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Delta credit cards can be a smart addition to your wallet — for the right traveler. I think many of us in the US grew up thinking “Delta is the best domestic airline. They serve Biscoff cookies. Of course, they must have the best credit cards. I’ll get one and earn rewards.”

I know. I get the logic. Let’s see if you actually need one and if today is the right time to get apply!

Here’s how to decide whether a Delta credit card actually makes sense for you.

Before we jump in – I’m going to share the options for all Delta personal cards so you can see what your options are, before we get to the details of when and why you should apply. At the end of the blog post, I’ll share all of the business cards! There are A LOT of Delta cards.

Keep in mind, when it comes to opening personal Delta cards, the smartest strategy is to start at the bottom of the hierarchy and work your way up.

Most people should begin with the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, since it offers the most practical day-to-day value (like free checked bags and priority boarding) at a relatively low annual fee.

From there, frequent Delta flyers who can use the companion certificate and want help toward Medallion status may consider applying for the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card should generally be saved for last, as it’s best suited for loyal Delta travelers who will consistently use lounge access and elite-status benefits to justify the higher annual fee. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card typically makes the most sense as a downgrade option to keep your account open long-term, rather than as a first Delta card.

TLDR: Gold -> Platinum -> Reserve (if you ever choose to downgrade you can downgrade to the Blue).

If you start with a card higher on the hierarchy, you will be unable to receive the welcome offers from cards “lower” on the hierarchy. Meaning, if you open the Reserve card first, you are not able to receive welcome offers for the Blue, Gold, or Platinum cards. The lower on the hierarchy you begin, the more options for welcome offers you have.

Note: Business cards don’t follow this hierarchy (so apply in whichever order you prefer).

Meet the Delta Personal Card Offers

1. Apply Only During an Elevated Welcome Offer

This is the most important rule.

Delta credit cards are rarely worth opening without an elevated welcome offer. The ongoing offers usually don’t justify the annual fee unless you’re already flying Delta constantly.

Amber’s Thoughts:
I almost never recommend applying for a Delta card unless the offer is ELEVATED! Delta cards become compelling because of timing — not because they’re always the best option.

2. You Fly Delta Often (or Live Near a Delta Hub)

Delta credit cards work best when Delta is already your preferred airline. Sure – Delta is my “preferred” airline, but I prefer even more to fly free, so I rarely fly Delta because 9 times out of 10 I fly on points (it’s actually more like 49 times out of 50 we fly on points, but that didn’t sound as catchy).

You’re more likely to benefit if:

• You fly Delta multiple times per year
• You live near a Delta hub
• You prioritize reliability and convenience over hunting for the cheapest ticket

Amber’s Thoughts:
If you’re constantly forcing yourself to choose Delta just to justify the card, that’s a sign it’s probably not the right fit. The card should support your habits — not create new ones.

3. You Check Bags and Want Predictable Savings

One of the most practical benefits of Delta credit cards is the free checked bag perk.

This can be especially valuable if you:

• Check a bag on most trips
• Travel with a partner or family
• Take even a few Delta roundtrips per year

Amber’s Thoughts:
Checked bag savings are boring — but real. For many travelers, this perk alone can cover the annual fee without ever touching the points.

4. You Value Travel Perks More Than Maximum SkyMiles Value

Delta SkyMiles don’t always stretch as far as other airline miles, and that’s a common frustration.

That said, Delta credit cards aren’t designed for people chasing maximum cents-per-point value. They’re better for travelers who care about:

• Priority boarding
• Free checked bags
• Companion certificates (on select Delta cards)
• Lounge access (on premium Delta cards)

Amber’s Thoughts:
If your goal is squeezing every last drop of value out of your points, Delta might disappoint you. But if your goal is a smoother airport experience, Delta cards do their job well.

5. You’re Working Toward or Maintaining Delta Medallion Status

For frequent Delta flyers, credit cards can be part of a larger elite-status strategy. When I fly with a family of 5, status isn’t important to me. BUT I would open up a card if it got my family a nearly free trip.

Some Delta cards offer:

• MQD boosts or head starts
• Spend-based paths toward Medallion status
• Benefits that stack nicely with elite perks

Amber’s Thoughts:
I see Delta cards work best when they’re paired with actual Delta flying. If you’re not flying enough to care about Medallion status, this benefit may not move the needle. OR it might only benefit you to open a Delta card for a year or two that has a lower fee.

Conclusion: Is a Delta Credit Card Worth It?

I subscribe to Thrifty Traveler, a flight deal email service (you can always use code AMBERONPOINTS for a discount).

I have seen a huge increase in number of Delta SkyMiles flight deals coming through lately. Even though I preach that Delta miles don’t stretch too far – getting a great welcome offer on a card is a huge incentive, especially paired with a screaming flight deal!

But Delta cards are rarely the best starter cards, but after you’ve had several of the flexible earning point cards I recommend time and time again (see my favorite flexible point earning cards here!), there may be room for a Delta card in your wallet!

Check out the Delta Business Card Options

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