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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Overview

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

An in-depth look at the top-tier card for loyal Delta flyers.

Author: Shannon Lopez
|
Reviewed by: Taevann Calloway
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Benefits Accurate as of: Sep 25, 2025

PREMIUM TRAVEL CARD

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card
Apply now

at the issuer's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply.

Why we love this card: This is the ultimate card for the Delta devotee, offering unparalleled lounge access, a valuable companion certificate, and a clear path to Medallion Status.

Estimated First-Year Value: $1,700+, plus miles on your spend

- Includes a 125,000-mile sign-up bonus and a valuable first-class companion certificate.

Annual Fee

$650

 

Sign-Up Bonus

125,000 miles

 

Est. Annual Value

$500+

Includes Companion Certificate & Lounge Access

Rewards Rates
3x Miles 1x Mile
On eligible purchases made directly with Delta. On all other eligible purchases.

Why you may want the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card

  • Premium Lounge Access: Receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs and The Centurion® Lounge when you book your Delta flight with your card.
  • Annual Companion Certificate: Receive a Companion Certificate for one round-trip First Class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin ticket each year upon renewal.
  • First Checked Bag Free: You and up to 8 companions on the same reservation get a free checked bag on Delta flights.
  • Upgrade Priority: Card Members are prioritized for upgrades over other passengers with the same Medallion Status.
  • Fast-Track to Medallion Status: Get a head start on earning status with a $2,500 MQD Headstart each year, and earn 1 MQD for every $10 you spend.

Redeeming SkyMiles®

Delta SkyMiles can be redeemed for flights and more:

  • Award Flights: Use miles to book flights with Delta and its extensive network of SkyTeam partners.
  • Upgrades: Upgrade your seat to a higher cabin on many Delta flights using your miles.
  • Pay with Miles: Eligible Card Members can use miles to reduce the cost of a ticket, with 5,000 miles knocking $50 off the price.
  • Other redemptions: Redeem miles for vacation packages, gift cards, and exclusive experiences.

Airport Lounge Access

Delta Sky Club & Centurion Lounge

A key benefit is access to two premium lounge networks. You get complimentary access to all Delta Sky Club locations when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or operated flight. Additionally, when you book a Delta flight with your card, you also get complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Alternatives

For a lower annual fee with simple credits...

The Capital One Venture X Card is an excellent alternative with a lower $395 annual fee. Its credits are extremely straightforward ($300 travel portal credit and 10,000 anniversary miles), effectively making the card pay for itself each year. It also offers great lounge access and allows free authorized users.

  • Why you might prefer it: Lower annual fee, simpler credits, and free authorized users with lounge access.
  • Why you might stick with the Sapphire Reserve: The Reserve offers a much higher rewards ceiling for travel spend and access to more valuable transfer partners like Hyatt.

For the ultimate premium perks...

The Platinum Card® from American Express is the king of luxury travel perks. It offers the most extensive lounge access (including Centurion Lounges), automatic elite status with Marriott and Hilton, and over $1,500 in potential statement credits for things like airline fees, Uber, and Saks Fifth Avenue.

  • Why you might prefer it: Unbeatable lounge access, hotel elite status, and a vast array of statement credits.
  • Why you might stick with Delta SkyMiles® Reserve: If you're flying exclusively and frequently with Delta, The SkyMiles Reserve offers unbeatable value.

Want to find the perfect travel credit card, just for you? Visit our Credit Card Finder to get your best match.

Final Thoughts

For the dedicated Delta Airlines traveler, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the pinnacle of co-branded credit cards. The combination of premium lounge access and a highly valuable companion certificate can easily outweigh the annual fee year after year.

Bottom Line: If you fly Delta several times a year and value a premium airport experience, this card is an essential tool for your wallet.

Apply for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card

at the issuer's secure site. Terms & restrictions apply.

PREMIUM AIRLINE CARD

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card

Apply now
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Now that you have a good handle on goals and the available savings products out there, you’re ready for Savings 102 where it’s time to choose the right product to meet your specific savings goal.