For frequent Delta flyers loyal to SkyMiles as their preferred airline loyalty program, the American Express Delta Reserve credit card offers enticing perks and earning opportunities. In this guide, we’ll analyze the key features and benefits that make this premium travel rewards card worthy of consideration for high-mileage Delta customers.
Annual Companion Certificate
Perhaps the Delta Reserve’s most valuable perk is the annual companion certificate benefit. Each card renewal provides a single-use domestic certificate valid for a companion to fly with you on any paid Delta flight, excluding Basic Economy fares.
While restricted to the 48 contiguous United States and Puerto Rico, this can save hundreds on airline tickets for your preferred travel companion like a significant other. You’ll just need to pay taxes and fees on the companion fare, which is often less than $100 roundtrip.
With most premium travel rewards cards charging upwards of $450 annual fees, the standalone value of the companion pass makes the effective cost much lower when factoring in potential savings versus paying full coach fares year after year.
SkyMiles Accrual Rates
Whether flying Delta or purchasing everyday items, cardholders earn SkyMiles at boosted rates:
- 3x miles on Delta purchases including flights, upgrades, and at Delta-owned Sky Club airport lounges.
- 2x miles on purchases made directly with hotels and car rental companies.
- 1x miles on all other eligible purchases.
- First year bonus is 40,000 miles after spending $3,000 in 3 months.
For regular Delta flyers, the 3x rate on airfare represents significant extra rewards versus standard 1-mile-per-dollar cards. Combined with entry bonus miles, that’s enough for 2-4 standard ticket redemptions.
Complimentary Upgrades and Benefits
Along with the companion certificate, cardholders receive a host of annual travel perks from Delta:
- First checked bag free on all Delta flights for the cardholder and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.
- Main cabin 1 priority boarding advantage to get settled before crowds.
- Access to Delta Sky Club airport lounges when flying Delta.
- Complimentary upgrades to Delta Comfort+ for you and up to 8 travelers when flying together.
For busy families or road warriors, avoiding baggage fees and lounge access provides real savings beyond ticket costs. Priority boarding and complimentary seat upgrades also enhance every travel experience.
Insuring Premium Travel
The Delta Reserve also ensures trips against mishaps with robust protections:
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance of $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip.
- Baggage delay coverage of $100 per day for 5 days if bags are held by airlines 24+ hours after landing.
- Lost baggage reimbursement up to $3,000 per person.
These insurance perks provide peace of mind when expenses are incurred out of your control like missed flights or damaged luggage. For high-dollar trips this extra security increases a card’s lending power.
Strong Online Experience
American Express backs the Delta Reserve with top-tier digital account management features:
- Track spending habits and reward earnings over time with purchase categorization.
- Mobile app access for easy payment, SkyMiles redemptions and digital card controls.
- Message customer support directly from online accounts 24/7.
- Combine spending across multiple AmEx cards for larger redemptions.
This intuitive online experience streamlines Delta Reserve card usage, especially for technologically adept frequent flyers constantly tracking their travel rewards and status levels.
Premium Card Benefits
Additional AmEx perks catering to luxury tastes include:
- Airport lounge access at Delta Sky Clubs and AmEx’s own Centurion Lounges when cardholding.
- Luxury hotel and experience bookings through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program.
- Purchase and extend warranty protections when using the card for big-ticket buys.
Appealing to affluent travelers, the Reserve’s elevated benefits contribute real utility for both leisure and business-class customers seeking premium travel services.
Card Terms & Annual Fee
The Delta Reserve comes with standard AmEx terms and conditions, along with a $550 annual fee. Some key policies include:
- Variable APR of 15.74% – 24.74% for purchases and balance transfers.
- No foreign transaction fees make it easy to use abroad.
- Free authorized user cards provide companion perks for partners.
While the fee is high, many frequent Delta fliers easily recoup the costs through annual companion ticket credits, baggage waivers, and SkyClub access alone. For those optimizing earnings through Delta spends, the value of the total reward usually outweighs fee costs.
Is This Card Right For You?
In summary, the Delta Reserve stands out as an excellent choice for high-flying Delta loyalists if:
- You travel on Delta at least 4-6 times per year on domestic routes.
- Multiple household travelers use Delta as their family’s preferred airline.
- Airport experiences and onboard comfort are priorities when flying.
- Companion certificates and baggage perks reduce normal spending.
- Active creditworthy to manage interest charges responsibly.
While not ideal for occasional Delta users, its benefits maximize savings and rewards for regular customers spending thousands per year on premium flights and upgrades. For those fitting that profile, the Reserve delivers compelling value befitting its elevated annual fee costs. Frequent Delta flyers can truly take their loyalty to greater heights with AmEx’s premium co-branded product.