The best Delta card depends on how often you fly Delta. The no-fee SkyMiles Blue fits occasional flyers, the $150 Gold adds a first checked bag free and priority boarding, and the $650 Reserve gives Delta Sky Club access and an annual companion certificate. For most Delta flyers the Gold is the sweet spot; frequent flyers who use the lounges lean Reserve. Figures are as of 2026; confirm current terms and welcome offers at the issuer.
The best Delta cards, compared
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles Blue (Amex) | $0 | 2x Delta and dining, no checked bag benefit | Occasional Delta flyers |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold (Amex) | $150 | 2x Delta, dining, and groceries, first checked bag free, priority boarding | Most Delta flyers |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum (Amex) | $350 | Companion certificate on Main Cabin, Delta Stays credit, boost toward status | Regular Delta flyers who want a companion fare |
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve (Amex) | $650 | Delta Sky Club access, companion certificate good in First Class, boost toward Medallion status | Frequent Delta flyers who use the lounges |
Top pick: Delta SkyMiles Gold
For most Delta flyers the first checked bag free and priority boarding cover the $150 fee. Figures are current as of 2026. Confirm the current welcome offer at the issuer before you apply.
Which card fits you
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Pick the Gold if you fly Delta a few times a year; the free checked bag alone can cover the fee for a family.
Pick the Platinum for the annual companion certificate, and the Reserve if you use the Sky Club and want the First Class companion certificate. To find fares the certificate accepts, use the ITA Matrix extension codes for the Delta companion certificate.
Who it fits and who it does not
These cards fit Delta loyalists. If you fly several airlines, a transferable-points card gives more flexibility than a co-branded Delta card.
Risk and eligibility
Delta cards are Amex cards, so the once-per-lifetime welcome offer rule applies to each card. There is no 5/24 concern, but Amex may limit how many cards you hold. Confirm your eligibility before applying.
New Hyatt partnership. Delta and Hyatt announced on September 9, 2026 that Medallion members will earn miles on qualifying Hyatt stays and eligible Hyatt elites will earn points on qualifying Delta fares. Launch is "in the coming months".
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FAQ
What is the best Delta credit card?
For most Delta flyers the SkyMiles Gold, because the first checked bag free and priority boarding often cover its $150 fee. Frequent flyers who use the Sky Club lean toward the $650 Reserve.
Which Delta card has the companion certificate?
The Delta SkyMiles Platinum includes a Main Cabin companion certificate and the Reserve a First Class companion certificate. The Blue and Gold do not. Confirm current terms at American Express.
Is there a no-fee Delta card?
Yes, the Delta SkyMiles Blue has no annual fee and earns 2x on Delta and dining, but it does not include a free checked bag. Confirm current terms at the issuer.
Do Delta cards count toward Chase 5/24?
The personal ones do. American Express issues the Delta cards, but 5/24 counts personal cards from every issuer, so each personal Delta card adds 1 for 24 months. The Delta business cards stay off your personal credit report and do not add to the count. The Amex once-per-lifetime welcome offer rule applies to each card.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
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