Summary
If you fly Delta frequently and want the fastest path to Medallion status plus a real airport lounge experience, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve is built for you. The $650 annual fee is steep but the credits, lounge access, and status boost can justify it for a loyal Delta flyer. Here is everything you need to know about the Delta SkyMiles program before deciding.
Rates& Fees
(Terms Apply)
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Our Rating
Premium Delta Card
Card Details
The Good
- lineup. Silver requires $5,000 MQD and Gold requires $10,000. This card gets you to Silver before you fly a single flight.
- The 15 Sky Club Visits per year is a meaningful but capped benefit. You get complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges on the day of departure. After 15 visits you pay $50 per visit unless you spend $75,000 on the card in a calendar year, which unlocks unlimited access.
- Centurion Lounge Access is included when you are flying Delta. This is one of the most valuable perks on the card. Centurion Lounges are consistently rated among the best airport lounges in the US.
- The $240 Resy Credit comes as $20 per month at Resy-affiliated restaurants. Set a reminder each month. It does not roll over and is easy to waste if you are not paying attention.
- The $200 Delta Stays Credit applies to hotels booked through Delta’s hotel portal. Rates are competitive with other OTAs and the credit posts automatically. See our full guide to the Delta Stays credit for exactly how it works.
- The $120 Rideshare Credit works as $10 per month via Uber or Lyft. Link your Amex once and it applies automatically from there. Use it or lose it each month.
- The TakeOff 15% Discount gives you 15% off when redeeming SkyMiles for Delta flights. The more miles you redeem, the more value this adds over time. It does not apply to partner flights or upgrades.
- Upgrade Priority gives Reserve cardholders a higher position on the complimentary upgrade waitlist than lower-tier Delta cards. If you fly in paid economy regularly, this can get you into first class more often.
- The Global Entry or TSA PreCheck Credit covers the application fee up to $100 every four years. If you do not have Global Entry yet, this is the nudge to apply. See our complete guide to Global Entry for how the process works.
- Hertz President’s Circle is the top tier of Hertz’s loyalty program. You get complimentary upgrades and guaranteed car availability. Enroll your Hertz number through your Amex account.
Things to watch out for
- The $650 annual fee is the highest in the Delta card lineup. You need to actively use the credits to get close to breaking even.
- Sky Club access is capped at 15 visits per year unless you spend $75,000 on the card. If you travel frequently enough to need this card, 15 visits may not last the full year. you need the [Delta SkyMiles Reserve](https://pointstopictures.com/reviews/credit-card-reviews/delta-skymiles-reserve-american-express-card/) instead.
- Additional Reserve cards cost $175 each. If you want a card for a partner or spouse, that adds up fast.
- The Companion Certificate requires renewal. You do not receive it when you first open the card. Factor this into your timing if the certificate is a primary reason for applying.
Our take
The Delta Reserve is worth it if you fly Delta 15 or more times a year and value Sky Club access and fast-tracked status. The credits alone get you close to covering the fee. The Companion Certificate in any cabin is a meaningful upgrade over what the Platinum offers.
This card is hard to justify if you fly Delta fewer than 10 times a year. The Delta Platinum at $350 gives you most of the status benefits at half the cost. If you are just getting started with Delta, the Delta Gold is the right first card.
If Delta is your primary airline and the airport experience matters to you, this is your card.
