These credit cards get you into Delta Sky Club airport lounges for free

09.02.2024 - 10:59 / insider.com / Delta

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Like other major U.S. airlines, Delta has its own network of airport lounges, called Delta Sky Clubs. With dozens of locations throughout the U.S., Sky Clubs offer travelers somewhere to relax and enjoy amenities including free snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi before their flight. 

Delta Sky Club access is normally restricted to passengers traveling in eligible premium cabins on Delta and SkyTeam partners, certain elite members on qualifying flights, or those who have purchased a Sky Club membership. Sky Club membership rates begin at $545 per year — but if you have the right credit card, you can access Delta Sky Clubs at no charge.

Come February 2025, Delta will no longer offer unlimited Sky Club visits on any credit cards. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card cardholders will receive 15 visits a year unless they meet certain spend limits, while cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express will receive 10 visits a year. 

The best credit card with Sky Club lounge access for you depends on your other travel goals and spending habits. Here's a rundown of the differences between these cards to help you choose.

If you have the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card or Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, you can access Delta Sky Clubs if you're traveling on a Delta flight that same day. These cards also come with day-of-travel benefits on Delta flights, including a free checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation.

If you don't want to commit to opening a Delta co-branded credit card, there's another way to get into Delta Sky Clubs for free. The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express also come with Sky Club lounge access if you're flying on a same-day Delta flight. These cards also provide complimentary entry to other lounges in the Amex Global Lounge Collection, including:

Earn 1-3 miles per dollar on purchases.

$650

N/A

20.99% - 29.99% Variable

Earn 100,000 bonus miles

Good to Excellent

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is one of the best airline credit cards for frequent Delta flyers who can use benefits like airport lounge access, which can make the $650 annual fee worthwhile.

Earn 3x miles on eligible Delta purchases. Earn 1.5x miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and