1. Increased Welcome Bonus Offers through 4/2/25
Delta and Amex have rolled out some of the highest-ever welcome bonuses on their SkyMiles cards. These elevated offers provide an excellent opportunity to earn a large number of SkyMiles upfront:
- Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
- Old Offer: 50,000 bonus miles for $2,000 spend in 6 months
- New Offer: 80,000 bonus miles for $3,000 spend in 6 months
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
- Old Offer: 60,000 bonus miles for $3,000 spend in 6 months
- New Offer: 90,000 bonus miles for $4,000 spend in 6 months
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
- Old Offer: 70,000 bonus miles for $5,000 spend in 6 months
- New Offer: 100,000 bonus miles for $6,000 spend in 6 months
- Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
- Old Offer: 60,000 bonus miles for $4,000 spend in 6 months
- New Offer: 90,000 bonus miles for $6,000 spend in 6 months
- Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
- Old Offer: 70,000 bonus miles for $6,000 spend in 6 months
- New Offer: 100,000 bonus miles for $8,000 spend in 6 months
- Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card
- Old Offer: 80,000 bonus miles for $10,000 spend in 6 months
- New Offer: 110,000 bonus miles for $12,000 spend in 6 months
These increased welcome offers make now an excellent time to apply for a Delta SkyMiles credit card, whether you’re a frequent Delta flyer or simply looking to earn a massive stash of miles for future travel. Reach out to me to talk about whether a Delta card makes sense for you.
2. 15% Off Award Flights When Booking with Miles
One of the standout benefits across all Delta SkyMiles credit cards is the 15% discount on award flights when booking through Delta.com or the Fly Delta app. This feature alone can save thousands of miles over time, making it easier to stretch your SkyMiles for more redemptions.
3. MQD Headstart for Platinum and Reserve Cardholders
For those chasing Delta Medallion Status, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve cards now offer a 2,500 MQD headstart each year. With Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) becoming the key metric for status in 2024, this benefit is crucial for frequent Delta travelers looking to maintain or reach elite status.
4. Lounge Access with the Delta Reserve Card
Holding the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card grants access to Delta Sky Clubs when flying Delta, as well as two guest passes per year. With recent changes to Delta’s lounge access policies, you get 15 days per calendar year. If this new limit will affect you and you want UNLIMITED access, you can spend a hefty $75k on the cards and you will have unlimited access from the time of year you hit the $75k and the following year. Additionally, Reserve cardholders also receive access to Amex Centurion Lounges when flying Delta on the same day.
5. Companion Certificates for Platinum and Reserve Cardholders
Both the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Reserve Cards offer an annual companion certificate, which allows you to bring a companion on a round-trip domestic flight (including to Hawaii, Alaska, and select international destinations) for just the cost of taxes and fees. This benefit alone can save travelers hundreds of dollars each year.
6. Free Checked Bags – No Need to Pay with Your Delta Card
A huge money-saving perk of all Delta SkyMiles credit cards is the free first checked bag for the primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation. Unlike some airline cards, you do not need to pay for your Delta flight with your Delta card to get this benefit. This means you can book your Delta flight with a card that earns flexible points (such as American Express Membership Rewards® or Chase Ultimate Rewards®) while still taking advantage of the free checked bag perk from your Delta card. This can result in a better return on spending while still enjoying Delta-specific perks.
Final Thoughts
The Delta SkyMiles credit cards offer a range of valuable perks, from discounted award flights and elite status boosts to lounge access and companion tickets. With the latest round of increased welcome bonuses, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of these cards. If you’re a Delta loyalist or looking to maximize your travel rewards, these benefits can significantly enhance your flying experience.
Let’s chat to talk about whether a Delta card makes sense for you.
