Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card

Here are some exceptions where the card might not be good for you:

• If you only fly Delta once per year or typically travel alone, you may not get enough value from the companion certificate to justify the high annual fee.
• If you always fly in the main cabin, the first-class companion certificate may not be as valuable for you.

Delta is a good point system for both domestic and international flights.

• Delta offers many cards, making initial collection relatively easy. But the Amex 1/7 Rule limits that ability over time.
• Delta is part of the Amex partner reward system and is a decent transfer value.
• We save Delta points for specific flights, perhaps direct domestic or best value international.
• We use easier-to-collect point systems such as Southwest and American ahead of Delta.

When exploring co-branded Delta cards, there's truly something for every type of traveler. American Express offers four personal cards, and the Delta SkyMiles Reserve stands out as the premium option for die-hard Delta loyalists who fly multiple times per year.

For occasional flyers who use Delta only once or twice annually, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card might be the smarter choice. Here's why:

• Lower annual fee of $350 (compared to Reserve's $650)
• Companion certificate for main cabin travel
• Welcome offer as high as 90,000 miles (offers vary)
• Various credits and perks that offset the annual fee

The card lineup also includes two other options worth considering:

The Delta SkyMiles Gold card features a first-year waived annual fee ($150 afterward) and a sign-up bonus advertised as high as 80,000 miles (offers vary). Though benefits are more limited, it's a solid choice for travelers who fly Delta at least once a year. You can maximize value by using the sign-up bonus for flights, then deciding whether to keep the card when the annual fee kicks in.

At the bottom of the lineup sits the no-annual-fee Delta SkyMiles Blue card. With a modest 10,000-mile sign-up bonus and minimal benefits, it's not worth using a 5/24 spot. However, it serves as an excellent downgrade option for those wanting to maintain a Delta relationship without paying annual fees.

Getting the SkyMiles was not an issue with this credit card, and taking advantage of the Delta Sky Clubs is a huge perk. But I jumped on this offer when it carried a standard 70,000 sign up bonus and used my once in a lifetime application for this card from AMEX. Not long after I received my SkyMiles, they released a 100,000 sign up bonus, which was operator error on my part.

While I did take advantage of the Sky Clubs twice during my first year (LAX and JFK, and they are absolutely half the fun of getting to the destination), I did not use enough of the card benefits to offset the annual fee. After my first year, I couldn’t apply the companion pass toward a Comfort+ or first class ticket because I didn’t have enough miles to upgrade my own seat.

Because I play the points and miles game, I’m not loyal to Delta, so this was not a great card for me. I almost would have been better off paying for a day visit to the Sky Club. I may revisit it in 10 years when I can reapply for this card, but I will not be applying for it while it offers its standard sign up bonus, whatever that may be in 2035.