The American Express Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card is a premium offering tailored for frequent Delta flyers. With an annual fee of $650, it’s one of the more expensive airline credit cards on the market. But for those who fly Delta frequently, the card’s benefits may outweigh its cost. Here’s an in-depth look at the key features, including the companion certificate, various credits, and lounge access restrictions.
Annual Fee: $650 – A Steep Price Tag
At first glance, the $650 annual fee may seem daunting. However, the card is packed with perks that can offset the cost for the right user, particularly those who frequently fly with Delta and make use of travel-related benefits. Understanding how these perks stack up is essential to determining if the card offers enough value.
Companion Certificate: The Standout Feature
The companion certificate is arguably the most attractive benefit of the Delta Reserve card. Each year upon card renewal, you receive a domestic First Class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin round-trip companion ticket. This certificate allows you to bring a travel companion on a flight for only the cost of taxes and fees, which typically range from $12 to $75. Given that First Class tickets can easily exceed $1,000 for domestic flights, this benefit alone can more than cover the card’s $650 annual fee if used strategically.
For frequent travelers who enjoy bringing a family member or friend along for the ride, this certificate offers tremendous value. Even for occasional flyers, the potential savings on just one trip could make the card worthwhile.
Rideshare Credit: Offsetting Everyday Travel
A newer benefit of the Delta Reserve Card is the $120 annual rideshare credit, which applies to popular services like Uber and Lyft. This can be particularly useful for travelers who frequently use rideshares to and from airports, for commuting, or simply as part of their daily routine. With this credit, you’re essentially getting $120 back for transportation costs you’re likely already incurring, effectively lowering the out-of-pocket cost of the annual fee to $530.
Dining Credit via Resy
The card also offers an annual dining credit of up to $240 through the Resy dining network, providing savings on select dining reservations. Though limited in scope compared to other premium credit card dining perks, it can still add value for foodies who like to dine at curated restaurants.
Delta Purchase Credit
Another standout feature is the $200 Delta statement credit for hotel stays booked through Delta.com. This can be an easy way to reduce the overall cost of travel, especially for Delta flyers who like to bundle their flights and stays together.
Lounge Access – But With Limits
One of the traditionally attractive features of premium airline credit cards is airport lounge access. The Delta Reserve card grants you access to Delta Sky Clubs and American Express Centurion Lounges, but there’s a limit—cardholders get only 15 visits to Sky Clubs per year. While the limitation might be a dealbreaker for some, it’s important to note that the lounges remain a comfortable oasis during travel, offering complimentary food, drinks, and a relaxing environment. Frequent travelers may need to assess whether 15 visits will cover their annual travel needs.
Final Thoughts: Is the Delta Reserve Card Worth It?
The Amex Delta Reserve Card’s $650 fee is steep, but the value is certainly there for the right person. The companion certificate can save you hundreds or even thousands on domestic flights, while the $120 rideshare and $240 dining credits provide additional value throughout the year. The $200 Delta stay credit is another great benefit, particularly for those who prefer to book hotel stays through Delta’s platform.
For frequent Delta flyers who can maximize these perks, especially the companion certificate, this card can be a smart investment. However, for casual travelers or those who don’t regularly fly Delta, the high annual fee and restricted lounge access might make other premium credit cards a better fit.
The Rewards Master 