My foray into points and miles began when I joined TPG four years ago. I had a couple of cards before, but I didn’t think much about which card to use or how to maximize benefits. Surrounded by credit card experts now, I added four new cards, made a spreadsheet to track rewards and perks, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card quickly became one of the most useful in my wallet. If you apply now, the card is offering its highest welcome offer ever. Here are five reasons I love it and how I get the most value.
Perks when flying Delta
The card comes with complimentary access to Delta Sky Club lounges and American Express Centurion Lounges when traveling on a same-day, Delta-operated or -marketed flight. (You must purchase your flight with your Reserve card for Centurion Lounge access.) I get to visit a lounge almost every time I fly, which provides a quiet space to work, rest, or grab a snack before a flight.
Cardmembers receive four one-time Sky Club guest passes each year upon account renewal, allowing me to bring family or friends. The card also includes 15 Delta Sky Club visits per year (or unlimited visits after spending $75,000 on the card in a calendar year); Centurion Lounge visits are unlimited if the Delta flight is purchased with the Reserve card. Delta’s app lets you track Sky Club visits easily.
Other travel perks include the first checked bag free (this extends to up to eight passengers traveling with the cardmember), priority boarding, discounts on inflight purchases and award redemptions, and a statement credit for Global Entry ($120 every four years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4½ years).
Welcome offer
Currently, new cardmembers can earn up to 125,000 bonus miles with two spending thresholds:
– 100,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months
– Plus 25,000 bonus miles after spending an additional $3,000 (total $9,000) in the first six months
This offer ends April 1. Per TPG’s March 2026 valuations, Delta SkyMiles are worth 1.25 cents each, making 125,000 miles worth up to about $1,563. The card’s annual fee is $650.
I used the bonus miles to book positioning flights for a trip to Belgium and Germany and later to help cover flights for my family to Disneyland. The welcome bonus made those flights more affordable and let us splurge a bit on other parts of our trips.
Useful statement credits
Delta has added monthly and annual statement credits to its cobranded cards. They require tracking, but I keep them on my spreadsheet to maximize value. Key credits on this card include:
– Up to $10 per month in ride-hailing credits (up to $120 annually; enrollment required; valid on select U.S. ride-hailing services)
– Up to $200 annually in Delta Stays credits for eligible hotel stays booked through Delta Stays and paid with the Reserve card
– Up to $20 per month at U.S. Resy restaurants (up to $240 annually; enrollment required). Where eligible restaurants are limited, buying gift cards or finding eligible locations while traveling can help use this credit.
Flexible award redemptions
SkyMiles can be redeemed for Delta flights and partner airlines like Air France, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet, giving plenty of options. Delta’s award calendar displays pricing for flexible dates and alternate date combinations, making it easier to find the best redemptions when your dates are flexible. The card also offers a 15% discount on Delta-operated award flights, stretching miles further.
Annual companion certificate
Each year after my card anniversary I receive a companion certificate valid for one round-trip ticket within the U.S. (all 50 states) and to destinations in the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico. When you purchase a round-trip first class, Delta Comfort or Main Cabin ticket, you can use the certificate to have a companion fly with you for free; you only pay taxes and fees on the second ticket. I’ve used mine to fly with my son to New York and to take my husband to Disney World for a race.
Bottom line
Applying for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve was a no-brainer for someone newer to points and miles. While it isn’t the best card for raw points-earning rates, its earning structure is simple and the travel perks are where it shines. For someone who often flies Delta, lounge access, a free checked bag for up to eight travelers, and the annual companion certificate make this card especially valuable.
To learn more, read a full review of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve. For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, check the card’s terms and fees.