The Best Way to Use Statement Credits from the Delta SkyMiles Credit Cards

When you apply for a credit card, what do you consider first? Probably the size of a sign-up bonus. Then you look at the additional perks and benefits and whether a card offers a statement credit of any sorts. A statement credit, in my opinion, is a big part of the sign-up bonus, especially if it isn’t an ongoing perk. Many airline-specific credit cards offer statement credits, and oftentimes they can add quite a bit of value you get from a card before you pay that annual fee.

For example, co-branded Delta SkyMiles cards from American Express come with either $50 or $100 Delta credits. Typically, you will find a $50 credit on the Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card ($95 annual fee, waived for the first year) and a $100 credit on the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card ($195 annual fee, not waived for the first year). The credit applies only for the first year of being a cardholder and can be used within the first three or four months of account opening, depending on the offer terms.

If you make any Delta purchase within the timeline listed in terms, you will receive the statement credit. So, how exactly can you use it? Here are some options for those of you who just applied for either of the co-branded Delta rewards cards and snagged one of the elevated welcome offers.

Delta Air Lines Tickets

This is the most obvious option. Purchasing airfare will qualify you for the credit, and the credit will apply toward airfare. Keep in mind that the credit applies only when you make a booking directly with Delta, either online or on the phone. Purchasing a Delta flight via an online travel agency, such as Orbitz or Expedia, will not trigger the statement credit.

Delta Gift Cards

Because the statement credit must be applied in the first three or four months within signing up for a Delta credit card, it expires if not used. If you do not have immediate travel plans but want to maximize your benefits, I recommend purchasing a Delta gift card online. Gift cards do not expire, and you can use the amount for a trip at a later date.

In-Flight Meals or Entertainment

If you applied for the card after purchasing airfare, do not fret. You can still use the credit toward Delta expenses, such as in-flight meal purchases or movies. The best part is that the full credit applies even of the initial purchase is less than $50 or $100. Any purchase amount triggers the credit, as long as it codes as a Delta purchase.

Delta Sky Club Access

If you do not have Sky Club access but would like to visit or if you do have access and a friend joins you, you can put your statement credit to use at one of these lounges. A day pass normally costs $59, but holding one of the co-branded Delta credit cards lowers that cost to $29 per person. You don’t even have to be flying Delta to buy a day pass with either the Gold or the Platinum Delta SkyMiles cards as you do with The Platinum Card from American Express.

 

How do you plan on using your $50/$100 statement credits from Amex Delta cards?

[Image: Delta.com]