How Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards Can Elevate Every Trip

Light bulb icon.

Quick Answer

Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend or an international sojourn, Delta SkyMiles® American Express Cards can help you earn miles and unlock elevated experiences that take every travel adventure to the next level.

Happy couple seated side by side in a commercial airplane cabin looking at a smartphone together, with aircraft seats, windows, and other travelers visible in the background.

This post is sponsored by American Express.

If you travel, you know: Travel isn't just about reaching a destination—it's about the sense of possibility, exploration and connection that every journey brings. Whether it's a romantic weekend getaway, a family vacation or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, the best trips reconnect you with those you care about and create memories that stay with you long after you return home.

The right Delta SkyMiles® American Express Card can elevate every stage of your trip, making travel more luxurious, rewarding and exciting from beginning to end. Plus, new benefits and limited-time offers to earn bonus miles mean cardholders now enjoy even more value. Here's how Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve American Express Cards can enrich every stage of travel—from planning your trip to arriving home inspired to book the next one.

Earn Miles to Enhance Your Trip

Even before the planning stages, Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards can help you make the most of your trip by earning miles for eligible everyday purchases. Depending on the card you carry, your Delta SkyMiles Card can earn anywhere from 1 to 3 miles per $1 spent in categories including restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, hotels and purchases directly with Delta. (Terms apply.)

Miles can add up quickly, especially if you're strategic about using your cards for eligible purchases. And with limited-time offers available now through November 4, 2026, you have even more opportunities to earn rewards that can elevate your travel experiences.

  • New cardholders can apply and find out their welcome offer, which could be as high as 80,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases on the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card in the first six months after opening the card. (Terms apply.)
  • New cardholders can apply and find out their welcome offer, which could be as high as 90,000 bonus miles, plus earn a $300 statement credit after spending $4,000 in purchase on the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card in the first six months after opening the card. (Terms apply.)
  • New cardholders can earn two round-trip Delta Comfort Flight Certificates valid for travel to the U.S. 48, Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with 50,000 bonus miles, after spending $10,000 in purchases on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in the first six months. A 21+-day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply.

If you're a regular Delta traveler, you know that earning Medallion Status with Delta unlocks benefits that make your journey more enjoyable, such as complimentary upgrades, waived fees and more. Your Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve Card can get you closer to Medallion Status faster, thanks to MQD Headstart and MQD Boost.

  • MQD Headstart gives eligible cardholders $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars (MQDs) deposited in their card-linked SkyMiles account during each Medallion Qualification Year. (Terms apply.)
  • MQD Boost lets you earn $1 MQD for every $20 of purchases on the Platinum Card and $1 MQD for every $10 of purchases on the Reserve Card. (Terms apply.)

Before You Board: Booking Travel

The excitement really begins to build when your trip moves from idea to itinerary. You compare destinations, explore hotel options and map out the experiences you want to enjoy along the way. When you're ready to book your trip, use your Delta SkyMiles Card to stretch the value of your miles even further.

  • Save 15% when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights through Delta.com and the Fly Delta app. (Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.) (Terms apply.)
  • Eligible cardholders can also use Pay With Miles to redeem miles for all or part of the cost of tickets when booking through Delta.com. (Terms apply.)
  • Book eligible prepaid hotels or vacation rentals using your Card through Delta Stays on Delta.com and receive annual statement credits of up to $100 for the Delta SkyMiles Gold Card, up to $150 for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card and up to $200 for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card. (Terms apply.)
  • Delta SkyMiles Gold Card holders can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit for future travel after spending $10,000 on purchases on their card in a calendar year. (Terms apply.)

Travel is even more meaningful when it's shared with someone you care about. Whether it's a romantic getaway with your partner or an adventure with a close friend, Companion Certificates can make it easier to bring someone along on your journey. A Companion Certificate is available for eligible flights each year after renewal of your Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.

Remember: Once you've fulfilled the minimum spending requirements on your new Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you can earn two Delta Comfort Flight Certificates, unlocking even more options for travel. Use them to bring friends or family along on your trip or to book future travel to the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico or the continental U.S. (A 21+-day advance purchase is required. Taxes and fees up to $80 per person apply. Terms and other restrictions apply.)

Planning ahead by obtaining Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® status can help you breeze through airport security lines like a VIP, and your Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve Card can cover the costs. (Terms apply.) Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve Card holders can receive either a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee (which includes access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost) or a statement credit up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee every four years when charged to your SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve card. (Terms apply.)

The Journey Begins

Kick off your trip in style: Leave the driving to someone else as you set off for the airport. Pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers with your Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve Card and earn up to $10 per month (up to $120 annually) in statement credits. (Enrollment required.) (Terms apply.) Delta SkyMiles Gold Card holders can access this benefit after their card renews for a second year of membership.

There's nothing luxurious about trying to squeeze all your belongings into a carry-on bag. Pack the outfits you need in a checked bag and be prepared for even the longest journeys. With your Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum or Reserve Card, you can check your first bag free on Delta flights worldwide for you and up to eight travel companions in your reservation. Plus, as a Delta Basic Card holder, you can also check your second bag for free on domestic Delta flights. (Terms apply.)

Frequent travelers know how important the moments between destinations are. Access to an airport lounge turns those moments into a chance to recharge rather than rush. Savor the downtime during layovers or flight delays with complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when flying on Delta flights booked with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card. You'll also enjoy 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club® plus four one-time guest passes each Medallion Year, so you can share the experience with family and friends when flying Delta together. Unlock unlimited Delta Sky Club access when you spend $75,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year. (Terms apply.)

Skip the crush of passengers at the gate with Zone 5 Priority Boarding, available to Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Reserve Card holders. You'll have plenty of time to settle in, stow your carry-on and relax before takeoff. And with a Delta SkyMiles Platinum or Reserve Card, you could be added to the complimentary upgrade list for eligible Delta flights, for an even more comfortable flight. Complimentary upgrades are not available to Delta Basic Members. Platinum Members are added to the upgrade list after Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members. Reserve Members are added to the upgrade list after Medallion Members. (Terms apply.)

During your flight, celebrate by drinking a toast to your upcoming trip or indulging in a tasty treat with your travel companions. When you use your Delta SkyMiles Card for eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages, you can receive 20% back as a statement credit. (Terms apply.)

Explore Your Destination in Style

You've touched down at your destination, and you're eager to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds. Use your Delta SkyMiles Card to hop into your rental car and start exploring without delay. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card holders enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status; Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card holders receive complimentary Hertz President's Circle® Status. Enrollment in the Hertz Gold+ program is required, and you must add your Hertz Gold+ Account number to your SkyMiles Account associated with your eligible card and "Enroll in Promotion" at delta.com/hertz. (Terms apply.) You'll enjoy status benefits like vehicle upgrades and skipping the rental counter at select locations. It all adds up to a more enjoyable and relaxing driving experience. (Terms apply.)

If savoring new cuisines and buzzworthy eateries is a big part of your travel experience, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card can take the culinary adventures to the next level. card to your Resy profile to enjoy Global Dining Access by Resy and get access to exclusive reservations and premium dining experiences. After paying for eligible purchases with an enrolled Delta SkyMiles American Express Card to dine at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants, get up to $20 in statement credits (for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card) and up to $10 in statement credits (for the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card) each month. (Terms apply.)

Wherever you choose to dine, shop or sightsee, the statement credit you'll earn after fulfilling the minimum spending requirements on your new Delta SkyMiles Gold Card or Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card can help offset the cost. Earning a statement credit of $250 for Delta SkyMiles Gold Card holders and $300 for Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card holders lets you treat yourself to little luxuries that make your travel experience more memorable.

In an age where travel can mean uncertainty, peace of mind may be the biggest luxury of all. Knowing support is available when the unexpected arises can make it easier to travel with confidence, especially when you're exploring an unfamiliar destination.

When traveling more than 100 miles from home, your Delta SkyMiles Gold or Platinum Card provides access to 24/7 help from the Global Assist® Hotline for emergency assistance and coordination services. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card gives you access to the Premium Global Assist® Hotline, which also includes select emergency medical transportation and assistance services. Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. (Terms apply.)

Make the Most of Every Trip With the Delta SkyMiles American Express Card

The most rewarding journeys don't end when you return home. They broaden your perspective, live on in your memory and inspire future adventures. No matter where your travels take you, Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards can make every stage of the journey more memorable, luxurious and rewarding. After all, travel isn't just about the destination: It's about making every moment count.

For more information and to apply for a Delta SkyMiles Card, visit the American Express website.

Don’t apply blindly

Apply for credit cards confidently with personalized offers based on your credit profile. Get started with your FICO® Score for free.

See your offers
Promo icon.

Compare credit cards matched to you

Experian app.

Download the free Experian appCarry trusted financial tools with you

Download from the Apple App Store.Get it on Google Play.
Experian's Diversity logo.

Experian’s Inclusion and BelongingLearn more how Experian is committed