I started getting into credit cards, points and miles when I joined TPG a few years ago. Before working here, I had a few cards, but I didn’t put much thought into which card to use and when or how to maximize returns.
Now that I’m surrounded by credit card experts every day, my strategy has changed dramatically. I’ve added about four new cards to my wallet and even made a spreadsheet to make sure I’m using the right card for the right purchases.
Of these new cards, my Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Offers some of the most useful benefits. If you apply now, you’ll qualify for the card’s best offer ever.
Here are five reasons why I love this card and how I get the most out of it.
Benefits When Flying with Delta Air Lines
In fact, I had never set foot in an airport lounge until I started working at TPG, but this card Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges and American Express Centurion Lounges* when traveling on same-day Delta operated or marketed flights. Now, I go to the lounge almost every time I fly.
*You must purchase your flight using a reservation card to access the Centurion Lounge.
Having a quiet space to work or rest during your layover can be a game-changer. Or, if I’m a responsible adult and arrive at the airport early, I can grab a bite to eat or a drink before my flight without paying the hefty airport fees.
Booking through my Delta SkyMiles program, I also get four one-time Sky Club guest passes each year when I renew my account, so I can bring family or friends with me to the lounge when we travel together.
Delta Reserve card members are limited to 15 visits to Delta Sky Clubs per year (or unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year), but I can easily track my visits in the Delta app. Centurion Lounge access is unrestricted (reservation card must be used to purchase Delta flights), so even if I used all 15 Sky Club passes, I could still go there.
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In addition to lounge access, I get a free first checked bag (for up to eight passengers traveling with me, so this is a huge perk when traveling with my husband and three kids), priority boarding, discounts on in-flight purchases, and award redemptions. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve also offers statement points for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (Global Entry for $120 every 4 years, or TSA PreCheck for up to $85 every 4.5 years) so I can breeze through the airport every time I fly.
Welcome offer
at the moment, Delta Air Lines reserves American Express cards New Cardmembers can earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in qualifying purchases within the first six months of becoming a Cardmember. Offer ends October 29th.
According to TPG’s October 2025 valuation, Delta SkyMiles is worth 1.2 cents each, so the bonus is worth $1,500. The card has an annual fee of $650 (see Rates and Fees).
After I earned my bonus, I redeemed some miles to book positioning flights for my first big award redemption trip with my husband to Belgium and Germany.
A few months later, I also used some of those points to take my family on a business trip to Disneyland. When five of us fly together, the cost of flying adds up quickly. The welcome bonus I received from booking through Delta SkyMiles has been a huge help in lowering the cost of our flights so we can splurge a bit during our travels.
Useful statement credits
Last year, Delta added monthly and annual statement points to its co-branded cards, including Delta Reserve Amex. I admit I’m not the biggest fan of tracking points on my statements, but I want to maximize the value of my cards, so I do my best to plug them all into a spreadsheet and keep them up to date.
The easiest to use is a ride bill credit of up to $10 per month. I use Lyft or Uber at least once a month. (Points available on select ride-hailing services in the U.S.; registration required.)
My card also comes with up to $200 in Delta night credits per year. My husband travels almost every week for work, so we have multiple opportunities to use this point on his qualifying hotel stays. All he has to do is book through the Delta Stays website and pay with Delta Reserve Amex to get the deal.
RELATED: How I Got a Monthly Credit on My Delta Express Card Without Trying
This card also allows me to earn up to $20 in monthly statement points that can be used at Resy restaurants across the U.S. (requires registration). There aren’t many restaurants in my area that qualify, so I don’t always remember to go to this one. However, I got creative by purchasing gift cards to qualifying restaurants and checking out qualifying places to eat while traveling. Most of the time, I find a way to use it, even if it requires me to do some virtual legwork.
Flexible reward redemption
When I searched for Delta SkyMiles redemptions, I was impressed with my options. You can redeem SkyMiles for flights on Delta (as I did) and on partner airlines like Air France, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet. This provides a large number of flight options.
I also like the way Delta presents its award pricing. In the example above, I entered flexible dates in November for a round trip flight between my home airport and Orlando International Airport (MCO).
In addition to viewing prices for my dates, Delta also displays prices for alternate date combinations. You can get a better exchange value if your dates are flexible. Some airlines have a hard time finding the best available awards, so I appreciate Delta’s easy-to-use calendar.
My card also gives me 15% off award flights, allowing me to stretch my miles further.
Companion of the Year Certificate
with my Delta SkyMiles Reserveevery year after the anniversary, I add the Yearly Companion Certificate to my account. Companion certificates are valid for one round-trip ticket within the United States (all 50 states) and to destinations in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean.
You can use this coupon to fly with a companion for free when you purchase a round-trip First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Economy ticket. You only pay taxes on the second ticket.
I used my first certificate of companionship to fly my eldest son and I to New York and then to Paris. This year, I used it to drive my husband to Disney World for the Disney Run.
bottom line
Apply Delta SkyMiles Reserve For those who are relatively new to points and miles, this is a no-brainer. While not the most profitable points earner, the earning structure is simple. But that’s not really why I like this card.
As a frequent Delta flyer, perks like lounge access, free checked bags, and annual companion certificates are unmatched. Combined with the current best-ever Delta SkyMiles offer of 125,000, now is a great time to apply.
To learn more, read our full review of Delta Reserve.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
For rates and fees on Delta SkyMiles bookings, click here.
