer a high mileage earning rate per dollar spent (more on that below), it does help me reduce flight costs. I usually pair the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card to maximize my travel savings.
Another important factor is that this card accelerates the attainment of Silver Medallion status by providing $2,500 toward the $5,000 MQD requirement (I’ll explain this further below too). Because it’s the lower tier, people often overlook the perks of Silver Medallion status, but they’re worthwhile for frequent fliers: Cardholders get priority boarding and a discount on CLEAR Plus membership, which renews each year you have the card.
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card benefits and perks
- Luxury lounge access: Cardholders get complimentary unlimited access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges, and will receive four one-time-use guest passes each year. Starting on February 1, 2025, the unlimited access benefit will be reduced to 15 visits per year unless you spend $75,000 or more in eligible purchases on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024. After the 15 visits have been exhausted, you can purchase additional visits at $50 per person.
- Medallion Status fast track: Recently, Delta revamped its system for earning medallion status in 2025 and beyond. Previously, to earn Medallion status, SkyMiles members had to meet specific threshold qualifications in two categories: MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) and MQDs (Medallion Qualifying Dollars). The process has been simplified to only measure MQDs. For 2025 status, the MQD thresholds range from $5,000 MQDs for Silver Medallion status to $28,000 for Diamond Medallion status. With the Reserve’s MQD Headstart & Boost benefit, cardholders will receive a $2,500 head start toward the threshold for earning Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) each year and will earn one additional MQD for every $10 spent on the card.
- Companion certificate: Cardholders receive an annual companion certificate for a free domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin for a friend booked on the same flight.
- $240 Resy credit: Receive up to $20 in monthly statement credits at participating US Resy restaurants. Plus, unlock exclusive reservations with Global Dining Access by Resy.
- $200 Delta Stays credit: Book a hotel stay and get up to $200 back on prepaid hotels or vacation rentals booked through Delta Stays.
- $120 rideshare credit: Streamline your commutes and earn up to $10 in statement credits each month on rideshare purchases in the US with select providers.
- TakeOff 15: Save on travel booked with points with a 15% discount when using miles to book Delta flights through the airline’s website or app.
- Complimentary upgrade list: Even without Medallion Status, cardholders can be added to the upgrade list after Delta’s elite members to potentially be bumped up into Comfort Plus or First Class.
- Fee credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry: Breeze through security with a statement credit to cover the application fee for either program. You’ll receive a $100 statement credit for Global Entry and up to $85 for TSA PreCheck.
- Hertz President’s Circle Status: Elevate your car rentals with complimentary Hertz President’s Circle Status, offering exclusive benefits like priority service and vehicle upgrades.
- No foreign transaction fees: There are no extra fees on international purchases.
Current welcome offer
New applicants can currently earn 60,000 bonus miles after making $5,000 in purchases during the first six months of card membership.
