this Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card The best co-branded card from Amex and Delta Air Lines, with annual fees up to $650 (see rates and fees).
When a card requires you to pay so much to keep it, you should get additional benefits and exceptional value in return.
Let’s take a closer look at whether the Delta Reserve card is worth the annual fee.
Welcome offer
new Delta SkyMiles Reserve Cardmembers can earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of membership. This limited time offer ends on October 29th.
TPG values Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents per mile in October 2025, making the offer worth $1,500.
Not everyone is eligible for this card’s welcome offer, especially if you’re upgrading from another SkyMiles American Express card. You may also not qualify if you’ve received a welcome bonus with this card before.
Fortunately, American Express will let you know before doing a hard pull on your credit if you’re unable to qualify for this card’s welcome offer.
Yield
this Delta Reserve The card earns Delta SkyMiles miles at the following rates:
- Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on all Delta Air Lines purchases
- All other purchases earn 1 mile per $1 spent.
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According to TPG’s valuation, these rates equate to returns on expenses of 3.6% and 1.2%, respectively.
Other cards offer higher returns on everyday spending than 1.2%, but if you’re a Delta frequent flyer, this card may be a great choice for these types of purchases. Its other benefits help offset its annual fee.
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Earn Medallion Status Faster
this Delta Reserve Provides a useful method of achieving Medallion status.
For every $10 you spend, you’ll earn 1 Medallion Qualification Point (MQD). In addition, Cardmembers receive a bonus of 2,500 MQD per Medallion Qualification Year.
This is a great way to quickly achieve Elite Medallion status.
RELATED: Sit in the Front: The Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Delta Flights
Useful statement credits
Ride Credit Statement
Delta Reserve Cardmembers can earn up to $10 in monthly bill points (up to $120 per calendar year) when they use their card to pay for eligible ride-hailing services. This statement credit is available for some ride-hailing services in the United States and requires registration.
Resy claims points
Food lovers will love that Delta Reserve offers up to $20 in monthly Resy bill credits (up to $240 per calendar year). Cardmembers earn these statement points when they make qualifying purchases at Resy restaurants in the United States. Registration required.
Any restaurant on Resy is eligible for this bill credit if you pay with a Delta Reserve card. No appointment required.
Please note that the restaurant must be online on the Resy platform at the time of purchase in order for points to be credited to your bill.
Delta Airlines retains statement credit
Delta Air Lines Reserve cardmembers can earn up to $200 in statement credit per calendar year on Delta hotel reservations. You must book a prepaid hotel or vacation rental through Delta to receive this bill credit.
If you use its maximum value, you can stay in a hotel or vacation rental for one or two nights for free (depending on the cost of the destination).
Use the lounge
Delta Reserve Cardmembers have limited access to Delta Sky Clubs. Keep in mind that if you are flying Basic Economy, you will not be allowed into the lounge even if you are a Delta Reserve cardmember.
You can earn 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year through your Delta Reserve. After completing all 15 visits, you can use your card to purchase a one-time pass for $50.
However, if you spend more than $75,000 on the card in 2025, you’ll get unlimited access in 2026. This will continue year after year if you continue to meet the spending requirements each year. Cardmembers also receive four guest passes per year.
With these guest passes, you will be charged $50 per guest per visit. If you go to a Delta Grab and Go location, this fee drops to $25 per guest.
Cardmembers may use the Centurion Lounge or the Escape Lounge if they booked a Delta flight using their reservation card. This access is unrestricted for card members.
For the Centurion Lounge, cardholders may bring up to two guests for a fee of $50 per adult and $30 per child 2-17 years old.
Escape lounge guest rates vary by location, so be sure to check your specific lounge’s policies before traveling. Please note that passengers must be on a same-day Delta flight to access the Centurion Lounge or Escape Lounge.
RELATED: The Best Credit Cards for Airport Lounge Access
Companion Certificate
Delta Reserve Card members receive a Companion Certificate upon annual renewal. This companion certificate allows you to purchase two round-trip tickets for the price of one, plus taxes and fees for round-trip international flights from USD 22 to a maximum of USD 250.
This companion certificate is valid for flights to and from the United States, Central America and the Caribbean in First, Delta Comfort or Economy.
If you use this certificate on a first class ticket, you can recoup your annual fee with this offer alone. Alternatively, you can get great deals by flying economy class to popular destinations during peak seasons.
Other benefits
this Delta Reserve The card also comes with many other useful benefits, such as:
- Free Upgrades: Cardmembers without Delta SkyMiles Medallion status are eligible for free upgrades to Delta One (within the 50 U.S. states), First Class and Medallion Premium Comfort
- 15% off all award flights (any class) operated by Delta Air Lines
- Priority boarding in Zone 5
- Free checked baggage (the cardholder and up to eight people in the same booking can check in the first bag for free)
- A statement credit of $120 every four years for Global Entry or up to $85 every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck
- 20% back on eligible food and beverage purchases on board (excluding in-flight Wi-Fi purchases)
- travel protection
Certain benefits require registration.
Related: Your Complete Guide to American Express Card Purchase Protection
bottom line
The Delta Reserve Card is the top card in Delta’s SkyMiles American Express family. It offers lounge access and other perks such as valuable companion certificates.
If you’re a loyal Delta fan and value Sky Club access and faster access to elite Medallion status, this card can be a great addition to your wallet. Its numerous benefits can help offset the card’s high annual fee.
However, if you don’t fly Delta frequently, then you should consider adding another card to your wallet.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Reserve Card.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve
For Delta SkyMiles Reserve rates and fees, click here.
