Delta Reserve Amex Credit Card Review (2024)

10.04.2024 - 17:51 / cntraveler.com

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My introduction to travel credit cards began with Delta co-branded American Express cards. In 2008, I signed up for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card during a flight to Puerto Rico. Fast forward to 2023, and I upgraded from the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card to the Delta Reserve® Credit Card from American Express to maintain Medallion status and access to Delta Sky Clubs. This upgrade made perfect sense as I fly Delta often—my home airport happens to be the airline's main hub. Signing up for this card even rewarded me with enough points for a round-trip flight from Atlanta to Paris.

This card is a no-brainer if you’re a Delta loyalist like me, but it can be a good option for other frequent travelers, too. Keep reading to learn about the card's benefits and determine whether it's worth adding to your wallet.

Shortly after I signed up for the card, Delta announced an increase in the annual fee from $550 to $650. Initially, I was disappointed, but the more I understood the increase in benefits that come with the price tag, the more I realized this card is worth the hefty fee. Before upgrading from the Delta SkyMiles Platinum to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card, I considered a few factors. At the time, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex had an annual fee of $250 (it’s now $350). While I had the card, I paid for entry into the SkyClub a few times. At $50 per visit, that added up.

With access to SkyClubs included with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex card and the enhanced companion pass, frequent use of the perks easily offset the $650 annual fee.

Additionally, while this card does not offer a high mileage earning rate per dollar spent (more on that below), it does help me reduce flight costs. I usually pair the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card or the IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card to maximize my travel savings.

Another important factor is that this card accelerates the attainment of Silver Medallion status by providing $2,500 toward the $5,000 MQD requirement (I’ll explain this further below too). Because it's the lower tier, people often overlook the perks of