Delta is a beloved airline that consistently ranks top for customer satisfaction. Casual and frequent flyers alike consistently favor Delta Air Lines because of its industry-leading operational reliability, superior customer service, and premium travel amenities.
There’s a lot to be excited about with Delta this summer.
They have launched new nonstop routes within the U.S. to increase connectivity between popular cities. They have recently expanded their transatlantic routes and are offering 7 new European destinations in 2026.
And the Delta consumer credit cards, issued by American Express, have sweetened their offers for new cardholders for a limited time.
Here’s more about the industry-leading benefits these cards offer, how to choose which one is right for you, and why you don’t want to miss out on these elevated offers (ending July 15, 2026).
New cardholder bonuses are more valuable
Smart travelers know that holding an airline credit card, even if they only fly occasionally, can be a smart money move. Especially when you start with a rewarding welcome offer.
Right now, three Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards have limited time offers (through July 15, 2026):
Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026. Terms Apply.
Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026. Terms Apply.
🏆 2 best-in-class benefits these Delta SkyMiles American Express Cards offer
There’s a lot to love about flying Delta Air Lines. Their line-up of credit cards has a lot to offer flyers of all varieties, but there are two unique benefits in particular that NerdWallet deems “Best in Class.”
These benefits add up to real savings each and every time a cardholder utilizes them. And there’s no limit to the amount of times they can be used.
Free checked bag for you and up to 8 companions:
Every major domestic airline has increased its checked bag fees in 2026, and Delta is no exception. Checking a standard bag on a Delta flight will run you $45 each way ($90 round-trip). If you fly Delta and check one bag round-trip three times per year, that adds up to $270 in bag fees. Those costs magnify when you’re traveling with a group – my family of 4 would pay $360 each round-trip flight with 1 checked bag each.
The Delta SkyMiles ® American Express Credit Cards go above and beyond in their generosity to cover the first checked bag for free on Delta flights, not just for you but for every person traveling with you up to 8 companions! Plus, basic cardholders will now receive a second checked bag free on domestic Delta flights as well. This benefit adds up to serious, unrivaled savings.
15% savings automatically on every Delta award flight
When this benefit, called TakeOff 15, was introduced on select Delta SkyMiles American Express cards in 2023, I was skeptical. It seemed too good to be true, what was the catch? But after years of personally using this benefit, I can tell you it’s very real and it’s very easy.
Every time you use your Delta miles to book an award ticket through delta.com and the Fly Delta app, you’ll automatically save 15% on the cost as an eligible Delta cardholder. (Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights, taxes and fees.
When you’re logged into your Delta account, you are recognized as holding an eligible card. You don’t need to remember to hit a toggle or jump through any hoops to save the 15%.
Your Delta search results will automatically apply the 15% savings, cross out the full award ticket price and display your reduced cost. Easy.
Better yet, this savings applies to anyone else you’re booking the reservation for. When I use my Delta miles to book flights for my whole family of 4 on one reservation, each ticket enjoys the same 15% off discount.
Benefits of these Delta American Express cards
Delta Air Lines offers a robust line of credit cards for every category of Delta flyer, from occasional travelers to luxury seekers looking for airport lounge access, status multipliers and an annual companion certificate that’s good even in first class.
In addition to the generous first checked bag free for your travel party and second checked bag free for you, and TakeOff 15 benefits mentioned above, all three of these Delta consumer credit cards also come with these valuable benefits:
Priority boarding : You’ll get to board in Zone 5 ahead of other groups to get settled and claim space in the overhead bins for your carry-on, a benefit many travelers prize. Like the free checked bag benefit, this one is also good for you and up to 8 companions traveling with you on the same reservation.
20% off in-flight purchases : These Delta cards all offer a 20% statement credit for select in-flight purchases like food and beverages on Delta-operated flights when you use your card for select in-flight purchases. Terms apply.
Which Delta card is right for you?
All of the Delta SkyMiles American Express cards come with a host of benefits worth considering if you’re a frequent — or even infrequent — Delta customer.
They range from core features you would expect on any airline card to “nice-to-have” benefits and protections. In general, the higher the annual fee, the more benefits you’ll get from your Delta credit card.
✈️ Best for casual Delta flyers: Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
Annual fee : $0 intro for the first year, then $150 .
Welcome bonus : Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026. Terms Apply.
Rewards : Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarket purchases; 1x on all other eligible purchases. Terms apply.
Bottom line : Even if you travel only a few times a year, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card may help offset the annual fee, depending on your spending and travel habits. The strong welcome offer, a generous checked-bag benefit and bonus rewards on everyday spending make it worth considering. The $100 Delta stays credit adds even more value toward your travels. Terms apply.
📈 Best for status accelerator: Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
Annual fee: $350 .
Welcome bonus : Earn 80,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 20,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $2,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026. Terms Apply.
Rewards: Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta; 3 miles per $1 spent directly with hotels; 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide; 2 miles per $1 spent at U.S. supermarkets; 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Terms apply.
⭐️ Spotlight benefit : Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card in a calendar year, getting you closer to Medallion Status for next Medallion Year quicker.
Bottom line: Along with the strong welcome offer, a first checked bag free for you and up to eight others on your reservation and priority boarding, you get a fee credit for either Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and an opportunity to earn miles toward elite status. One of its most valuable benefits, though, is the annual Companion Certificate each year you renew.
The Companion Certificate is available on roundtrip flights within the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean or Central America in Delta Main cabin. 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. Terms apply.
💳 Best for lounge access and premium benefits: Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
Annual fee : $650 .
Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 07/15/2026. Terms Apply.
Rewards: Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta; and 1 mile per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases. Terms apply.
⭐️ Spotlight benefit : Access to Delta Sky Club lounges and four one-time guest passes each year. Cardholders receive 15 visits each Medallion Year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of visits each year, you must spend $75,000 or more with the card during a calendar year.
Bottom line: If you spend a lot of time on Delta flights — or in airports waiting to board Delta flights — the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card could provide strong value for Delta frequent flyers, thanks to its airport lounge access and an Annual Companion Certificate after renewal that’s good even in first class. Terms apply. The Companion Certificate is available on Delta First, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main roundtrip flights within the U.S., Mexico, Caribbean or Central America. Terms apply. 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. Terms apply.
Bottom line: Is a Delta SkyMiles American Express worth it?
For any traveler looking to earn valuable rewards and benefits to help cover the cost of flights, the answer is a resounding yes.
With three options to choose from, there’s a great choice for every kind of flyer. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card is the card NerdWallet recommends for most travelers. But the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with a slew of valuable credits and benefits that can easily help offset the cost of the fee depending on your spending, and the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card hits a sweet spot right in the middle. These valuable, limited time offers on all three cards end on July 15, 2026.
About the author
Erin is a former writer and assigning editor on the NerdWallet Content team who now heads NerdWallet’s travel business. She’s a credit card and travel rewards expert at NerdWallet, based in Baltimore, Maryland. She has spent nearly two decades showing readers unique ways to maximize their investments and personal finances. Prior to joining NerdWallet, Erin worked on dozens of newsletters and magazines in the areas of investing, health, business and travel with Agora Publishing. Her love of travel led to a passion for credit card and loyalty rewards to subsidize trips, and she thrives on teaching others how to harness the power of credit card rewards. When she’s not helping NerdWallet readers find the best travel value, Erin is planning her next adventure for her family of four using points and miles.
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