4 Delta credit cards offer an annual companion plane ticket — an incredible value if you know how to use it

18.07.2024 - 16:52 / insider.com

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Delta credit cards come with great perks for Delta flyers, like free checked bags and priority boarding on Delta flights, airport lounge access, and discounts on certain inflight purchases.

One of the most valuable Delta benefits is the ability to bring a friend or family member with you for just the cost of taxes and fees. This benefit comes in the form of an annual companion certificate — and four co-branded Amex Delta credit cards offer it:

It's possible to get a lot of value from each of these bonuses — read our post on how to earn and redeem Delta miles for tips.

You'll earn a companion certificate after your first year of holding one of these cards, then receive another one each year that you renew your card membership. Depending on how you use your companion benefit, you could save hundreds — or even thousands — of dollars each year.

You can easily offset your credit card's annual fee if you take full advantage of this certificate each year. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card charges a $650 annual fee.

The amount you save will depend on the amount you spend. If you book a $1,000 seat for yourself, you can bring a friend for just the cost of taxes and fees, saving nearly $1,000. If you and a travel buddy wanted to fly from Atlanta to Seattle in business class, for example you might pay $1,500 per ticket. But with the companion certificate, you could buy one ticket and bring your buddy along for just the cost of taxes and fees — effectively cutting your price per ticket in half.

This certificate can be particularly beneficial for travelers who are purchasing travel for work on their own dime, then filing for reimbursement later on. 

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

$350

N/A

20.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 50,000 bonus miles

Good to Excellent

Delta's mid-tier card is a good choice for frequent flyers who can take advantage of money-saving benefits like a free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights, an annual companion certificate, and a statement credit for the TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee. However, if you're unlikely to maximize these perks or you don't fly Delta that often, a travel credit card with a lower annual fee is a better choice.

Earn 3x Miles on Delta