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UPDATE: Welcome offers for the cards listed below have changed since this story originally published in March 2021.
For travelers comfortable with flying again, there are plenty of deals to be had. Among the best right now? Lofty welcome offers on Delta credit cards.
The bonus offers across three of Delta’s credit cards currently require relatively low spending limits, so stocking up on Delta frequent flier miles is within reach for many. With a Delta credit card, passengers also have access to an array of additional travel perks. Depending on the card, those include benefits like companion certificates, credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry membership, and mileage boosts toward coveted Medallion elite status.
Additionally, the bonuses would be enough to book several one-way flights, depending on the route: Delta has had recent fare deals as low as 10,000 miles for a one-way flight in basic economy. Once earned, those new miles can also be cashed in on Delta’s new, just-announced summer routes to gateway cities for the great outdoors, like Bozeman, Montana; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; and Fairbanks, Alaska.
Here’s everything you need to know about Delta’s three consumer credit cards and their latest welcome offers.
Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card
Welcome offer:
Earn 50,000 bonus miles, plus 5,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $2,000 in the first three months of card membership.
Best for:
Fliers who want to rack up SkyMiles through everyday spending
Additional perks:
Delta SkyMiles Platinum cardholders receive a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. They also get their first bag checked for free on every Delta flight. Each year upon renewal of their card, SkyMiles Platinum holders receive a companion certificate for a domestic round-trip flight in Delta’s main cabin. Additionally, they can accelerate their path to Medallion elite status with status boosts, or the ability to earn Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) through certain everyday purchases on the card.
The SkyMiles Platinum also makes it easy to rack up miles on travel and everyday purchases. It earns three miles per dollar on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels; two miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery; two miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets; one mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Annual fee:
$250 (see rates and fees here)
Learn more about applying here.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
Welcome offer:
Earn 50,000 bonus miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $3,000 in the first three months of card membership.
Best for:
Frequent travelers who want airport lounge access and elite status
Additional perks:
The SkyMiles Reserve comes with complimentary access to Delta SkyClub airport lounges. Cardholders also receive free access to the ultra-swanky American Express Centurion lounges when they book Delta flights on the Reserve. The card also offers a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership, and the first checked bag is free on Delta flights.
In addition to the 10,000 MQMs earned through the welcome offer (which is halfway to earning entry-level silver elite status), Reserve cardholders can also accelerate their path to Medallion elite status through status boost offers.
The SkyMiles Reserve earns three miles per dollar on Delta purchases and one mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Annual fee:
$550 (see rates and fees here)
Learn more about applying here.
Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card
Welcome offer:
Earn 40,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first three months of card membership.
Best for:
Travelers getting started with earning frequent flier miles
Additional perks:
SkyMiles Gold cardholders get their first checked bag for free on Delta flights. They also can easily accrue miles with the card’s solid earning structure: It earns two miles per dollar on Delta purchases; two miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery; two miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets; one mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
Additionally, cardholders who spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year receive a $100 Delta flight credit on their card.
Annual fee:
$0 for the first year, then $99 (see rates and fees here)
Learn more about applying here.
Condé Nast Traveler has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Condé Nast Traveler and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
Find the rates and fees for the American Express cards listed above here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum; Delta SkyMiles Reserve; Delta SkyMiles Gold.
This story was last published in March 2021. It has since been updated with new information.
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