If you’re a frequent Delta flyer, it’s a particularly good time to apply for a Delta Amex, as two of the airlines’ three cards just launched lucrative limited time welcome offers.
Here are your options, as well as all the cards’ regular welcome offers for comparison:
Gold Delta SkyMiles®Credit Card from American Express – 30,000 SkyMiles after spending $1,000 in your first three months, plus 50% back in the form of a statement credit on purchases made directly with Delta in your first three months, up to $300 back.
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The points and minimum spend here are the same as usual, but the credit has increased from a flat $50 credit on a $50 purchase to a $300 off $600 credit.
Platinum Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express– 50,000 SkyMiles after spending $3,000 in your first three months, plus 50% back in the form of a statement credit on purchases made directly with Delta in your first three months, up to $500 back.
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On a points basis, this represents an increase from the usual 35,000 miles/5,000 Medallion Qualifying Miles, though with $3,000 in minimum spend vs. $1,000. The statement credit has also increased from a flat $100 to $500 off a $1,000 purchase.
Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express– 40,000 SkyMiles and 10,000 MQMs after $3,000 spend in three months, the same offer as usual.
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These special statement credits are interesting, because while they are far more valuable than the typical statement credits, they do require you to spend more, since they only cover 50% of your Delta purchases. This makes sense if you’re planning on spending $600 (Gold) or $1,000 (Platinum) on Delta flights in the next few months, but wouldn’t be all that compelling if you don’t have any big trips on the horizon.
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If you need help choosing a card, here’s a breakdown of their annual fees and noteworthy benefits.
Delta Gold Amex –$95 annual fee, waived in the first year. Automatic boarding group 1 on Delta flights, and one checked bag for free (must pay for flight with the card). Earn one SkyMile per dollar on all purchases, and two SkyMiles on Delta purchases. The card has no foreign transaction fees, and you can access Delta Sky Clubs for $29 per person (the cardholder plus up to two guests).
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Delta Platinum Amex -$195 annual fee. All of the above benefits, plus one domestic main cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your card. That means if you pay for a main cabin roundtrip ticket within the U.S., you can bring someone else for free (save for taxes and fees).
Delta Reserve Amex– $450 annual fee. All of the above benefits, but with complimentary Sky Club access for the cardholder ($29 guest passes available for up to two guests), and the domestic companion certificate is also valid on first class and Delta Comfort+. You’ll also have access to a concierge.
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For my money, the Platinum Delta Card (which we’ve covered before) is right in the sweet spot for most travelers. That companion certificate should easily cover the $195 annual fee, and is well worth the extra $100 per year compared to the Gold card, especially when you factor in the welcome bonuses.
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