Delta Reserve Amex Review

The Delta Reserve American Express card is a premium credit card for frequent Delta flyers. This review assesses the card's high-end features, airport lounge access, and other elite travel benefits, helping you decide if it aligns with your travel preferences.


The Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express is a premium airline rewards credit card that is co-branded with Delta Air Lines. This card is designed for frequent Delta travelers who want to enjoy a range of travel-related benefits and premium perks. Below is a review of the Delta Reserve Amex card:

Key Features and Benefits:

  1. Delta Sky Club Access: Cardmembers receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges when flying on a Delta-operated flight. This lounge access provides a comfortable and luxurious environment with complimentary snacks, beverages, and Wi-Fi.

  2. Companion Certificate: Each year upon renewal, you receive a Companion Certificate, which allows you to bring a companion on a round-trip domestic First Class or Main Cabin flight for a fee, plus taxes and fees.

  3. Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs): The card offers an opportunity to earn MQMs, which are valuable for achieving or maintaining Delta Medallion status. You receive 15,000 bonus MQMs after you spend a certain amount on the card in a calendar year.

  4. Delta SkyMiles: Cardmembers earn Delta SkyMiles on every purchase. You earn bonus miles on Delta purchases, making this card ideal for loyal Delta travelers.

  5. Priority Boarding: Enjoy Main Cabin 1 priority boarding on Delta flights, allowing you to board early and secure overhead bin space.

  6. No Foreign Transaction Fees: This card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, making it suitable for international travelers.

  7. Travel and Purchase Protections: Cardholders receive benefits like travel insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage on eligible purchases.

Considerations:

  1. Annual Fee: The Delta Reserve Amex card has a high annual fee, which is not waived for the first year. You should consider whether the benefits and rewards offset this cost.

  2. Delta Loyalty: This card is most beneficial for frequent Delta flyers. If you don't fly with Delta regularly, the rewards and benefits may not be as advantageous.

  3. Companion Certificate Restrictions: While the Companion Certificate is a valuable benefit, it is subject to certain terms and restrictions. Make sure to read and understand the terms before planning to use it.

  4. Credit Approval: As a premium card, it may require a good to excellent credit score for approval.

The Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express is a powerful tool for frequent Delta Air Lines travelers. It offers premium travel benefits, lounge access, and opportunities to earn Medallion Qualification Miles to enhance your loyalty status. However, the annual fee is significant, so it's important to assess whether the card's features align with your travel habits and preferences. If you are a loyal Delta flyer, the Delta Reserve Amex can provide exceptional value and enhance your travel experience.

Evaluating the premium benefits of the Delta Reserve American Express card..

The Delta Reserve American Express card is a premium travel rewards credit card that offers a number of valuable benefits, including:

  • Delta Sky Club access: Cardmembers receive complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs worldwide when traveling on a Delta-operated flight. Delta Sky Clubs offer a variety of amenities, including complimentary food and drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating.
  • Priority boarding: Cardmembers receive priority boarding on all Delta flights.
  • First checked bag free: Cardmembers receive one free checked bag on Delta flights.
  • 20% back on in-flight purchases: Cardmembers receive 20% back in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit: Cardmembers receive a credit of up to $100 toward the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
  • Purchase protection: Cardmembers receive purchase protection on eligible purchases, including coverage against theft, damage, and loss.
  • Extended warranty: Cardmembers receive an extended warranty on eligible purchases.
  • Travel insurance: Cardmembers receive travel insurance benefits, including trip cancellation/interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance.

In addition to these premium benefits, the Delta Reserve American Express card also offers a number of other benefits, including:

  • 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta: Cardmembers earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
  • 1 mile per dollar on other eligible purchases: Cardmembers earn 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
  • No foreign transaction fees: Cardmembers are not charged foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the United States.
  • Access to American Express Experiences: Cardmembers have access to American Express Experiences, which offer exclusive discounts and benefits on events, restaurants, and travel.

Overall, the Delta Reserve American Express card offers a number of valuable benefits for frequent Delta travelers. The premium benefits, such as Delta Sky Club access, priority boarding, and a free checked bag, can make travel more enjoyable and convenient. The rewards program is also generous, with cardmembers earning 3 miles per dollar on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.

However, it is important to note that the Delta Reserve American Express card has a high annual fee of $550. Cardmembers should carefully consider the value of the benefits offered by the card to determine if it is right for them.

Here are some tips for maximizing the value of the Delta Reserve American Express card:

  • Use the card to pay for all of your Delta travel expenses. This will help you to earn miles quickly and redeem them for valuable rewards, such as award flights and upgrades.
  • Take advantage of the premium benefits, such as Delta Sky Club access and priority boarding. This can make travel more enjoyable and convenient.
  • Use the card to pay for other eligible purchases, such as dining and entertainment. This will help you to earn even more miles.
  • Apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and use your card to pay the application fee. This will save you time and hassle at the airport.
  • Take advantage of the purchase protection and extended warranty benefits. This can help you to save money on eligible purchases.
  • Review your travel insurance benefits carefully. This will help you to understand the coverage that is provided and to make sure that you are adequately protected when you travel.