$550
Annual fee
See the card
Card reviewAmerican Express
Updated Aug 13, 2026 · research
American ExpressDelta SkyMiles
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a premium travel reward credit card co-branded with Delta Air Lines.
PremiumPersonal
American Express
$650
Annual fee
—
Top rate
N/A
Foreign fee
N/A
Rating
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Complimentary Delta Sky Club lounge access for cardholders and authorized users when flying Delta
- Annual companion certificate valid for domestic round-trip travel in First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin
- Earns MQD boosts (up to $2,500 per year) to help accelerate Delta Medallion elite status
- No foreign transaction fees, making it useful for international travel
- Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit every four years
Cons
- High $650 annual fee that is not waived in the first year
- Delta Sky Club access is capped at 15 visits per year starting in 2025 unless the $75,000 spend threshold is met
- Companion certificate is limited to domestic round-trip travel and taxes and fees are not covered
- Earning rates are limited, with only 3x miles on Delta and Delta Stays purchases and 1x on everything else
- Requires excellent credit for approval, limiting accessibility for many consumers
Key Takeaways
- The $650 annual fee is steep and not waived in the first year, so cardholders need to actively use benefits like the companion certificate and lounge access to get value
- Delta Sky Club access is capped at 15 visits per year starting in 2025 unless you spend $75,000 or more annually
- The annual companion certificate can significantly offset the annual fee if used for a domestic round-trip itinerary
- MQD boosts from card spending (up to $2,500 per year) can help qualifying for Delta Medallion status
- The card earns 3x miles only on Delta purchases and Delta Stays hotels, with a flat 1x on all other spending
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $650 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual fee for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card?
The annual fee is $650 per year. It is not waived in the first year. This fee reflects the card's premium tier and the lounge access, companion certificate, and elite-status benefits it includes.
How does Delta Sky Club access work with this card?
Cardholders receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying Delta. Starting in 2025, visits are capped at 15 per year unless you spend $75,000 or more on the card annually or hold Delta Medallion status. Authorized users are also eligible for lounge access, and guests may enter for $50 per visit.
How does the annual companion certificate work?
Each card anniversary year, you receive one companion certificate valid for a round-trip domestic flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin when you purchase an eligible ticket at the same fare class. Taxes and fees are not covered by the certificate, and the certificate is valid for domestic round-trip itineraries only.
How does this card help with Delta Medallion elite status?
Card spending earns Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) at a rate of $0.01 per dollar spent, up to $2,500 MQD per year. This boost can help you qualify for Medallion status faster, but it does not replace the flight-activity requirements at higher status tiers.
Does this card charge foreign transaction fees?
No, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travel.
What travel protections does the card include?
The card includes trip delay insurance that reimburses up to $500 per trip for delays exceeding 6 hours, baggage insurance covering carry-on bags up to $1,250 and checked bags up to $500, and car rental loss and damage insurance when you decline the collision damage waiver at the counter. The full fare must be purchased with the card to activate most of these protections.
Does this card offer a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit?
Yes, the card provides a statement credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry ($100) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85) once every four years. Note that the credit covers the application fee only and does not guarantee program approval.
What credit score is needed to apply for this card?
Excellent credit is generally required to be approved for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Applicants with strong credit histories are most likely to qualify.
What purchase protections come with this card?
The card includes purchase protection covering eligible new purchases against accidental damage or theft for up to 90 days, up to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per year. It also extends the manufacturer's warranty by up to one additional year on eligible purchases that have an original warranty of five years or less.
About This Card
This card is best for frequent Delta flyers who regularly use Delta Sky Club lounges, want to fast-track Delta Medallion elite status, and can make consistent use of the annual companion certificate to offset the high annual fee.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is American Express's top-tier personal co-branded Delta Air Lines credit card, designed for frequent Delta flyers who want lounge access and a faster path to elite status. Cardholders earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and hotels booked through Delta Stays, and 1 mile per dollar on all other spending. The card includes complimentary Delta Sky Club access, an annual companion certificate valid for domestic round-trip travel, and Medallion Qualification Dollar boosts to help accelerate Delta elite status. A $650 annual fee applies, reflecting the card's premium positioning within the Delta co-branded card lineup.
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve card stands out among airline co-branded cards for its combination of Delta Sky Club lounge access, a First Class-eligible annual companion certificate, and MQD boosts that directly accelerate Delta Medallion elite status qualification.
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Apply for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Current offer available with a $650 annual fee.
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