Delta customers may be swayed by AmEx's revamped SkyMiles credit cards.

Delta Air Lines introduced new updates to its SkyMiles credit cards on Thursday, aimed at enhancing the benefits for users and addressing the concerns of customers who have been dissatisfied with the airline following the SkyMiles loyalty program debacle in 2020.

The new benefits will more than compensate for the higher annual fee, according to AmEx.

AmEx is offering flight credits, restaurant credits, and rideshare credits to its customers in New York. Higher-end cards will also receive "medallion qualifying dollars" to help users achieve elite status on the airline.

Delta cardholders will now have more flexibility in using companion certificates on a wider range of flights, including to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, as Delta has addressed past complaints about its restrictive policy on these certificates.

Delta Air Lines and AmEx have a longstanding corporate relationship that has been beneficial for both companies. Delta customers can access AmEx airport lounges, and AmEx customers can transfer their Membership Rewards points to Delta, among other perks.

In 2023, American Express paid Delta $6.8 billion as part of their co-brand credit card partnership, with the funds coming from the fees collected on the billions of dollars spent on the cards by cardmembers.

In June, Delta CEO Ed Bastian informed investors that approximately 1% of the entire U.S. economy is spent on Delta's credit cards.

Delta's SkyMiles loyalty program underwent significant changes last year, which were viewed as a dilution by many customers. To attain elite status, Delta customers were required to spend substantial amounts of money on airfare or the Delta credit card. Additionally, Delta planned to limit the number of lounge entries based on status.

After Delta made changes, AmEx customers frequently expressed their intention to cancel their cards on message boards.

Delta delayed or rolled back some of the proposed changes that Bastian had made, and he later apologized for them.

AmEx typically refreshes its credit cards with a lead time of 18 to 24 months, and the changes announced Thursday were planned before Delta made changes to its SkyMiles program. However, the changes were made at a time when both companies want to ensure that those who expressed their dissatisfaction with Delta on social media after last year's SkyMiles changes remain loyal to the program.

AmEx's U.S. Consumer Services president, Howard Grosfield, stated that these cards provide new benefits to consumers and business owners, enabling them to obtain Medallion status, access new credits, and enjoy a premium travel experience.

The annual fees for the Delta Gold, Platinum, and Reserve cards will increase, with the Delta Gold Card now costing $150, the Delta Platinum costing $350, and the Delta Reserve costing $650.