this Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card It was just announced that the welcome bonus is equal to the highest bonus we’ve ever seen on a card. New applicants can earn 100,000 bonus miles when they spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of Cardmembership, plus 25,000 bonus miles when they spend an additional $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of Cardmembership – for a total of 125,000 bonus SkyMiles. Offer ends April 1st.
Although the Delta Amex Reserve has a hefty $650 annual fee (see rates and fees), maxing out the card’s lounge access privileges, companion certificates, bill points and other airport benefits can offset that fee.
While I’m not a frequent Delta flyer, Delta Reserve’s Delta SkyMiles welcome offer has me seriously reconsidering whether it’s time to add this premium card to my wallet.
Apply here to earn up to 125,000 SkyMiles bonus points: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
If you’re a frequent Delta flyer but don’t have this card, it’s time to take note because it can make your trip more comfortable, especially if you’ve ever longed to use an airport lounge.
As the card’s welcome offer grows, TPG readers may be asking: How good is it?
Here’s my take on why this deal is a good deal and why this card is right for you — even if Delta isn’t necessarily your go-to airline.
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How common is the Delta Air Lines 125,000 mile welcome offer?
This is only the second time Delta Reserve has offered bonus miles totaling 125,000 miles. This amounts to the highest public welcome offer we have seen in the past four years.
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The card last offered 125,000 miles in September 2025 (with lower spending requirements), and before that, the highest offer was 100,000 miles. In addition to these short extension periods, welcome offers typically range from 60,000 to 95,000 miles.
In other words, this deal is as good as it has been in years past.
If you’ve been waiting to apply for a sign, this is it.
Who is eligible for the Delta Air Lines welcome offer of up to 125,000 miles?
TPG recommends a good to excellent credit score to increase the likelihood of approval for the card.
American Express has a once-in-a-lifetime rule for welcome offers, so you can’t get them through: Delta Reserve If you have received this card in the past.
If you currently hold or have held a Delta Reserve and have not yet received the welcome offer (perhaps you opened it when there was no welcome offer), you are still eligible for this offer.
If you’ve been approved for any American Express cards in the past five days, you may have to wait to get approved for a Delta Reserve card, as American Express typically limits approvals to one credit card every five days and two credit cards every 90 days.
How much are 125,000 Delta SkyMiles worth?
According to TPG’s January 2026 valuation, Delta SkyMiles is worth 1.25 cents per ticket. That means the full 125,000-mile welcome offer could have a travel value of up to $1,562.50.
While SkyMiles typically charges hefty redemption fees for premium cabins on long-haul flights operated by Delta, there’s great value on short-haul flights on Delta and flights operated by partners that don’t involve the U.S.
Some of the best ways to use Delta miles include:
- Take advantage of Delta’s frequent SkyMiles offer, which previously offered domestic flights or one-way flights to Mexico for just 5,000 miles, making it a great deal for short trips
- If you have an eligible Delta credit card (e.g. Delta Reserve
- Book a Vietnam Airlines business class flight from Tokyo to Singapore with 40,000 SkyMiles one-way, a great value for premium class travel in Asia
- Fly 42,500 miles one way in lie-flat business class with Air France from Dubai to Paris
Even as someone who doesn’t fly Delta frequently, these redemption opportunities make SkyMiles a great value in my book—especially the offer of up to 125,000 miles.
RELATED: The ultimate guide to Delta Premium Economy: What is it and is it worth it?
So, is Delta’s Reserve offer of up to 125,000 miles one of the best deals ever?
If you qualify, now is a great time to buy Delta Reservenot only because 125,000 miles equals the best deal we’ve seen on this card, but also because the card’s premium benefits easily offset its $650 annual fee.
In addition to the generous welcome offer, whether you’re a Delta fan or not, here are the top reasons you should consider the Delta Reserve Card:
- Access to Delta Sky Clubs: As the primary cardholder, you are entitled to 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year when traveling on Delta-marketed or Delta-operated same-day flights, and unlimited Delta Sky Club visits per year after spending $75,000 in a calendar year. When you purchase a ticket with a US-issued American Express card and fly with Delta Air Lines, you can also enjoy unlimited free access to the American Express Centurion Lounge. Even if you only fly Delta occasionally, this benefit alone can save you hundreds of dollars each year and make your travels more comfortable.
- Companion Certificate: After each account anniversary, you will receive a companion certificate, good for the purchase of a round-trip companion ticket for an adult in First Class, Delta Comfort+ or Economy to the United States (including Hawaii and Alaska), Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean (taxes and fees must be paid with the card).
- Declare Credits*: The card comes with up to $240 in annual Resy statement credits (up to $20 per month) for use at U.S. Resy restaurants; up to $200 in annual Delta Stays statement credits per calendar year for qualifying stays; up to $120 in monthly rides bill credits with eligible U.S. providers (up to $10 per month); $120 in Global Entry statement credits every four years, or up to $85 every 4 1/2 years USD TSA PreCheck statement credit.
- 15% off on takeoff: Save 15% on award flights operated by Delta Air Lines when you redeem SkyMiles and use the card to pay taxes and fees.
- Premium travel benefits: On Delta flights, you and up to eight companions on the same booking can check your first bag for free, plus enjoy Zone 5 priority boarding and 20% back on your in-flight bill.
*Certain benefits require registration.
RELATED: These are our favorite Delta Sky Clubs in the U.S. — and a card we like that gets you in
bottom line
Here’s an overview of why this incredible 125,000 mile offer is available Delta Reserve Very good:
- This offer equals the highest public welcome offer we’ve seen on this card in the past four years.
- Based on TPG’s January 2026 valuation, the total mileage value you can earn with this offer is $1,562.50.
- The card’s Sky Club and Centurion airport lounge access, companion certificates, bill points and other airport benefits can easily offset the annual fee (not even including the welcome offer).
- Each SkyMiles redemption can start as low as 5,000 miles.
- The TakeOff 15 offer ensures you get more value from your miles on Delta-operated flights.
If you’ve ever considered applying for a Delta Air Lines Reserve, now is the time to do it, whether you’re a frequent Delta flyer or someone like me who wants to make traveling more comfortable and affordable.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
For Delta SkyMiles Reserve rates and fees, click here.
