Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card 2024 Review
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is designed to help you travel more comfortably and save money on Delta flights. It is the top-tier Delta credit card that you can get.
One of its best features is the annual companion certificate which gives cardholders a free domestic first class or main cabin round-trip companion ticket.
Additionally, the card provides miles for every purchase made using the card, unlimited access to the Delta Sky Club, concierge service and more.
Delta Reserve Card is an ideal credit card for frequent travelers who pay off their credit card bill in full each month and who plan to use the free companion ticket for a trip that’s worth more than card’s high annual fee.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Pros & Cons
Free Companion Certificate
The $550 annual fee (see Rates & Fees; terms apply) for the Delta Reserve credit card is higher than many other travel credit cards.
However, by using the annual companion certificate on a Delta flight that costs more than $550, you would have gotten your money’s worth.
The free annual companion ticket is good for any first class or main cabin roundtrip Delta flight that is booked with the primary Delta Reserve cardmember.
Because many first-class flights will exceed the price of $550, the annual fee is worth it.
Medallion Elite Travel Program
Delta airline offers a number of perks for travelers, including the Delta Reserve credit card, a frequent flyer program called SkyMiles, and the Medallion elite travel program.
Your travel and use of the Delta Reserve credit card allows you to move up the four Medallion status levels: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond.
As you advance to higher levels your benefits increase. Benefits provided under the Medallion program include:
- Cabin upgrades for you and a companion
- Medallion mileage bonuses (to earn elite travel status faster)
- Complimentary access to Delta Sky Club and discounted access for up to two guests
- Free checked bag on Delta
- Baggage insurance coverage up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked baggage
- Priority check-in/boarding on Delta
- No foreign transaction fees
Many of these travel benefits also help cardmembers make up the cost of the card’s annual fee.
For instance, an annual membership with unlimited access to Delta Sky Club lounges costs $450 per year. And, the first checked bag on Delta flights cost $25, so each roundtrip flight means $50 in baggage-fee savings.
With these benefits combined with the free companion ticket, the annual fee becomes increasingly worthwhile for the frequent Delta passenger.
Delta Reserve Credit Card Perks
In addition to the travel benefits, the Delta Reserve card offers a number of other perks to cardholders.
Concierge Service
Cardholders receive a concierge service that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you need help finding and reserving a restaurant, arranging details for a special event, or advice selecting a special gift – the concierge team will take care of it. There is no charge for the service.
Global Assist Hotline
Your Delta Reserve card also gives you access to the Global Assist Hotline.
If you lose your passport, get sick, or need a lawyer when traveling more than 100 miles from home, call the hotline for assistance.
They can even help you find an English-speaking doctor in a foreign country. Cardholders are responsible for any third party expenses, but there is no charge for using the Global Assist Hotline.
Premium Roadside Assistance
Cardholders can get emergency services for towing, flat tires, or jumpstarting a dead battery 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – up to four times each year.
Your Delta Reserve roadside assistance will even cover you if the vehicle is sitting in your own driveway.
Delta Reserve Credit Card Protections
Using your card for purchases entitles you for additional protections you don’t have when you make your purchase with cash or other cards.
Extended Warranty
You can extend the manufacturer’s warranty by a year for any product with a warranty of 5 years or less when you make the purchase using your card.
Return Protection
Some stores or brands only allow items to be returned within a 30 day period after the date of purchase.
When you make your purchase using your Delta Reserve card, you can return an item for up to 90 days from the date of purchase.
Renting a car or booking travel with your card entitles you to additional protections, too.
Simply decline the collision damage waiver when renting a car and your card will cover you for car rental damages or if it is stolen.
Book your travel arrangements for the plane, train, bus, or ship with your card and you and your family is covered for accidental death and dismemberment under the included Travel Accident Insurance protection.
APR
The Delta Reserve credit card APR for purchases is a variable rate based on your creditworthiness and other factors. Generally, these interest rates are very similar to other airline credit cards.
Final Verdict
The Delta Reserve credit card’s annual free companion certificate is an attractive feature, along with the other perks and benefits the card offers customers.
Whether or not this credit card is suitable for your needs depends on how frequently you travel and whether or not you pay the card balance in full each month.
Although there is a free companion certificate for airfare each year, you pay a $550 annual fee each year in order to get it.
If you aren’t maximizing the companion ticket value, you’re not getting money’s worth.
The Delta Reserve credit card is beneficial for cardholders who travel frequently, want the comfort of the Sky Club, prefer to upgrade their seats on planes, and who pay their bill in full each month to avoid paying high interest on purchases.
