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American Express Cards: Travel Insurance Benefits Guide [In-Depth]

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Table of Contents

A summary of travel insurance benefits for amex cards, trip interruption and cancellation insurance, trip delay insurance, rental car insurance, lost, damaged, and stolen baggage insurance, delayed baggage insurance, premium global assist and global assist, final thoughts.

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Whenever you book a segment of a trip, you’ll often see an option to purchase travel insurance to protect your adventure. That can often be a good idea, especially if you’re planning a bigger or more expensive trip (though you may be better off getting insurance from a third party instead of the travel provider).

But did you know that a lot of different credit cards come with their own travel insurance benefits? This is a great feature that’s included in the cost of your annual fee, but it’s one that many people don’t realize they have or know how to use.

In this article, we’ll look specifically at the Amex travel insurance benefits included with several of their cards, including what’s covered, what isn’t covered, and when you should consider purchasing additional insurance. Keep in mind that terms may apply and enrollment may be required, so ensure you double-check your enrollment within your American Express account.

*All information about these cards has been collected independently by Upgraded Points.

If your trip is either interrupted or canceled , you’ll probably want to look into getting reimbursed for associated expenses. With regards to American Express, you need to have booked a “covered trip” or have your flight canceled for a “covered reason.”

If you read through the actual policies of Amex, it can get quite confusing quite quickly. You’ll often see a reference to a “common carrier.” A common carrier is simply a method of air, land, or water public transportation (like an airplane, train, bus, or cruise ship).

A “covered trip” is defined as a round-trip ticket booked entirely with your eligible card. This covers more than a single round-trip ticket booked altogether in 1 reservation. You must begin your travel in the same city you return to. Also, the duration of travel can’t exceed 365 days away from the origin.

Lastly, the period of travel may consist of round-trip, one-way, or combinations of round-trip and one-way tickets with common carriers. Anecdotally, paying for taxes and fees on an award ticket and Pay With Points are “covered trips.”

A “covered reason” includes inclement weather, terrorist action, call to jury, sudden illness, or injury to you or an eligible traveler.

Which American Express Cards Offer This?

Before you think about trying to get reimbursed, you need to figure out which Amex cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Currently, these Amex cards offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance:

• Amex Platinum card
• Amex Business Platinum card
• Amex Schwab Platinum card
• Amex Corporate Platinum card
• Delta Reserve card
• Delta Reserve Business card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card
• Hilton Aspire card

Additionally, all of these cards have the same level of coverage — you are eligible for up to $10,000 of non-refundable travel expenses for up to $20,000 per account in a rolling 12-month period.

Trip delay insurance is designed to cover unforeseen circumstances that delay your flight but don’t merit a cancellation. To qualify, you need to have booked a “covered trip” and your flight should be delayed for a “covered reason.”

Here are examples of “covered reasons”:

• Inclement weather, which prevents a reasonable and prudent person from traveling or continuing on a covered trip (e.g. severe weather that delays the scheduled arrival or departure of a common carrier)
• Terrorist action or hijacking
• A common carrier’s equipment failure, as documented by the common carrier
• Lost or stolen passports or travel documents

Once you qualify, you’ll get reimbursed for “reasonable additional” expenses. “Reasonable additional” expenses include, but are not limited to meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal use items.

There are 2 tiers of trip delay insurance with Amex.

The first tier covers up to $500 for a delay of more than 6 hours , and these Amex cards offer this:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant cardHilton Aspire card

The second tier covers up to $300 for a delay of more than 12 hours , and these Amex cards cover this:

• Amex Business Gold card
• Amex Gold card
• Amex Green card
• Amex Business Green card
• Delta Platinum card
• Delta Platinum Business card

Rental car insurance is one of the most important considerations of vacation transportation logistics. At face value, rental car insurance sounds like a sales pitch when you’re renting a car.

However, should something happen to your rental car, which is not always in your control, you could be shelling out thousands of dollars to resolve the issue! If that doesn’t sound like fun, you should absolutely consider rental car insurance, which is also known as a car rental collision damage waiver .

Primary car rental insurance automatically kicks in, and it will cover loss or damages except for liability, damage to other cars or personal property, or personal bodily injury or to other people.

Secondary car rental insurance kicks in as a backup . You’ll have to file a claim with your personal insurance, and secondary insurance only covers whatever your personal auto insurance doesn’t.

Hot Tip: Want more cards with this coverage? Explore our guide on the best credit cards for car rental insurance.

There are currently no Amex cards that offer primary rental car insurance. However, these cards all offer secondary car rental insurance:

• Amex Blue Business Plus card
• Amex Blue Cash Everyday card

American Express is also generous when it comes to baggage insurance .

When you have the ultra-premium Amex cards, you can get coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage, which is up to $2,000 for checked luggage, with a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage per covered person . Note that there’s a total maximum limit of $10,000 for everyone on the trip combined.

When you have some premium Amex cards, you can get coverage for lost, damaged, or stolen baggage, which is up to $500 for checked luggage, with a combined maximum of $1,250 for checked and carry-on baggage per covered person . Note that there’s a total maximum limit of $10,000 for everyone on the trip combined.

As is often the case with credit card-provided insurance , you’ll need to use your Amex Platinum card to pay for the entire fare for this coverage to take effect. Remember that Pay With Points is covered under this, but not award ticket taxes and fees.

A handy benefit feature of this baggage insurance is that the primary cardholder, his or her spouse or domestic partner, and any dependent children (under 23) are all included. That means that if you’re on a family trip and something happens to everyone’s luggage, you’ll all be covered.

Hot Tip: Keep in mind that coverage applies to baggage during a trip on a common carrier, such as a plane, train, bus, ship, or other public modes of transportation. If something happens to your bags during a vacation (but not during your flights), then it won’t be covered.

Something to keep in mind is that the policy considers certain items to be “high-risk,” and caps coverage of these items at $1,000 per person for ultra-premium Amex cards and $250 per person for premium Amex cards . High-risk items include:

• Sporting equipment
• Cameras or photography gear
• Computers and electronics
• Precious metals
• Fur clothing

The insurance policy also excludes items like cash, travel documents, and certain medical items like eyeglasses, contact lenses, or prosthetic limbs. Just about everything else, though, should be covered.

The first step to file a claim is to reach out to the Amex claims processing department. Your best option is to call and have a customer service agent walk you through the process. The number is 800-645-9700 or collect from overseas at +1-303-273-6498.

Note that Amex baggage insurance coverage (like the car rental insurance) is secondary, in this case, to the common carrier’s coverage. That means that the policy will only pay after the carrier pays, so you’ll have to file a claim with the carrier first.

If that claim is denied, or if it doesn’t cover the full cost of your luggage and contents, then the Amex plan is applicable.

Bottom Line: The baggage insurance included with your Amex card can help cover the cost of lost or ruined clothing, personal items, and more. Remember that to make a claim, you’ll need to use the card to pay for your full fare.

Which Amex Cards Offer This?

As mentioned above, there are 2 tiers of lost, damaged, or stolen baggage insurance.

The first tier covers $2,000 for checked baggage, $3,000 for carry-on baggage, for a per-person total of $3,000 and a per-group total of $10,000. Lastly, there’s coverage of high-risk items of $1,000 per person.

Here are the Amex cards that offer this benefit:

The second tier covers $500 for checked baggage and $1,250 for carry-on baggage for a per-person total of $1,250 and a per-group total of $10,000. Lastly, there’s coverage of high-risk items of $250 per person.

Delayed baggage insurance covers your baggage if your bags are late to arrive after a particular flight. Usually, it covers you on a per-day basis for reimbursement of essentials while your baggage is away from you.

While some cards offer delayed baggage insurance , there are no Amex cards that offer delayed baggage insurance.

Premium Global Assist

The Premium Global Assist Hotline is a great feature that comes with several Amex cards, although the Amex Platinum card has the most extensive service.

You can call the Premium Global Assist Hotline any time you’re 100 miles or more away from home and need logistical help… big or small. This differs from the card’s concierge service , which is useful for things like shopping help, booking tickets, or getting restaurant recommendations and reservations.

It’s more for things like:

• Help replacing a lost passport
• Canceling lost credit cards
• Emergency translation/interpretation services
• Help finding a lost item
• Help dealing with lost luggage, including staying on top of the airline until it’s found
• Emergency legal or medical referrals
• Emergency medical evacuation/transportation
• Urgent message relay in the event you can’t get in touch with family or friends during an emergency

Hot Tip: You can reach the Premium Global Assist Hotline at 800-345-AMEX (2639) or collect (when calling from abroad) at +1-715-343-7979.

The hotline can also help with certain aspects of planning your trip (again, think “logistics,” not “entertainment”) such as:

• Customs and passport information , including figuring out what visas you’ll need and how to apply, or what you can and can’t bring into the country
• Cultural information, like questions about currency, tourist office locations, or even tipping etiquette
• Foreign exchange rates
• Recommendations for inoculations before traveling to certain regions
• Weather trends and forecasts

The medical assistance is particularly valuable should there ever be a situation requiring it, such as getting sick while in a foreign country where you don’t speak the language.

If you’re traveling and fall ill or become injured, and you’re somewhere where you can’t get adequate treatment, the Global Assist Hotline’s medical team can arrange and cover expenses for transportation to definitive care closer to home.

Hot Tip: Medical transportation costs arranged by the Global Assist Hotline are covered, but a ny costs you incur that were  not arranged through the hotline won’t be reimbursed . Make sure to call ASAP before making any arrangements on your own.

This benefit applies to the cardholder, spouse/domestic partner, and dependents up to 23 years old (or 26 if a full-time student), although any beneficiaries have to be traveling on the same itinerary as the cardholder. Pre-existing conditions are excluded.

Bottom Line: The Premium Global Assistance Hotline can be a real help whether you’re trying to figure out visa requirements or need to find a local doctor while traveling. If you need emergency medical transportation to a facility back home, the hotline can arrange it and cover all expenses. As always, be sure to read the terms.

Global Assist

The Global Assist Hotline can help with a few other, less-extreme medical needs as well, including prescription medication replacement (if you lose or forget medication) and physician or dentist referral.

If your wallet is lost or stolen, the hotline will provide certain financial assistance, including wiring emergency cash to you (which will be charged to your card account) or helping you check into or out of a hotel while you don’t have your card present.

In terms of legal support, the hotline can provide a referral to a local English-speaking lawyer, help connect you to bail bond agencies that accept American Express, and connect you with the nearest consulate or embassy.

The Global Assist Hotline doesn’t offer Emergency Medical Transportation Assistance and Repatriation of Mortal Remains.

Here are the cards that offer the Premium Global Assist Hotline as a benefit:

Here are the cards that offer the Global Assist Hotline as a benefit:

Many cards offered by American Express come with great travel insurance benefits. While the more premium (and expensive) cards offer more extensive benefits, even cards like the Amex EveryDay Card offer you valuable protection during your travels.

Note that American Express cards don’t include baggage delay coverage.

If you’re seeking additional coverage for your trip, like cancellation coverage or emergency medical insurance, American Express offers a stand-alone travel insurance product you can use to supplement what your card provides.

Additionally, plenty of third-party companies offer travel insurance. If you decide that what’s included with your card isn’t enough, you can always shop around for additional coverage. Having coverage with your card is a great benefit, though, since it means whatever policy you buy can be less extensive.

If you want to learn more about general travel insurance, check out our ultimate guides to buying the best travel insurance (for your situation) and when to buy travel insurance .

All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our  Medical & Legal Disclaimers .

The information regarding the American Express Platinum Card ® for Schwab was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the American Express ® Green Card, the car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

The information regarding the Corporate Platinum Card ® by American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the American Express ® Green Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Business Green Rewards Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles ® Reserve Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Business Gold Card, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Business American Express Card, click here . For rates and fees of The Blue Business ® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday ® from American Express, click  here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is american express travel insurance.

American Express travel insurance can refer to 2 separate things: travel insurance features that come for free with various American Express credit and charge cards, or a standalone travel insurance product sold by American Express.

Which American Express cards come with travel insurance?

The short answer: virtually all of them come with some form of benefit.

The longer answer: each card comes with different features and perks. Some cards, such as the Amex Platinum card, come with high-value baggage insurance, as well as coverage for expensive rental cars with personal injury features and emergency medical transportation coverage.

Other cards, like the Amex Everyday card, come with more limited travel insurance benefits. It’s important to read guides such as this one and check your terms and conditions to see exactly what benefits your credit or charge card includes.

Do I have to pay for the trip with my American Express card to get the travel insurance benefits?

In most cases, yes; paying the entire fare with your American Express card is required in order to activate coverage. There may be exceptions to this, but if you plan to rely on any travel insurance features included with your card, it’s best to use your card to pay for the trip.

What kinds of things does my American Express card's travel insurance cover?

Amex travel insurance features vary by card, but can include some or all of:

• Rental car insurance
• Baggage insurance
• Global assistance
• Emergency medical evacuation
• Physician/dentist referral

Does American Express travel insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Most medical-related coverage offered by Amex travel insurance specifically excludes pre-existing conditions. If that’s something you’re worried about, you may wish to seek supplementary travel or medical coverage.

How does American Express travel insurance define a pre-existing condition?

According to Amex: “A pre-existing condition is any sickness, illness, or injury that has manifested itself, become acute, or was being treated in the 60-day period immediately prior to the start of a trip.”

Does American Express travel insurance cover issues related to pregnancy?

Yes, as long as you are not traveling against the advice of a physician. Be sure to check with your doctor before taking a trip.

Should I get separate travel insurance in addition to what comes with my card?

You should look into the specific benefit terms of your card when deciding whether you need additional coverage or not.

American Express offers a standalone travel insurance product that can be used to supplement the insurance that comes with your card. This could be a good option if you decide you do need additional coverage.

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Credit cards > Reviews

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card review 2024: Enjoy premium benefits, including Sky Club access

Harrison Pierce

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“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Updated 1:38 p.m. UTC Nov. 14, 2023

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Delta enthusiasts who want Delta Sky Club® lounge access get it automatically when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees ). This premium airline card also comes with a robust selection of perks, and it helps big spenders work their way toward Delta Medallion® status. Recent changes to the card make it much more valuable if you’re able to take full advantage of its benefits. Read more in our Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card review.

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Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of credit cards and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best card for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.

• 50+ cards analyzed.
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• 5-step fact-checking process.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card basics

• Annual fee: $650.
• Welcome bonus: 95,000 miles after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Rewards: 3 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and 1 mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Other perks and benefits: Delta Sky Club and The Centurion® Lounge access, upgrade priority and access to the Complimentary Upgrade list, Medallion® Qualification Dollar (MQD) Headstart and Boost, up to $240 annual Resy restaurants statement credit for eligible purchases in the U.S. (disbursed in monthly increments), up to an annual $120 rideshare statement credit for U.S. purchases with select providers (received as up to $10 monthly increments), annual Companion Certificate, up to an annual $200 Delta Stays statement credit, first checked bag free on Delta flights booked with the card, 15% off Award Travel on Delta flights booked with miles using delta.com and the Fly Delta app, application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Hertz President’s Circle status, baggage insurance plan¹, trip delay benefits² and more. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
• Does the issuer offer a preapproval tool? Yes.
• Recommended credit score: Good to excellent credit.

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Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Welcome bonus

• Earn 95,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• Generous Delta benefits that mimic elite status.
• Lounge benefits include Amex Centurion lounges.
• Companion certificate works on first-class tickets.
• High annual fee.
• Delta uses dynamic award pricing, making award space unpredictable and limiting the value of SkyMiles.
• Only Delta purchases earn rewards at an elevated rate.

Card details

• Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® and bring up to two guests or immediate family members at a rate of $50 per person per visit when flying Delta. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly together on Delta. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location.
• Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge when you book a Delta flight with your Reserve Card.
• Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• $240 Resy Credit: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Resy Credit, earn up to $20 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
• $120 Rideshare Credit: You can earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month on U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers after you pay with your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. Enrollment Required.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve 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.
• With your Card receive upgrade priority over other Medallion Members within the same Medallion level and fare class.
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members.
• Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

About the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

If you’re a frequent Delta flyer and want access to the Delta Sky Clubs when flying with the airline, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card offers a pathway to make that happen. 

Ownership of the $650-a-year travel credit card gives you access to Amex Centurion Lounges (when you fly with Delta and pay for your flight with your card) as well as Delta Sky Club access at no cost, plus four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve card members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

If you fly Delta often, there’s a plethora of other reasons to apply for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card. In early 2024 Delta and American Express made major changes to their lineup of co-branded credit cards. While these changes include an increase in annual fees, they also offer some improved benefits with a lot of potential value for Delta loyalists. 

To start, you’ll receive receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart and $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.

Plus, cardholders get perks like a first checked bag free on Delta flights booked with the card, an annual Companion Certificate good for a roundtrip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+ or the Main Cabin on flights within the U.S., as well as Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flights each year upon card renewal. Payment of government-imposed taxes and fees is required (no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and $250 for roundtrip international flights). On top of that, receive upgrade priority, 15% off when booking Award Travel with miles on Delta flights using delta.com and the Fly Delta app (discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees) and a statement credit worth up to $100 towards a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee.

You’ll also get access to several travel insurance benefits, including a baggage insurance plan¹, trip delay insurance², trip cancellation and interruption insurance³ and secondary auto coverage⁴. Plus, Hertz President’s Circle Status (enrollment required), which is a great benefit for folks who rent cars while on vacation. 

The card also offers several statement credits that can significantly offset the annual fee including credits of up to $20 per month for eligible purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants, up to $10 per month on select U.S. rideshare services (enrollment required) and up to $200 per year after using the card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays.

Maximizing these credits alone can bring your effective annual fee down to just $90. When you factor in the suite of other benefits, you can get a lot of value out of this card, making the higher annual fee well worth it for those who can fully take advantage of the perks. 

In addition, the Delta Reserve Amex rewards purchases made with Delta more than most other Delta cards, earning 3 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and 1 mile on all other eligible purchases.

• Includes airport lounge membership: This card comes with complimentary access to Amex Centurion Lounges as well as Delta Sky Club. You also receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve card members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Fast track to earning elite status: The MQD Headstart and Boost will allow you to get closer to Medallion status by simply being a cardholder. 
• Generous perks and travel insurance benefits: A range of frequent flyer perks apply, as well as general travel insurance benefits you get just for using your card to pay for flights.
• Various statement credits: Covering eligible purchases at Resy restaurants in the U.S., select U.S. rideshare services and prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays, this card’s statement credits can significantly offset the annual fee.
• Annual Companion Certificate: One of the biggest benefits of the card is the annual Companion Certificate, which allows you to buy-one-get-one on select flights while just paying the taxes and fees. This includes travel to Alaska and Hawaii, as well as the Caribbean and Central America. You can fly in First Class, Delta Comfort+ or the Main Cabin. Taxes and fees will not exceed $80 for roundtrip domestic flights or $250 for rountrip international flights.
• Lounge access applies only when you fly with Delta: Lounge access with this card only applies when you fly on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. If you’re flying on a SkyTeam partner flight, you’ll have to pay $50 for a day pass to visit Sky Clubs. Also, if you’re a frequent flyer and anticipate visiting the Delta Sky Club more than 15 times per year, this limit (effective 2/1/25) will be frustrating. To earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• High annual fee: The card’s annual fee may not be worth it for those who fly infrequently or choose a flight based on price, not airline.
• Low earn rate on regular spending: Earning a low base rate outside of Delta purchases is lackluster for a card at this price point.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card rewards

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card offers rewards of:

• 3 miles per $1 on Delta purchases.
• 1 mile on all other eligible purchases.

That said, the bonus category for Delta purchases is broader than you might think. This earning rate also applies to in-flight purchases of food and beverages on Delta-operated flights as well as Delta vacation packages.

Based on recent government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card might have $25,087 in expenses they can charge to a credit card each year. The chart below shows how that spending might break down in this card’s bonus categories, leading to the number of miles they might earn within a year.

The cardholder in this example earns a total of 40,087 miles annually with this card, which can be worth different amounts depending on how they’re redeemed. For example, getting one cent per mile for a Delta redemption would make this point haul worth a little over $400, whereas a premium redemption that gets you 1.5 cents per mile would make it worth about $600.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card perks

This card offers a range of benefits that can more than make up for the $650 annual fee. Here’s a rundown of all the features:

• Delta Sky Club access (when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight).
• Access to Amex Centurion Lounges when flying with Delta.
• MQD Headstart and Boost.
• First checked bag free for the cardholder and up to eight other people on their itinerary (valued at $35 per-person, one-way).
• 15% off Award Travel.
• Four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year.
• Annual Companion Certificate good for a domestic, Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+®, or the Main Cabin (upon card renewal, taxes and fees apply).
• Upgrade priority and access to the Complimentary Upgrade list.
• 20% back via statement on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.
• Statement credit worth up to $100 towards a Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fee.
• Statement credits for purchases at eligible Resy restaurants and select rideshare services within the U.S. and Delta Stays.
• Hertz President’s Circle status.

Cardholders also get some travel insurance benefits including:

• Baggage insurance plan worth up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage¹.
• Trip delay insurance worth up to $500 per trip².
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance worth up to $10,000 per covered trip and up to $20,000 per eligible card each 12-month period³.
• Secondary auto rental coverage⁴.

How the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card compares to other travel credit cards 

Delta skymiles reserve american express card vs. delta skymiles® platinum american express card.

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees ) is a toned-down version of the Reserve card that comes with a lower annual fee of $350 and no airport lounge access. But it’s still a solid option as many of the same travel perks apply, including a first checked bag free on Delta flights, an application fee statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck (up to $100), 20% back via statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases and more. 

The card also comes with a generous welcome bonus and earns 3 miles per $1 on Delta and purchases made directly with hotels, 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Aside from the lack of lounge access, the most notable difference from the SkyMiles Reserve is with its annual Companion Certificate. Although it’s valid for domestic, Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flights each year upon card renewal, it’s only eligible for travel in the Main Cabin (taxes and fees apply). And, its MQD Boost allows cardholders to earn $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $20 of purchases made on the card in a calendar year, rather than earning $1 Medallion® Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card in a calendar year. The statement credits for U.S. Resy restaurants and Delta Stays are also smaller on the Delta Platinum compared to the Reserve, although the U.S. rideshare statement credit is the same. 

The Delta Platinum card might be a better option for those who aren’t willing to pay a higher annual fee but still want some of the best benefits when flying with Delta. 

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

If you want to earn Delta miles but at a much lower annual fee, consider the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (terms apply, rates & fees ). This card comes with a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150, yet you still get a generous welcome bonus and a rewards rate of 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases, at U.S. supermarkets and restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and 1 mile per $1 on other eligible purchases.

The big thing you’ll give up with this card is any kind of boost towards elite status since the Delta SkyMiles Gold card doesn’t offer an MQD Headstart or Boost. The Delta SkyMiles Gold card also doesn’t allow entry into Delta Sky Club at all — not even with a paid day pass. 

The main perks you do get include a first checked bag free on Delta flights, a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after spending $10,000 in eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year, an up to $100 annual statement credit after using the card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays, 15% off when booking Delta flight Award Travel with miles using delta.com and the Fly Delta app and 20% back via statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card vs. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Arguably the biggest competition is between the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express (terms apply, rates & fees ). While the Amex Platinum Card does not earn Delta miles specifically, it does earn flexible Membership Rewards® points that transfer to Delta and other airline and hotel partners. 

Although it lacks the Companion Certificate perk, the Amex Platinum Card also offers more lounge flexibility since you can use it to enter Delta Sky Clubs when you fly with Delta, Amex Centurion Lounges when you pay with your card and over 1,300 airports worldwide with a Priority Pass Select membership. Better yet, you can enter Priority Pass lounges even when you fly with other airlines. Enrollment is required for select benefits.

The Platinum Card® from American Express has a $695 annual fee, but it comes with widespread premium airport lounge access plus over $1,500 in potential statement credits. For all but the most devoted Delta flyers, the Amex Platinum is a more versatile choice.

Should you get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card?

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is best for frequent Delta flyers who really value Delta Sky Club access and typically fly business or first class. The annual fee on this card is lower than paying for lounge access outright, and you also get to earn miles with Delta and access a range of frequent flyer benefits along the way. The introduction of several statement credits and the expansion of where you can use your annual Companion Certificate make it a lot more valuable, although at a higher cost.

That said, the $650 annual fee may seem steep if you don’t fly with Delta often. In that case, you may want to check out other Delta credit cards as well as American Express credit cards that let you transfer points to Delta and other partners.

Methodology

Our credit cards team has spent hours analyzing hundreds of travel credit cards. We took a deep dive into the details of each product and that analysis, combined with our years of experience covering credit cards, informed us as we developed these credit card rankings. We factored the following into our analysis:

• Annual fees.
• Travel reward rates.
• Value of rewards.
• Redemption options.
• Additional benefits that a card may offer for travelers, such as travel insurance.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card has a lower annual fee of $350 compared to the Delta SkyMiles Reserve card’s $650 annual fee but it doesn’t provide airport lounge access. Rewards rates are also different on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card, so make sure to compare the two cards side-by-side before you make a decision.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card comes with a credit limit that varies based on factors like your income and your creditworthiness. You will find out your assigned credit limit after you’re approved for the card.

You typically need good credit or better to qualify for this card, which FICO typically defines as a score of 670 or above. Having very good credit, or a score of 740 or higher, gives you an even better shot at approval.

Yes, enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when traveling on a same-day Delta-marketed or Delta-operated flight. You will receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.

However, you can only access the club within three hours of your scheduled departure on a Delta flight. It is also possible that at times of peak travel, a lounge may be at capacity and there will be a wait to enter.

For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card please visit this page .

For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card please visit this page .

For rates and fees for the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card please visit this page .

For rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page .

¹Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

²Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

³The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

⁴Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad that is passionate about all things personal finance and travel. While traveling full-time, he refined his love for writing and now enjoys working with various brands to tell stories and create meaningful content.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Delta skymiles reserve american express card review: loaded with benefits for avid delta flyers, the reserve card is great for delta frequent fliers who want travel benefits and lounge access..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a luxury co-branded airline card designed for travelers who fly with Delta often and want to upgrade their travel experience. As you spend on the card, you will earn Delta SkyMiles that are redeemable for free flights on Delta and its partners. In addition, the card gives benefits like free checked bags and complimentary access to Delta SkyClub® and Amex Centurion airport lounges.

Select reviews the Delta Reserve card, analyzing its welcome bonus offer and other benefits to help you decide if it deserves a spot in your wallet.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card review

Welcome bonus, benefits and perks, rates and fees, card comparison.

• Who this card is best for

Bottom line

Delta skymiles® reserve american express card.

Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.

Earn 95,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

Regular APR

20.99% - 29.99% variable

Balance transfer fee

Foreign transaction fees, credit needed.

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Once you are approved for the card, you will be able to earn a welcome offer.

Even at a modest 1 cent per point valuation, that bonus alone is $950 worth of Delta SkyMiles within the first six months of having the card. However, you can likely get more value from SkyMiles than that, meaning this bonus could easily be worth over $950 in travel.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card comes with a wide variety of benefits and perks for Delta flyers. When you have the card, you will have access to the following benefits:

• Spending categories: You can earn 3X miles for every dollar spent directly with Delta and 1X mile for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• MQD Headstart: Receive $2,500 Medallion ® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart
• MQD Boost: Earn $1 Medallion ®  Qualification Dollar for each $10 of purchases made on your Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card in a calendar year and get a boost toward achieving elevated Medallion Status for next Medallion Year.
• First checked bag free on Delta flights: When you pay with your Delta Reserve card, up to nine people on the same flight itinerary will get one free checked bag. This perk can save cardholders up to $240 on a round-trip flight for a family of four.
• Annual companion certificate: Think of this as a buy-one-get-one free ticket. When you book a First Class, Delta Comfort+ ® , or Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip seat on Delta, you can bring a friend or family member, and all you need to do is pay the taxes for the second person. *Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• TSA PreCheck and Global Entry credit: The Delta Reserve card gives you a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership through any TSA Precheck official enrollment provider (up to $85) when you pay the application fee with an eligible Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Complimentary Delta SkyClub and Centurion Lounge access: With the Delta Reserve, you will receive complimentary access to both the Delta SkyClub and American Express Centurion Lounges. However, the Centurion Lounge is only available when you use your Reserve card to book the flight. As for the Delta SkyClub, Reserve Card Members will receive four Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes each year. After that, you may bring up to two guests at a per-visit rate of $50 per person, per location. Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 Visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/25, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24, and each calendar year thereafter.
• Book Award Travel: 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.
• Complimentary seat upgrades: When you fly Delta, you will receive upgrade priority over other Medallion members in the same status level.
• Travel coverages: The Delta Reserve card offers travel insurance coverage , including trip cancellation* , trip delay*, rental car insurance** and luggage insurance**. ( Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide for more details.)

*Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

** Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

Of all the benefits, the most unique one is the widespread access to Delta SkyClub and American Express Centurion lounges. You'll have dozens of lounges to choose from across the U.S., and even a few abroad. You'll be able to enjoy a long list of amenities, including: food, drinks, Wi-Fi, showers and most importantly — a relaxing atmosphere away from a busy airport terminal.

Overall, the earnings from this card are sub-par on daily expenses, so it may be worth pairing with another rewards credit card . However, the benefits of the card can quickly outweigh the hefty annual fee.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has a $650 annual fee. It does not have any foreign transaction fees* .

If you plan on carrying a balance month to month, this card may not be the best choice, as it has a high interest rate*. If you want to avoid accruing interest, consider a credit card with a 0% introductory APR offer .

Late payment fees can be up to $40*.

*See rates and fees .

Select analyzed two other travel credit cards with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to see how they match up with one another.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card vs. Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

These cards both serve a similar type of traveler: someone who flies with Delta regularly and is on track to earn elite status with the airline.

However, each card serves a different purpose.

The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card comes with excellent benefits, including:

• Welcome offer: Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• MQD Headstart: Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and get closer to Status with MQD Headstart.
• Receive a Companion Certificate on Main Cabin domestic, Caribbean, or Central American roundtrip flights to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
• Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
• 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.
• Annual companion pass for economy Main Cabin seat
• 20% back as statement credit on in-flight purchases
• Check your first bag for free on Delta flights
• Fee Credit for either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Terms apply

If you are deciding between the two cards, consider that the major differences are: discounted or complimentary lounge access, spending categories, being considered for upgrades when flying on Delta, and most notably — the annual fee difference of $350 and $650. See rates of fees .

If you want the more luxurious experience and don't mind the premium annual fee, go with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card. If you care less about upgrades, the Delta Platinum Amex may be the better choice of the two.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a well-known travel credit card that's popular thanks to its valuable rewards and modest $95 annual fee.

The card is currently offering a welcome offer where you can earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening.

While you can't book Delta flights by transferring Chase rewards to the Delta SkyMiles program, you can book Delta flights through Chase Travel℠, or when transferring points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which is partners with Delta Air Lines.

The two cards in question are extremely different, and fit two very different types of cardholders. If you want flexibility with how you can spend your travel rewards, consider the Sapphire Preferred . If you only fly Delta and want to experience comfort during your travels, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card is a solid choice.

Who the Delta Reserve Amex Card is best for

The Delta Reserve Amex is best for avid Delta flyers who want a luxurious experience when they fly. Additionally, consider that if you fly to and from a few select airports, it will be in your best interest to see if they have a Delta SkyClub or Amex Centurion lounge location . If the airports you frequent don't, you may not be able to use to benefits to the fullest potential.

If you currently have (or would consider having) multiple rewards credit cards, the Delta Reserve Amex would be a great fit for you. Because the card only rewards Delta purchases higher than one point per dollar, it is best to pair this card with another rewards credit card. The Reserve could be worth keeping for the travel benefits alone while you put most of your spend on another card to maximize your points earning.

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a great fit for Delta loyalists who want to upgrade their travel experience. Between access to the Delta SkyClub lounges, Centurion lounges, automatic consideration for upgraded seats when flying on Delta and the annual companion pass, the card is full of benefits to make flying more comfortable.

However, the card's $650 annual fee must be considered. It's important to remember that while earning miles for your next flight and having lounge access are enjoyable benefits, that stretching yourself financially in the process is not a good idea. But if you can stomach the annual fee and use the benefits of the card, the Delta Reserve Amex may be worth a spot in your wallet.

Is the Delta Reserve worth it?

If you travel enough on Delta Air Lines and are able to utilize the benefits, especially the lounge access, the card can definitely be worth the $650 annual fee.

Is the Delta Reserve card metal?

Yes, the Delta Reserve card is metal.

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card,  click here .

For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card,  click here .

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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Introduction to American Express Travel Protection

Types of travel protection offered, american express travel protection: a guide to your benefits.

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews .

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card, American Express® Green Card, The Plum Card® from American Express. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

• Some American Express cards offer trip cancellation and interruption benefits .
• You'll find these perks on cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express.
• If you're eager to sign up for a travel credit card with perks, compare each card's offerings.

Overview of Travel Protection Benefits

While credit card insurance and travel protection coverage are usually considered secondary to rewards programs and other cardholder perks, these benefits can be equally important if you travel.

When you pay for a trip with a credit card that offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, for example, you can get reimbursed for some of your travel expenses in the event your vacation is halted for reasons beyond your control. Meanwhile, trip delay insurance lets you apply for some reimbursement when a delay of your trip results in surprise expenses, such as an unplanned hotel stay near the airport when your flight is on hold.

Importance of Travel Insurance

Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card have really stood out for years in terms of the protections they offer, and with some of the highest limits out there. Still, American Express is still coming around — it recently added trip cancellation and interruption insurance, along with trip delay coverage, to many of its top rewards credit cards. 

If you're in the market for an American Express card and you're hoping to take advantage of important travel benefits, consider the cards below and their expanded travel protections.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

New trip cancellation and interruption insurance from American Express credit cards will provide you with up to $10,000 in coverage (and up to $20,000 per account per year) you can use for reimbursement of prepaid travel expenses like airfare and hotels. This coverage can come in handy if your trip is canceled for a covered reason beyond your control, or you're stuck in your destination and require an extended stay and additional costs before you can return home.

Note that this coverage is good for round-trip travel booked with your credit card, meaning you have to pay for travel expenses with a common carrier with your American Express credit card in order to be eligible.

American Express cards that qualify for this coverage include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Other versions of the Amex Platinum card — including the Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and corporate flavors —  also offer this coverage, as do all versions of the Amex Centurion (black) card , which is invite-only.

Baggage Insurance Plan

Quite a few American Express credit cards also offer a baggage insurance plan, although this isn't a new or upgraded benefit from the card issuer. This coverage can come in handy if your luggage is lost or stolen during a covered trip. To be eligible for this coverage, you have to pay for travel with a common carrier (airfare, cruise fare, etc.) with your American Express credit card.

The amount of coverage you'll receive depends on the card you have. For example, baggage insurance from the The Platinum Card® from American Express offers up to $3,000 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $2,000 per person in coverage for some types of checked baggage.

With baggage insurance from the Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card , on the other hand, you'll only qualify for up to $1,250 in coverage per person for carry-on luggage and up to $500 for covered checked baggage, although an extra benefit of $250 is offered for qualified "high risk items" like jewelry or sporting equipment. 

American Express cards that come with baggage insurance include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
• American Express® Gold Card (including various versions)
• American Express® Green Card (including various versions)
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card
• Amex EveryDay® Preferred Credit Card
• The Plum Card® from American Express

American Express business cards with baggage insurance include:

• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
• Lowe's Business Rewards Card from American Express
• Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
• Amazon Business American Express Card

Various versions of the Amex Centurion card and several Amex corporate cards also offer baggage insurance.

Travel Accident Insurance

Some American Express cards also offer secondary auto rental coverage, which means this coverage kicks in after other policies you have are exhausted, as opposed to primary car rental coverage.

While this benefit applies to many Amex cards, note that coverage limits can vary. With the Amex Gold card, for example, coverage is limited to $50,000 per rental agreement for damage or theft, yet the Amex Platinum card offers up to $75,000 in coverage. The insurance doesn't cover personal liability, either.

Also note that this coverage comes with a certain amount of Accidental Death or Dismemberment Coverage that varies by card. With , for example, you'll receive up to $200,000 in coverage per person and up to $300,000 in coverage per car accident for accidental death and dismemberment. Make sure to read your credit card's terms and conditions so you know exactly how much coverage you have. 

American Express cards that come with secondary auto rental coverage include:

• The Platinum Card® from American Express (including various versions)
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card
• Hilton Honors American Express Card
• Marriott Bonvoy American Express® Card (no longer available to new applicants)
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Amex Everyday® Credit Card from American Express

And business cards from Amex that offer secondary car rental insurance include:

While American Express did offer travel accident insurance on some of its cards, this coverage was effectively dropped as of January 1, 2020. The same is true for the American Express Roadside Assistance Hotline, which is no longer available.

Trip Delay Insurance

In January of 2020, American Express also rolled out an upgraded trip delay insurance benefit for many of its top rewards credit cards. While this perk may seem like an unusual one, there are so many scenarios where trip delay coverage could help you save money and avoid surprise expenses when travel is delayed beyond your control. 

With trip delay coverage from Amex, you can be reimbursed for up to $500 per trip for hotel stays, meals, and other miscellaneous required expenses when your flight or other trip plans are delayed by more than six hours. If you're sitting at the airport and your flight is suddenly delayed until the next morning, for example, you could use this coverage to get reimbursed for a nearby airport hotel and your dinner, then for an Uber or Lyft ride back to the airport.

To qualify for American Express trip delay coverage, you need to pay for your round-trip travel expenses with a common carrier with your credit card.

Amex cards that come with trip delay coverage include:

• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Green Card

Again, the various versions of the Amex Platinum and Amex Centurion cards also offer trip delay insurance.

Most travel protections are automatically activated when you use your American Express card to book your travel. However, specific activation steps, if any, depend on the benefit.

Covered reasons for trip cancellation or interruption typically include illness, severe weather, and other unforeseen events, reimbursing you for non-refundable travel expenses.

Yes, baggage insurance plans come with coverage limits, which vary depending on the card and the type of loss (e.g., lost, damaged, or stolen baggage).

The Global Assist Hotline offers medical, legal, and other emergency coordination and assistance services, but financial costs for services rendered are typically the cardholder's responsibility.

Eligibility for specific travel protections varies by card. Premium cards often offer more comprehensive protections compared to basic cards.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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THE DELTA SKYMILES® RESERVE AMERICAN EXPRESS CARD

You know how to set your sights high.

Membership on the go

Stay on top of things, keep control of your account, and access digital tools all within the American Express® App. your business account and access digital tools within the American Express® App.

Get the most out of your Card

Confirm your card.

Confirm with a few taps, in the Amex App or online.

Enroll to enjoy benefits

Explore all the extras that come with your Card.

Refer a friend

You can both get rewarded after approval.

iOS and Android only. See app store listings for operating system info.

The American Express ® App and app features are available only for eligible accounts in the United States. American Express ® prepaid Cards and Cards issued by non-American Express issuers are not eligible. To log in, customers must have an American Express user ID and password or create one in the app.

Is the Delta Reserve Amex worth it? Here’s how to decide

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.

Delta’s premium credit card from American Express comes with multiple benefits that seem attractive at first glance to fans of Delta Air Lines, but it comes with one of the highest annual fees on the market. Because of that, making use of every benefit each year is the only way to judge if the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is right for you.

For whom is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card worth It?

Having a credit card for Delta Air Lines might make sense if you’re flying on the airline quite a bit, but also there are a few sets of people for which getting this card makes a lot of sense.

Flyers who want lounge access

For travelers who prioritize getting to the airport earlier so they can enjoy some time at the lounge sipping on a drink and having a snack before their flight, this card offers a compelling argument. Just keep in mind that as of 2/1/25, cardmembers will get 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year, with the ability to earn unlimited visits if they spend at least $75,000 a year, as well as four one-time guest passes so you can bring a guest along with you on your flights into the lounge.

The card also comes with unlimited access to the Centurion network of lounges as well, provided you used your card to purchase your Delta flights.

Big spenders who want status

This card becomes quite valuable if you already are a big spender, as a few benefits unlock the more you use your card. For starters, once you spend $75,000 or more every year, you receive unlimited visits to the Delta Sky Club. 

This card also offers cardmembers the chance to earn status with their spend. Every $10 you spend with this card gets you $1 in Medallion qualification dollars towards your status as a boost for next year’s status. Additionally, you’re offered $2,500 Medallion qualification dollars as a head start, helping you get even closer to earning status.

Travelers who check baggage

For those travelers who travel often and regularly check luggage, this card can save them significant cash as it comes with a first checked bag fee waiver for themselves and up to eight additional passengers in the same reservation. Delta charges $30 each way for a checked bag on domestic flights, so a family of four traveling together can save up to $240 per round trip if they all check one bag. The savings quickly add up the more you travel.

For whom is the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card not worth it?

You might already have a couple of credit cards in your wallet, and you’re thinking about applying for this one as well. Before you hit that application button, see if you fall into any of these categories. If you do, then you might want to pause and think twice.

Cardmembers averse to high annual fees

Regardless of the myriad perks this card comes with, for those who just can’t get past this card’s astronomical annual fee, very little can be done to overcome that objection. The card comes with lounge access, a companion certificate that’s good for first class tickets, plenty of statement credits that can help take the sting off the high annual fee, but if the high dollar amount required to get them is a non starter, it’s best to just move on to another card.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page  

Travelers with no set airline loyalty

For those whose only loyalty lies with your bottom line and they will choose whatever airline gets them to their destination the cheapest, getting an airline co-branded credit card that forces them to route all their travel with Delta and offers mostly Delta-related perks might not be a great idea. In these cases, a general purpose travel card that offers flexibility in benefits and redemptions options is the best way to go.

Solo flyers

Travelers who normally fly solo will not obtain the most value from this card, as a few of the card’s perks are best enjoyed with someone else. The companion certificate the card comes with can help you get a first class, Comfort+ or main cabin round trip ticket for domestic, Caribbean or Central American destinations every year for just up to $80 for domestic flights and $250 for international ones. This can save them hundreds of dollars on that second ticket depending on their chosen destination, but it obviously only works if they’re traveling with someone else.

The same logic applies to waived baggage fees, which works for you and up to eight other people in your reservation, and while there’s some value in using it just for yourself, the savings add up the more travelers you fly with.

How to Maximize Rewards with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Cardholders applying for this card for the first time can earn a 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months. This is a significant head start that can help you start booking award travel earlier.

Utilizing the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for bonus categories will help earn more miles faster, but this card only bonuses spend purchases on Delta flights and Delta Vacations at 3X, and 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases. The only way to earn more is to spend more. 

Another way to earn a few additional miles here and there is to enroll in the Delta SkyMiles Dining program, which allows you to earn additional miles whenever you use your enrolled card in one of the program’s participating restaurants. Lastly, if you regularly make online purchases, you might as well run your purchases through the Delta SkyMiles Shopping portal, which helps you earn additional miles when you click through the portal’s links.

The Takeaway

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers a few compelling reasons to get it to avid Delta flyers who are also relatively big spenders. A few of the benefits kick in the more they spend—like unlimited lounge visits as well as potentially earning status with the airline—while at the same time helping them save some money by way of multiple statement credits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i transfer delta skymiles to any other airlines.

Delta SkyMiles are not transferable to other airlines, but you can use SkyMiles to book flights on many of Delta’s SkyTeam partners. This can virtually help you get anywhere in the world, since there are more than a dozen partners to choose from.

How do I earn status with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Card?

This card can help you earn status based on spend. The more purchases you make with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve card, the more Medallion qualification dollars you earn, at a rate of $1 earned for every $10 in purchases. Additionally, you’ll earn $2,500 Medallion qualification dollars per year as a head start.

Does the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve card come with unlimited lounge access?

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve comes with 15 visits to the Delta Sky Club per year after 2/1/25, but you can unlock unlimited visits if you spend at least $75,000 a year with the card. Access to the Centurion lounge is uncapped, but it is only granted when you’re flying Delta flights that you used your card to purchase.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com

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Delta SkyMiles Medallion® Members

To thank you for your loyalty, your first checked bag fee is waived with Delta Medallion Status or as a SkyTeam® Elite & Elite Plus Member. You may qualify for additional waived bag fees and an increase in the weight of your checked bag depending on your Medallion Status and fare type. A Medallion Member traveling in Delta Comfort+®, Main Cabin or Basic Economy between the U.S./Canada and any International destination can check one additional bag up to 50 lbs. over the standard cabin allowance. A Medallion Member traveling in Delta One® or First Class can check up to 3 free bags at 70 lbs. per bag. A Medallion Member traveling domestically in Delta Premium Select can check up to 3 free bags at 70 lbs. per bag. These benefits are subject to any applicable embargoes or regional weight restrictions in place. For the most accurate estimate of any potential baggage fees you may have for your next trip, be sure to use our Baggage Calculator .

This benefit also extends to those on the Medallion Member’s reservation for a total of 8 travel companions, when traveling on a Delta-operated flight. Companions of Medallion Members will not receive this benefit on Delta-operated flights departing from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) or Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS). Silver Medallion Members who hold an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card will receive a second bag free (up to two free bags at 70 lbs. or 32kg each) for travel within the U.S. and Canada.

BAGGAGE KEY

Baggage size must not exceed a length + width + height for a total of 62 linear inches (157 cm).

= 50 lbs. (23kg)

= 70 lbs. (32 kg)

BASIC ECONOMY, MAIN CABIN, DELTA COMFORT+ ALLOWANCE (EACH WAY)

*For each additional bag checked, the fee is based on the total number of checked bags. The fees are listed within the Common Checked Baggage Fees and on the Excess Overweight Baggage page.

DELTA PREMIUM SELECT (EACH WAY)

*Baggage fees will start at the 4th checked bag as listed on the Excess & Overweight Baggage page.

Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members

If you have an eligible Delta SkyMiles American Express Card, you receive your First Bag Free on Delta flights booked with your Delta SkyMiles Amex Card. The benefit extends to up to 8 travel companions, who must be listed on the Card Member’s reservation — for a total of 9 passengers. The first bag of each passenger on the reservation will have their fees waived at check-in. This benefit can only be used with bags that are not overweight or oversize under Delta’s applicable rules. The first checked bag fee waiver will only be applied on flight segments which originate on a Delta or Delta Connection® carrier when you check-in with Delta for both a Delta marketed and Delta operated flight. Additional baggage fees will start at the 2nd checked bag fee listed in the Checked Baggage Allowance Each Way chart. Visit First Checked Bag Terms & Conditions for details.

For reference, please note the Card types eligible for the First Bag Free benefits are the following:

• Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card / Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card / Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card / Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

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New Delta Amex offer: Earn up to 95,000 SkyMiles on personal cards, 110,000 on business cards

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.

While you were sleeping, six airline credit cards got a glow up with new limited time welcome offers.

Increased welcome bonus details

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card: Earn 65,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership (terms apply).
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership (terms apply).
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card: Earn 95,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership (terms apply).
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new card in your first 6 months of card membership (Limited Time Offer Ends 7/17) (terms apply).
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card: Earn 95,000 Bonus Miles after spending $8,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of card membership (Limited Time Offer Ends 7/17) (terms apply).
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of card membership (offer Ends 7/17) (terms apply)

The Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card credit cards, along with their business card siblings the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card come with hundreds of dollars in additional statement credits and recently-enhanced benefits to match that new bonus. Let’s take a look at these fresh Delta offers to help you decide if are a fit for your travel style.

To view rates and fees of the ‘Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card , see  this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card , see  this page . To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card , see this page . 

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card , see  this page .  To view rates and fees of the ‘Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card , see  this page .  To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card , see  this page . 

Delta Amex credit card details

Here’s a breakdown of each card so you can see how they compare:

Delta Gold Amex

Delta skymiles® gold american express card.

See Rates and Fees

Intro Bonus

at Bankrate

Reward Rates

• 2x 2X miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 2x 2X miles at U.S. supermarkets.
• 2x 2X miles on Delta purchases made directly with the airline.
• 1x 1X mile on all other eligible purchases.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
• First checked bag free on Delta for cardholder and up to nine companions on same reservation
• 15% Discount on Award Tickets on Delta Flights
• No perks when flying airlines other than Delta
• Has an annual fee after the first year
• Some of the potential credits can be hard to use
• 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).
• $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
• $100 Delta Stays credit each year when you use your Delta Gold Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays.
• 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your card.
• Travel benefits including baggage insurance and secondary car rental loss and damage insurance.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Gold Amex and an article that will help you decide if the Delta Gold Amex is worth the annual fee .

Delta Platinum Amex

Delta skymiles® platinum american express card.

• 3x Earn 3 miles per dollar at hotels
• 2x Earn 2 miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets.
• 1x Earn 1 mile per dollar of eligible purchases.
• Benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free, MQD Boost and MQD earned through spending
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic, Caribbean or Central American Main Cabin flight each year upon renewal of your card
• High annual fee
• Limited travel insurance options
• Companion pass comes with limitations
• Statement credits toward Delta Stays, Resy and rideshare purchases
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection

To learn more, check out our full Delta Platinum Amex review and see if the Delta Platinum Amex is worth it for you.

Delta Reserve Amex

Delta skymiles® reserve american express card.

• 3x Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases
• 1x Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club
• Companion certificate good for a round trip domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class flight each year upon renewal of your card
• Access to Centurion Lounge network
• Access to Delta Sky Club limited to 15 passes a year after February 2025
• Base earnings rate is low compared to other cards
• 15% discount on Delta award flights
• Travel protections including accident insurance, rental car coverage, trip cancellation and delay insurance
• Consumer protections including cell phone insurance, extended warranty, purchase and return protection

To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Reserve Amex and see if the Delta Reserve Amex is worth it for you.

Delta Gold Business Amex

Delta skymiles® gold business american express card.

• 2x 2X miles on dining at restaurants
• 2x 2X miles on U.S. shipping purchases.
• 2x 2X miles on U.S. purchases for advertising in select media.
• 2x 2X miles on purchases made directly with Delta made directly with the airline.
• 1x 1X mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• First checked bag free on Delta for cardholder and up to eight companions on same reservation
• Zone 5 Priority Boarding
• $150 Delta Stays credit each year when you use card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals.

To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Gold Business Amex see if the Delta Gold Business is worth it for you.

Delta Platinum Business Amex

Delta skymiles® platinum business american express card.

• 3x Earn 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta and on every eligible dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta and hotels
• 1.5x Earn 1.5 miles per $1 on single eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to 50,000 additional miles per calendar year).
• 1x Earn 1 mile for each dollar of eligible purchases.
• Credits for Resy dining, selected rideshare and Delta Stays
• Credits are doled out in increments and are hard to redeem

To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Business Platinum Amex and see if the Delta Business Platinum is worth it for you.

Delta Business Reserve Amex

Delta skymiles® reserve business american express card.

• 3x Earn 3X miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases
• 1.5x Earn 1.5X miles on eligible transit, U.S. shipping, and U.S. office supply store purchases, plus all eligible purchases after you spend $150,000 in purchases on your Card in a year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply
• 1x Earn 1X miles on other purchases
• Premium benefits for Delta flyers, like first checked bag free and access to the Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge network
• Statement credits potentially worth hundreds of dollars
• Statement credits are granted in monthly increments
• Upgrade eligibility, first bag checked free for you and up to eight companions on same reservation,

To learn more, check out our full review of the Delta Business Reserve Amex and see if the Delta Business Reserve is worth it for you.

Delta Amex card features

Below are the credits you’ll get with each of these cards. As you can see, they add up very quickly but only if you use them.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, see this page

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card, see this page

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, see this page

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, see this page

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see this page

Also of note: Delta SkyMiles Platinum cards now receive Hertz Five-Star elite status, while Delta SkyMiles Reserve cards receive top-tier Hertz President’s Circle elite status. These come with perks like a wider vehicle selection and rental upgrades when available.

Improved companion certificate

Each cardmember anniversary, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum and Delta SkyMiles Reserve personal and small business credit cards receive a Companion Certificate that allows you to bring along a travel buddy on a round-trip Delta-operated flight for just the cost of taxes and fees (maximum $80). Previously, this Companion Certificate was only valid for travel within the Continental U.S. But you can now use it for flights to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America, as well.

This is a massive upgrades that take an already excellent money-saving perk to the next level. You could quite easily save over $1,000 in airfare, depending on your route.

Fast track to elite status

If you’ve got Delta elite status aspiration, you’ll love these benefits.

First, all Delta Platinum and Reserve credit card variants receive an “MQD Headstart” — that is, $2,500 Medallion Qualifying Miles (MQDs) each year on February 1 (the beginning of the qualifying elite status year). If you hold more than one of these credit cards, you’ll receive multiple MQD Headstarts. In other words, it’s possible to receive up to $10,000 MQDs automatically each year.

The above Delta credit cards are also eligible to earn MQDs from everyday spending. You’ll receive $1 MQD per $20 spent on the Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card and Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Card — and you’ll receive $1 MQD per $10 spent on the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card and Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card.

For context, here are the number of MQDs you’ll need to earn elite status with Delta:

• Silver Medallion: $5,000 MQDs
• Gold Medallion: $10,000 MQDs
• Platinum Medallion: $15,000 MQDs
• Diamond Medallion: $28,000 MQDs

These two elite status benefits can go a long way in springboarding you toward status that confers perks like Delta Sky Priority (priority bags, check-in, boarding, etc.), travel vouchers, seat upgrades, and more. If you’re an astonishingly big spender, you could conceivably earn Delta’s top-tier status without ever leaving the ground.

The takeaway

Six Delta credit cards have received new welcome offers for a limited time only. Do the math to see if these offers make sense for you. If you already had a Delta card in mind, now’s definitely a good time to apply.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Earn up to 110,000 bonus SkyMiles with these new Delta offers — now is a great time to apply

Editor's Note

Delta Air Lines and American Express have some excellent welcome offers on their range of six cobranded credit cards.

The first five cards on this list are offering just 5,000 miles short of their best-ever offers , so now is a great time to pick one of them up. And the final card — the top-tier business version — has its highest offer ever. All of these offers end July 17.

Remember that there were major changes made to these cards in early February — namely, higher annual fees, a handful of new perks to offset them and restrictions on lounge access .

Let's dive into each of these offers and see which might be a good fit for you.

Delta credit cards welcome offers

Here's an overview of the offers at first glance:

*Bonus value is based on TPG valuations and is not provided or reviewed by the issuer.

Delta personal cards

Delta skymiles gold american express card.

Welcome offer: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 17.

Annual fee : $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 (see rates and fees )

Earning rate : Earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

Is this offer worth it?

The Delta Gold Amex is a solid card for travelers who occasionally fly with Delta. Eligible cardmembers will get 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights (when paying taxes and fees with this card), a first checked bag free, Zone 5 priority boarding, 20% off inflight purchases, up to $100 Delta Stays statement credit and a $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in a calendar year. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Related: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card review

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Welcome offer : Earn 85,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 17.

Annual fee : $350 (see rates and fees )

Earning rate : Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and at hotels (when booking directly with the hotel), 2 miles per dollar at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

The card is pretty impressive.

Eligible cardmembers will get 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights (when paying taxes and fees with this card), an annual companion certificate each renewal for main cabin, round-trip travel, statement credits for Uber, Resy, Delta Stays and Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fees ($100 every four years for Global Entry and up to $85 every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck), plus elitelike perks — including a first checked bag free, Zone 5 priority boarding and 20% off eligible inflight purchases. Enrollment required for select benefits.

Overall, this is a great card option if you fly Delta semiregularly and are looking for a way to earn miles on purchases and reach elite status. However, even if you aren't going for status, the companion voucher by itself can go a long way in making the annual fee worth it for this card.

Related: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card review

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Welcome offer : Earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 17.

Annual fee : $650 (see rates and fees )

Earning rate : Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve is the top-tier Delta Amex card available and thus comes with a high annual fee.

With this card, you'll get a slew of benefits, including:

• 15% off award redemptions for Delta flights for eligible cardmembers (when paying taxes and fees with this card)
• Annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal for round-trip travel in first class, Comfort+, Premium Select or main cabin
• Until Jan. 31, 2025, unlimited Delta Sky Club access when you fly same-day Delta, plus four one-time guest passes each year. Effective Feb. 1, 2025, you'll receive 15 visits per year; to earn an unlimited number of visits, you must spend $75,000 or more between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2024, and each calendar year after
• Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying on a same day Delta flight with a ticket purchased on the card (up to two guests may also enter for a fee of $50 each)
• Up to $240 Resy statement credit (up to $20 monthly)
• Up to $120 ride-hailing statement credit (up to $10 monthly)
• Up to $200 Delta Stays annual statement credit
• A Global Entry/TSA PreCheck fee statement credit ($100 every four years for Global Entry, up to $85 every 4½ years for TSA PreCheck)
• Access to complimentary upgrades (for non-Medallions)
• A first bag checked for free on Delta flights
• Zone 5 priority boarding
• 20% off inflight purchases
• Enrollment required for select benefits.

For loyal Delta flyers who enjoy visiting the Sky Club, this card can pay for itself with lounge access, spending boosts and other benefits. However, the Platinum may be the better choice for the semi-loyal Delta traveler.

Related: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card review

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Delta business cards

The business versions of the cards currently have new welcome offers, too. If you own a small business ( or have a side hustle where you pay business expenses ), one of these offers may be a great addition to your work wallet.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card

Welcome offer : Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 17.

Earning rate : Earn 2 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, 2 miles per dollar on U.S. shipping and U.S. advertising (up to $50,000 in eligible purchases per category per year, then 1 mile per dollar spent), and 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.

Other card details:

• First checked bag free on Delta flights and Zone 5 priority boarding
• $200 annual Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
• Up to $150 Delta Stays annual statement credit

Related: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card review

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card

Welcome offer : Earn 95,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 17.

Earning rate : Earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Delta purchases, 1.5 miles per dollar on transit, shipping and on purchases over $5,000 (up to $100,000 spent per calendar year, then 1 mile per dollar) and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

• Annual companion certificate each year upon card renewal for main cabin, round-trip travel
• Up to $120 Resy annual statement credit (up to $10 monthly)
• Up to $120 ride-hailing annual statement credit (up to $10 monthly)

Related: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card review

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Welcome offer : Earn 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership. Offer ends July 17.

Earning rate : Earn 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases, 1.5 miles per dollar on transit, U.S. shipping, office supplies and all purchases after spending $150,000 per calendar year, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.

• Complimentary access to American Express Centurion Lounges when flying a same-day Delta with a ticket purchased on the card (up to two guests may also enter for a fee of $50 each)
• Up to $240 Resy annual statement credit (up to $20 monthly)
• Up to $250 Delta Stays annual statement credit
• Access to complimentary upgrades (including non-Medallions)
• First checked bag free on Delta flights

Related: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card review

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card

Are these business card offers worth it?

All three cards have welcome offers that just about match or match the best offers we've ever seen.

These cards also mirror the consumer versions in many ways. The major ongoing differences are the spending categories, which are more business-oriented than the personal variations of the cards, and the fact that business cards won't appear on your credit report.

Of course, choosing between a business and a consumer card will depend on whether you have an eligible business — and whether you're looking to maximize miles on business or consumer spending.

Overall, the current limited-time welcome offers are well worth applying for if you are in the market for a Delta business credit card.

Related: Who qualifies for a business credit card?

Which Delta credit card is right for you?

The good news is that you can't go wrong by applying for any of these offers. In short:

• Occasional Delta flyers should look at the Gold
• Regular Delta flyers who are interested in elite status can utilize the economy flight companion voucher and prefer earning miles across purchases (as opposed to lounge access) should consider the Platinum
• Delta loyalists who will regularly use Delta Sky Club and Centurion Lounge access when traveling should think about applying for the Reserve

With a full lineup of Delta cards offering new bonuses, you may wonder how to pick the best offer for your needs. While it might be tempting to go after the one with the highest offer, you should also consider its long-term value in your wallet.

For example, you may enjoy Delta's inflight experience but don't typically fly with the airline enough in a normal travel year to justify a card with a higher annual fee. Or, if you're primarily a solo traveler, you may not be able to consistently use the annual companion voucher that comes with the Platinum and Reserve versions of the card.

In this case, you may opt for the Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex to help you earn miles and enjoy some elitelike perks that can save you time and money when flying Delta.

However, someone who is almost always flying Delta because they live near a Delta hub , such as Atlanta, New York City or Seattle, might easily justify a higher annual fee because they'll use the benefits of the higher-tier cards more regularly. Families and couples who know they can use the annual companion certificate with the Platinum or Reserve versions of the card can also easily come out ahead with those cards, depending on their exact usage.

Related: Choosing the best credit cards for Delta flyers

Bottom line

Delta SkyMiles isn't generally the most valuable currency — partly because of unannounced program devaluations over the years. However, that doesn't mean you can't find value in the SkyMiles program .

Also, many TPGers actually prefer flying Delta over any other U.S. carrier . Delta is well-known for its customer service, which can be extremely useful when problems arise during a trip.

Keep in mind that American Express does have a once-per-card-per-lifetime rule in place regarding welcome offers. If you've had one of these cards in the past, you likely can't earn the welcome offers on the same card again. This is why timing your Amex card applications is so important: You only get one shot to earn a welcome offer for each of them, so you'll want to make it count.

Plus, if you have had a higher-tier Delta card, like the Reserve, you won't be eligible for the welcome offer on lower-tier cards like the Gold and Platinum.

Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold Amex Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Amex Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business Amex Apply here: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex

For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Amex, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Amex, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Amex, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Gold Business Amex, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta Platinum Business Amex, click here . For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Amex, click here .

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10 Reasons to Get a Delta Reserve AmEx

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Premium airline credit cards are known for their frequent flyer perks. However, some luxury airline cards also come with money-saving and shopper-friendly benefits. While the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has a valuable welcome bonus offer and perks designed for Delta loyalists, it also offers purchase protections, airport lounge access and discounts on certain purchases.

If you tend to shy away from hefty annual fee cards, consider a few of the underrated benefits, like the Delta companion certificate, to assess whether or not the $650 annual-fee Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a good fit for you.

1. Sizable welcome bonus

Earn 95,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

2. Bonus miles on Delta purchases

Earn 3x SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and 1 SkyMile per dollar on all other purchases. Terms apply.

3. First checked bag free

The primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation for a domestic flight can check a bag for free. Terms apply.

4. Priority boarding

The primary cardholder and up to eight companions on the same reservation can board the plane early with the Zone 5 boarding group. Terms apply.

5. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit

Worth up to $100 for Global Entry every 4.5 years or $85 for TSA PreCheck every four years (note that the TSA PreCheck application fee was recently lowered to $78 ). Terms apply.

» Learn more: How the Delta SkyMiles program works

6. Annual companion certificate

If you plan on flying at least once a year with a friend, partner or family member, the Delta Companion Certificate can offset a large part of the card’s $650 annual fee.

Every year after renewing your card, you earn a certificate good for one round-trip main cabin, Delta Comfort+ or first class ticket for a companion who flies on the same reservation as yours. Terms apply, and you’ll have to pay government-imposed taxes and fees on your companion booking.

Obviously, your value will vary depending on the specific seat and flight you book, but it is not difficult to get several hundred dollars of value out of a round-trip companion certificate.

7. Head start toward Delta elite status

Delta has four Medallion elite status tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. Each tier offers incremental benefits, like complimentary upgrades and fee waivers. To earn status, you typically must meet a spending requirement, expressed in terms of Medallion Qualification Dollars. Each $1 spent on Delta flights, for example, earns 1 MQD. Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders get a head start on earning status, as the card comes with 2,500 MQDs each year, plus it earns 1 MQD for each $10 spent on the card. Terms apply.

» Learn more: Things to do when you get the Delta SkyMiles Reserve AmEx card

8. Airport lounge access

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card holders can relax in any of the 13 luxurious American Express Centurion Lounges when they book their flight with the card. Cardholders not flying out of an airport with a Centurion Lounge enjoy complimentary access to Delta SkyClubs.

Effective 2/1/25, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club. To earn an unlimited number of visits each year, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more the previous year. To earn unlimited visits in 2025, you’ll need to spend this amount between 1/1/24 and 12/31/24.

Terms apply.

9. Save money shopping with AmEx Offers

As an American Express cardholder, you get exclusive access to AmEx Offers , which give you opportunities to earn statement credits or save money on purchases you might already be planning, including cell phone bill payments and dining out at local restaurants. Limited-time offers are added frequently. Just log in, browse the available offers and add them to your card.

Eligibility for this offer is limited. Enrollment is required in the Amex Offers section of your account before redeeming.

» Learn more: How to add money-saving travel offers to your AmEx card

10. Purchase protections

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card offers three complimentary protections for shoppers. Terms apply.

Extended warranty: Get up to one extra year added to a manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases.

Purchase protection: If an eligible item you bought with the card is accidentally damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase, you’re covered up to $10,000 per incident and up to $50,000 per year.

Return protection: If a merchant won’t take back an eligible item within 90 days from the date of purchase, American Express may refund the full purchase price, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year.

The bottom line

While the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has a steep $650 annual fee, it offers many valuable perks that can more than offset the cost.

Besides the welcome bonus offer, one of the most valuable features is the card’s companion certificate, which saves you round-trip airfare for a friend, partner or family member.

Delta loyalists looking to earn elite status without having to will enjoy the head start of $2,500 MQDs. Terms apply.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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You Can Score Up to 110K Delta SkyMiles With This Limited-time Amex Offer

The offer is available through July 17.

Courtesy of Amex

Delta Air Lines and American Express are making it easier to plan a summer getaway with new card offers, offering up to 110,000 bonus miles when card holders sign up.

The limited-time offer is available to new Delta SkyMiles American Express card members who sign up through July 17, the company shared with Travel + Leisure . New card offers with bonus mileage are valid for the Delta SkyMiles Gold, Platinum, Reserve, and business cards.

“Whether it’s a long weekend trip, or a short excursion, eligible new Delta SkyMiles American Express Card Members can earn on all types of summer getaways by taking advantage of the limited-time offers,” the company wrote in a statement shared with T+L. 

Travelers who sign up for a new Delta SkyMiles American Express card can earn bonus miles when they spend a certain amount within the first six months of getting the card. The total required spend varies by card.

• Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express card: 65,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 
• Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express card: 75,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express card: 85,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000
• Delta SkyMiles Platinum Business American Express card: 95,000 bonus miles after spending $8,000
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express card: 95,000 bonus miles after spending $6,000 
• Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express card: 110,000 bonus miles after spending $12,000

This year, Delta added more perks to its American Express-branded cards , but charged more for them. The annual fee for the Delta Reserve card, for example, has increased to $650 from $550. For that fee, which went into effect on May 1, customers receive a $240 Resy credit, $120 rideshare credit, and $200 Delta Stays credit.

The airline has also overhauled its loyalty program , choosing to only count Medallion Qualification Dollars (MQDs) toward elite status. Travelers earn MQDs when they purchase a Delta or Delta-partner flight, book a hotel, a car rental, or a Delta Vacations trip directly through the airline's website. Travelers can also earn MQDs with a Delta credit card, but earn fewer per dollar spent.

Related Articles

Best credit cards for international travel in 2024

Dec 29, 2023 • 15 min read

Your next great adventure is never far away when you're maximizing points and benefits with the best cards; Mattertal, Switzerland © mbbirdy / Getty

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph Card has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. This card is not available through Lonely Planet.

When traveling abroad, the right credit card can be as crucial as your passport. The best credit card can help you not only earn more rewards, but it can also provide valuable protections and benefits. A credit card can save you money on foreign transaction fees and protect your purchases from fraudulent activity and theft.

Some credit cards can make your travels more comfortable with valuable perks like lounge access, elite status benefits and travel insurance. 

For international travel, you’ll want a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and offers bonus points on travel along with travel insurance. We’ve taken the guesswork out of this task for you by rounding up the best credit cards for international travel:

How to get started with travel points and airline miles

The best credit cards for international travel in 2024:

• Best overall: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for luxury travel perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express *
• Best for travel insurance: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for tours and activities: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best for dining around the world: American Express® Gold Card *
• Best for no annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The best credit cards for airline miles

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best overall for international travel in 2024

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is an excellent card for international travel because it checks all the boxes regarding benefits you’ll need when traveling abroad. The card provides vital travel protections and earns valuable rewards at a reasonable $95 annual fee. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through the Chase Travel℠ portal and 2 on all other travel purchases. The card also comes with valuable travel insurance, which is vital when traveling abroad. 

Cardholders pay no foreign transaction fees, which hover around 3% for purchases abroad on standard credit cards. Whether paying your hotel bill or doing extra shopping, the waived fee can add substantial savings.

Sapphire Preferred cardholders get up to $10,000 per person in trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage (in the U.S. and abroad), up to $100 per day in baggage delay insurance (maximum of five days) and up to $500 in trip delay reimbursement per ticket. These protections can be beneficial in case of travel delays or emergencies. While you may consider buying supplemental travel insurance for certain trips, these credit card protections provide excellent baseline coverage.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel℠ hotel credit);  3X points on dining at restaurants, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out; 3X points on online grocery purchases; 3X points on select streaming services; 2X points on all other travel; 1X on other purchases.

Travel benefits: Annual $50 Chase Travel℠ hotel credit, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, primary rental car insurance, trip delay reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, travel and emergency assistance services.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. See rates and fees .

• Generous category bonuses.
• Excellent rewards program with a great selection of airline and hotel transfer partners.
• $50 annual travel credit.
• Extensive travel protections, including primary rental car insurance abroad. 
• The card is subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule (meaning you won’t be approved if you’ve opened five credit cards at any bank in the last 24 months).
• The $50 annual hotel credit is limited to Chase Travel℠ bookings (and does not earn bonus points).

How to use points and miles to save money on travel

The Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for travel perks

No other credit card can compete with The Platinum Card® from American Express  regarding travel perks. The card offers over $1,500 in annual statement credits for airline fees, hotel bookings and trusted-traveler programs like CLEAR® Plus and Global Entry . Global Entry is particularly useful for international trips, as it expedites the passport control process.

Cardholders can upgrade to Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status without ever stepping foot in a hotel lobby. These higher status levels can provide added perks like room upgrades and complimentary breakfast, enhancing your hotel experience. 

The Platinum Card 's travel protections can provide added peace of mind with trip delay coverage and cancellation/interruption insurance.*

Welcome bonus: Earn 80,000 points after $8,000 spent within six months of account opening. 

Rewards: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year); 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel; 1X point on everything else.

Travel benefits: Annual airline fee credit up to $200; annual hotel booking credit up to $200 (Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay); annual Uber Cash up to $200; $20 monthly digital entertainment credit for select streaming services; $155 Walmart+ Credit; $300 annual Equinox statement credit; $50 Saks credit issued semi-annually; $189 CLEAR Plus credit; Hilton and Marriott Gold elite status; elite status with Avis, Hertz and National rental car; trip delay insurance; trip cancellation & interruption insurance.

Credit score required: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $695. See rates and fees .

• Wide range of travel credits that offset the annual fee (if you use them).
• Earns valuable Membership Rewards points.
• Exceptional travel protections.
• High annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited to Amex Travel and direct bookings.
• The current welcome bonus isn’t the highest to date, and the card is subject to the Amex once-per-lifetime rule.

Best travel credit cards for foodies

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for travel insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is essential when traveling abroad – things always go wrong, and you don’t want to incur added expenses on top of your trip. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides exceptional travel insurance. Depending on your travel habits, you may not even need to buy a policy. Simply charge your travel expenses to the card, and you’ll be covered in case of trip delays, lost luggage and rental car accidents. The card provides emergency medical services and transportation up to $100,000 and trip cancellation/interruption coverage up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip. In case of trip delays of six hours or longer, each passenger will be reimbursed up to $500 per ticket for meals and lodging. 

If you arrive at your destination and discover your luggage is missing, you’ll get up to $3,000 per passenger to buy essentials. This policy also applies to damaged luggage, including carry-ons.

The Sapphire Reserve ’s auto rental collision damage waiver is one of the best in class. It applies to rentals made abroad and covers up to $75,000 in case of theft or collision damage.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Rewards: Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits, including airfare, hotels and rental cars; get 50% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠; Priority Pass Select membership; application fee credit towards Global Entry, TSA Precheck or NEXUS every four years; travel protections including cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, primary rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and emergency evacuation and transportation.

Credit score:  Excellent.

Annual fee: $550 (plus $75 per authorized user). See rates and fees .

• Comprehensive travel insurance when you use the Sapphire Card for booking.
• Application fee credits for Global Entry, TSA Precheck and NEXUS.
• Priority Pass Select membership for access to over 1300 airline lounges worldwide.
• The $300 annual travel credit partially offsets the high annual fee. 
• Approval is subject to the Chase 5/24 rule (ie, you might not qualify for the card if you've signed up for 5 or more credit cards in the last 24 months).
• $75 authorized user fee.

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Capital One Venture Card: Best for international tours and activities 

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best card for tours and activities because it offers unlimited 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, making it easy to earn rewards quickly. Plus, the miles can be redeemed for any travel-related expense, so you can use them to book flights, hotels, rental cars and more. 

Additionally, cardholders get six months of complimentary membership to The Cultivist. This subscription platform typically costs $40 per month and provides free admission to over 60 museums, including the New York Met, Paris Louvre and The Art Institute of Chicago. You can bring up to three guests for free, making the Venture Card a terrific credit card for tours and activities.

With its simple reward structure and no-hassle redemption process, the Capital One Venture Card is an ideal choice for travelers looking to save money on their next tour or activity.

Welcome bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Rewards: 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel; 2X miles on all other purchases.

Travel benefits: Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, Hertz Five Star status, rental car insurance and travel accident insurance, Capital One Dining access; complimentary six-month membership to The Cultivist.

Credit score:  Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $95. 

• $100 credit towards Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees every four years.
• Generous lounge benefit for a $95 annual fee card.
• Simple rewards structure with multiple international airline transfer partners.
• Limited lounge network compared to other credit cards.

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American Express Gold Card: Best for dining around the world

Dining is one of the most significant expenses when you’re traveling abroad. The American Express Gold Card is the best card to pack in your wallet, earning 4 points per dollar spent at restaurants. The card also earns 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel so that you can maximize every dollar spent on vacation. 

The Amex Gold Card also offers up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash and another $10 towards Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Granted, you may not find many Cheesecake Factories abroad, but it’s a nice bonus that could come in handy during domestic travels. The card qualifies for Amex Offers, a rotating list of discounts at popular retailers, restaurants and hotels. You can save hundreds of dollars by taking advantage of dining deals through this portal.

Welcome bonus: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 within the first six months of account opening.

Rewards: Earn 4X points at restaurants; 4X points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases and then 1x after); 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel; 1X points on all other purchases. 

Travel benefits: Receive up to $10 in monthly Uber Cash (valid for rides or Uber Eats orders); up to $10 in monthly dining credit at Grubhub, Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations; secondary rental car coverage*; baggage insurance plan; Global Assist hotline; access to experience credits and travel perks through The Hotel Collection.

Credit score: Good to Excellent.

Annual fee: $250. See rates and fees .

• High earnings on popular travel spending categories.
• Up to $240 in annual dining credits.
• Amex Offers provides additional savings on travel.
• Includes valuable travel protections.
• The current welcome bonus isn’t the highest to date. 
• The card is subject to American Express’s once-per-lifetime rule.

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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: Best for no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is a great option for international travel if you want a card that earns generous rewards and minimal fees. The card waives foreign transaction fees, which is unusual for a card with no annual fee. It also offers generous bonuses on popular travel spending categories like dining, gas, transit, airfare, hotels, rental cars and cruises. With a 0% intro APR for 12 months, this is an excellent choice if you need to finance some purchases in the short term.

Welcome bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first three months.

Rewards: Earn 3X points on travel, gas, restaurant, transit and popular streaming services; 1X points on all other purchases. 

Travel benefits: Secondary rental car insurance in the US., primary rental car coverage abroad, travel and emergency services assistance, emergency cash disbursement and card replacement, cell phone protection (up to $600 per year). 

Annual fee: $0. 

• High earning potential in board travel spending categories.
• One of the few credit cards offering cell phone protection.
• Primary rental car coverage abroad and secondary in the U.S.
• Low welcome bonus.
• Points are not transferable to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
• No travel protections outside of rental car insurance. 

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Who should get a credit card for international travel?

Anyone who frequently travels internationally should consider getting a credit card for international travel. There are added costs and hassles associated with traveling abroad that these credit cards can eliminate. With the right credit card, you’ll earn bonus points in popular spending categories restricted abroad. 

You don’t have to be a frequent traveler to benefit from these cards either. They can provide peace of mind by serving as a backup form of payment if your debit or cash is lost or stolen while abroad. In fact, the right credit card can serve you well even when you’re just going about your daily routine.

Below are some of the features and benefits you should look for when choosing a credit card for international travel:

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How to choose the best credit card for international travel

When it comes to international travel, selecting the right credit card is essential. The right credit card can save you money on fees and travel expenses and provide you with a range of benefits to make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Here are some tips for choosing the best credit card for international travel: 

No foreign transaction fees:  Many credit cards charge a fee of up to 3% when you use them abroad. Look for a card that doesn’t charge these fees so you can save money when making purchases in other countries. 

Bonus points on travel:  Many cards offer rewards in popular spending categories like travel, dining, groceries and gas. These points can then be redeemed for free flights, hotel stays or other travel perks. Some credit cards limit bonus points on dining and grocery spending to U.S. supermarkets and restaurants only. You’ll want a card in your wallet that offers bonus points in the U.S. and abroad since these expenses add up during travels. 

Trusted traveler programs:  Navigating airports can be a stressful experience both in the U.S. and abroad. Trusted traveler programs like TSA Precheck , Global Entry and NEXUS can eliminate the hassle (and long lines). When choosing a credit card for international travel, consider one that offers an application fee credit for trusted traveler programs. These credits can offset high annual fees and make your next trip abroad much more pleasant.

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry: A guide to picking the best one for you

International credit cards FAQ

Which cards are best for international travel.

The best international travel cards are those with no foreign transaction fees, offer travel protections and earn bonus rewards on travel purchases. Some of the top cards for international travel include the Chase Sapphire Preferred , Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express .

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What’s the advantage of using a credit card when traveling internationally?

The main advantage of using a credit card when traveling abroad is its convenience and security. Credit cards offer a secure way to make purchases without carrying large amounts of cash. Some credit cards also earn rewards on travel purchases, offer travel insurance and waive foreign exchange fees.

The best credit cards with no international fees

Is American Express or Visa better for international travel?

It depends on the country you are traveling to and which cards are accepted in that country. Generally, Visa is accepted more widely than American Express, so it may be the better option for international travel.

The best travel credit cards

* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit  americanexpress.com/ benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

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.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

This article was first published Aug 2, 2023 and updated Dec 29, 2023.

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