The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can justify its $650 annual fee.
If you fly Delta regularly and use lounge access, the Companion Certificate, TakeOff 15, and free checked bag benefits
This guide shows benefits, rates, costs, how to apply, and how to use the card well.
Key Benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
A premium Delta co-brand from American Express.
Built for frequent Delta flyers who value lounge access, a yearly Companion Certificate, and status support.
Best if you book Delta often and can unlock recurring value each year.
Delta Sky Club® access
You receive 15 visits per Medallion Year when you fly Delta.
If you spend $75,000 on eligible purchases in a calendar year, you unlock unlimited visits for the rest of that Medallion Year and the next. Guest rules apply.
Companion Certificate (after each renewal)
Good for a round-trip in First, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America on select routes.
You pay government taxes and fees (generally $22–$250, subject to change). Seats are limited. Fare rules and blackout dates can apply.
TakeOff 15™
Save 15% on the mileage price of Delta-operated award flights when you book with SkyMiles on delta.com or the Fly Delta app.
Not valid on partner flights or certain itineraries.
Status head start
An annual $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQD) Headstart posts early each Medallion Qualification Year.
This helps you reach Medallion Status faster.
Travel Perks
First checked bag is free to you and eligible companions on the same reservation when you use your card and include your SkyMiles number.
Priority boarding. Typically, Main Cabin 1 for you and eligible companions on the same reservation.
Receive a statement credit (usually 20%) on eligible in-flight food and beverage purchases on Delta-operated flights when you use your card.
Rates and Key Fees
You can offset a fee with lounge value, companion travel, bag savings, and award discounts.
- Annual fee: $650.
- Purchase APR: Prime Rate + 12.74% to Prime Rate + 21.74% (variable), based on creditworthiness. Not to exceed 29.99%.
- Cash advance APR: Prime Rate + 21.99% (variable).
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater. Interest starts on the transaction date.
- Penalty APR: Up to Prime Rate + 26.74% (variable) after a late or returned payment. Account reviews can restore your prior APR after six months of on-time payments, but this is not guaranteed.
- Foreign transaction fees: None.
- Late payment fee / returned payment fee: Up to $40 each.
- Minimum interest charge: If interest is charged, a minimum may apply.
APR ranges, margins, and fees can change. Your approval terms may differ.
Who This Card Fits
You fly Delta several times a year and want lounge access on departure days.
You can use the Companion Certificate every year for higher cabins or busy routes.
You redeem SkyMiles mostly on Delta metal and will use TakeOff 15.
You prefer a single airline ecosystem instead of flexible points transfers.
How to Apply Online (step-by-step)
Create or sign in to your American Express online account.
- Start the secure application. Open the official Delta Reserve American Express application page from American Express or Delta’s credit card hub and select “Apply.”
- Provide personal information. Enter your legal name, SSN or ITIN, address, income, and contact details. Ensure accuracy.
- If approved, set up your account. Add your card to your mobile wallet.
- Activate benefits. Ensure your SkyMiles number is linked. Review lounge rules, Companion Certificate terms, and TakeOff 15 eligibility.
- Plan first-year value. Map trips where the Companion Certificate and lounge visits will yield the highest savings.
How to Squeeze The Most Value
Track your 15 lounge visits. Plan high-stress travel days around them.
If you foresee more visits, decide early whether you will aim for $75,000 spend for unlimited access.
Lock in the Companion Certificate. Use it soon after it becomes available each year. Focus on routes and dates with strong cash fares.
Use TakeOff 15 on Delta metal. When searching for awards, confirm the discount appears before checkout. Compare with partners to ensure the best value.
Bank Contact Information
American Express Customer Service (Personal Cards): 1-800-528-4800 (24/7).
Payments by Phone: 1-800-472-9297 (24/7).
General Correspondence (Mail): American Express, P.O. Box 981535, El Paso, TX 79998-1535.
Bill Payments (Mail): American Express, P.O. Box 96001, Los Angeles, CA 90096-8000.
When This Card Makes Sense
You value lounge comfort and time savings at busy airports.
You travel with a spouse or colleague and will use the Companion Certificate every year.
You have a stable cash flow to pay in full and avoid interest.
You want faster progress toward Delta Medallion Status via the MQD Headstart plus your normal spend and travel.
When to consider another card
You do not fly Delta often or rarely visit lounges.
You prefer transferable points and partner award flexibility.
You will not use the Companion Certificate, or you can’t plan trips far enough in advance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Strong airport value via Delta Sky Club access on Delta travel days.
- Companion Certificate in premium cabins can offset the annual fee by itself on the right route.
- First checked bag free, priority boarding, and in-flight savings add recurring value.
- TakeOff 15 reduces award prices on Delta-operated flights.
Cons
- High annual fee. You must use benefits consistently.
- Lounge visits are capped at 15 unless you reach the high $75,000 annual spend threshold.
- Companion Certificate has route limits, fare class restrictions, and taxes/fees. Seats can be scarce on peak dates.
- Value is concentrated in the Delta ecosystem. If you want flexible transfer partners or non-Delta lounges, consider alternatives.
Bottom Line
The value is highest for travelers who plan and keep most flights on Delta.
If you will not use these perks, look at a lower-fee Delta card or a flexible travel card.
Apply online only after you review the current terms, rates, and benefit rules.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not financial advice. Card features, eligibility, rates, APRs, fees, lounge access rules, award discounts, and Companion Certificate terms can change at any time. Your individual offer and APR may differ. Always review the current Cardmember Agreement, Rates and Fees, Benefit Terms, and Delta program rules before you apply or book travel. Pay your balance in full to avoid interest and preserve the value of your rewards.
