Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Worth $650?

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card often flies under the radar. Still, it might be the better choice for some travelers compared to The Platinum Card® from American Express. Here’s a deep dive into why this card deserves your attention.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Rates and fees. 

Welcome Offer

American Express has a “once in a lifetime” welcome offer rule. To qualify for this offer, you must not currently have the card and/or have received a previous Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card welcome offer.

You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card.

If you attempt to apply and you are greeted with a pop-up that says you aren’t eligible for the welcome offer, then you will not receive one.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Calculator

Ask Sebby crunches the numbers for you to calculate the Expected Value of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. For the expected value of miles, we derive the approximate dollar value based on the numbers you enter in the calculator. Scroll down to the end of the post to see our methodology.  

The calculator below contains default figures and serve as an example only. Users should insert their own data for the most accurate results.

Calculation Methodology

The results from the above calculator are based on your ability to reach the minimum spend requirement to earn the welcome offer, your amount of spend on different categories, how you plan to redeem Delta SkyMiles, and how much relative value you assign to the other benefits.  

The “Years” referenced in the calculator refer to the cardmember year, based on when you are approved for the card.

• Year 1 = first 12 months of card membership
• Year 2 = the following 12 months afterward

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Spend Multipliers:‍

• Earn 3X miles on Delta purchases made directly with Delta
• Earn 1X miles on other purchases

Rideshare Credits

One of the most straightforward credits is the rideshare credit, offering up to $10 in statement credits each month, totaling up to $120 annually. It works with Uber, Lyft, Curb, Revel, and Alto. Make sure to enroll by logging into your account and activating the benefit. Terms apply.

For those who frequently use rideshare services, like myself, these credits can add up quickly. For example, in May 2024, I spent $149.26 on rideshare services. Combined with my partner’s spending, we typically reach around $200 monthly. Considering the high cost of parking and our lifestyle, this credit alone makes the card worthwhile for us. However, it’s crucial to evaluate your own spending habits to see if you can benefit similarly.

Dining and Hotel Credits

The card also offers up to $200 in credits for Delta stays and up to $240 annually through Resy for dining. Using Expedia to book Delta stays, we found that prices are often comparable to booking directly through the hotel’s website. This makes the $200 Delta credit quite valuable if you stay at these hotels. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

As for dining, the Resy credit is more restrictive but still useful. It can be a fun way to plan date nights and explore new restaurants, though some may find the options limited.

Airport Lounge Access

One of the significant perks of the Delta Reserve card is access to Centurion Lounges when flying Delta and up to 15 visits to Delta Sky Clubs per year. This can make your travel experience much more comfortable, especially on common routes like SFO to New York, where you can enjoy lounge access at both ends of your journey.

Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

Delta Companion Certificates

Additionally, the annual companion certificate, valid for travel within the US, Caribbean, or Central America, can provide substantial savings. For instance, a trip that would typically cost $1,000 for two people might only cost $567.15 with the certificate, offering significant value. Terms apply.

Overall Thoughts

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers numerous benefits that can make it a strong contender against the The Platinum Card, particularly for Delta loyalists. Evaluate your spending and travel habits to see if this card fits your needs.

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