When someone asks, “What’s the best rewards credit card?” the answer isn’t always cut and dry. Choosing a rewards card that will benefit you the most depends on so many factors, including your home airport location, airlines flown and preferred destinations. A casual traveler based in Chicago will not benefit by holding the same credit card as a frequent traveler based in Salt Lake City. Speaking of which, let’s review some of the best credit card options for those looking to redeem points for Delta Air Lines flights.
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
This mid-level credit card earns 2X SkyMiles per dollar spent directly with Delta and 1X SkyMile per dollar spent on all other purchases. The earning structure leaves a lot to be desired, but the card’s other benefits are decent. The Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card comes with up to nine free checked bags per reservation and costs $95 per year (waived for the first year). Delta charges $25 for the first checked bag on domestic flights, and a party of two will easily recoup the cost of the card’s annual fee by checking bags on a round-trip flight. Taking more trips will save you money each time you fly. The card also comes with complimentary Zone 1 boarding and no foreign transaction fees.
Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
This co-branded Delta card comes with all the same benefits as the Gold version of the card, and then some. Each year you renew the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Card and pay the $195 annual fee (not waived for the first year), you receive a domestic companion certificate. The certificate allows you to bring a friend or a family member on a round-trip within the United States with you for just the cost of taxes. Additionally, the card offers a Miles Boost of 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles for those chasing elite status with the airline. I recommend this card for a frequent Delta flyer.
The Platinum Card from American Express
Although The Platinum Card is not a co-branded card and does not earn Delta SkyMiles, it’s another great choice when choosing a rewards card for Delta passengers. The card charges a steep fee of $550 but more than makes up for it in the benefits it offers. The card earns Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to Delta Air Lines at a 1-to-1 ratio. The card also gives the cardholder access to Sky Clubs in conjunction with a same-day Delta-issued boarding pass. Getting a snack before a flight in a quiet area with Wi-Fi saves you both money and nerve cells. Additionally, the Platinum Card comes with $200 worth of airline fee credits. By selecting Delta as your airline of choice, you can use the credits toward checked bags, in-flight meals or Delta gift cards.
Chase Sapphire Reserve
You might be thinking, “What, a Chase card? The bank doesn’t even partner with Delta!” True, but it doesn’t mean you can’t redeem Ultimate Rewards points for Delta-operated flights. This premium travel card earns transferrable points, and two of the airline partners are Korean Air and Air France/KLM. These airlines are SkyTeam partners whose miles can be redeemed for Delta flights, as long as low-level awards are available. The Reserve’s earning rate is great—3X points per dollar spent on all travel and all dining, and 1X point per dollar spent in all other categories. The card’s annual fee of $450 seems high at first glance, but the $300 travel credit and Priority Pass membership reduce it substantially.
What other cards would you recommend for someone looking to redeem miles on Delta Air Lines? Please comment with your suggestions below.
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