Is the Delta Reserve Amex worth the annual fee?
Editor's Note
The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is the most premium cobranded card Amex and Delta Air Lines offer and features a steep annual fee of $650 (see rates and fees).
When a card asks you to pay this much to keep it, you should receive premium benefits and outsize value in return.
Let's take a closer look to determine whether the Delta Reserve card is worth the annual fee.
Welcome offer
New Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardmembers can earn 125,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership. This limited-time offer ends on Oct. 29.
TPG's October 2025 valuations peg Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents per mile, making this offer worth $1,500.
Not everyone may be eligible for a welcome offer on this card, especially if you're upgrading from other SkyMiles Amex cards. You may also be ineligible if you've earned a welcome bonus on this card before.
Fortunately, American Express will inform you if you aren't able to earn this card's welcome offer before performing a hard pull on your credit.
Earning rates
The Delta Reserve card earns Delta SkyMiles at the following rates:
- 3 miles per dollar spent on all Delta purchases
- 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Per TPG's valuations, these rates equate to a 3.6% and 1.2% return on spending, respectively.
Other cards have a higher return on spending than 1.2% on everyday spending, but if you're a Delta frequent flyer, this card can be a great choice for those purchases. Its other benefits help offset its annual fee.
Related: Best premium credit cards
Earn Medallion status faster
The Delta Reserve comes with a helpful way to qualify for Medallion status.
For every $10 you spend, you will earn 1 Medallion Qualification Dollar (MQD). Additionally, cardmembers receive a bonus of 2,500 MQDs every Medallion Qualification Year.
This is a great way to get a jump-start on earning Medallion elite status.
Related: Sit up front: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Delta flights
Useful statement credits
Ride-hailing statement credit
Delta Reserve cardmembers can earn a monthly up-to-$10 statement credit (up to $120 every calendar year) after using their card to pay for an eligible ride-hailing service. This statement credit is valid on select ride-hailing services in the U.S. Enrollment is required.
Resy statement credits
Food lovers will appreciate that the Delta Reserve offers monthly up-to-$20 Resy statement credits (up to $240 per calendar year). Cardmembers can receive these statement credits on eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment is required.
Any restaurant on Resy is eligible for this statement credit if you pay using your Delta Reserve card. No reservation is required.
Note that a restaurant must be live on the Resy platform at the time of purchase to count for your statement credit.
Delta Stays statement credit
Delta Reserve cardmembers receive a statement credit of up to $200 per calendar year for Delta Stays bookings. You must book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta to receive this statement credit.
If used to its maximum value, this can get you one to two nights at no cost at a hotel or vacation home (depending on the destination's cost).
Lounge access
Delta Reserve cardmembers have limited access to Delta Sky Clubs. Keep in mind that you won't be allowed in the lounge if you're flying on a basic economy ticket, even if you're a Delta Reserve cardmember.
You'll receive 15 visits to Delta Sky Clubs annually through your Delta Reserve. Once you've used all 15 visits, you can use your card to purchase one-time passes for $50.
However, if you spend over $75,000 on the card in 2025, you'll receive unlimited visits in 2026. This will continue year by year moving forward if you continue to meet the spending requirement each year. Cardmembers also receive four guest passes per year.
Once you've used these guest passes, you'll need to pay $50 per guest per visit. This fee is reduced to $25 per guest if you're visiting a Delta Grab and Go location.
Cardmembers receive access to Centurion Lounges or Escape lounges if they're flying on a Delta flight booked with their Reserve card. This access is unlimited for the cardmember.
For Centurion Lounges, cardmembers may bring up to two guests for $50 per adult and $30 per child aged 2-17.
Guest rates for Escape lounges vary by location, so make sure to check the policy of a given lounge before your trip. Note that guests must be flying on a same-day Delta flight to access Centurion Lounges or Escape lounges.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access
Companion certificate
Delta Reserve cardmembers get a companion certificate each year after renewal. This companion certificate allows you to buy two round-trip tickets for the price of one, plus taxes and fees between $22 and no more than $250 for round-trip international flights.
This companion certificate is valid in first class, Delta Comfort or Main Cabin on round-trip flights in the U.S., Central America and the Caribbean.
If you use this certificate on a first-class ticket, you can recoup the cost of the annual fee from this benefit alone. Alternatively, you can get outsize value by using it to travel in the Main Cabin to a popular destination during peak season.
Other benefits
The Delta Reserve card comes with myriad other useful benefits, such as:
- Complimentary upgrades: Cardmembers who don't have Delta SkyMiles Medallion status are eligible to receive complimentary upgrades for Delta One (within the 50 U.S. States), first class and Comfort after Medallion members
- 15% off all Delta-operated award flights in any cabin of service
- Priority boarding in Zone 5
- Free checked bags (first bag free for the cardmember and up to eight people traveling on the same reservation)
- A $120 statement credit for Global Entry every four years or up to an $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck every 4½ years
- 20% back on eligible inflight purchases of food and drink (inflight Wi-Fi purchases not included)
- Travel protections
Enrollment is required for select benefits.
Related: Your complete guide to shopping protections on American Express cards
Bottom line
The Delta Reserve card is the top-tier card in the Delta SkyMiles Amex family. It offers lounge access and other perks, such as a valuable companion certificate.
If you're a Delta loyalist and value Sky Club access and a faster path to Medallion elite status, this card can be a great addition to your wallet. Its numerous benefits can help offset the card's high annual fee.
If you don't fly Delta frequently, however, there are other cards you should consider adding to your wallet instead.
To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Reserve card.
Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.