5 Reasons the Amex Delta Card Beats Every Other Travel Credit Card

Introduction:

If you’re a frequent traveler or just someone who loves getting the most out of every dollar spent, you’ve probably heard the buzz around the American Express Delta SkyMiles® Credit Cards. But here’s the real question—does it actually outperform other top travel credit cards?

The short answer? Absolutely.

While cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or the Amex Platinum® get a lot of hype, the Delta SkyMiles cards (Gold, Platinum, and Reserve) offer unique, airline-specific perks that generic travel cards simply can’t match. From free checked bags to companion tickets and even Medallion Status boosts, this card is a secret weapon for Delta loyalists.

So, why does the Amex Delta Card beat its competitors? Let’s break it down—with real-world examples, insider tips, and a few surprises you might not know about.

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5 Reasons the Amex Delta Card Beats Every Other Travel Credit Card

1. Unmatched Delta-Specific Perks (That Other Cards Don’t Offer)

Most travel credit cards give you generic rewards—flexible points, airline credits, or lounge access. But the Delta SkyMiles cards go deeper, offering benefits that are exclusively valuable if you fly Delta even occasionally.

Free Checked Bags for You & Your Companions

One of the biggest hidden costs of air travel? Baggage fees. If you’ve ever paid $30-$40 each way just to check a suitcase, you’ll love this perk.

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Card: First checked bag free for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation.

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum & Reserve Cards: First and second checked bags free.

For a family of four taking a round-trip flight, that’s up to $320 in savings—just for having the card.

Priority Boarding (No Status Needed)

Even without Medallion Status, Delta SkyMiles cardholders get Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding. That means:

• Earlier access to overhead bin space.

• Less stress when settling into your seat.

• No more gate-checking your carry-on because the bins are full.

20% Back on In-Flight Purchases

Snacks, drinks, Wi-Fi—you get 20% back as a statement credit when you use your Delta Amex card onboard. Small perk? Maybe. But if you’re a frequent flyer, those credits add up fast.

Why This Beats Other Travel Cards

Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Amex Platinum® offer travel credits, but they’re not airline-specific. If you’re a Delta flyer, these perks save you money on every trip—without jumping through hoops.

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2. The Companion Certificate: A Free Flight Every Year

Here’s where the Delta Platinum and Reserve cards truly shine. Every year after renewal, you get a Companion Certificate—essentially a “buy one, get one free” domestic flight voucher.

How It Works

• Book one round-trip ticket, and your companion flies free (just pay taxes and fees, usually $40-$100).

• Platinum Card: Valid for Main Cabin fares.

• Reserve Card: Valid for First Class, Delta Comfort+, or Main Cabin.

Real-World Value

Let’s say you book a round-trip flight from New York to Los Angeles in Main Cabin ($400). With the Companion Certificate, you’re effectively getting $800 worth of flights for $400 + fees.

No other major travel card offers this. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® gives you points, but you still have to redeem them. The Amex Platinum® has airline credits, but they’re capped at $200/year.

Pro Tip

Use the certificate for peak travel times (holidays, summer) when flight prices are highest—this maximizes your savings.

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3. Sky Club Access & Medallion Status Boost

If you’ve ever been stuck in a crowded airport, you know the true value of lounge access. While the Amex Platinum® gives you Centurion Lounge privileges, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card takes it further with Delta Sky Club access.

Delta Sky Club Benefits (Reserve Cardholders)

• Unlimited access for you when flying Delta.

• Bring two guests for $50 each (or free if you spend $75K annually).

• Complimentary drinks, premium snacks, high-speed Wi-Fi, and quiet workspaces.

Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) & Dollars (MQDs)

For Delta loyalists chasing Medallion Status, the Platinum and Reserve cards help you get there faster:

• Platinum Card: Spend $25K in a year, earn 10,000 MQMs (up to 20,000 MQMs if you spend $50K).

• Reserve Card: Spend $30K, earn 15,000 MQMs (up to 30,000 MQMs at $60K).

This is huge if you’re close to Silver, Gold, or Platinum Medallion Status—no other travel card offers this kind of boost.

Why It’s Better Than Competitors

The Amex Platinum® gives lounge access, but only Centurion Lounges (which are fewer in number). The Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers Priority Pass, but Delta Sky Clubs are more spacious and exclusive.

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4. Superior Earnings on Delta Purchases

Most travel cards earn 1x-3x on general travel, but the Delta cards accelerate earnings on Delta purchases:

• Gold Card: 2x miles on Delta, dining, and supermarkets.

• Platinum Card: 3x on Delta and hotels.

• Reserve Card: 3x on Delta.

Why This Matters

If you fly Delta even 2-3 times a year, you’ll earn far more miles than with a generic card.

For example:

• Spend $5,000/year on Delta flights with the Platinum Card = 15,000 SkyMiles.

• Same spend on Chase Sapphire Reserve® = 10,000 points (2x on travel).

More miles = more free flights.

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5. No Foreign Transaction Fees + Travel Protections

Many premium travel cards waive foreign fees, but Delta cards also include strong travel protections:

• No foreign transaction fees (great for international trips).

• Trip delay insurance (up to $300 reimbursement for delays over 6 hours).

• Baggage insurance (up to $1,250 for carry-ons, $500 for checked bags).

• Car rental loss & damage insurance (secondary coverage).

How This Stacks Up

The Amex Platinum® has better premium insurance, but the Delta cards still offer strong protections—unlike airline cards from competitors (e.g., United or AA cards, which often lack these benefits).

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Final Verdict: (5 Reasons the Amex Delta Card Beats Every Other Travel Credit Card)

If you fly Delta regularly, the answer is yes. The checked bags, Companion Certificate, Sky Club access, and Medallion Status boosts make it unbeatable for Delta loyalists.

But if you don’t fly Delta often, a more flexible card (like the Amex Gold® or Chase Sapphire Preferred®) might be better.

Who Should Get This Card?

✔ Frequent Delta flyers.

✔ Families who check bags.

✔ Travelers chasing Medallion Status.

Who Should Skip It?

✖ Infrequent Delta travelers.

✖ Those who prefer transferable points.

Bottom Line

No other travel card rewards Delta flyers this generously. If Delta is your airline, this card is a no-brainer.

Ready to apply? Check the latest offers and start earning SkyMiles today!