Delta flyers can choose from the top credit cards.

American Express offers various benefits and promotions. Visit their website for more information.

Delta co-branded airline credit cards can be beneficial for anyone traveling with Delta, but it's not the only way to earn Delta SkyMiles or access travel perks. American Express cards also offer rewards that can be transferred to Delta and provide additional benefits to enhance Delta travels.

Delta flyers can choose the best card for their needs with CNBC Select's analysis of the top cards. Additionally, we have included alternative cards for those with weak credit who may not qualify for the other options. Our methodology explains how we arrived at this list.

Best for earning rewards

The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for earning numerous points on routine expenses, which can be exchanged for Delta flights. It offers an impressive return on dining, grocery purchases, and flights directly with airlines or through Amextravel.com.

The Amex Gold card offers up to $120 in annual dining credits (up to $10 per month) for eligible purchases at Grubhub, Goldbelly, The Cheesecake Factory, and more (enrollment required). Additionally, you'll receive up to $120 in Uber Cash ($10 per month) that can be used for Uber rides and Uber Eats orders (enrollment required; you must have downloaded the latest version of the Uber App and your eligible American Express Gold Card must be a method of payment in your Uber account. The Amex Benefit may only be used in the United States.)

Best for casual Delta flyers

If you are an occasional Delta flyer who enjoys flying Delta, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is a suitable option. It provides free checked bags, priority boarding, and discounts that will be appreciated by even the occasional Delta traveler.

The Delta Gold Amex Card offers several standout benefits, including a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation, saving you $70 per roundtrip on domestic flights. Additionally, this card helps you maximize your miles by providing a 15% discount on Delta award flights.

Best for Delta lounge access

If you're seeking Delta SkyMiles elite status and other premium perks, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is perfect for you.

The Amex Delta Reserve Card offers access to Delta Sky Club lounges and four guest passes when traveling with Delta or a Delta partner, as well as access to Escape Lounges and Centurion Lounges when traveling with Delta if you book the flight with your Reserve Card. Additionally, the card provides an elite status boost and various statement credits, making it a standout choice for frequent Delta travelers.

Best for luxury benefits

If you're looking to enhance your travel experience, The Platinum Card® from American Express is the perfect choice. With top-notch airport lounge access, exclusive perks, and flexible travel rewards, you won't be disappointed.

The Amex Platinum card's annual fee is worth paying because of its extensive list of statement credit offers, which can add up to more than $1,500 in value each year. These offers include deals for digital entertainment, airline fees, hotels, Walmart+, Uber, CLEAR and more.

Best for businesses

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card is ideal for business owners who frequently fly with Delta, as it offers premium benefits and generous statement credits.

The Amex Delta Reserve Business Card offers a Companion Certificate annually, allowing you to bring a guest on eligible Delta flights for only the cost of taxes and fees. This applies to flights in the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean, and includes Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, and First Class tickets.

Alternate credit cards if you have bad credit

Good or excellent credit scores (scores 670 and above) are typically required for the top credit cards for Delta flyers. If you lack credit history or are rebuilding your credit, the best benefits and rewards may not be available to you. However, you can still earn rewards for Delta travel while building your credit with some easier-to-get credit cards.

For bad credit: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

If you lack credit history or have a poor credit score, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card is a suitable choice. While most secured credit cards provide minimal rewards, this card offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, then 1%), as well as 1% cash back on all other purchases. Additionally, the card comes with a valuable welcome offer that matches all of the cash back you earn in the first year.

This card does not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees, and the cashback earned can be redeemed at any time with no minimums.

Learn more: Discover it® Secured Credit Card

For students: Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card is a unique student credit card that comes with many features not commonly found in other student cards. It offers a $50 cash bonus after spending $100 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Additionally, it earns bonus cash back in a variety of common spending categories, including those that are particularly useful for travelers.

The card offers travel accident insurance and extended warranty protection* without an annual fee or foreign transaction fees for eligible purchases.

Learn more: Capital One SavorOne Student Cash Rewards Credit Card

American Express® Gold Card

Delta SkyMiles can be instantly obtained by transferring Amex Membership Rewards points earned with the American Express Gold Card.

Rewards

The U.S. has the highest 4X points per dollar spent at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery.
Purchases of up to $25,000 per calendar year at U.S. supermarkets earn 4X points, while purchases above that amount earn 1X points.
3X points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com
1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After six months of card membership, you will receive 60,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new card.

Annual fee

$250 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

The Amex Gold card is a great option for Delta flyers because it allows you to earn American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. Amex's transfer partners include Delta SkyMiles and other programs that allow you to book Delta flights, such as Flying Blue (Air France and KLM) and Virgin Atlantic. By utilizing multiple programs, you can save points when booking Delta flights by choosing the best options for your desired destination.

Your travel is also covered by a variety of protections, including:

*Baggage insurance
*Car rental loss and damage insurance (secondary)

Both AMEX Assurance Company and eligible items are covered by extended warranty and purchase protections.

You can receive up to $240 in statement credits annually, including $120 in dining credit and $120 in Uber Cash. Additionally, you can get a $100 experience credit and potential room upgrade when booking stays of at least two nights through The Hotel Collection.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

If you fly with Delta occasionally, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card offers the perfect combination of benefits.

Rewards

2X miles on Delta purchases
2X miles at U.S. Supermarkets
2X miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
1X miles on all other eligible purchases

Welcome bonus

In your first six months of card membership, you will earn 65,000 miles after spending $3,000 on purchases with your new card.

Annual fee

The introductory annual fee is $0 for the first year, followed by $150 (see rates and fees).

Notable perks

Earning a $200 Delta Flight Credit and a $100 credit for prepaid hotels and vacation rentals through Delta Stays are additional perks for spending $10,000 on the card in a calendar year.

Delta SkyMiles offers a 15% discount on Delta awards, 20% back on in-flight food and beverage purchases, priority boarding (zone 5) at the airport, and a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions.

This card offers no foreign transaction fees (refer to rates and fees) and several insurance benefits, including:

American Express offers baggage insurance with varying eligibility and benefit levels. The terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. This insurance is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Rental car insurance (Secondary)
AMEX Assurance Company underwrites protection with varying eligibility and benefit levels. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a range of benefits that are ideal for Delta's most devoted customers.

Rewards

3X miles on Delta purchases
1X miles on all other eligible purchases

Welcome bonus

After six months of card membership, you will earn 95,000 miles by spending $6,000 on purchases with your new card.

Annual fee

$650 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card offers several benefits for those working towards Delta Medallion Status. Each year, you receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD), and you'll earn $1 MQD for every $10 you spend on the card. Additionally, you'll receive a 15% discount on Delta awards, first checked bag free (up to nine people), 20% back on in-flight food and beverage purchases, and complimentary upgrades even if you don't have Medallion Status. If you already have Medallion Status, you'll receive priority upgrades over others with the same status level and fare class.

You can utilize statement credits for Resy and rideshares. Each year, you'll receive up to $120 in rideshare credit (up to $10 back per month) and up to $240 in Resy credit (Up to $20 per month). If you use your card to pay for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, you can receive a statement credit of up to $100 once every four years for Global Entry or once every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck. Additionally, every year you renew the card, you'll receive a companion certificate that lets you bring along a guest for the cost of taxes and fees. This certificate is valid for seats in Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+ and First Class and flights within the U.S., Caribbean or Central America.

Starting Feb. 1, 2025, Delta Sky Club access will be limited to 15 visits per year, but unlimited visits can be earned by spending at least $75,000 on the card in a calendar year. Additionally, Amex Centurion Lounge and Escape Lounge access will be provided when traveling on a Delta flight booked with the Reserve Card.

This card offers various insurance protections, including trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, rental car insurance (secondary), cell phone protection, purchase protection, return protection, and extended warranty coverage.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The American Express Platinum Card comes with numerous advantages, but the challenge lies in determining how to make the most of them.

Rewards

Rewritten: Up to $500,000 in flights can be purchased directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, and for every $5 spent, you'll earn 5X points.
5X points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

After six months of card membership, you can earn 80,000 points by spending $8,000 on eligible purchases.

Annual fee

$695 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

Delta flights can be booked using Amex Platinum points, which transfer directly to Delta. Additionally, Amex points can be transferred to other programs such as Virgin Atlantic, Flying Blue (Air France and KLM), and AeroMexico Rewards. Through Amex Travel, you can pay for flights with points at a rate of one cent per point.

You'll have access to numerous statement credit offers with the Amex Platinum Card, including:

To receive up to $200 in annual hotel credit on select prepaid bookings through Amex Travel, enrollment is required.
Up to $240 in annual digital entertainment credit (Enrollment required)
Up to $155 in annual Walmart+ credit, not including Plus Ups, automatically renews each year with a membership fee of up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
Up to $200 in annual airline fee credit with your selected airline
Each month, you can receive up to $15 in Uber Cash, with a total of $35 in December.
Up to $300 per calendar year Equinox credit (Enrollment required)
Up to $100 in annual Saks Fifth Avenue credit (Enrollment required)
You can receive up to $189 in CLEAR® Plus statement credits annually, excluding taxes and fees, as long as your account is automatically renewed.
Every four years, you can receive up to $100 in application fee credits for Global Entry, or every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck.

Don't miss out on the elite status perks of the cash back card, which includes gold status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Additionally, you can enjoy rental car privileges such as upgrades and discounts with Avis, Hertz, and National. Enrollment is required.

Priority Pass lounges, Lufthansa lounges, Escape Lounges, Amex Centurion Lounges, Plaza Premium and Delta Sky Club locations are accessible with the Amex Platinum card, which is a top-tier option for airport lounge access. Enrollment is required for Priority Pass lounges, while Basic Economy passengers aren't eligible for Delta Sky Club access when flying with Delta.

The Amex Platinum card provides a range of travel and purchase protections, as expected with a card of this caliber.

Baggage insurance
American Express offers car rental coverage through its Travel Related Services Company, Inc. The eligibility and benefit level of this coverage vary by card. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. This coverage is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
Extended warranty protection
AMEX Assurance Company underwrites protection with varying eligibility and benefit levels. Terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.
American Express offers protection for its cardholders, but the eligibility and benefit level may vary depending on the card. The terms, conditions, and limitations apply, and more details can be found on the American Express website.
Insurance for trip delays (*Eligibility and Benefit level vary by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company)
Insurance coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions (*Eligibility and Benefit level may vary by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company)
American Express offers cell phone protection with varying eligibility and benefit levels. The terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. This coverage is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Terms apply.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card provides airport lounge access, Delta status enhancements, and an enhanced return on select business expenses.

Rewards

3X miles on eligible Delta purchases
1.5X miles on eligible transit
1.5X miles on U.S. Shipping and office supply stores
1X miles on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

You can earn 110,000 miles by spending $12,000 on your new card in the first six months of membership, but this offer ends on July 17, 2024.

Annual fee

$650 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

You can offset the annual fee of this card by utilizing a selection of statement credit offers, which are available.

Up to $250 in Delta Stays credit annually. Enrollment required
Enrollment is required to receive up to $240 in Resy credit annually (up to $20 per month).
To receive up to $120 in rideshare credit (up to $10 back per month), enrollment is required.
Up to $100 in application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

Delta offers the best status perks, including earning $1 MQD for every $10 spent on the card and a $2,500 MQD Headstart every year. However, if you don't qualify for Delta Medallion Status, you are still eligible for complimentary upgrades just for being a cardholder (a ticket must be purchased after Feb. 1, 2024, to qualify). Additionally, you'll receive priority boarding (zone 5) and one free checked bag for you and up to eight people traveling on the same reservation. When you use the card to pay for in-flight food or beverages, you'll get 20% back.

The annual Companion Certificate is the most valuable benefit of this card, allowing you to bring a guest on eligible flights for the cost of taxes and fees. This applies to travel in the U.S., Central America, and the Caribbean, and is valid for Main Cabin, Delta Comfort+, and First Class travel.

You can relax in Delta lounges, including Amex Centurion lounges and Escape lounges, when traveling on a Delta flight booked with your Reserve Business Card. Currently, you receive unlimited Delta Sky Club access and four guest passes with the card when traveling with Delta or an eligible partner airline. However, you cannot visit Delta lounges if you're traveling on a basic economy ticket. Starting Feb. 1, 2025, Delta lounge access is changing for cardholders, and you will be limited to 15 Sky Club visits per year. You can earn unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on your card in a calendar year.

This card offers no foreign transaction fees (refer to rates and fees) and provides extra safeguards.

Insurance for trip delays is available, but eligibility and benefit levels vary by card. Please visit American Express's benefits guide for more details. This insurance is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Insurance coverage for trip cancellations and interruptions varies by card, and eligibility and benefit levels are subject to change. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more information. This coverage is underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

The eligibility and benefit level of baggage insurance vary by card. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. This insurance is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

American Express offers rental car insurance with varying eligibility and benefit levels. The terms, conditions, and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. This coverage is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is provided through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

American Express offers extended warranty coverage on eligible cards, with varying benefit levels. The terms, conditions, and limitations apply. For more details, visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide. This coverage is underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

AMEX Assurance Company underwrites protection with varying eligibility and benefit levels based on the card. The terms, conditions, and limitations apply, and more details can be found on the American Express website.

Return protection

Pros and cons of a Delta credit card

If you are a frequent traveler to Delta hub cities, a Delta credit card can be a valuable addition to your wallet. With top-tier co-branded cards, you can quickly earn elite status, receive complimentary upgrades, and take advantage of statement credit offers. Additionally, perks such as free checked bags and 15% off award flights make these cards worth the investment.

If you want to keep your flight options open and not be restricted to Delta-specific benefits, then a more general travel credit card may be a better fit. These cards usually don't offer Delta-specific perks but provide benefits that can be used across multiple airlines or for other types of travel. With this type of card, you have more flexibility in redeeming miles.

Pros of Delta credit cards

With certain Delta cards, you can quickly advance to elite status and enjoy exclusive perks such as lounge access.
Delta co-branded cards provide a 15% discount on Delta award flights, enhancing the worth of your SkyMiles.

Cons of Delta credit cards

You can only redeem Delta co-branded cards through the SkyMiles program, which has dynamic pricing and can devalue miles without notice.
Access to Delta Sky Club is one of the many benefits that only apply when traveling with Delta.

Why trust CNBC Select?

Our mission at CNBC Select is to deliver top-notch service journalism and in-depth consumer advice to our readers, enabling them to make well-informed decisions when it comes to their finances. Each credit card review we publish is the result of thorough reporting by our team of expert writers and editors, who possess extensive knowledge of credit card products. At CNBC Select, we are committed to maintaining our journalistic standards and ethics, even when it comes to earning a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links. Our methodology outlines the process we use to select the best Delta credit cards, which are based on rigorous research and analysis.

Our methodology

Over 250 major credit cards from FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions were analyzed by CNBC Select to determine the best value for Delta flyers in the U.S.

We evaluated each card based on various aspects, including rewards, annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees. Additionally, we examined any extra benefits (e.g., travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection, and travel insurance), the application process (e.g., whether a credit pull or minimum credit score is required), and the ease of redeeming points (e.g., whether rewards are tied to a specific brand or transferable to partners, and how they can be redeemed for cash back). We also took into account CNBC Select audience data, such as demographics and engagement with our content and tools.

We utilized Esri's consumer spending data forecasts to determine where U.S. consumers spend the most money, such as on dining and travel, to help us determine the most valuable bonus categories for our rewards program. Additionally, we considered the transferability and cash-back redemption options when determining the value of points or miles.

We prioritized Delta SkyMiles earning cards and those that offer transferable flexible rewards when selecting the best Delta cards. Additionally, we took into account Delta-specific benefits and traveler-relevant perks.

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Some of the benefits listed for Capital One products on this page are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may differ depending on the product. Please refer to the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card, click here.

To learn about the rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

To learn about the rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, please visit this link.

To learn about the rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this link.

To learn about the rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card, please visit this link.

To learn about the rates and fees for the Discover it Secured Credit Card, please visit this link.