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Delta Reserve Card vs. Delta Gold Card [Detailed Comparison]

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Have you ever found yourself comparing the various different Delta credit cards only to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of differences among them all?

Well, the truth is that Delta and Amex, in partnership, offer a dizzying number of credit cards that earn Delta SkyMiles, which is Delta’s frequent flyer mileage currency.

Each of the cards appeal to unique customer bases, and 2 of the most popular are the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the various perks and features of these 2 cards — and we’ll also show you why you shouldn’t necessarily count out either card based on their annual fee.

Without further ado, let’s get right to it!

Overview

If you’re short on time, check out this chart detailing the main features of these 2 credit cards:

SCROLL FOR MORE

Benefit

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases in your first 6 months.

Earn 50,000 miles after spending $2,000 in eligible purchases in the first 6 months.

Earning

  • 3x SkyMiles on Delta purchases
  • 1x SkyMiles on other purchases
  • 2x SkyMiles on Delta purchases
  • 2x SkyMiles at restaurants, including takeout and delivery in the U.S.
  • 2x SkyMiles at U.S. supermarkets
  • 1x SkyMiles on other purchases

Redemption Options

  • Redeem miles for award travel on Delta or partner airlines
  • Upgrade Delta flights
  • Pay With Miles (fixed-value redemptions)
  • Delta Sky Club membership
  • Beverages in the Delta Sky Club
  • Delta Vacations reservations
  • Checked bag fees, same-day confirmed fees, and other ancillary purchases
  • SkyMiles experiences
  • Hotels, cruises, rental cars
  • Apple purchases, Delta gift cards, magazines, online shopping, charitable donations

Delta Air Lines Benefits

  • Access Delta Sky Clubs when traveling on a same-day Delta ticket (primary cardholder and authorized users)*
  • First checked bag for free
  • Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights for the primary cardholder and up to 8 travelers on the same reservation
  • 20% statement credit on Delta inflight purchases
  • Upgrade priority
  • $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 on your card during a calendar year
  • First checked bag for free
  • Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights for the primary cardholder and up to 8 travelers on the same reservation
  • 20% statement credit on Delta inflight purchases

Statement Credits

Up to $120 Global Entry or up to $85 TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit (as of October 1, 2024)

None

Travel Benefits and Protections

  • Centurion Lounge access when you book your Delta flight with your card
  • Secondary rental car insurance
  • Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
  • Trip delay reimbursement
  • Baggage insurance plan
  • Premium Global Assist Hotline
  • Secondary rental car insurance
  • Baggage insurance plan
  • Global Assist Hotline

Shopping Benefits and Protections

  • Complimentary ShopRunner membership
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty
  • Return protection
  • Cell phone protection
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)
  • Complimentary ShopRunner membership
  • Purchase protection
  • Extended warranty
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Annual Fees

$650 (rates & fees)

$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 (rates & fees)

Authorized User Fees

$175 per additional cardholder (rates & fees)

None

*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.

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card both earn Delta SkyMiles, which can be used to book flights on Delta, as well as with partner airlines like Virgin Atlantic and Korean Air.

However, Delta SkyMiles as a frequent flyer program has become significantly less useful due to a handful of devaluations over the past few years.

That’s not to say that you can’t get outsized value from your SkyMiles, but you’ll generally get a lot less value from your redemptions than in the past.

Your primary motivation for getting a Delta co-branded credit card should probably be to pursue benefits when flying on Delta.

There are plenty of other credit cards that are better from a rewards-earning standpoint, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the American Express® Gold Card, though these cards aren’t Delta-centric from a benefits perspective.

Welcome Offer Comparison

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card both routinely offer welcome bonuses that are awarded after meeting an introductory spending requirement within the first few months of opening a card.

As a general rule of thumb, the Delta Reserve card’s welcome bonus usually matches, or is higher than, the Delta Gold card’s welcome bonus:

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Delta loyalists will love the fast track to Delta elite status, lounge access, baggage benefits, and upgrade priority with the Delta Reserve card.
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
70,000 miles
$840
$650
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is a stellar option for frequent travelers who always fly with Delta thanks to its MQD Headstart towards status boost, lounge access, annual companion certificate, and many other great benefits.

Here is a full look at everything the Delta Reserve card can offer to you to help you decide whether the card deserves a place in your wallet.

Pros
  • 3x SkyMiles per $1 on Delta purchases.
  • 1x SkyMile per $1 on all other eligible purchases.
  • Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights.
Cons
  • $650 annual fee (rates & fees)
  • No bonus categories other than Delta purchases
  • Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club® when you fly 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. Once all 15 Visits have been used, Eligible Card Members may purchase additional Delta Sky Club Visits at a per-Visit rate of $50 per person using the Card.
  • Receive four Delta Sky Club® One-Time Guest Passes each year when you fly Delta so you can share the experience with family and friends.
  • 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 a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of the government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights and no more than $250 for round-trip 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: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. 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.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49%-29.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Airline Loyalty Program

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

This card provides bonus SkyMiles on all purchases, along with a free checked bag, priority boarding, and discounted award flights.
Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
50,000 miles
$600
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
20.49%-29.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Frequent Delta flyers will love the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card. The card offers great benefits that will help save you money, effectively mimics low-level elite status with Delta SkyMiles, and helps you earn miles even faster, all for a low annual fee. Let’s dive into the benefits to see if the Delta Gold card is a good fit for your needs.

Pros
  • $100 Delta Stays Credit: You can earn up to $100 back annually on eligible prepaid Delta Stays bookings on delta.com.
  • Receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a year.
  • 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.
Cons
  • Moderate annual fee
  • Earn rate for Delta flights is relatively low compared to other travel cards
  • Earn 50,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $2,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Enjoy a $0 introductory Annual Fee for the first year, then $150.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Gold 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.
  • $200 Delta Flight Credit: After you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can receive a $200 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel.
  • Earn 2X Miles on Delta purchases, at U.S. Supermarkets and at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • You can check your first bag free on Delta flights, saving up to $70 on a round-trip Delta flight per person. For a family of four that’s a potential savings of up to $280 per round-trip flight.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • $100 Delta Stays Credit: Get up to $100 back per year as a statement credit after using your Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
  • Take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
  • Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases after using your Card.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • With Send & Split®, you can send money and split your Card purchases with any other Venmo or PayPal user, directly from the Amex App. Enroll today.
  • Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 20.49%-29.49% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Delta SkyMiles Frequent Flyer Program

Delta SkyMiles Comparison

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card both earn Delta SkyMiles.

And even though Delta SkyMiles are a lot less valuable now than they were in the past, you can still use them to book business class flights on major airlines such as Delta, KLM, and Vietnam Airlines.

Earning Potential

Let’s take a look at how fast you can rack up points with either the Delta Reserve card or the Delta Gold card:

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Earning Category

Delta Reserve Card

Delta Gold Card

Delta Purchases

3x SkyMiles

2x SkyMiles

Restaurants

1x SkyMiles

2x SkyMiles

U.S. Supermarkets

1x SkyMiles

2x SkyMiles

Other Purchases

1x SkyMiles

1x SkyMiles

Even though the Delta Reserve card is considered to be a premium credit card, the Delta Gold card actually out-earns the Delta Reserve card on purchases at restaurants and at U.S. supermarkets.

These 2 cards both earn 1x SkyMiles on other purchases, and the Delta Reserve card earns an enhanced 3x SkyMiles on purchases with Delta.

Since we value Delta SkyMiles at 1.2 cents per mile, we’re looking at a return on spending of 1.2% (1x SkyMiles), 2.4% (2x SkyMiles), or 3.6% (3x SkyMiles) depending on your purchase category and card you use.

Redemption Options

As mentioned above, Delta SkyMiles are more flexible than some give Delta credit for. Most people think that Delta SkyMiles can only be used for flights on Delta, but this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Delta has a ton of airline partners, including SkyTeam partners such as Air France and KLM, as well as non-alliance partners like WestJet and Virgin Atlantic.

The best value you’ll get from Delta SkyMiles is for luxury award travel on competitive business class products.

For example, let’s take a look at a run-of-the-mill Delta SkyMiles redemption for economy seats on a flight from Detroit (DTW) to Boston (BOS), where paid tickets may sell for around $150 and award tickets might cost around 12,000 SkyMiles. In this example, you’d be getting a redemption value of around 1.2 cents per mile.

But if you instead redeemed your Delta SkyMiles for a long-haul business class flight from Paris (CDG) to Johannesburg (JNB) for 85,000 SkyMiles, which goes for roughly $4,000 if paid in cash, you’d be getting an excellent value of 4.7 cents per mile. That’s nearly quadruple the standard value of a Delta SkyMiles redemption.

Bottom Line: You can stretch the value of your Delta SkyMiles by choosing to redeem them for international, long-haul flights instead of short-haul domestic flights! Check out our guide to the best ways to redeem Delta SkyMiles for max value for inspiration.

Delta Air Lines Benefits Comparison

Delta Airbus A220 First Class Cabin
Delta Airbus A220 First Class. Image Credit: Greg Stone

The top reason why you should have a Delta co-branded credit card is to get better benefits when flying Delta.

So in this section, we’ll show you all of our favorite ways you can enjoy better treatment on Delta with either the Delta Reserve card or Delta Gold card.

Delta Sky Club Access

One of the most important elements of a frequent traveler’s lifestyle is access to airport lounges — and the Delta Sky Club constitutes some of the best airport lounges you can access with a credit card.

The Delta Reserve card boasts complimentary access to the Delta Sky Club when you’re traveling on a same-day Delta flight. You can also bring up to 2 guests or immediate family members at an exclusive per-visit rate of $50 per person. Children under 2 years old may accompany the primary cardmember for free.

Lastly, you’ll get 4 complimentary Delta Sky Club one-time guest passes per year for your friends and family.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t offer any airport lounge access perks at all.

Delta Annual Companion Certificate

Another lovely benefit of the Delta Reserve card is the Delta Reserve Annual Companion Certificate, which is essentially a “buy one, get one free” ticket valid for specific round-trip tickets.

You’ll get one of these every year you renew your Delta Reserve card — and it covers a Main Cabin round-trip flight within the U.S. and to Mexico, the Caribbean, or Central America.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t have an annual companion certificate benefit.

Delta Flight Credit

The Delta Gold card happens to offer a $200 Delta flight credit after you spend $10,000 in purchases in a calendar year. You can use these credits toward future travel, which is great!

The Delta Reserve card doesn’t have this perk.

First Checked Bag for Free

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card both offer the first checked bag for free on Delta flights, covering yourself and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation (up to 9 travelers total).

Zone 5 Priority Boarding

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card have Zone 5 Priority Boarding as a complimentary benefit.

This perk covers yourself and up to 8 traveling companions on the same reservation (up to 9 travelers in total).

20% Statement Credit on Delta Inflight Purchases

One of the best ways to earn cash-back from your Delta Reserve card or Delta Gold card is through the 20% statement credit on Delta inflight purchases.

For instance, if you spend $15 on an alcoholic beverage on a Delta flight, you’ll get $3 back as a statement credit.

Upgrade Priority

The last Delta-specific perk we’ll discuss is the Delta Reserve card’s upgrade priority when flying Delta.

You may think this is a fantastic benefit at first, but the truth is that the upgrade priority is after all other SkyMiles members, even those without any SkyMiles status. So for this reason, this card’s upgrade priority benefit isn’t too meaningful.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t have any upgrade priority benefits at all.

Statement Credits Comparison

The Delta Reserve card has an up to $120 Global Entry (as of October 1, 2024) or up to $85 TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit every 4 or 4.5 years, respectively.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t offer this benefit. However, the Delta Gold card does offer the abovementioned Delta flight credit.

Travel Benefits and Protection Comparison

In this section, we’ll show you all of the travel-related benefits and protections outside of the cards’ Delta-specific perks.

Airport Lounge Benefits

Terminal C Delta Sky Club at Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport entrance check in desk
Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

Another amazing feature of the Delta Reserve card is the ability to access the exclusive American Express Centurion Lounges — you can get access when you book your Delta flight using your Delta Reserve card. Also, you can bring up to 2 additional guests for a rate of $50 per person, per visit.

This is on top of the Delta Sky Club access benefits that we discussed in the previous section.

The Delta Gold card doesn’t have any airport lounge perks.

Rental Car Insurance

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card offer secondary rental car coverage. Simply decline the rental car company’s CDW/LDW (collision damage waiver/loss damage waiver), pay for your car rental using your card, and you’re good to go.

However, the Delta Reserve card covers up to $75,000 in damages per rental, while the Delta Gold card covers up to $50,000 per rental.

Just keep in mind that liability coverage is never offered with these credit cards.

Hot Tip: Amex allows you to purchase an additional primary rental car coverage policy as an add-on for $12.25 to $24.95 per rental through Amex Premium Car Rental Protection.

Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance

If your trip is interrupted or canceled due to a covered reason, like a death or serious injury, you’ll want to make sure your credit card offers trip interruption and cancellation coverage.

The Delta Reserve card covers up to $10,000 per trip in reimbursements with a maximum total coverage of $20,000 every rolling 12 months.

The Delta Gold card does not have trip interruption and cancellation insurance.

Trip Delay Reimbursement

The Delta Reserve card can reimburse eligible purchases like toiletries and accommodation for covered delays.

It gets you up to $500 per trip in reimbursements on covered delays of more than 6 hours (up to 2 approved claims every rolling 12 months).

The Delta Gold card doesn’t currently offer trip relay reimbursement.

Lost Luggage Reimbursement

If your luggage is lost, both the Delta Reserve card and the Delta Gold card can reimburse you for up to $1,250 per bag. The $1,250 per bag maximum applies to carry-on bags.

There’s a limit of $500 per person for checked bags and a sub-limit of $250 per person for high-risk items.

Travel Assistance Services

While you’re traveling in faraway destinations, you might occasionally encounter emergency situations where you need help as soon as possible.

American Express has the Global Assist Hotline and the Premium Global Assist Hotline. The former is offered by the Delta Gold card, while the latter is offered by the Delta Reserve card.

The Global Assist Hotline and Premium Global Assist Hotline both cover these referral and assistance services 24/7 as long as you’re traveling more than 100 miles from your home:

  • Card cancellation and emergency cash wire services
  • Embassy and consulate referrals
  • Emergency hotel check-in and check-out
  • Emergency medical transportation (Premium Global Assist may cover eligible charges, while Global Assist is referral only)
  • Emergency translation and interpretation
  • Foreign exchange rates and currency information
  • Legal referrals, including lawyer and bail bond referrals
  • Lost item searching
  • Medical referral, monitoring, and prescription replacement assistance
  • Missing luggage assistance
  • Passport/visa details and assistance
  • Repatriation of mortal remains
  • Urgent message relay
  • Vaccination information
  • Weather reports

Also, the Premium Global Assist exclusively offers these extra benefits:

  • Medical financial coordination
  • Travel assistance post-evacuation
  • Unaccompanied minor/visitor to bedside assistance

Shopping Benefits and Protection Comparison

So, what happens when we use these credit cards for purchases outside of travel? Below, we’ll show you how your card can protect you on everyday purchases.

Purchase Protection

Delta American Express Reserve
Image Credit: American Express

One of the most useful shopping benefits these cards offer is purchase protection, which essentially protects you if your item is damaged or stolen shortly after the purchase date.

To be specific, the Delta Reserve card gets you up to $10,000 in purchase protection per item and up to $50,000 per calendar year on eligible incidents that occur up to 90 days after the original purchase date.

The Delta Gold card’s coverage offers up to $1,000 in protection per item, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and up to 90 days of protection after the original purchase date.

You’ll have to pay for your item with the card in order for it to be covered by the purchase protection policy.

Extended Warranty

Both the Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card offer extended warranty coverage of 1 additional year on eligible warranties of 5 years or less. You’ll have to pay for your item with the card in order for it to be covered by the extended warranty policy.

Return Protection

Return protection is a benefit that’s increasingly rare — but luckily, the Delta Reserve card offers it! This perk allows you to get reimbursed if you attempt to return an item within 90 days to the original merchant and the merchant doesn’t accept your return.

File a claim within 90 days from the date of purchase and get reimbursed for up to $300 per item and up to $1,000 calendar year.

At the moment, the Delta Gold card doesn’t offer return protection.

Cell Phone Protection

The Delta Reserve card has an awesome cell phone protection policy that covers theft or eligible damages, but you’ll only get this coverage if you pay your monthly cellular bill with the card.

You can get up to $800 in reimbursements for theft or damage to your cell phone, with a $50 deductible for each claim, up to 2 approved claims every rolling 12 months.

The Delta Gold card does have cell phone protection.

Fees and Authorized Users

Foreign Transaction Fees

Both the Delta Reserve card (rates & fees) and Delta Gold card (rates & fees) have no foreign transaction fees, making either a solid choice to use when traveling abroad.

In our final section, we’ll be taking a look at how much each of these cards will cost you.

Annual Fees

The Delta Reserve card has a $650 annual fee, while the Delta Gold card has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150 annual fee.

Authorized Users

With the Delta Reserve card, you’ll pay an additional annual fee of $175 per authorized user you add.

The Delta Reserve card also affords its authorized users with many of the same perks as the primary cardholder, except for their own companion certificate, and the Delta Sky Club one-time guest passes.

Delta Reserve card authorized users will still get access to Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, and so on.

There are no additional annual fees for authorized users on the Delta Gold card.

The Delta Gold card’s authorized user benefits are more or less the same as the benefits for the primary cardholder, minus the Delta flight credit.

Final Thoughts

The Delta Reserve card and Delta Gold card appeal to 2 different “types” of Delta frequent flyers.

If you’re the type of person who just wants maximum rewards and a free flight on Delta in economy from time to time, the Delta Gold card is the best for you.

But, if you like flying first class, enjoying elite status, and other benefits like airport lounge access, the Delta Reserve card will be a good addition to your wallet.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, baggage 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.  Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the trip delay insurance coverage benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, up to $300 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 12 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. 

For the extended warranty benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefits of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 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.

For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the Return Protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you may return eligible purchases to American Express if the seller won’t take them back up to 90 days from the date of purchase. American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with your eligible American Express® Card. Purchases must be made in the U.S. or its territories. Eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, 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. 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.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a 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. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, when an American Express® card member charges a covered purchase to an eligible card, extended warranty can provide up to one extra year added to the original manufacturer’s warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, purchase protection is an embedded benefit of your card membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect covered purchases made on your eligible card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the covered purchase date. The coverage is limited up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per card member account per calendar year. Coverage limits apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the Global Assist Hotline benefit of the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Delta Gold card better than the Delta Reserve card?

The Delta Gold card is inferior to the Delta Reserve card when it comes to the number of benefits each card offers. However, the annual fee of the Delta Reserve card is much higher than that of the Delta Gold card.

If you don’t need high-end Delta perks, but would like benefits such as a free checked bag and priority boarding, the Delta Gold card allows you to accomplish that at the lowest possible price.

Is Delta Gold card the same as the Amex Gold card?

No, the Delta Gold card isn’t the same as the Amex Gold card. The Amex Gold card earns different rewards, has different benefits, and possesses a different price tag than the Delta Gold card.

Can you board early with Delta Gold card?

Yes! You get Main Cabin Priority 1 boarding with the Delta Gold card.

Can I upgrade the Delta Gold card to the Delta Reserve card?

You can upgrade the Delta Gold card to the Delta Reserve card. Just call the number on the back of your card to request the upgrade.

Is the Delta Gold card hard to get?

No, it is not! In fact, as long as you have a credit score of around 670 or above, you should have a solid chance at getting approved.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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