Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Review

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Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card Review

American Express provides various Delta co-branded credit cards, and the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is the only one without an annual fee. While the absence of an annual fee is one big plus, it's important to be aware that a toned-down redemption system and a reduced welcome bonus are the reverse sides of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Blue: pros and cons

Rewards system in a nutshell

You’re awarded 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and in restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S). Other qualifying purchases earn 1 mile per dollar.

The easiest way to redeem SkyMiles is to book a flight with Delta or more than 20 partner airlines. The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card provides a «pay with miles» option that simplifies the redeeming process. Usually, booking a flight with SkyMiles yields better returns compared to other redeeming options. Unfortunately, it's difficult to tell how many award miles you will spend on any Delta trip. There is no price chart from Delta Airlines, so you need to look for award prices on Delta.com or by contacting customer service. Also, bear in mind that the cost of a flight in miles could vary from day to day, and it depends on many factors, like your destinations, travel dates, ticket availability, etc.

In addition to flights, you can use SkyMiles for upgrades, vacation packages, gift cards, Sky Club membership, and various experiences. The option for transferring your SkyMiles to friends and family, or donating them, is also available.

Who can benefit from getting the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card?

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is suitable for people who fly Delta occasionally and want to keep their card costs down. You won’t get the perks of priority boarding or access to the airport lounge, though. The card fits even more if you prefer to dine out a lot.

Are there any other benefits?

Some additional benefits you may get using your Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card are the following:

• Discount on travel purchases: Card members will get 20% savings on qualifying pre-purchased meals and in-flight purchases of food, drinks, and audio headsets with their card, on Delta-operated flights. The rewards are received in the form of a statement credit.
• Car rental loss and cover for damage: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card to pay for a rental vehicle and decline the damage waiver at the rental counter, you may receive secondary auto coverage. However, certain terms and conditions may apply.
• Purchase Protection: You can get protection against damage or theft of the items bought with the card that is good for up to 90 days after the purchase date.
• Extended warranty: Items that come with a five-year or less manufacturer's warranty can qualify for an extra year of warranty if paid for with the card.
• Terms 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.”

Conclusion

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card may be a good option for infrequent travelers who fly Delta or partners without paying an annual fee and who like to dine out.

If you fly Delta more often and want to have some travel benefits, like free first checked bag or priority boarding, you will be better off paying an annual fee, for example, for the Delta SkyMiles Gold from American Express. The sibling costs $99 annually and provides the same 2 miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and in restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), but has some travel benefits that justify the annual fee.