Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Card Review

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card carries a $650 annual fee and is aimed at frequent Delta Air Lines flyers. According to a review by The Points Guy, key benefits include Delta Sky Club access, an annual companion certificate, and complimentary checked bags.

Cardholders receive 15 annual visits to Delta Sky Club lounges when traveling on a same-day Delta flight. Unlimited annual visits are granted after spending $75,000 in a calendar year. The card also provides unlimited complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying Delta with a ticket purchased on a U.S.-issued Amex card.

Guest access involves fees. Cardmembers get four one-time Sky Club guest passes yearly. After those, bringing up to two guests or immediate family costs $50 per person. Access when flying a Delta partner airline not marketed by Delta also costs $50 per visit after the 15 complimentary visits are used.

Earning Status and Companion Ticket

Card spending helps earn Delta Medallion elite status. Cardholders earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD) for every $10 spent, with no limit. They also receive a 2,500 MQD boost at the start of each qualification year. The Points Guy notes that with this card, reaching Silver Medallion status requires only 5,000 MQDs.

An annual companion certificate is issued after each account anniversary. It is valid for one round-trip ticket to destinations in the U.S., Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The certificate can be used for a ticket in first class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin when purchasing one adult round-trip ticket.

Travel Benefits and Protections

The card provides several preflight and inflight benefits. The primary cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation receive their first checked bag free worldwide. A second bag is free on domestic U.S. flights for the cardmember and other eligible Delta cardholders on the reservation.

Other perks include priority boarding and a chance for complimentary upgrades to First Class or Delta Comfort+. Cardholders also receive various statement credits for travel expenses.

The review points out the card's lower earning rates for everyday spending compared to some competitors. It also mentions eligibility for welcome offers may be restricted by American Express lifetime bonus rules. The editorial team at The Points Guy states their analysis is not influenced by the card issuer.

Cardholders can track their Sky Club visits online or via the Delta app. The review concludes by noting the card's benefits are designed to make Delta flyers feel valued.