The best card if you fly this one airline

By Rachel Lipson

August 2, 2025

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While we topically recommend cards that earn transferable points — points that can be transferred to hotels and airlines to book direct — there are hotel and airline cards that earn points, miles and perks worthy of taking up a spot in your wallet. For some of these cards, the lounge access, free luggage and status opportunities can make it worth it for frequent travelers. These Delta cards can really make a difference with discounted award bookings, companion certificates and climbing the ranks towards status.

The best personal cards

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Rates & fees, terms apply

Annual fee: $350

Earning rates include:

  • 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. 

Some of the benefits:

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.

  • Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically.

  • Enjoy international travel without foreign transaction fees

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Why we like it:

The 15% discount on Delta award bookings and the first checked bag perk make this card especially valuable for frequent Delta flyers. The companion certificate (available after the first renewal) is a standout benefit, offering an easy way to offset the annual fee and unlock significant value year after year.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CARD

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Rates & fees, terms apply

Annual fee: $650

Earning rates include:

  • 3x miles on Delta purchases

  • 1x miles on all other eligible purchases

Some of the benefits:

  • $240 Resy Credit: Earn up to $20 in statement credits each month at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay with your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases. 

  • Check your first bag for free on Delta flights worldwide and get a second bag free when flying domestically. 

  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad. 

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Why we like it:

For loyal Delta flyers, this card offers a compelling mix of perks and elite status support. The 15% discount on Delta award bookings, first checked bag, and Delta Sky Club access make each trip smoother and more rewarding. With MQD Boost, cardholders can accelerate their progress toward Medallion Status through everyday spending. And the annual companion certificate (after your first renewal) delivers excellent potential value—often enough to offset the card’s annual fee entirely.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CARD

The best business cards

Rates & fees, terms apply

Annual fee: $350

Earning rates include:

  • 3x miles on Delta purchases

  • Earn 1.5X miles* on eligible transit and U.S. shipping purchases, plus single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more. Terms and miles cap apply. *If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply. 

  • 1x miles on all other eligible purchases

Some of the benefits:

  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate each year after renewal of your Delta Platinum Business Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit. 

  • Your first checked bag flies free on international and domestic Delta flights. And now, your second checked bag flies free on domestic Delta flights too. 

  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Members save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. 

  • MQD Boost: Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 of purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card. 

  • No foreign transaction fees

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Why we like it:


The 15% discount on Delta award bookings and first checked bag benefit make day-to-day business travel more rewarding. MQD Boost allows cardholders to work toward Medallion Status through business spend, while the companion certificate (issued after your first renewal) can deliver significant value — often enough to cover the annual fee with a single trip.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CARD

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Rates & fees, terms and limitations apply

Annual fee: $650

Earning rates include:

  • Earn 3X miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases. 

  • 1.5X miles per dollar on eligible transit, U.S. shipping & U.S. office supply store purchases.

  • 1X miles on all other eligible purchases.

Some of the benefits:

  • Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Members receive 15 Visits each Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. 

  • Save 15% when booking Award Travel on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees. 

  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main domestic, Caribbean, or Central American round-trip flight each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply.  Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit. 

  • MQD Headstart: Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 on purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. 

  • Statement credits: With the $240 Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants for eligible purchases using your enrolled card. 

  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights worldwide – and on domestic Delta flights, your second bag flies free too. 

  • Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required. 

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

Why we like it:


The TakeOff 15 award discount and first checked bag perk are practical and immediate. With the MQD Boost and Headstart combined, everyday business spending becomes a tool for fast‑tracking Medallion status. The annual Companion Certificate adds substantial value — often covering the fee in a single trip. And with lounge access, travel statement credits, and no foreign transaction fees, it delivers a high-end experience that can elevate your travel.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS CARD

Rachel Lipson


Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to The Point and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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