Delta Air Lines Revamps Credit Cards with New Benefits and Higher Fees
Delta Air Lines has recently announced a major revamp of its credit cards with the introduction of new benefits and features. However, along with the enhancements, the airline is also increasing the annual fees across its credit card lineup.
New Benefits
Delta has expanded its Companion Certificate, which allows Delta Reserve and Delta Platinum cardholders to bring a friend or family member on a round-flight trip. The new changes extend the certificate to cover Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
Furthermore, Delta Platinum, Delta Platinum Business, Delta Reserve and Delta Reserve Business cardholders will receive $2,500 “Medallion Qualification Dollars” at the beginning of each qualifying year. These dollars can be earned through daily spending and provide an advantage in the Medallion loyalty program.
In addition to the expanded benefits, certain Delta cards offer new rewards. Delta Gold Business cardholders can now earn 2 miles per dollar on U.S. shipping, with an annual limit of $50,000 in eligible purchases per category. Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express cardholders, as well as Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express cardholders, will earn 1.5 miles per dollar on transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply stores spending.
New Statement Credits
Delta has introduced a variety of statement credits to provide savings on dining, travel, and lodging during trips. The credits can be used for flight, stay, rideshare, and dining expenses. Notably, one of the new benefits is the Resy credit, which allows members to receive an annual $120 credit when making eligible Resy purchases. Resy, an online restaurant reservations system owned by American Express, enables reservations at thousands of participating restaurants nationwide and globally. Eligible American Express cardholders can take advantage of this benefit by enrolling their card at resy.com.
Rising Fees
To offset the added benefits and improvements, Delta is raising the annual fees for its credit cards. The new annual fees will be as follows:
- Delta Reserve and Delta Reserve Business cards: from $550 to $650
- Delta Platinum and Delta Platinum Business cards: from $250 to $350
- Delta Gold and Delta Gold Business cards: from $99 to $150
Please note that the fee hikes will affect accounts opened before Thursday and will be applied at the next renewal date on or after May 1.
For those considering applying for an American Express/Delta SkyMiles card, the sign-up bonus miles have been increased. By spending a specific amount on the card within a given time frame, new cardholders can earn a substantial number of Delta SkyMiles. Keep in mind that the value of these miles is estimated to be around 1.2 cents per mile, although redemption value may vary.
