Editorial disclosure: CardRewards.ai is an independent comparison service. Card data comes from issuers' published terms; data as of September 27, 2026. Card issuers do not influence our rankings or content.
Top picks for Delta Air Lines from our scoring engine.
Rankings are generated by our algorithm based on earn rates, point valuations, fees, and benefits — not paid placement. We don't accept compensation to rank cards higher. How we rank
Ranked by earn rate and redemption value, statement credits minus annual fees (weighted against a typical $30,000/year in total card spend), shopping portal bonuses when we recognize the merchant, matched benefits and promotional earn boosts, co-brand fit for this brand. The ¢ per dollar column is the reward rate at Delta Air Lines, after spend caps. Order can differ from that column because ranking adds the adjustments above.
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns the top spot for Delta Air Lines purchases at 1.2¢ per dollar at delta air lines — a $650 annual fee. We ranked every card in our database against Delta Air Lines purchases using the same scoring engine that powers our search. See the note above the list for what drives order versus the ¢ per dollar column. Cards 4–10 are still solid picks; they just trade off some headline earn rate for fewer fees, broader networks, or simpler redemptions.
Delta Air Lines's co-branded cards — shown here because they are not in the ranked list above.
Amex
Capital One
Amex
Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card earns 1.2¢ per dollar at Delta Air Lines, the highest marginal rate in our list for this brand. At 1.2¢ per dollar, rewards cover the $650 fee after about $54,170 a year in Delta Air Lines spending. It's the right pick if you want maximum earn rate on this category and don't mind paying for a premium card.
Side-by-side view of the ranked picks.
| Card | Flights Rate | Effective Value | Annual Fee | Fee Offset | Network |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express CardAmex | 1x SkyMiles | 1.2¢/$ | $650 | — | amex |
| Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardCapital One | 5x Venture Miles | 9.3¢/$ | $395 | — | visa |
| Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express CardAmex | 1x SkyMiles | 1.2¢/$ | $150 | — | amex |
| The Platinum Card from American ExpressAmex | 5x Membership Rewards | 7.5¢/$ | $895 | $667.50 | amex |
| Chase Sapphire ReserveChase | 4x Ultimate Rewards | 7.2¢/$ | $795 | $360 | visa |
| Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express CardAmex | 1x SkyMiles | 1.2¢/$ | $0 | — | amex |
| Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express CardAmex | 1x SkyMiles | 1.2¢/$ | $350 | $60 | amex |
| Citi Strata Premier CardCiti | 3x ThankYou Points | 4.8¢/$ | $95 | — | mastercard |
| Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Credit CardWells Fargo | 4x Wells Fargo Rewards | 5.0¢/$ | $95 | — | visa |
| Chase Freedom FlexChase | 5x Ultimate Rewards | 5.4¢/$ | $0 | $30 | mastercard |
Statement credits or cash applied to your bill at Delta Air Lines, separate from earn rate.
Other brands in Airlines where the top picks above also earn well.
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