Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Those looking for a few more Delta perks might find the answer in the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees). Considering that it charges a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150, it’s at least worth taking the card for a test flight. The 15% off discount for award flights and $100 Delta Stays credit on eligible purchases through Delta could go a long way toward compensating for the annual fee when it’s charged. Cardholders who spend at least $10,000 in a calendar year on their Delta Blue card earn a $200 Delta Flight Credit, making it even easier to keep the card long-term. The first checked bag free perk applies to the cardholder and up to eight additional traveling companions, which could lead to significant savings throughout the year.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
At the opposite end of the spectrum from the Delta Blue card, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees) oozes opulence. Cardholders get select access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges, a kickstart toward Delta elite status and upgrade priority, even over others in the same Medallion tier. Along with travel credits, the card also offers $240 in Resy restaurant credit upon enrollment (up to $20 monthly), $120 in rideshare credit (up to $10 monthly), Hertz President’s Circle status and more robust trip protections.
The card also offers a Delta Companion Certificate every year after card renewal. That means a companion can join the cardholder in Delta First, Delta Comfort or Delta Main for a round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean or Central America. The only cost is for the taxes and fees between $22 and $250 depending on the destination. Travelers who can maximize these perks will find the annual fee well worth it.
Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card vs. American Express® Green Card*
The flexible Membership Rewards on the American Express® Green Card* are just as good as earning SkyMiles—and probably better. That’s because they can transfer to Delta and over 15 additional airline and hotel partners, like Air Canada, JetBlue and Marriott. The Amex Green card doesn’t include Delta-specific perks, but it can make your time at the airport less stressful with an annual CLEAR® Plus membership for expedited passage through security. It also has more generous earnings rates than all Delta Amex cards.